Radio communication as part of preparedness

[Sparks]

I'm in

[ScaredOnce]

Anyone have any experience with the Baofeng BF-F8HP?

I'm looking for something that I can kick up to the higher outputs if need be, but not interested in any licensing/etc...

[TwistedCopper]

Anyone have any experience with the Baofeng BF-F8HP?

I'm looking for something that I can kick up to the higher outputs if need be, but not interested in any licensing/etc...

That radio requires a license to transmit on, as it works on Amatuer radio bands. It doesn*t do the CB band

[ScaredOnce]

That radio requires a license to transmit on, as it works on Amatuer radio bands. It doesn*t do the CB band

Yes. That's the point.

Don't really care about the license... lol

[Rural Ruger]

Yes. That's the point.

Don't really care about the license... lol

I tend to agree, BUT from what I've heard, radio is like a club and if you're not licensed and playing nicely, you're not in. Not sure how true it is, but would think it could limit practice/use prior to an emergency. Afterward, probably less so.

[ScaredOnce]

I tend to agree, BUT from what I've heard, radio is like a club and if you're not licensed and playing nicely, you're not in. Not sure how true it is, but would think it could limit practice/use prior to an emergency. Afterward, probably less so.

Very good point, RR! I didn’t mean to offend anyone’s “clubs”.

I don’t need practice, we’ll not much, on this topic… So, happy to “abide” as The Dude would say until I won’t abide.

[theshadow]

Very good point, RR! I didn*t mean to offend anyone*s *clubs*.

I don*t need practice, we*ll not much, on this topic* So, happy to *abide* as The Dude would say until I won*t abide.

I got my start with this attitude, I only wanted a radio for when the SHTF. Then a trusted friend explained it to me like this. When the SHTF who do you want to talk to? Why would they talk to you if you are an unknown, and as such can't be trusted? Additionally, how would you know if your radio is working or not? If you don't use it before SHTF, how will you know how to set it up and if it's functioning when the SHTF? Finally, will you be able to fix common errors if you don't know how to use it beforehand?

Just like shooting, communications is a skill set, not just knowing what frequency to monitor and talk on, but what to say, what not to say and the when to do either. By getting the basic license, you get to develop those skills, and build those relationships. I'm confident you don't say you don't need range time, because you don't need much practice, so why is this skill any different? Remember, the keys to success are shoot, move and communicate. You can't imagine the number of people I've taken under my wing, who comment, "I never thought radio was this involved".

Suffices to say, you serve yourself and your family much better by investing in a license, creating a local community (join a local ham club, most are of a similar mindset), and strengthening your skill sets.

[Sparks]

As above.

To add, Baofeng's and the like are not the easiest radio's to operate. Besides knowing what settings to change, you need to know why you are changing them, and what they do.

If you want easy look at FRS and GMRS radios, if you want real communication, get your license and hookup with a club. You might actually like the hobby.

[ScaredOnce]

Fair enough.... I have the time and means, so why not engage properly.


Some of the things you guys said made me self-check and realise my attitude on the radio was even against my own mantras. Sometimes we gotta self-apply the brakes!

cheers.

[McSull]

Yeasu FT60r with MARS mod. Quality, durable dual band radio with a rechargeable battery that can also take AA.