Communications Preparations

[theshadow]

The only weather that channel reports is rain storms.

Weather alert radios, very essential equipment.

I like these for base:
https://www.amazon.com/Midland-Consu...wsadvisorwr-20
https://www.amazon.com/Midland-Weath...wsadvisorwr-20

and something like this for the go-bag:
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00BSYCZZ0...language=en_US

[Mr_Gixxer]

Power inverter. any vehicle then becomes a portable generator.

I have one of those, and I have a 12v adapter "battery pack" that fits the radio. This works great if I need to charge batteries anywhere my vehicle is or to use the radio directly from the car battery but doesn't help me to be able to generate the power for the radio while on foot.

[theshadow]

I have one of those, and I have a 12v adapter "battery pack" that fits the radio. This works great if I need to charge batteries anywhere my vehicle is or to use the radio directly from the car battery but doesn't help me to be able to generate the power for the radio while on foot.

they can also be used with 12volt batteries (think lawn tractor battery) to do the charging, and hooked to a solar charger to regain their charge, a little bulky for humping the brush but doable, otherwise, carry spare radio batteries and charge them when you get to a vehicle or solar charger.

[Yellowfin]

What's the general opinion on PRC 152's?

[PA86]

Ok, so let's step back a second. PLEASE ignore people asking you to dance in the grey. Stick to radios that are type classed specifically for FRS or MURS (there are no radios type classed for both). A set of the Highest cost Midlands will range somewhere around $70 for two (aka $35 per radio on par with the cheep Baofengs). No programming required, out of the package push to talk.

MURS type classed radios are more durable, powerful and with that more costly, but less crowded frequencies. The MURS and FRS/ GMRS operate on two different bands, so there are few radios that jump through the hoops of being type classed dual band, there's not much demand for that type product from your average home user.

Thanks... I ended up going with the following FRS for my mobile option...

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0...?ie=UTF8&psc=1

And this for my home....

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0...?ie=UTF8&psc=1

[Jason O]

Here’s a higher quality (although a bit more expensive) alternative to the Beofeng to consider.

The Yaesu FT-65R is a simple VHF / UHF ham radio HT with similar capabilities as the Beofengs you guys have been purchasing.

Yaesu (Japanese) is one of the “big three” in the ham radio industry (along with Kenwood and Icom).

***Unlike the cheap chinese radios, the FT65R is easily programmed from the keypad, in plan english text. A computer, software, and cable isn’t needed unless you’re into that sort of thing.

Once unlocked, it will TX on any of the GMRS / MURS frequencies. TX bandwidth and power output are adjustable as well.

The radio itself is around 80 bucks, and add another 25 for a “good” antenna.

https://www.dxengineering.com/parts/ysu-ft-65r

https://static.dxengineering.com/glo...-ft-65r_us.pdf

[theshadow]

Thanks... I ended up going with the following FRS for my mobile option...

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0...?ie=UTF8&psc=1

And this for my home....

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0...?ie=UTF8&psc=1

Great options, I think this setup will serve you well.

[Bellerophon]

What's the general opinion on PRC 152's?

It depends on your specific plan...

Personally it looks to be built like a tank but really expensive - I'd consider it cost prohibitive for a portable - it's cool in terms of frequency range and transmission modes but most of it you'd probably never use compared to a Baofeng dual band.

But if you have experience and feel comfortable with it it would be up to you entirely.

[Bellerophon]

Great options, I think this setup will serve you well.

Excellent choices and well done. Simple and easy. The Midlands have a scan feature that can come in handy when out and about.

[Yellowfin]

It depends on your specific plan...

Personally it looks to be built like a tank but really expensive - I'd consider it cost prohibitive for a portable - it's cool in terms of frequency range and transmission modes but most of it you'd probably never use compared to a Baofeng dual band.

But if you have experience and feel comfortable with it it would be up to you entirely.

I have a pair of Baofengs right now. Will learn how to get things rolling with them. I foresee lots of use with them. What I gather, though, is that in bad conditions or extended extended use or rolling in the mud they can't be counted on. Or at least there's not a lot of extra meat on them to take abuse that I would expect situations to put on them. Also range and power seem something I want in unlimited supply--situations I would want to depend on a radio I'd rather not have to wonder the difference between 3 miles and 5 or 15 vs. 20.