It looks like it’s time get a ham radio. I don’t know anything about them other than you can communicate with people globally, and you need a license. I understand that you need a transceiver, an amplifier, and antenna.
Should I go with a mobile ham radio or a stationary one?
Also, what equipment do you guys recommend? I want to be able to have the ability to scale as I accumulate licenses.
Start with a hand held to reduce costs and get a hand on the program. You can receive and listen without a licence. It is just the transmit part you need the licence for. Check you local fire department and Civil Defense in your town or state for classes or ham clubs to get your info to start and possible gear cheap. As hams we are constantly upgrading and our older equipment is just fine and we sell cheap to newbies. Welcome to the club and it is a lot more fun than TWATTING.
WWG1WGA
Thank you that sounds like a plan. I’ll check those out. I’m really looking to get something in the next few days (I understand that I’ll need to sit for a test to talk), since, with the mass censorship that is occurring, I don’t know how much longer before more things are censored and we’re completely cut off.
Both. Icom and Yaesu.
Depending on what frequency you are going to use, you can get a relatively portable transceiver and run wires and adapter to your vehicles battery so that you can run the radio at home or take it with you on the road.
If things go sideways like in the Soviet Union, ham radios will be outlawed. There is a good book on making concealed antennas, though the name escapes me at the moment.
I would imagine that they would get would get banned fairly quickly. Probably would only have minutes to transmit at time before being triangulated.
Icom-705
That looks nice, buts it’s $1300 from what I saw. I guess I’m looking for something the $250 range.
Local clubs are very happy to help new people. Also probably used gear for sale. That last link sucked. This one is better. https://hamstudy.org/sessions
Iraqveteran8888, 1h about radios:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GT-fIttj8aA
What another pede suggested to me:
Best cheap setup: Baofeng UV5R. $18 on amzn (I know) add a Nagoya na-771 high gain antenna for another $20 and your good to go. Get your ham license online for $15. They are stupid easy to pass.
I bought it and it looks good. Small, too. Good for when you are on the run. :)
I did buy a USB adapter, not mentioned above for updates and what not. I am new to this, too. And yes, I used Amazon for quick delivery.
The NA-771 (16 inches of glory) is tuned to 144/430 MHz, better suited for HAM bands. The Nagoya 701-C (8 inches of fury) is tuned to 155/455 MHz making it more appropriate for the FRS/GMRS bands. Another $20 dependent on your intended usage.
Will do. Imagine I will wind up spending more as time goes on and my depth of knowledge improves in the Ham world. Thank you!
ENSURE YOU PURCHASE SMA FEMALE for Baofengs.
USB link and CHIRP software are your best friend on these things.
I’m sorry, I’m completely new and I learn the most from asking dumb questions.
Will the baofeng allow for me to pick up HF/VHF/UHF then? I think the main thing right now is being able to listen in to get information. Speaking would come later, but could be needed.
FM Commercial/VHF/UHF - I am new, too. :)
Please just don't turn it on and start squaking - HAM radio guys tend to be cranky as well - the airwaves are regulated for a reason and the license is important.
However, many pedes in there...
Welcome.
Don't mess around with a Technician license. Get a General class license.
http://www.arrl.org/question-pools
Icom 718 is a good entry level HF rig. Do not fool with amplifiers until you know what you are doing. A dipole antennae and MFJ Versa Turner will get you started.
Hate to promote Commie crap but the Baofeng HT's are a cheap way to get into VHF-UHF
Mobile ones are a lot easier to setup and use, and much more portable, cheaper too.
To start you can get a cheap BaoFeng. They're great starters and come with everything you need.
Range is ~10mi depending on topology, and other stuff... the long range worldwide ones are the stationary ones with the massive antennas.
License is needed for any of them to "send/talk" you can "receive/listen" all you want without a license.
The Baofeng Commie radios can also be programmed to FRS and GMRS.
No license needed for FRS but the Baofengs are not technically "legal" for that.
Yeah, you can lower the tx power level to make them compliant... I have mine programmed for FRS/GMRS and some HAM
Got the local repeater frequencies and calling frequencies for ham and the FRS/GMRS frequencies but I am not necessarily compliant.
Also have local fire rescue and what police are still on UHF on scan.
Thank you for the advice. For the handhelds would those be good for if communications go down and you need to communicate with someone specific within 15-20 miles?
Thank you for all your help. This has been tremendously educational.
I’m going start studying now to get licensed.
https://www.hamradiosecrets.com/ham-radio-tower.html
I always preferred mobile (handheld) but right now I’d also be uncomfortable blurting out my call sign on the airwaves. You never know who's listening and making lists. I’d say CB or perhaps just using the airwaves and using some dead persons call sign if you have something you need to be protected while saying.
you can start with a handheld for $40. Baofeng makes some decent inexpensive models.
I almost forgot: you can turn your computer into a ham radio as well, makes for easier scanning of the airwaves.
https://www.techwalla.com/articles/how-to-turn-a-pc-into-a-ham-radio