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  3. Radio Selection, A Quick Overview.

    Why is this article valuable? Every one talks about worst case scenarios, and get themselves tons guns, yet few can talk to each other, because they will not have a radio. With out a coordinated defense, we could be ‘sitting ducks’, or ‘fish in a barrel’ to attackers. We must able to perform the third most important part needed to defend ourselves. We must have the ability to shoot, move, and just as important, to communicate. Without even only a low power communications net, we are tactical vulnerable. We could be isolated, and would be picked off one by one.

    A low power community radio network, and a small secured group net is the most needed and attainable. We spend thousands on guns and ammo, but this critically important part of our ability to defend ourselves receives woefully little attention in comparison, yet might only cost as little as a few hundred bucks for a box full of Boafengs. We should have a least two Boafengs, or other hand held radio for each AR. An FRS radio might be the best choice for you. Most of the recommendations made are intended for use after a SHTF/WROL situation, or during a Civil Defense event. With the current potential for wide spread low level conflicts, especially in and around the urban and rural areas, serious considerations should be made.

    There are hundreds of tutorials on how to use a Boafeng. The Boafeng is the best value out there, and also the most versatile. Use the license free MURS frequencies for a 1 to 2 mile range. Put the radio on an external antenna on the roof your vehicle, or better yet, on your home for a 2 to 5 mile range. A much more powerful mobile should be used in vehicles, or as a base station that talks to hand held radios. The combination of a base station radio with a good antenna that ‘talks’ to hand helds, can increase the range out to 5 to 10 miles, Any estimation of possible range of radio combination depend greatly upon the height of the antenna, and the surrounding terrain than can block signals. As Hams might say, ”height is might”. A VHF 50 watt mobile used as a base station with good antenna mounted at least 15 feet high can talk to a similar mobile in a vehicle out to 30, or more miles. Mobile are also needed in hilly, or undulating tree covered terrain. In such terrain, range is greatly reduced, and the higher powered mobile is the only way have reliable communication. Mobile radios of at least 25 watts, are essential. UHF mobile and hand helds using frequencies in the 70cm, FRS, and GMRS bands do better in the concrete canyons of the cities, but have about half the range forested areas. However, beware that you must follow FCC rules, or risk a hefty fine, and the confiscation of equipment if you are not properly licensed to use higher powered radios, and the various radio services as defined by the FCC. Purchase a no test license for a about $70.00 for the entire family to use 50 watt GMRS mobile radios legally.

    Getting a Amateur Radio license is easy, and allows the operator to use higher power equipment and repeaters that offer extended coverage legally. Also be aware, however, that during times of war, Amateur Radio licenses are historically likely to be revoked, and repeaters are no longer available. One of the most under utilized radio options is an excellent choice for the survivalist/prepper, as provides a usefully wider coverage from a base station to a mobile is the CB with Single Side Band (SSB). Effectively, this is s CB that uses a different type of modulation, or ‘mode’ that has the equivalent power out of a 12 watt radio. A base station using CB with SSB can talk to a mobile reliably out to about 20 miles away. This a good alternative to higher power VHF/UHF mobile radios as it is license free. The CB with SSB can also talk to regular CB’s. No programming is needed, and there are plenty of You Tube instructional videos.

    With the price of ammo so high, or simply unattainable, the best place to put part of the pay check would now be into radios. Improve on what you got, or get started. A team of marksman spread out over hundreds of yards using using only bolt action hunting rifles, but coordinated by use of hand held radio, could be a much more effective force than a gang with only box fed semi auto rifles.

    (Reposted on Gab, and on STHFblog.)

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