Comments on: SHTF COMS: Emergency Communications When Disaster Strikes

By: Tom

Tom — Wed, 22 Feb 2023 00:54:01 +0000

As long as you don’t TRANSMIT out of band, who would know ?
That being said, it is better to be unable to do so if your station gets checked.
You can always have a capable radio stashed somewhere and a cheapie for everyday use.

A cheapie will do most of what you need minus the freeband or other ‘non approved’ frequencies.
Better to stay under the radar when possible.

By: Tom

Tom — Tue, 23 Nov 2021 19:11:55 +0000

Cb only had 40 channels. Even though it may have usb and lsb, they do not create additional channels. If that was true, it would be possible to have an am and ssb conversation on the same channel without interference.
Most cbrs believe am is fantastic and you need mo’ power and ‘loud audio’ even if overdriven and splattering 6 channels

By: WRMA844 (GMRS Operator)

WRMA844 (GMRS Operator) — Thu, 28 Oct 2021 01:01:35 +0000

For the FRS frequencies. FRS units can operate on Channels 15 thru 22. What is the real difference between FRS and GMRS are max power for transmission, GMRS can transmit up to 5W output on channels 1 thru 7, and on channels 15 thru 22 can transmit up to 50W output. Channels 8 thru 14 both FRS and GMRS are limited to 0.5W. FRS on Channels 1-7 and 15-22 can transmit up to 2W output. GMRS also can get fancy and comes in base stations and can have detachable antenna. On channels 15-22 GMRS can also use repeaters to extend range. the systems are awesome, yes licensed, but no test, 10 year license period, and immediate family (children, parents, in-laws, siblings) can use them with you as the licensed operator.

By: Isela Smith

Isela Smith — Fri, 30 Apr 2021 11:53:43 +0000

Thank you. I finally found some information that didn’t make my head spin. I just want to listen not transmit in an emergency. I purchased 2 Garmin Inreach devices so I can communicate with a family member that is 200 miles away. I believe a scanner (which would provide local info) and a CB would be a good choice. I would greatly appreciate your thoughts and recommendations.

By: Tom

Tom — Fri, 30 Apr 2021 00:47:25 +0000

In reply to Natasha.

S.A.M.E. stands for Specific Area Message Encoding.
They put this in because the broadcasts cover a fairly wide geographical area, in my case the Tampa bay area. Under the previous system, if there was a warning for tornadoes in North Tampa area, I would get ALL the warnings and alarms , even though I am 30 some miles south.
With same,the receiver responds to a smaller warning area and stays quiet until something happens close to me or I turn it on.

By: Tom

Tom — Fri, 30 Apr 2021 00:40:34 +0000

In reply to Captain America.

Monitoring is not against the law , unless – you are monitoring cellular or cordless phone frequencies.
Or you divulge info obtained to a third party ( hey Joe the cops are coming to get ya, I heard it on the scanner)
You use the info for your personal gain. ( Say I own a towing company and hear of a big accident…..)
As long as you keep the info to yourself, you are ok.
Some areas prohibit scanners in vehicles as well.

By: MAD MAX ... THE ORIGNAL ONE

MAD MAX ... THE ORIGNAL ONE — Tue, 30 Jun 2020 13:35:49 +0000

why would you want to put your call sign here, your cutting your own through …. stelth is the way we did it in the jungles

By: -Jed

-Jed — Mon, 10 Feb 2020 03:36:57 +0000

In reply to Captain America. To monitor/listen, one does not need a license.

By: -Jed

-Jed — Mon, 10 Feb 2020 03:26:38 +0000

In reply to AshleySB.

A hand held – Yaesu FT-60R, 2m/70cm Base/mobile – Yaesu FT-7900R, HF – Yaesu FT-891. If you have a few extra bucks for a base/large mobile that has “all” the freqs then the Yeasu FT-991A

By: Natasha

Natasha — Sun, 02 Feb 2020 05:47:22 +0000

Hello Jim, thank you so much for the great info! I’m searching for a very modesty priced survival radio and would like to ask you if having SW (shortwave) capability is to my advantage. I searched through your post and couldn’t find any mention of it. I don’t know is S.A.M.E is more useful or if SW is. I’m trying to choose between the Kaito KA500 that has NOAA and SW or, the Eton FRX5 that has NOAA and S.A.M.E.. Would you be kind enough to give me your take and advice on it? I’d greatly appreciate it. Thank you.