What to Buy?
YouYour group needs a robust, adaptable, easy-to-use and easy-to-get ham radio to form the backbone of your local emergency comms network (Local ECN).
You want optimum range at an affordable price so all your members can be part of the network. Ideally you should all have the same make and model to in order to keep programming the radios and training your members on how to use them as simple as possible.
The unit that best fits this need, and the most popular ham radio is the BaoFeng UV-5R.
It is a Chinese-made, handheld amateur radio transceiver with a removable antenna as well as a battery and charger.
It operates on licensed VHF/UHF frequency bands as well as being capable of operating on walkie-talkie (GMRS) frequencies, when suitably programmed.
Your group can decide to get other another make and model for your Local ECN as long as it meets these criteria
Whatever unit you choose it is important that everyone gets the same one (we will discuss purchasing on a separate page) is simply encouraged that you all get the same unit for the reasons noted above.
You might also consider
upgraded antenna
additional units
You want optimum range at an affordable price so all your members can be part of the network. Ideally you should all have the same make and model to in order to keep programming the radios and training your members on how to use them as simple as possible.
The unit that best fits this need, and the most popular ham radio is the BaoFeng UV-5R.
It is a Chinese-made, handheld amateur radio transceiver with a removable antenna as well as a battery and charger.
It operates on licensed VHF/UHF frequency bands as well as being capable of operating on walkie-talkie (GMRS) frequencies, when suitably programmed.
Your group can decide to get other another make and model for your Local ECN as long as it meets these criteria
- provides optimal range
- can be adapted or upgraded (eg upgraded antenna)
- can be programmed for GMRS frequencies
- is affordable
Whatever unit you choose it is important that everyone gets the same one (we will discuss purchasing on a separate page) is simply encouraged that you all get the same unit for the reasons noted above.
You might also consider
upgraded antenna
additional units