Two-way radios?

[Heavy Metal]

The tech liscense gets you something nothing else does.

Tens of thousands of dollars in free repeater services.

[hk51pdx]

Thanks for all the info.

My interest in the GMRS and FRS radios was for simple and cheap communications where i can hand a radio to someone and say PTT and go. Again, this would be for a small group to keep tabs over a very short range.

The next step would be the amateur radio - something a few of my close friends do so i have some learning to do from them, but all of your posts have been very helpful and might go a long way to get me into the world of amateur radio.

[vigilant2]

Aren't these repeater towers powered? If so, and the grid goes down for any plethora of reasons(terrorist attack, EMP,etc) would these radios still work? Would they work but with a decreased range?

[Heavy Metal]

Well, EMP is a very remote scenario as that would require a high-altitude detonation of a multi-megaton hydrogen bomb.

They generally have an independent power source like a generator or solar.

[faithmyeyes]

Aren't these repeater towers powered? If so, and the grid goes down for any plethora of reasons(terrorist attack, EMP,etc) would these radios still work? Would they work but with a decreased range?

Depends on the repeater. Many of them, at least in my area, get their heaviest use during severe weather (when power outages are likely) and have battery backup with auto-switchover mechanisms. Long-term power outages are another story, of course, but repeaters could still be useful in such a scenario if there were operators around with the skill and equipment to keep them going.

To the original poster: If you're looking for ruggedness and performance, get a GMRS license and commercial-grade GMRS radios. The GMRS rules allow for high-power operation, external elevated antennas, (up to 50W IIRC) and repeaters under certain circumstances.

GMRS always requires a license, even for the combo FRS/GMRS bubble pack gear. One license can cover your whole family, though. Without the GMRS operating privileges, you're limited to FRS's half-watt of transmitter power from a very poor antenna. Any scenario other than unobstructed line-of-sight, and you'll be lucky to get a mile of range reliably.

Amateur radio is great, but everyone using the radios needs an individual operator license, and typical amateur gear requires more understanding to use effectively, as dave5339 pointed out.

If you have an established group that you could represent as a club or organization (and some money) you could possibly license a business-band frequency in your area.

Check out http://wireless.fcc.gov/services/ind..._services_home for specifics on licensing and regulations for all the different radio services in the FCC domain.

Good luck,
faithmyeyes

[SeriousStudent]

.......

In fact I've offered a particular M4C member, Heya Serious Student a free radio and antenna if he would ever take the time to get his license. Hmm, where is that poke the bear smiley when I need it.

Semper Fi

Yeah, yeah, I will get right on that in my vast free time......

So you want me to do THAT instead of making the trips to the liquor stores and BBQ joints before visiting your house, right?

[Vic303]

Yeah, yeah, I will get right on that in my vast free time......

So you want me to do THAT instead of making the trips to the liquor stores and BBQ joints before visiting your house, right?

No, no, SS. We want you to go to the liquor store & BBQ joints first, then study the exam questions here, whilst eating BBQ & enjoying a tasty beverage!

[larry0071]

To the OP:

I have used the FRS radios for years. We used to be into competitive 4x4 truck sled pulling, so my Father, me, my pal Pat and the wives all had them, and many times if the children wanted to run amuck in the fairgrounds, they would get them.

My experiance has been that Motorola radios are very well built. I was on a job site and offered to bring in some Motorola FRS radios for crew communication and a guy dropped one from a 3 story scaffold onto concrete. Nothing broke.

Here is the kicker.... they advertise 2 mile and all sorts up "upgrade" ranges out to something like 8 or 10 miles with these FRS radios.... but from what I have witness in real world use, they are all about the same. So get a good deal on a couple 2 packs and call it a day.

I recomend getting ones that use AA batteries. Get a handfull of rechargable batteries and a charger.

My kids now use them when they head out in the woods ATV riding, and we often take them while we are camping. Great tools to have, that is for sure. Inexpensive, not dependant on any power supplies or towers and light to carry while being 8 yr old child simple to operate.

The other options mentioned are more advanced and may something to consider, but I use mine for close range communication with my family. My property is 25 acres, so the children never are too far away when a chain pops or the gas runs out.... and I'm only a FRS radio call away with the Rhino!

[LippCJ7]

Not to hijack the thread but as someone who has been in commercial two way communications business for more then 20 years I can tell you that Hams(amateur radio operators) have a very distinct reputation. You have those that are pure pro's at the trade and do beautiful work but then you get the yahoo's which always seem to do a video that hits web!

HOWEVER, as someone who was tasked to help rebuild the communications infrastructure after Katrina, numerous earthquakes in CA and several blizzards in CO it amazes me how HAM's are ALWAYS the first EFFECTIVE communications system in the disaster area. I believe that since HAM's came around you could say that there has never been any incident in the US where the HAM network didn't work. I build sites; towers, buildings the whole deal. I have a business that specializes in communications and only until the last couple years did Emergency Operations Managers/Centers pay any attention to HAM's and when they did I always got "your not going to believe this but the mayor has asked us to add a 10 meter antenna to our tower, can you do this for us?" It blows me away that no one wants to admit that something as inexpensive as a HAM setup is probably the best idea out there when TSHTF. KISS- Keep It Simple Stupid has been around for a long time and it usually works the best.

Now for those that think I'm saying HAM's are so simple anyone can do it like those stupid college commercials thats not the case at all, just that the difference between a Motorola Smart Zone system or MACOM EDACS system and a HAM setup is a little like comparing a Ferrari to a volkswagon beetle. Thing is when TSHTF its the HAMS once again that will have communications throughout the area while I'm bustin my tail trying to rebuild sites to get the Sheriff communications back online.

Get a HAM License its very simple security for you and your loved ones

Lip

[Dedpoet]

I am also a licensed amateur radio operator and can agree with everything said above. For the cost and time involved I think it's definitely a worthwhile investment.

That being said, I picked up a pair of Midland GMRS radios for my emergency preps and general purpose use in February and have been very happy with them. They're well reviewed, inexpensive, and you can set them up the way you want once and then anyone who can push a button can use them later. They get all the weather and emergency alert channels.

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00176T9EO