Post by Ausprep on Nov 17, 2013 12:59:52 GMT 10
Howdy Members!
Like most People, I have a budget to stick to. In saying this all my radio gear, plus future purchases will be purchased with this in mind. This thread will be for members that want to add radio communications equipment to there prepps.
There are quite a few types of Radios. UHF - HF - VHF - AM..The list goes on..
My personal opinion is that in a SHTF situation, both UHF and 27MHz (AM) will be the new norm in radio communications. Both of these are already the most commonly used radio today as it is.
From a handheld point of view, with budget and value for money in mind i cant go past the chinese made eBay radios. Mainly, the FDC brand.
These radios are 99CH, 5W (same power output as vehicle mounted units) fully programmable and also have a large range of accessories available for them.
They come std with a 240V desktop drop in charger, you can also get a 12V car charger for them.
I have 5 of these particular radios, two i have upgraded the antennas to 38cm antennas. they have a great range, i have used these at 5-6 kms in the bush, no problems. also, in the car at about 10-12kms.
Price wise, these sell for around $120 for a pair, with $20 Postage ex HK or China.
These would make a great (and valuble) addition to any BOB, GHB, INCH bag or even as part of your EDC/car kit.
Compact enough to have one store in the glove box
FDC also have a relatively new model out, these radios are dual band. If you are only purchasing one unit, this would be the one to get. These radios, i have yet to see in multiple purchase auctions.
Covering FM: 76-108MHz (RX) VHF: 136-174MHz (RX/TX) UHF: 400-480MHz (RX/TX)
You really have most bases covered for comms needs post SHTF.
these dual band radios are selling for $90-110 with free shipping.
Options for this are similar to the previous FDc unit, i have seen waterproof ext mic's available for these. Great if your mounting on your pack strap. Usual things like cases and antennas are also available.
A really decent looking radio.
A lot of people confuse these with "walkie talkies" these are not, these are Handheld UHF radios. I persoanlly would steer clear of any UHf handheld that resembles a walkie talkie. These usually have a power range of 500 - 750Mw (0.5W to 0.75w)
These will only work up to about 150m in bushland and about 800m to 1km (very max) in the very open with unbroken line of sight.
These are good as a back up in your pocket or BOB. If this is the case, try to go with something like the Uniden UH710 or 720. These are 1 and 2W units. A bit more on the price front but for a smaller radio, these are very reliable. Definitely not a good choice for main comms though.
these units range in price from $80 for a single unit, up to $200 for a twin pack in a case.
They are quite abit more price wise and i would generally overlook these. As mentioned they are pre set freq wise and not really user friendly. Quality is good though.
If your looking for a unit to mount in your car, you cant go past the Uniden range for value for money. Both my 4wd's have the Uniden UH7700 in them. It has a lot of good features without being over the top.
Combined with a decent antenna, im very happy with this unit.
There are other brands out there, ive also had in the past an Icom IC460(?) this unit was a 25W (commercial) unit which required a license. I have also had a GME tx4400. These GME units are the main radio used in most Trucks. Tough, reliable units. BUT, all much more expensive. You can expect to pay around $400 for a TX4400
Icom is top quality gear but you pay big $$ for it.
I also have an older Uniden 27MHz (AM radio) which i will be swapping into my main vehicle. This radio see's more dust than use but the 27 Meg was the going radio once. They have a great range out in the open with line of sight. I was one told you could tx/rx on 27MHz at 50-60kms in a straight line.
Also, you need to keep in mind. UHF and AM use different antennas and Co-axial cable. So by having both you will need two seperate antennas
Like most People, I have a budget to stick to. In saying this all my radio gear, plus future purchases will be purchased with this in mind. This thread will be for members that want to add radio communications equipment to there prepps.
There are quite a few types of Radios. UHF - HF - VHF - AM..The list goes on..
My personal opinion is that in a SHTF situation, both UHF and 27MHz (AM) will be the new norm in radio communications. Both of these are already the most commonly used radio today as it is.
From a handheld point of view, with budget and value for money in mind i cant go past the chinese made eBay radios. Mainly, the FDC brand.
These radios are 99CH, 5W (same power output as vehicle mounted units) fully programmable and also have a large range of accessories available for them.
They come std with a 240V desktop drop in charger, you can also get a 12V car charger for them.
I have 5 of these particular radios, two i have upgraded the antennas to 38cm antennas. they have a great range, i have used these at 5-6 kms in the bush, no problems. also, in the car at about 10-12kms.
Price wise, these sell for around $120 for a pair, with $20 Postage ex HK or China.
These would make a great (and valuble) addition to any BOB, GHB, INCH bag or even as part of your EDC/car kit.
Compact enough to have one store in the glove box
FDC also have a relatively new model out, these radios are dual band. If you are only purchasing one unit, this would be the one to get. These radios, i have yet to see in multiple purchase auctions.
Covering FM: 76-108MHz (RX) VHF: 136-174MHz (RX/TX) UHF: 400-480MHz (RX/TX)
You really have most bases covered for comms needs post SHTF.
these dual band radios are selling for $90-110 with free shipping.
Options for this are similar to the previous FDc unit, i have seen waterproof ext mic's available for these. Great if your mounting on your pack strap. Usual things like cases and antennas are also available.
A really decent looking radio.
A lot of people confuse these with "walkie talkies" these are not, these are Handheld UHF radios. I persoanlly would steer clear of any UHf handheld that resembles a walkie talkie. These usually have a power range of 500 - 750Mw (0.5W to 0.75w)
These will only work up to about 150m in bushland and about 800m to 1km (very max) in the very open with unbroken line of sight.
These are good as a back up in your pocket or BOB. If this is the case, try to go with something like the Uniden UH710 or 720. These are 1 and 2W units. A bit more on the price front but for a smaller radio, these are very reliable. Definitely not a good choice for main comms though.
these units range in price from $80 for a single unit, up to $200 for a twin pack in a case.
They are quite abit more price wise and i would generally overlook these. As mentioned they are pre set freq wise and not really user friendly. Quality is good though.
If your looking for a unit to mount in your car, you cant go past the Uniden range for value for money. Both my 4wd's have the Uniden UH7700 in them. It has a lot of good features without being over the top.
Combined with a decent antenna, im very happy with this unit.
There are other brands out there, ive also had in the past an Icom IC460(?) this unit was a 25W (commercial) unit which required a license. I have also had a GME tx4400. These GME units are the main radio used in most Trucks. Tough, reliable units. BUT, all much more expensive. You can expect to pay around $400 for a TX4400
Icom is top quality gear but you pay big $$ for it.
I also have an older Uniden 27MHz (AM radio) which i will be swapping into my main vehicle. This radio see's more dust than use but the 27 Meg was the going radio once. They have a great range out in the open with line of sight. I was one told you could tx/rx on 27MHz at 50-60kms in a straight line.
Also, you need to keep in mind. UHF and AM use different antennas and Co-axial cable. So by having both you will need two seperate antennas