Pennsylvania Firearm Owners Association
Page 19 of 21 FirstFirst ... 915161718192021 LastLast
Results 181 to 190 of 206
  1. #181
    Join Date
    Feb 2019
    Location
    Boyertown, Pennsylvania
    (Berks County)
    Posts
    42
    Rep Power
    0

    Default Re: Communications Preparations

    Dusting off my late uncle's shortwave radio for when he was prepping when Limerick got the nod. 4 Fresh D cells because no power cord. Getting no power. Anybody want to have a crack at it before I booger it up. It's a Panasonic RF-2200. Thanks.

  2. #182
    Join Date
    Jan 2007
    Location
    Lancaster County, Pennsylvania
    (Lancaster County)
    Posts
    193
    Rep Power
    2615829

    Default Re: Communications Preparations

    Quote Originally Posted by Roland45 View Post
    got this from the midland website, perhaps it will help the technically challenged of us understand FRS / GMRS changes that have taken place recently.

    6 Things You Should Know about FCC Changes for FRS and GMRS Radios

    We receive many questions on the new FCC changes, what they mean for Midland Radios, and what they mean for our consumers. Below are the top takeaways from these recent changes. What you will notice is that not much has changed, these rules have basically just been updated to fit modern radio usage.

    1. FRS radios are now allowed to transmit up to 2W of power and do not require a license to operate: Formally referred to as FRS/GMRS hybrid radios, these radios will now be reclassified as FRS units using expanded FRS capabilities.

    2. FRS radios will now have 22 channels: These expanded capabilities now include usage of channels 8 – 14, and previously GMRS only channels 15 – 22, in addition to the existing FRS channels 1 – 7. It is important to note that each FRS transmitter type must be designed such that the effective radiated power (ERP) on channels 8 – 14 does not exceed 0.5 Watts and the ERP on channels 1 – 7 and 15 – 22 does not exceed 2.0 Watts. Part95 – eCFR

    3. You will be allowed to use reclassified FRS units for personal or business reasons: People have been doing this for a while, but now it is legal! While the Midland BizTalk BR200 radio is better suited for business use, the XTalker line can now be used in a business setting.

    4. Any radio above 2W of power is now classified as GMRS radio: and still requires a license from the FCC to operate. Not much change here, except sharing additional stations with FRS radio users.

    5. GMRS licensing is now good for 10 years and cost $70: This covers you and your immediate family and was previously only valid for 5 years.

    6. GMRS will have 30 total channels: This means 22 FRS/GMRS channels plus 8 repeater channels. As with FRS, radios on these channels are limited to the ERP designated. If you are using a GMRS radio on channels 8 -14 you are still limited to a transmitting power of .5W. FCC GMRS Channels
    If you have questions regarding the new FCC regulations please give our industry-leading customer service a call at (816) 241-8500 M-F, 8am-4:30pm CT.

    The part I like best is number 5. for $70. you can get your whole family radios , in GMRS,( that are listed as Part95 – eCFR) With a lot more watts of broadcasting power in your vehicle, or base, or anyone of your families vehicle. 40 watts and a decent antenna can go a long , long way. if there are repeaters in your area, even further.


    hope this helps
    So I have 2 Midland GXT550 FRS handhelds that I bought like 15 years ago. I think they have 22 channels plus privacy and are 5 watts. Is this telling me I now need a $70 license the operate them even though that was not true when I purchased? Thanks for the response.
    Last edited by coat4gun; April 17th, 2020 at 12:32 PM. Reason: I checked they do have 22 channels

  3. #183
    Join Date
    May 2006
    Location
    127.0.0.1, Pennsylvania
    (Lancaster County)
    Posts
    20,351
    Rep Power
    21474874

    Default Re: Communications Preparations

    Quote Originally Posted by sbspedy View Post
    Dusting off my late uncle's shortwave radio for when he was prepping when Limerick got the nod. 4 Fresh D cells because no power cord. Getting no power. Anybody want to have a crack at it before I booger it up. It's a Panasonic RF-2200. Thanks.
    If there were batteries inside it for a long period of time, they might have corroded the contacts. Clean them up if they look dirty. Just looking up that model, that power cord is readily available. I probably have a dozen of them here. You can probably pick one up off of Radio Shack Amazon.


    ETA: Sometimes those older units had a switch inside the battery compartment to switch between batteries or AC. Look for that.
    Rules are written in the stone,
    Break the rules and you get no bones,
    all you get is ridicule, laughter,
    and a trip to the house of pain.

  4. #184
    Join Date
    Feb 2019
    Location
    Boyertown, Pennsylvania
    (Berks County)
    Posts
    42
    Rep Power
    0

    Default Re: Communications Preparations

    No corrosion whatsoever in the battery compartment. I found some info how to take it apart. Thanks for the tip on the power cord I'll have to look for that also.

  5. #185
    Join Date
    Mar 2016
    Location
    Mercer, Pennsylvania
    (Mercer County)
    Posts
    208
    Rep Power
    8881041

    Default Re: Communications Preparations

    Shadow, thanks for starting this thread. Reading all 184 posts I had flashbacks to all the conversations I had in our group during the last 6 weeks.

    I am in NW PA. We have a group of Patriots and radio comms has been a hot topic. Everyone is getting their Baofengs and a number of people are studying for their license. I have my tech license (Feb 2018) and I'm finally learning about Ham Radio because I am actually using them.

    Studying for and passing the test was easy. As soon as things open up I will sit for my general. Been studying and doing well on practice tests.

    I am part of a small group of licensed people that are putting together a comm plan. We have members across the state and we are working with other groups. I was just introduced to AmRRON today. I like to keep things simple and I don't want to reinvent the wheel.

    Needless to say, our plan for statewide will be HF. Local comm plans will include use of 2M/70cm repeaters and HF (ground wave).

    Sending a PM.

  6. #186
    Join Date
    Feb 2012
    Location
    Montco, Pennsylvania
    (Montgomery County)
    Posts
    4,171
    Rep Power
    21474853

    Default Re: Communications Preparations

    Quote Originally Posted by PA_Robert View Post
    Shadow, thanks for starting this thread. Reading all 184 posts I had flashbacks to all the conversations I had in our group during the last 6 weeks.

    I am in NW PA. We have a group of Patriots and radio comms has been a hot topic. Everyone is getting their Baofengs and a number of people are studying for their license. I have my tech license (Feb 2018) and I'm finally learning about Ham Radio because I am actually using them.

    Studying for and passing the test was easy. As soon as things open up I will sit for my general. Been studying and doing well on practice tests.

    I am part of a small group of licensed people that are putting together a comm plan. We have members across the state and we are working with other groups. I was just introduced to AmRRON today. I like to keep things simple and I don't want to reinvent the wheel.

    Needless to say, our plan for statewide will be HF. Local comm plans will include use of 2M/70cm repeaters and HF (ground wave).

    Sending a PM.
    You can test via laptop now using Zoom meetings. I passed my test last night after dinner with a test given by a VEC team in New York City.
    More info here https://hamstudy.org/sessions

  7. #187
    Join Date
    Nov 2006
    Location
    Pennsylvania
    (Lebanon County)
    Posts
    1,811
    Rep Power
    9718106

    Default Re: Communications Preparations

    Quote Originally Posted by PA_Robert View Post
    Shadow, thanks for starting this thread. Reading all 184 posts I had flashbacks to all the conversations I had in our group during the last 6 weeks.

    I am in NW PA. We have a group of Patriots and radio comms has been a hot topic. Everyone is getting their Baofengs and a number of people are studying for their license. I have my tech license (Feb 2018) and I'm finally learning about Ham Radio because I am actually using them.

    Studying for and passing the test was easy. As soon as things open up I will sit for my general. Been studying and doing well on practice tests.

    I am part of a small group of licensed people that are putting together a comm plan. We have members across the state and we are working with other groups. I was just introduced to AmRRON today. I like to keep things simple and I don't want to reinvent the wheel.

    Needless to say, our plan for statewide will be HF. Local comm plans will include use of 2M/70cm repeaters and HF (ground wave).

    Sending a PM.
    Thanks, I'm glad it's been beneficial. Going General will be great for the HF Privileges, at least one person in each group should have that knowledge and skill for a larger view of the situation. I've replied to your PM, and hopefully I can help you set some goals for your group and achieve great things.

  8. #188
    Join Date
    Nov 2006
    Location
    Pennsylvania
    (Lebanon County)
    Posts
    1,811
    Rep Power
    9718106

    Default Re: Communications Preparations

    Another thing, Remember when I said listening was twice as important as talking. Someone in your group should read this, and act accordingly. https://dialtoneblog.wordpress.com/

  9. #189
    Join Date
    Feb 2012
    Location
    Montco, Pennsylvania
    (Montgomery County)
    Posts
    4,171
    Rep Power
    21474853

    Default Re: Communications Preparations

    Quote Originally Posted by theshadow View Post
    Another thing, Remember when I said listening was twice as important as talking. Someone in your group should read this, and act accordingly. https://dialtoneblog.wordpress.com/
    Good blog.
    Dangerous time killer. I just realized I have been casually browsing it for the last two hours, instead of doing the things I am supposed to be doing. Ce la vie.

  10. #190
    Join Date
    Oct 2010
    Location
    Lebanon, Tennessee
    Posts
    4,941
    Rep Power
    21474854

    Default Re: Communications Preparations

    I just read every post. I decided I am NOT getting into HAM, but I did apply for my GMRS license and am picking up a pair of the Midland GXT1000s.

    Thanks for all of the great info.
    Life has a melody. Not great, not terrible.

Page 19 of 21 FirstFirst ... 915161718192021 LastLast

Similar Threads

  1. BOB/BIB/SHTF Preparations
    By dmg1969 in forum General
    Replies: 43
    Last Post: March 19th, 2010, 01:49 AM
  2. Replies: 21
    Last Post: August 1st, 2009, 12:31 AM

Bookmarks

Posting Permissions

  • You may not post new threads
  • You may not post replies
  • You may not post attachments
  • You may not edit your posts
  •