Radio-Comm Types! help needed!

[DocMoe]

Ok, so I really know nothing about radios other than limited experience with the SINCGARS, and I'm looking for some help getting educated and making purchase choices. My intended use is getting a setup for use hunting/backpacking-exploring, and of course the very plausible and socially acceptable natural disaster scenario.

I would like to have a durable, reliable system, man-portable and also in the jeep. Range is a big concern obviously but I am not sure how much I can get without needing a license. Any help/suggestions would be greatly appreciated!

[DVSmith]

No license is required for CB (Citizens Band) and FRS (Family Radio Service).

As you know they will have limited transmission range.

There is GMRS (General Mobile Radio Service) which operates in the same band as FRS and has some overlapping channels. GMRS allows higher output power and external antennas (both mobile and fixed) which will get you better range. A license, no test but a fee, may be required.

Better still is amateur radio which at the technician level requires passing a multiple choice test of 35 question with a pass rate of 70% (IIRCC).

There are other options, but these are the most accessible and probably practical.

[DocMoe]

Is amateur radio the same thing as a HAM operator? and if so, what kind of performance benefits are we talking about? I wasn't really looking to go that in depth with this but I do see the value in comm proficiency so I am open to it.

[DVSmith]

Sorry for not being more clear, but yes, amateur radio is the same as HAM. Honestly, the lowest level license, technician, is quite simple to get. You can take a practice test here:

http://www.hamradiolicenseexam.com/study.jsp

and I am sure a dozen other places.

A good place for info is here:

http://www.arrl.org/new-to-ham-radio

[DocMoe]

Wow thanks, this looks like a really good resource.

[Darklyte27]

http://www.calguns.net/calgunforum/showthread.php?t=202581

[weekend_plinker]

Sound like you need a amateur radio tech Lic. This will allow you to talk on the 2m band With this lic. and all the 2m repeaters out there, its easy to talk a good distance.

[blackandredwarrior]

Is amateur radio the same thing as a HAM operator? and if so, what kind of performance benefits are we talking about? I wasn't really looking to go that in depth with this but I do see the value in comm proficiency so I am open to it.

Performance benefits: Right off the top, 300 times the power output. Five watts versus 1500 watts. No range limits. Very few know about the 250km legal distance of CB. The lowest license will get you 10m, 6m, 2m, 1.25m, 70cm. And many more that are much higher in frequency, but if you're looking at common voice stuff that's easily obtained that's a good start. This will give you a lot of flexibility. You'll get some CW access in the HF portions as well.

It's a great learning experience.

Just to note for some people as I haven't seen this brought up, your license address is publicly available. However, you can use a PO box. Any address that the USPS serves is fine, and it doesn't have to be your actual residence. I know a friend who freaked out a bit when his home address showed up online. He's rather security conscious.

[xrMike]

I wasn't really looking to go that in depth with this but I do see the value in comm proficiency so I am open to it.

I see you are in the Bay Area.

Depending on where you are, it might be a little drive for you (the class is in Hollister), but you could knock out your Technician License in 1 day:

http://www.calguns.net/calgunforum/showpost.php?p=7964874&postcount=267

[DocMoe]

Thanks for the heads up but unfortunately I'm (very very) far away from the area for a little while... This sounds awesome though, any Idea when something like this might be comin around
again?

[blackandredwarrior]

Thanks for the heads up but unfortunately I'm (very very) far away from the area for a little while... This sounds awesome though, any Idea when something like this might be comin around
again?

Here's a link to the ARRL's (they are like the NRA of amateur radio) test sessions: http://www.arrl.org/find-an-amateur-...e-exam-session

As far as "cram sessions" you'll have to ask around. Most clubs welcome non-hams who are interested.