Portable Radio Options

[Marine Cpl]

How much more range will that better antenna give you?

Honestly, I do not know. Some online say that the better antennas are snake oil and some say they work better than the factory antennas.

Since I'm not licensed, I've never tested it. With the stock antenna and my 8 Watt, I can get 1 to 5 miles or more depending on the conditions and obstacles in the way. That's good enough for me.

You can also roof mount an antenna on your home and get more mileage

 

[Drinkthekoolaid]

Honestly, I do not know. Some online say that the better antennas are snake oil and some say they work better than the factory antennas.

Since I'm not licensed, I've never tested it. With the stock antenna and my 8 Watt, I can get 1 to 5 miles or more depending on the conditions and obstacles in the way. That's good enough for me.

You can also roof mount an antenna on your home and get more mileage

Thanks. Good to know.

My uv5r should be waiting for me when I get home from work today. Thanks for being so helpful. I'm glad to finally have a Ham radio I can see why they may prove their usefulness.

 

[nfernaays]

Honestly, I do not know. Some online say that the better antennas are snake oil and some say they work better than the factory antennas.

Since I'm not licensed, I've never tested it. With the stock antenna and my 8 Watt, I can get 1 to 5 miles or more depending on the conditions and obstacles in the way. That's good enough for me.

You can also roof mount an antenna on your home and get more mileage

What do you suggest for roof mounted unit?

 

[Marine Cpl]

Thanks. Good to know.

My uv5r should be waiting for me when I get home from work today. Thanks for being so helpful. I'm glad to finally have a Ham radio I can see why they may prove their usefulness.

If you need help programming in your local public safety frequencies, give me a PM after you've bought the programming cable and downloaded Chirp on to your computer.

 

[Marine Cpl]

What do you suggest for roof mounted unit?

I don't know. It seems like I know a lot but in reality, I just googled a lot and taught myself just what I needed to know for my purposes.

My purposes are just having the ability to listen to local public safety frequencies to be in the know and to be able to transmit to loved ones within a 3 to 5 mile range in an emergency.

All other technical questions I'm at a loss since I've never been licensed.

This forum below will answer all your questions. These guys are as passionate about radios like we are about guns.

The RadioReference.com Forums - Powered by vBulletin

 

[cgrutt]

I've been thinking about getting into HAM for a long while now primarily for local emergency/SHTF scenarios. My interest has expanded beyond SHTF to having a reliable communications device during hiking/camping outings as I'm becoming more involved with the Boy Scouts. Took exam, received license and joined the local club last month but still haven't done anything with it yet and am a complete NOOB. Also joined ARRL and received the book to upgrade license last week. Need to start participating at club events and get some experience. Good stuff.

 

[nfernaays]

Anyone else feel like we (NY gun Forum members) should designate a HAM radio frequency for SHTF scenarios? Something that we could tune into if it all goes down to get some additional information from peers. I am just throwing this out there i have no idea of legalities or what this might entail.

 

[Marine Cpl]

Anyone else feel like we (NY gun Forum members) should designate a HAM radio frequency for SHTF scenarios? Something that we could tune into if it all goes down to get some additional information from peers. I am just throwing this out there i have no idea of legalities or what this might entail.

We can choose a designated frequency but the problem is that you'd have to be within a 5 mile or so range to hear it unless one of us constructs a repeater that'll rebroadcast the signal for many miles.

The problem with that is once the power goes, the repeater goes.

As far as legality goes there is nothing illegal about having a designated frequency. It's only illegal if you transmit unlicensed during a time other than an emergency.

 

[Drinkthekoolaid]

Anyone else feel like we (NY gun Forum members) should designate a HAM radio frequency for SHTF scenarios? Something that we could tune into if it all goes down to get some additional information from peers. I am just throwing this out there i have no idea of legalities or what this might entail.

I don't think this is a bad idea at all. In fact I am more or less buying my ham trying to have better communication capability in shtf/emergency type scenarios.

 

[Marine Cpl]

I don't think this is a bad idea at all. In fact I am more or less buying my ham trying to have better communication capability in shtf/emergency type scenarios.

I think it's a good idea. Many of us live within a 5 mile radius and those that don't who take to the roads can find us or vice versa.

 

[cgrutt]

HAM University this Sunday in Long Island. Just passing along info received from ARRL. Cross-posted on my site.

The premier convention of the year, Ham Radio University, will be held
on Sunday, January 8, 2017 at:

Briarcliffe College
1055 Stewart Ave
Bethpage, NY 11714

For those of you who have never attended Ham Radio University, you are
missing out on a day in which we spread Ham Radio knowledge and know
how! HRU is "a day of education to share ideas, experiences, knowledge
and fellowship among Amateur Radio operators."

This is truly a convention. There are no vendors. There is no flea
market. 30 forums including:

Keynote Speaker Tom Gallagher, NY2RF
ARRL Chief Executive Officer

Newcomer's Meeting at 8:30 am - geared towards HRU first-timers with an
overview of HRU, what to see and do.

30 Forums with new forums including:

National Parks on the Air, Safety in the ham shack, Growing up with
broadcasting on Long Island, Kid's World, Military Affiliated Radio
System, Amateur Radio Solar/Jupiter Observation using a Radio Receiver
System and more!

Hands-on Workshops:
1. Cable Theory / RF Connectors,
2. Ethernet Connectors,
Preregistration required on day of event

Day-of-Event Handout
Special Event Station W2HRU and demos

Amateur Radio License Exam Session starts at 1:30 PM

Amateur Radio Club tables.

Door Prizes! Anyone who makes a donation will be entered in our main
door prize raffle that includes all major prizes. All door prizes will
be drawn in the club room and the winner's names will be posted there.


Food and Refreshments available

Don't miss out on this truly amazing event. Suggested donation $5 no
preregistration is required!

And check out the Club Room where representatives of over 30 clubs and
ham radio related organizations throughout NLI will be available to
answer questions about their groups.

Doors open at 7:30 AM with first forums at 8:30 AM

For more information, go to the HRU website at:

www.hamradiouniversity.org

And stop by the ARRL table to say hello. See you there!

 

[nfernaays]

I think it's a good idea. Many of us live within a 5 mile radius and those that don't who take to the roads can find us or vice versa.

As far as range, i can clearly hear the county dispatch from my home. As the crow fly's this is nearly 12 miles away. Theoretically shouldn't i be able to transmit that far as well?

When thinking of the whole state, the difference between 5 and 12 miles is trivial but if we could somehow set up a network of users we could feed info in SHTF situations.

 

[Jackalope]

There is already a list of suggested prepper frequencies, and a protocol to follow, for those interested. The details are available at: SHTF Survivalist Radio Frequency Lists

Regarding the question about transmitting distances, you're not comparing apples to oranges. Typical dispatch transmitters are transmitting at high power and they're using large omnidirectional antennas mounted on towers. For instance, one of the dispatch centers that I maintain transmits at 150 watts into an antenna that's 22 feet long mounted on a tower about 150' above ground level. There's no way a portable radio with a rubber duck antenna is going to match the performance of the base station. Many newbies try to make their portable radios become their base/mobile radio. A portable radio is a portable radio, if you want better performance then purchase a better radio.

 

[spat]

As far as range, i can clearly hear the county dispatch from my home. As the crow fly's this is nearly 12 miles away. Theoretically shouldn't i be able to transmit that far as well?

When thinking of the whole state, the difference between 5 and 12 miles is trivial but if we could somehow set up a network of users we could feed info in SHTF situations.

The distance is based on the transmitter power and antenna, but only the receiver antenna. Power doesn't really apply at all on the receiver end. The municipal transmitter is certainly more than 8 watts, so they can transmit much farther than you. It is quite probable that even though you can hear a strong signal from them, that they wouldn't pick up your transmission at all

 

[FrankenCub]

We can choose a designated frequency but the problem is that you'd have to be within a 5 mile or so range to hear it unless one of us constructs a repeater that'll rebroadcast the signal for many miles.

The problem with that is once the power goes, the repeater goes.

As far as legality goes there is nothing illegal about having a designated frequency. It's only illegal if you transmit unlicensed during a time other than an emergency.

Unless someone builds a repeater that has battery or generator backup. No need for the grid.

 

[nfernaays]

The distance is based on the transmitter power and antenna, but only the receiver antenna. Power doesn't really apply at all on the receiver end. The municipal transmitter is certainly more than 8 watts, so they can transmit much farther than you. It is quite probable that even though you can hear a strong signal from them, that they wouldn't pick up your transmission at all

Understood, i showed my Noob there didn't I ?

 

[spat]

Understood, i showed my Noob there didn't I ?

Eh, we're all here to learn stuff, learning stuff is easier if your a noob

As far as the SHTF network stuff goes, the HAM guys are way ahead of anything we can put together. The frequencies we are discussing aren't appropriate for long range anyway, but with others you can make direct intercontinental connections.

Talking to someone in Europe or South America with nobody elses infrastructure isn't difficult. For SHTF someone could even setup a cross band repeater so your 8w baofeng could do it (with help).

 

[Drinkthekoolaid]

My uv5r was waiting for me after work.

Now...off to watch YouTube tutorials lol

 

[Yeti]

Do all these HAM radios now have scan,when I was interested in them not all had that option.Which is a big deal if you want to catch up on all the chatter.

 

[Marine Cpl]

Do all these HAM radios now have scan,when I was interested in them not all had that option.Which is a big deal if you want to catch up on all the chatter.

Baofengs do.

 

[Jackalope]

Most modern transceivers have scan capability, and there's usually a choice of either scanning memories, or scanning using the VFO.

 

[Drinkthekoolaid]

I am such a Ham noob. Wow.

Lots to learn....

 

[nfernaays]

Buy this cable to connect to your CPU. This specific cable from this link below. There are many counterfeit ones out there that don't work.

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B...ativeASIN=B00HUB0ONK&linkCode=as2&tag=btek-20

Download a program called Chirp on your CPU.

Home - CHIRP

With this program, you can enter frequencies and name them where they come up on your display. Ex. Albany PD, Albany FD, ect.

You can get frequencies from here.

New York Scanner Frequencies and Radio Frequency Reference

Ok so my cable came in yesterday, i downloaded CHIRP and was able to gather a list on that program of frequencies but i am having difficulty getting that list loaded onto the radio (BF-F8HP) i know I am probably missing a simple easy step. Is there a tutorial anywhere?

 

[Drinkthekoolaid]

Ok so my cable came in yesterday, i downloaded CHIRP and was able to gather a list on that program of frequencies but i am having difficulty getting that list loaded onto the radio (BF-F8HP) i know I am probably missing a simple easy step. Is there a tutorial anywhere?

On the chirp website I found a YouTube video tutorial showing how to do it.

I only added 1 frequency so far I need to add a bunch more. I'm still a total noob and easily confused so I have a lot to learn

 

[nfernaays]

On the chirp website I found a YouTube video tutorial showing how to do it.

I only added 1 frequency so far I need to add a bunch more. I'm still a total noob and easily confused so I have a lot to learn

Same here, i will check out that video this weekend when i have some more time to play around with it

 

[Slumber]

My family has a hunting cabin in the Catskills and there is no cell service. It is surrounded by state land but does have power. It's a two story and we can put an antenna on the roof. On hunts we will frequently be up to 5 miles out...the ability to talk farther down the valley would be awesome but not necessary.
I'm a complete noob but was wondering if you guys had any suggestions on a set up that could achieve this?

 

[Drinkthekoolaid]

How do yyou find local police and emergency channels

 

[cgrutt]

How do yyou find local police and emergency channels

follow this link New York Scanner Frequencies and Radio Frequency Reference and click on your county.

 

[nfernaays]

I am also wondering if my new Ham could pick up transmissions from my Midland GXT1050VP4 Two 2 way radio that works on a FRS/GMES frequencies. I typically use these handhelds for hunting and would be nice to basically have a third if i can use my HAM too.

 

[cgrutt]

I am also wondering if my new Ham could pick up transmissions from my Midland GXT1050VP4 Two 2 way radio that works on a FRS/GMES frequencies. I typically use these handhelds for hunting and would be nice to basically have a third if i can use my HAM too.

Should be able to program in frequency for channel you want to use FRS/GMRS combined channel chart - The RadioReference Wiki

I'm not sure whether you are technically allowed to broadcast on these frequencies over certain wattages, though.