I would appreciate any input on handheld walkie talkie type of devices to be used when the traditional means of communication is no longer available. These would be used for local communication within a 5 or so mile radius in hilly terrain, in northern Georgia where I will be relocating to this summer. Thanks.
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Dr. R. Cohen
Get your ham ticket and a couple of cheap Baofeng UV5R's. Five miles may be pushing it in hilly terrain as all of the options will be line of sight.
Another option is creating a network of LoRa radio devices that allow you to send encrypted text messages using an app on your phone or tablet using Bluetooth. No need to have cell service or internet.
Here's one a cobbled together to run on a LiPo battery. I also added a switch so I could turn it on and off without having to disconnect the battery. I've got another one running on UCB C (no battery) mounted up high on a wall in the living room. I'm getting about 3 miles which is pretty good as I haven't set up a good antenna outside yet. I expect to double my range at that point.
If everyone in your group has one of these devices each one will act like a repeater so technically you could create a network that reached around the world with enough units.
![Image]()
Another option is creating a network of LoRa radio devices that allow you to send encrypted text messages using an app on your phone or tablet using Bluetooth. No need to have cell service or internet.
Here's one a cobbled together to run on a LiPo battery. I also added a switch so I could turn it on and off without having to disconnect the battery. I've got another one running on UCB C (no battery) mounted up high on a wall in the living room. I'm getting about 3 miles which is pretty good as I haven't set up a good antenna outside yet. I expect to double my range at that point.
If everyone in your group has one of these devices each one will act like a repeater so technically you could create a network that reached around the world with enough units.
Who do you intend to talk to and to what end? I'm not trying to be a smart Alec but you have to really think about this... There could be a half dozen different solutions depending on your needs and network needs. Some solutions might be better than others.
..........come ON FullClip- I would only expect empty PBR cans from you.....
AND no dollar bill....
AND no dollar bill....
You buy the LoRa device which is a simple "internet of things" test board most are about $25.
You then flash it with Meshtastic software from your computer and pair it with your phone.
It's a ten minute process but it's one of those things where you need to read the instructions twice.
Its not hard, you just need to follow directions.
The second unit I did by memory.
LoRa is still line of sight but the freq does a better than most and no licenses is needed. Encryption is "ilegal" with ham so this a huge benefit.
LoRa is "Lo..ng Ra...nge" in the US it's 915mhz.
Every unit will act like a repeater as long as the encryption is the same so you can easily make private channels.
The app makes it really easy to share encrypted channels it creates a QR code that you can send to anyone.
You then flash it with Meshtastic software from your computer and pair it with your phone.
It's a ten minute process but it's one of those things where you need to read the instructions twice.
Its not hard, you just need to follow directions.
The second unit I did by memory.
LoRa is still line of sight but the freq does a better than most and no licenses is needed. Encryption is "ilegal" with ham so this a huge benefit.
LoRa is "Lo..ng Ra...nge" in the US it's 915mhz.
Every unit will act like a repeater as long as the encryption is the same so you can easily make private channels.
The app makes it really easy to share encrypted channels it creates a QR code that you can send to anyone.
CBs are cheap and common. There's very few people using them these days, but JILLIONS of people still have one or more stashed-away. It wouldn't hurt to have an RF amplifier to make that 5 mile range more of a certainty. But I predict that they'll be pressed into service in the event of a strong EMP.
For more reliability and range options, I would look into some of the newer HF/VHF/UHF, all-mode amateur radios. Most can be opened-up to go ANYWHERE, and there's usually a band-opening on one, or more bands when 11 meters has "gone long". With "modifications", some of them are also capable of using the GMRS bands too (which many people currently have).
Look into getting your ham ticket. There are test prep apps and sites available online these days, and many local amateur radio clubs that will be happy to guide you to success. ALL license levels are relatively easy to pass. And even in an SHTF scenario, the license is still quite useful as t-paper.
That's just my way of saying, "just get the stinkin rig first and learn how to use it"... THEN get your ticket whenever time permits. You know --- "Priorities".
I know this emergency power trailer is FUGLY, but it's a "work in-progress";
![Image]()
For more reliability and range options, I would look into some of the newer HF/VHF/UHF, all-mode amateur radios. Most can be opened-up to go ANYWHERE, and there's usually a band-opening on one, or more bands when 11 meters has "gone long". With "modifications", some of them are also capable of using the GMRS bands too (which many people currently have).
Look into getting your ham ticket. There are test prep apps and sites available online these days, and many local amateur radio clubs that will be happy to guide you to success. ALL license levels are relatively easy to pass. And even in an SHTF scenario, the license is still quite useful as t-paper.
That's just my way of saying, "just get the stinkin rig first and learn how to use it"... THEN get your ticket whenever time permits. You know --- "Priorities".
I know this emergency power trailer is FUGLY, but it's a "work in-progress";
GMRS is another option. NO TEST, $35 license. Mobile units up to 50W, handheld to 5W. Go to mygmrs.com for repeater sites and more info.
mygmrs.com
www.buytwowayradios.com
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.
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Here's a fun fact.. The FCC has never once fined or prosecuted an individual for operating a ham radio without a license. They've sent harshly worded letters for extreme abuses like repeater jamming, spamming, or threatening people over the radio.
Only businesses have ever been fined and usually it's radio stations without the proper licensing... I've also read about one case of a restaurant that was operating on a restricted frequency.
Common sense by complying with regulations of which channels you can transmit on, as a individual, will fly under the radar. Other individual HAM operators will be very upset because they like to police the radio waves.
Check out the Yaesu FTM-300D. It's a 50w HAM radio that if you modify it, it's capable of operating on both GMRS and HAM so it's basically an all-in-one. (This is called the MARS Mod. You can google search that for directions.)
Only businesses have ever been fined and usually it's radio stations without the proper licensing... I've also read about one case of a restaurant that was operating on a restricted frequency.
Common sense by complying with regulations of which channels you can transmit on, as a individual, will fly under the radar. Other individual HAM operators will be very upset because they like to police the radio waves.
Check out the Yaesu FTM-300D. It's a 50w HAM radio that if you modify it, it's capable of operating on both GMRS and HAM so it's basically an all-in-one. (This is called the MARS Mod. You can google search that for directions.)
The MARS mod is used for joint communications with military. Beyond that training scenario they would be out of compliance with the FCC.
While some hams may get mad with unlicensed operators most just won't talk to them. Another thing to consider is that if an unlicensed user was using a repeater, there's nothing preventing the repeater owner from suing the individual for using their equipment. That I can for certain state as a reality.
here's one of my units.... Icom packed away and ready to go with antenna
takes about 10 mins to set up with antenna in tree
both voice and cw... runs all day on 7ahr gell cell.
antenna is end feed about 66ft ( shot up into tree with slingshot/fishing line )
View attachment 1274869
or Tokyo Hy Power HT-750, 40/15/6m, 5w out HT with Zmatch tuner.
actual handheld... voice or cw
View attachment 1274872
takes about 10 mins to set up with antenna in tree
both voice and cw... runs all day on 7ahr gell cell.
antenna is end feed about 66ft ( shot up into tree with slingshot/fishing line )
View attachment 1274869
or Tokyo Hy Power HT-750, 40/15/6m, 5w out HT with Zmatch tuner.
actual handheld... voice or cw
View attachment 1274872
You could consider marine VHS radios. No license to own AFAIK and it may get you the range you want without a lot of hassle.
Technically it wouldn't be kosher using them in a non-marine situation but I think it is permissible in an emergency such as what you are talking about.
HT
Technically it wouldn't be kosher using them in a non-marine situation but I think it is permissible in an emergency such as what you are talking about.
HT
Retevis RT22?
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No.. I said individuals.You're saying the FCC has NEVER enforced anything against individuals (let alone businesses and orgs) in over 100 years? Lol.
Enforcement Actions
www.fcc.gov
I also said this about businesses...
A reliable (all battery powered) AM/FM/SW radio, marine/VHF radio, and a CB radio would be a good suite for the budget conscious.
It is more valuable to listen than to talk in a bad situation. In my case, all my remote family members would not maintain their gear anyway.
It is more valuable to listen than to talk in a bad situation. In my case, all my remote family members would not maintain their gear anyway.
Two-way radios are a solid choice for communication devices when the grid goes down. They are simple to use and can work in places without cell phones. Plus, you can talk to your friends and family without needing towers or internet, which is handy in an emergency. I’d recommend checking out some two way radios for sale because there are many options. Look for ones with a good range and clear sound. Some models even have weather alerts, which could be super helpful. Having a backup communication plan is always intelligent if you live in a remote area. Even when things get tough, staying connected can give you peace of mind.
My experience, which confirms the excellent observations in the thread.
1. you are always a couple of steps away from anarchy and unless you are in combat in a military unit, having a radio as a civilian will probably not save you. Last major riot. An older lady ham radio operator, a boy scout and myself were assigned to a sheriff's substation. The doors were locked. We were instructed not to answer the phones, but just keep up the radio communications at the facility. Where were the deputies? 30 miles south at part of the riot.
2. We ran a test with the FRS on a brushy hillside. We were not over on the other side of the hill. The radio signals did not penetrate the heavy brush.
3. KISS. When shtf and you are over 40 years old and haven't walked 5 miles without resting since you were in high school, you are not going to survive by playing Rambo. You will be dealing with people who don't know how to start a fire, anything beyond turning the car key to start a car, have never shot a rifle.
It is easy to give an 8 year old girl a simple radio set up for Channel 8 and a $20 wrist watch and show her an on off switch. It is also easy to say "turn on the radio at 7:15 to talk to me and make sure brush and a hillside are not between you and me". Ok. the range is a few blocks. Just think about the guy with the sophisticated $700 cell phone who won't be able to tell time after a few days because the electricity is out. Or the guy who dropped a lot of money on Ham gear thinking that making a call is really going to get a medical evacuation helicopter or food drop in a wide spread emergency situation.
1. you are always a couple of steps away from anarchy and unless you are in combat in a military unit, having a radio as a civilian will probably not save you. Last major riot. An older lady ham radio operator, a boy scout and myself were assigned to a sheriff's substation. The doors were locked. We were instructed not to answer the phones, but just keep up the radio communications at the facility. Where were the deputies? 30 miles south at part of the riot.
2. We ran a test with the FRS on a brushy hillside. We were not over on the other side of the hill. The radio signals did not penetrate the heavy brush.
3. KISS. When shtf and you are over 40 years old and haven't walked 5 miles without resting since you were in high school, you are not going to survive by playing Rambo. You will be dealing with people who don't know how to start a fire, anything beyond turning the car key to start a car, have never shot a rifle.
It is easy to give an 8 year old girl a simple radio set up for Channel 8 and a $20 wrist watch and show her an on off switch. It is also easy to say "turn on the radio at 7:15 to talk to me and make sure brush and a hillside are not between you and me". Ok. the range is a few blocks. Just think about the guy with the sophisticated $700 cell phone who won't be able to tell time after a few days because the electricity is out. Or the guy who dropped a lot of money on Ham gear thinking that making a call is really going to get a medical evacuation helicopter or food drop in a wide spread emergency situation.
I'm not sure who has the unrealistic expectations...
The far fetched idea that having a 700 dollar HAM radio setup will give someone radio access to med evac or food... is about as far fetched as thinking people believe that, because of how much they spent.
I'm pretty sure 99.99% of radio operators just want to communicate, and some are just willing to spend more money because the equipment rabbit hole occupies their mind, as a form of entertainment.
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