Communications Preparations

[theshadow]

This is getting absurd.

Finally we agree on something. I started this thread specifically to help people on a topic they most probably never thought of. Most people here would be best served short term with a system of CB Radios ($35 for a cobra mobile unit at your local Walmart, no license required, add in an antenna and you're still under $50), put one in your vehicle, one at home, and order some handhelds off Fleabay, more range than the cheap Chinese radios many are recommending that DO NEED A LICENSE.

Many of you would go out of your way to tell people to get their firearms license to avoid legal pitfalls, but are happy to try dancing around the Communications laws, without knowing the ramifications. Do you know what the outcome is when an unlicensed individual interferes with a search operation, or communications from a Red Cross Shelter and the County EOC (I do). Do you know how many times unlicensed individuals are using these to broadcast commercially on the ham bands, I do. Do you understand the damage being done and why some people are calling for having to present a license BEFORE buying a radio? I do. You don't seem to see the damage you are doing with your poor advice, and when I point it out, you blow it off. The people I've mentored know I'm not a radio nazi, and teach straight, all forms of communications, not just the ham section. I'm not some snob who thinks "If you haven't smelled ozone, you're not a ham" or "If you don't know code, you're not a real ham". What I am trying to do is give a good foundation of knowledge so people can make the right decisions to help themselves and stay out of trouble while doing it. While I'm doing that, several people seemed bound and determining to derail and do the equivalent of carrying without a license because "the risk is low, I have little chance of being caught, and I can." If you call people out for that attitude with firearms, but not communications, you're a hypocrite.

That said, I am much appreciated to those who DO share knowledge in helping those who do not know the subject to get their legs under themselves and start building communications into their every day emergency plans.

[Walleye Hunter]

What would be a good antenna upgrade for me Baofeng?

[K.C.]

What would be a good antenna upgrade for me Baofeng?

https://www.amazon.com/Authentic-Nag.../dp/B01H2HOKI6




.

[theshadow]

What would be a good antenna upgrade for me Baofeng?

I like these when I stuff it in a coat pocket, or belt clipped:
https://www.ebay.com/itm/Comet-SMA-2...UAAOSwSKBd-o-r

I love these around the house, but I'm a little hard on them and have broken several over the years:
https://www.ebay.com/itm/Comet-SMA-5...EAAOSwaPRamev~

I like these for the field work and durability:
https://www.amazon.com/ABBREE-Foldab...pf_rd_i=172533

[Walleye Hunter]

I like these when I stuff it in a coat pocket, or belt clipped:
https://www.ebay.com/itm/Comet-SMA-2...UAAOSwSKBd-o-r

I love these around the house, but I'm a little hard on them and have broken several over the years:
https://www.ebay.com/itm/Comet-SMA-5...EAAOSwaPRamev~

I like these for the field work and durability:
https://www.amazon.com/ABBREE-Foldab...pf_rd_i=172533

Will those also work on FRS/GMRS freqs? They only go to 430 or 450MHz and the FRS/GMRS are in the 460's.

[theshadow]

Will those also work on FRS/GMRS freqs? They only go to 430 or 450MHz and the FRS/GMRS are in the 460's.

two things, remember, those radios are not typed, and unlawful to transmit on the FRS/ GMRS frequencies, second, while they won't be as efficient as they are on the ham bands they do "work" on the other bands.

[t1066]

Finally we agree on something. I started this thread specifically to help people on a topic they most probably never thought of. Most people here would be best served short term with a system of CB Radios ($35 for a cobra mobile unit at your local Walmart, no license required, add in an antenna and you're still under $50), put one in your vehicle, one at home, and order some handhelds off Fleabay, more range than the cheap Chinese radios many are recommending that DO NEED A LICENSE.

Well, if it makes you feel better. I've got my license (up for a 3rd renewal in 2023), but I have no idea where my old Yaseu 2m/70cm handheld is. So I'll be getting one of the cheap radios to have on hand.

[Walleye Hunter]

Well, if it makes you feel better. I've got my license (up for a 3rd renewal in 2023), but I have no idea where my old Yaseu 2m/70cm handheld is. So I'll be getting one of the cheap radios to have on hand.

Do you think you'll be able to hit Eagleville or Green Lane repeaters?

ETA: Meh, it doesn't look like I can hit either.

[DukeConnor]

I have been reading this thread. I know nothing about these things but this is what I understand:

I don't need a license to buy listen and transmit. correct ?

[Walleye Hunter]

I have been reading this thread. I know nothing about these things but this is what I understand:

I don't need a license to buy listen and transmit. correct ?

License needed to transmit