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[D4ZORT]

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[Grumpyoldretiredcop]

Might do better by starting here.

[Intimid8tor]

From an equipment standpoint I bought a yaesu FT-8900 for the truck and 2 FT-60r for handhelds.

[Desert_Rat]

OP, Look up calgunner E.PlurbusUnum I think He's pretty sharp on these HAM radios.

[Helpful_Cub]

I am looking for a HAM radio for if the SHTF. Something basic, unless I am told otherwise.
Is 128 ch good or is 200 better? Why?
Dual band is better than single? Why?
5w is the best?
Anything else I should look for?

First of all, Hams generally don't use "channels". We can tune the frequencies anywhere within our bands. We have a lot more control over what, where, and how we transmit than say some FRS radio or CB guy. That's why when you buy an amateur radio it is specced by frequencies. Those frequency ranges are grouped by bands. So 2 meter band would be 144 MHz to 148 Mhz. Or 10 meter band which is very close to CB radio is 28 MHz to 29.7 MHz.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Amateur_radio_frequency_allocations

Different frequencies behave differently depending on the weather, time of day and the sun spot activity. Some frequencies are better for communicating around the world, while others are better for talking through a satellite or the International Space Station.

Multi-band radios are the best way to go. They generally are the best bang for the dollar and if one band is down, then another may be up, so you have options. This is a really common issue in the HF frequency ranges.

5w I'm hoping your referencing is a hand-held units. As a licensed operator we are allowed to push much more power than just 5w. That's just the general number that most handitalkies put out. If you got a mobile rig it would probably push 35-50w and a base station with amp could push out 1500w depending on frequency's legal limitations.

I recommend going through the study material. Being a Ham lets you do a lot of neat stuff but you really shouldn't buy a radio until you have the basics down like what bands you want to operate on and how far away you want to talk with people. Like being able to legally access the HF bands requires a higher level of license than VHF which is more practical for local communications (smaller antennas).

[SamsDX]

Might do better by starting here.

I recommend going through the study material.

I think first and foremost you have to get your license - studying for and taking the Technician class FCC license will provide you with the baseline knowledge you need to make an intelligent equipment purchase decision. Different clubs offer classes, and some can get you in and out with a completed exam within a day.

ARRL linked to above is a good place to start - they have a listing of local classes. If you're not the classroom type, you can study on your own with one of their study manuals. Volunteer Examination Coordinators (VECs) throughout the country sponsor testing sessions all the time, and you can look up your next exam here.

Although some would consider it a barrier to entry, I think the licensing process is good. One significant side benefit is that before you make huge investments in equipment, the tests force-feed you a good foundation of knowledge about the hobby and rig needs/capabilities. I wish I knew half of what I know now about guns, otherwise I wouldn't have bought half of the crap I have now.

edit - I should add that while in a true emergency situation you may find yourself in, you don't need a license to transmit on the amateur bands, there's a lot to be said about knowing how to operate correctly. The only way you're going to learn is to actually do it, and in order to practice legitimately, a license is needed. Again, to analogize to guns (since this is a gun forum) you wouldn't just go out and buy a gun, and without training, expect to be able deploy it effectively when faced with danger.

[JDay]

Ham radio's don't have channels, they have banks that you can program different frequencies into.

[Steelplate45]

My handled ICOM V80 has 135 Memory Channels

I can program any frequency in the 2 meter band from 144 Mhz to 148 Mhz, into any of the memory channels. The memory channel numbers are arbitrary, meaning any frequency can be on any channel.

I have a dozen or so channels set to Simplex frequencies. This means I can talk point to point to another Ham within range who has the same frequency selected in his radio.

All my other channels are programmed with frequencies of repeater stations, which are owned and run by Ham clubs, and are usually setup on mountain tops.

Repeaters will receive my weak handheld signal and boost its power 50:1 or 100:1, and shift the frequency slightly, then rebroadcast my signal from the mountain top for many miles in all directions.

That's how I can be driving on the 15 Fwy in SoCal, and talk to another Ham, on the 5 Fwy, up to 30 miles away or more, all while using a 5 Watt battery operated handheld.

Repeaters don't exist in FRS or CB radios. That's why Ham Radio (and getting your license) is so cool. You can reach sensible, knowledgeable (usually) people over an area of hundreds of square miles.

Many Police and Fire Stations, and Hospitals have Ham radios as well for emergency services.

When the SHTF, the only reliable communications you will have will be Ham Repeater Stations. I keep my radio in my car in my Get Home Bag.

Good Luck - KE6HXX

[Flyin Brian]

OP, I agree you should study and get your license before you buy anything.

Go to Wikipedia and look up Amateur Radio and do some reading, also the ARRL link that was posted above is good. Here is a link to a page on wiki showing the frequencies we are allocated here in the US - http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Amateur...s#ITU_Region_2

The only ones you will need to worry about as a beginner is HF & VHF.

HF is 3 to 30MHz (3MHz is just above the AM bands on your car radio)
VHF is 144MHz to 148MHz (your FM car radio runs 88 to 108 roughly)

HF is generally better for long range, VHF is better for close in, "line of sight".
VHF is commonly extended with repeater units on mountain tops, but in SHTF situation who knows how long those will be running off the grid.
HF will be better for picking up long range bulletins/info from other states, etc. (HF is similar to shortwave radio).

I have both but HF is what I prefer. I think the majority of new hams only use VHF on the local repeater and never get exposed to HF, or at least that's the way it was 10 years ago when I was active.

Brian W6___

[waffenfabrik_]

One can listen on

http://www.winsystem.org/Downloads/Streaming_Audio/streaming_audio.html

[Steelplate45]

Good Point from FB on SHTF

The VHF repeaters are only as good as their solar panels or battery system.

Using HF with a good antenna, you can often get very long distance point to point communications without going thru a repeater.

So, if CALI falls into the ocean, and you are one of the last men standing, your HF system may hook you up with Phoenix or St Louis, or whatever.

OP, I agree you should study and get your license before you buy anything.

Go to Wikipedia and look up Amateur Radio and do some reading, also the ARRL link that was posted above is good. Here is a link to a page on wiki showing the frequencies we are allocated here in the US - http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Amateur...s#ITU_Region_2

The only ones you will need to worry about as a beginner is HF & VHF.

HF is 3 to 30MHz (3MHz is just above the AM bands on your car radio)
VHF is 144MHz to 148MHz (your FM car radio runs 88 to 108 roughly)

HF is generally better for long range, VHF is better for close in, "line of sight".
VHF is commonly extended with repeater units on mountain tops, but in SHTF situation who knows how long those will be running off the grid.
HF will be better for picking up long range bulletins/info from other states, etc. (HF is similar to shortwave radio).

I have both but HF is what I prefer. I think the majority of new hams only use VHF on the local repeater and never get exposed to HF, or at least that's the way it was 10 years ago when I was active.

Brian W6___

[Wicked Pete]

I like: HF, CB, 2 mtr. GMRS, FRS, but...I love scanners. Good to know what's going on, especially in an emergency.

Listen to some of the "news services" in the 450.00 range. They talk (helicopter/mobiles) about all the traffic and troubles, before they hit the Radio/TV. Scanner! Scanner! Scanner!

[BlackTydeTactical]

I bought this one..

http://www.maintradingcompany.com/cart/Wouxun-KG-UVD1P-Handheld-Special-Offer%2521-119-Shipped-w-Software-Programming-Cable.118

Ideal for Hospitals, EMS, Fire, Police, Tour Guides, FEMA, security patrols, business communications, schools, construction crews, universities, museums, churches, farms, event venues,and other entities that have FCC licensed frequencies. . FCC Part 90 certified
Dual band VHF/UHF. Freq. range: 136-174, 420-470 MHz RX and TX. KG-UVD1P

Description

The KG-UD1P is a rugged compact, high-performance VHF/UHF handheld commercial transceiver providing up to 5 Watts of RF power on VHF and 4 Watts on UHF


The KG-UVD1P is Part 90 certified for commercial use.

Frequency Range of 136-174, 420-470 MHz RX and TX. FM: 76-108 MHz (RX). Software programmable via USB cable . If you need another Frequecy range or a large quantity, please give us a call


Model History
•KG-UVD1: Original rugged model
•KG-UVD1P: Original rugged model with added DTMF feature and upgraded firmware
•KG-UV2D: European case and a few Dealer Specified firmware revisions
•KG-UV3D: Lighter Duty Model with lighter Plastic case with exact same chassis as other models
All Models Carry the exact same FCC type acceptance there are no differences in design or specs of the chassis or electronics


FCC Approval

CE & FCC Part 90 certified, FCC ID: WVTWOUXUN04


MTC Warranty Policy
•18 month limited warranty on the radio against defects in materials and workmanship
•6 month limited warranty on the included radio battery and battery charger against defects in materials and workmanship

Standard Accessories Included with Every Radio
•Dual band radio
•Dual band antenna
•1700 mAh high capacity li-ion battery pack (UPGRADED 3-5-2011)

•Intelligent desktop 3-4 hour rapid charger
•Desktop charger AC power cord
•Belt clip
•Wrist strap
•English user manual

[D4ZORT]

I saw a video where a guys used his HAM radio to call his cell phone? Something about DTMF?

Also, where do you get a list of repeaters for your area?

[waffenfabrik_]

Northern &amp; Southern California Repeater Co-ordination .orgs

SoCal

http://www.scrrba.org/

NorCal

http://www.narcc.org/

Phone patch

http://www.arrl.org/phone-patch-guidelines

The Wouxun units have a great price point, and should make a good starter HT. The PC programing feature should make it a snap to do.

73