What are folks using for SHTF Comms

[HiFi Magnetics]

On SHTF communication, it is wise to have one in analog form like the old school and old school style cb radios, ham, walkie talkie that covers the GMRS freq.. so an so forth.

 

[Nosferatu]

On SHTF communication, it is wise to have one in analog form like the old school and old school style cb radios, ham, walkie talkie that covers the GMRS freq.. so an so forth.

Like hand signals?

I used one of them recently. Didn't work out.

 

[HiFi Magnetics]

Like hand signs....

 

[HiFi Magnetics]

GMRS and CB Radio. I can get 65 miles on the GMRS to a base station.

 

[DangerDog]

I've got Midland CB radios, mobile and at home. I also have some Midland handheld two-way radios and a bunch of Baofeng UV-5Rs. Spare batteries, accessories and antennas. It adds up over time. Get things while you can.

 

[HiFi Magnetics]

I've got Midland CB radios, mobile and at home. I also have some Midland handheld two-way radios and a bunch of Baofeng UV-5Rs. Spare batteries, accessories and antennas. It adds up over time. Get things while you can.

I think I'm gonna get me an emergency backup battery for my base station too. Does this AGM will work the same as a dry cell?

 

[Eustace28]

I think I'm gonna get me an emergency backup battery for my base station too. Does this AGM will work the same as a dry cell?


View attachment 1898704

I would look at a LiFePO4 battery for your backup. I'm currently looking at bioenno and Dakota lithium for portable/backup use. Powerwerx makes this nice ready to go box with Anderson power poles which are what I use on all my radios.

Powerwerx PWRbox2 Portable Power Box for 20-40Ah Bioenno Batteries

Ideal for charging smartphones, tablets, radios and operating DC powered electronics. When the grid fails or you are off-grid, the PWRbox is always ready to go. Proudly made in the USA.

powerwerx.com

 

[BlindedByScience]

Just ordered a Baofeng UV-5R off Amazon for $17.50. I've had ICOM and Kenwood in the past, but at this price, how do you not give it a whirl..??

 

[ATCclears]

Just ordered a Baofeng UV-5R off Amazon for $17.50. I've had ICOM and Kenwood in the past, but at this price, how do you not give it a whirl..??

At that price it's worthwhile to have a few preprogrammed and charged...

 

[RVTECH]

Just ordered a Baofeng UV-5R off Amazon for $17.50.

Thats about as good as it gets!

Some time ago I saw two for $29.95 on Amazon but I don't how long that lasted.

 

[Bacchus]

At that price it's worthwhile to have a few preprogrammed and charged...

Another possibility is having an extra to throw into your EMP can.

 

[40nascar]

Aloha, Mark

 

[BlindedByScience]

....well, it showed up and programmed fine but it seems my repeater map is dated. Anyone got a recent CHIPS local repeater map they could share..??

 

[ATCclears]

RepeaterBook.com: Quick Search

Amateur radio repeater database for ham repeaters in the US, Canada, and Mexico.

www.repeaterbook.com

 

[ATCclears]

myGMRS.com: GMRS Repeater Directory and Community

myGMRS.com is a General Mobile Radio Service community where users can search for and submit repeaters in their area.

www.mygmrs.com

 

[HiFi Magnetics]

....well, it showed up and programmed fine but it seems my repeater map is dated. Anyone got a recent CHIPS local repeater map they could share..??

Go there to the previous post MYGMRS site.
Did you get the the 8 watter BF radio with GMRS frequency?

 

[Indy62]

Just ordered a Baofeng UV-5R off Amazon for $17.50. I've had ICOM and Kenwood in the past, but at this price, how do you not give it a whirl..??

Thanks for the tip..just picked one up as a backup to the Baofeng BF-F8HP I already have. It arrived last night and just wanted to post a tip here...

Since my F8HP was already programmed using chirp, I was able to just load up the chirp data file, copy+paste into a new tab, and then upload to the new UV5R..simple. (you need the BTECH PC03 FTDI usb cable by the way)

While testing, I wasn't able to transmit on any of the gmrs/frs frequencies on the new UV5R..could receive fine..but just got a beep on transmit.

I had quickly ordered it on Amazon after seeing the $18 price and didn't read the full specs. ..turns out the newer UV5R's are locked out of the gmrs/frs freqs at the factory. (462/467 range)

It's an easy fix, just hold the PTT + MONI + VFO buttons together while the radio is turned off..then turn it on. You'll see 'factory' appear. Now it's unlocked.

Good times.

It's a great deal as a backup for the wife's go-bag..but if you're getting just one Baofeng, I would still recommend the F8HP. It's $63, but has twice the power output and longer life battery..plus no unlocking required.

 

[HiFi Magnetics]

Lets talk about When SHTF Communication!
I cannot stress enough how good this setup is especially for a entry level class. First of all, the Laird Antenna is probably the best mobile antenna that I used on the GMRS. I can easily get hook up from Sherwood homebase to Enchanted Forest (Turner) very clear without any special gadget or repeater. My other Antenna couldn't even go 1/3 of that. The features and ease standard use of the radio is beyond novice. I couldn't believe I'm getting all these hi-performance equipment for $200. By 37 years ago I think I spent $600.00 just for a CB radio and antenna setup on my mobile which this new GMRS out performs it. This is a good setup for your SHTF communication. Never the less I still have a CB radio setup as backup for such frequency and radio can be your last communication option and cannot just be scrambled especially in the time of emergency.

Anytone AT-778UV II Dual Band Ham Radio

Check out this AnyTone AT-778UV II at www.WalcottRadio.com

www.walcottradio.com

B4505CN Chrome Base Coil Half Wave Antenna - NMO - 450-470 MHz UHF - No Ground Plane

The TE Connectivity B4505CN is a chrome 32 inch UHF whip antenna with an NMO base and NO ground plane required. *This Antenna Requires a NMO Mount. Please click here to find all Thru-Hole NMO mounts or Magnetic NMO Mounts we carry.

www.arcantenna.com

 

[Retired Guy]

Can I get some advice on GMRS and the Baofeng UV-5R?

I was thinking of buying a pair and setting it up for GMRS only. The YouTube videos I've looked at are geared towards HAM. I have downloaded CHIRP and can see that I can manually input the 22 channels and set low/high power. Is it that simple? Are there any other settings I should change?

I do have a GMRS license and just don't want to screw up by transmitting on the wrong freq or power level. Have not thought about repeaters yet. Want to make sure I'm on the right track before going farther.

Thanks!

 

[RVTECH]

Is it that simple?

Yes - if you find a good you tube site that explains how to do it properly. Do NOT rely on the Baofeng manual that come with it.

I don't recall the one I used but I remember finding a couple that were pretty clear and straightforward.

It SEEMS (if I remember) the best one I found had a text description, and was not voice narrated.