Multi band radios - teach me

[gra_farmer]

Right I am interested in getting a multi banded radio, to stay informed if the poo hits the fan.

But really don't understand what to look for or what is good? I am thinking mainly a receiver, but what are the thoughts on a transmitter too?

Cheers Gra

 

[TeeDee]

Good thread to start with.

Thread 'Baofeng ham radios uv5r'

Apr 27, 2024

Hi chaps not sure if this is the place to ask but here goes

So friend of mine has a beafeng uv5r ham radio and I know that u need a licence to transmit with these radios but not to listen in he likes to sit and listen to boat traffic ECT witch is great just wondering can you use these radios on an open frequency for me to use in the woods with my lad ?
Anyone that knows all the jargon and laws would really appreciate being educated lol

• GrandadInTheWoods
• Replies: 20
• Forum: Out and About

 

[demented dale]

Right I am interested in getting a multi banded radio, to stay informed if the poo hits the fan.

But really don't understand what to look for or what is good? I am thinking mainly a receiver, but what are the thoughts on a transmitter too?

Cheers Gra

I am gona follow this thread as its something I am interested in. I was a big user of CB radio once. There are CB radios with frequencies that you transmit right round the world, At one time they were used by a lot of people. I had one recently but there were very few other users in my area and since it was on FM it didn't have that far a range which wasn't an issue because I had it in the van. I used to get traffic reports from truckers on the motorway. An AM set will transmit much further and then there is is side band, upper side band etc which go even further than that. Radio Ham requires a license to transmit. Those scanners are a good bit of kit . you can listen to police, army , ambulance, coast guard etc but you cant transmit.. You can pick up a good CB very cheap these days. I would guess a cracking set up (aerial, power pack and swr meter) for less than £200. I might have a look myself. You will, at the very least be able to talk to me . x

 

[ONE]

Who or what do you actually want to hear, Broadcasters? Amateurs (Hams)? Aircraft? Local or global? Do you need it to fit in your pocket? What do you want it to run off, power wise? For the most part I'd keep the receivers & transceivers separate, exceptions exist.

Think about your actual needs... Then we can discuss why that won't work!
In reply, I will may mention the law. Whether you observe it or not is up you, I'll mention it anyway.

 

[demented dale]

Just had a look on ebay. lots for sale and lots of bids which means people are still using them. I am bookmarking a few. x

 

[ONE]

Just had a look on ebay. lots for sale and lots of bids which means people are still using them. I am bookmarking a few. x

FWIW, I'm still recommend CB to people looking for "prepper comms". A lot of preppers don't like that though!

 

[demented dale]

FWIW, I'm still recommend CB to people looking for "prepper comms". A lot of preppers don't like that though!

Yeh. I think CB radios are brill. You said a lot of preppers dont like that though. Why dont they? DD x

 

[TeeDee]

Right I am interested in getting a multi banded radio, to stay informed if the poo hits the fan.

But really don't understand what to look for or what is good? I am thinking mainly a receiver, but what are the thoughts on a transmitter too?

Cheers Gra

If its for as you say 'Poo hits the Fan' which I guess means some civil/national emergency type situational event then I would assume what you want is a Comms system that is not reliant upon established infrastructure - Phones , Computers.

Guess that leaves CB , Ham Net work , possibly MESH type network - out of those for what you want I would suggest Radio Ham is probably the one to go for - low price entry point , lots of tutorials online and written and plenty of opportunities to practice , learn and be mentored.

 

[Pattree]

Do you need transmission?

My experience is way out of date but I managed some troubled times in Africa and the far east with a tiny but reasonable quality multi-waveband receiver. Mine was AM with long, medium and five short wave sections.
I’m guessing that AM would still be the best choice for world wide information in troubled times but I think you’d want FM too.

 

[Nice65]

This link will give you an idea of the main players, Tecsun, Kaito, XhData, Sangean. Eton are another, they were Grundig. Tecsun PL-310 or 380 aren’t megabucks, depends on your budget etc.

I have a Tecsun PL-880, classic tuning dials and volume control. Unless used regularly it’s easy to forget the controls, but it’s a good radio. The telescopic pole you saw in the van is for carrying the SW wire up high.

Have fun…

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[ONE]

Why dont they?

Umm... If I had to give a single answer, it's not very "tacticool".

 

[GreyCat]

When packing boxes to move to the new place, I rediscovered my original Baygen wind up radio- one of the very first ones. Short wave, medium wave, long wave, FM, no batteries, original robust hand cranked generator in a big sturdy case, what's not to like?

Hasn't seen daylight for best part of 20 years. Dusted it a bit, cranked the generator and turned it on, and it sprang to life.

They don't make 'em like they used to.....

GC

 

[demented dale]

When packing boxes to move to the new place, I rediscovered my original Baygen wind up radio- one of the very first ones. Short wave, medium wave, long wave, FM, no batteries, original robust hand cranked generator in a big sturdy case, what's not to like?

Hasn't seen daylight for best part of 20 years. Dusted it a bit, cranked the generator and turned it on, and it sprang to life.

They don't make 'em like they used to.....

GC

Have you got two? if not you will have to phone someone up to get them to talk to you x

 

[demented dale]

If it all goes down then perhaps power for transmissions from conventional sources would be affected as well. I think CB radio is the way and is completely independent. I have decided to get one. I want AM and FM with, upper and lower side band, I f I cant get any contact over those distances then I will declare myself the omega man and commence growing a beard. x

 

[demented dale]

Umm... If I had to give a single answer, it's not very "tacticool".

ONE could you answer my question please as to why a lot of preppers do not like CB. I am curious . cheers. DD x

 

[TeeDee]

ONE could you answer my question please as to why a lot of preppers do not like CB. I am curious . cheers. DD x

I'm not ONE - But suspect its most likely regarding distance

When you make use of a well-tuned CB radio in terrains such as dessert, and open water while operating within the permitted power limit, it is possible to get between 5 and 20 miles. When you operate a Ham radio on UHF running on the same power as the CB radio, you can get between 50 and 70 miles.

CB Radio vs Ham - The Difference Between CB and Ham Radio

Whatever questions you have about these two popular 2-way communication devices, this article has all the answers you need.

www.radio4all.org

 

[demented dale]

I'm not ONE - But suspect its most likely regarding distance

When you make use of a well-tuned CB radio in terrains such as dessert, and open water while operating within the permitted power limit, it is possible to get between 5 and 20 miles. When you operate a Ham radio on UHF running on the same power as the CB radio, you can get between 50 and 70 miles.

CB Radio vs Ham - The Difference Between CB and Ham Radio

Whatever questions you have about these two popular 2-way communication devices, this article has all the answers you need.

www.radio4all.org

That is true on FM but it much further than that on an AM set and you cant get mid and high band and side band and even upper side band. I knew people who got all over the world on those frequencies. I would be interested to know what power supply and how much power Radio Ham uses also. Yes you can use 240v with a car battery and inverter but my preference would be a 12v CB radio. You can get all those frequencies I mentioned on just one set. x

 

[gra_farmer]

Thank you everyone for adding to the discussion, so interested in listening in and if needed to transmit.

Looking at the Baofeng UV-5RH 10W Multi-Band 2500mAH VHF/UHF Long Range Walkie Talkie Two Way Radio

What do you think and what else do I need to know?

 

[demented dale]

I'm not ONE - But suspect its most likely regarding distance

When you make use of a well-tuned CB radio in terrains such as dessert, and open water while operating within the permitted power limit, it is possible to get between 5 and 20 miles. When you operate a Ham radio on UHF running on the same power as the CB radio, you can get between 50 and 70 miles.

CB Radio vs Ham - The Difference Between CB and Ham Radio

Whatever questions you have about these two popular 2-way communication devices, this article has all the answers you need.

www.radio4all.org

LOL. I m lost in the thread TD. very interesting.

 

[gra_farmer]

That is true on FM but it much further than that on an AM set and you cant get mid and high band and side band and even upper side band. I knew people who got all over the world on those frequencies. I would be interested to know what power supply and how much power Radio Ham uses also. Yes you can use 240v with a car battery and inverter but my preference would be a 12v CB radio. You can get all those frequencies I mentioned on just one set. x

If you are things CB radio, what have you been looking at?