Radio

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Revision as of 17:03, 24 January 2021 by A (talk | contribs) (→‎Scanners)

Getting Started

HAM radios can be used for communication during a complete grid down.

The handheld BaoFeng UV-5R is a popular entry level radio, and a great addition to a bug-out bag. Many accessories are available, like earpiece, extra batteries, replacement antenna, etc. A programming cable allows for entry of multiple different programmed frequencies, from a computer running the free CHIRP software.

NOAA is the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, a government operated administration that sends out broadcasts every five minutes 24/7 relating to hurricane, storm, solar flare, nuke, and other emergency information.

FEMA is the Federal Emergency Management Association. They are one of the frontline government agencies to respond to any large scale disaster with medical care, triage, shelter, food, and other forms of humanitarian aid.

Guide to CB Radio Language and 10 Codes

Radio Hardware

Scanners, HAM Radios, CB Radios, Walkie Talkies, Antennas, towers, etc.

Radios

BaoFeng UV-5R
Popular 2-way entry level HAM radio
Throwable Antenna for BaoFeng
Other UV-5R Accessories
Extra batteries, chargers, programming cables, whip antennas, earpieces, etc.
CHIRP Software
Programming software to download or upload frequencies on the radio. Requires programming cable.

Scanners

Scanners are used to listen to radio feeds like police, fire, EMS. The hardware does not typically enable transmitting. Many police radio communications are now encrypted, and require specialized hardware to decrypt.

Scanner radios typically allow for scanning through a number of different channels (frequencies) until activity is detected. Groups of channels can be stored in banks, and the scanner can continuously scan 1 or more banks.

Trunking is the term for utilizing multiple frequencies to communicate with other parties.

Best Police Scanners 2021

Antennas

Antenna 44' Mast
Mast Ground Mount
Guy Wire
Turnbuckle/Tension Accessories

Software Defined Radio

Hardware

SDR Radio USB devices can be used to receive radio transmissions on a computer. Search Amazon

Software

Most software used to tune the radio can be obtained for free online.

Scanner Radio
Mobile app to receive thousands of radio streams from around the world.
Broadcastify
Live Police, Fire, EMS, Aircraft, and Rail Audio Feeds.
Broadcast your own feed
Broadcasters receive a free premium subscription on Broadcastify AND RadioReference.com
SDR#
SDR is Windows softwae to analyze and listen to SDR USB Radios.
Trunk Recorder
Advanced broadcast Utilities
ProScan (Not free)
ProScan is the most popular and feature rich scanner software in the world.
Big list of RTL-SDR supported software

Frequencies

Resources

Radio Reference Database

Frequency bands

FRS/GMRS combined channel

ARRL – National Association for Amateur Radio

Repeater Database

U.S Repeaters

Amateur Radio Ham Radio Repeaters by State

Emergency Radio Frequencies Preppers Must Know

Common HAM Radio Bands

Band Name Range
HF High Frequency 3–30 MHz
VHF Very High Frequency 30–300 MHz
UHF Ultra High Frequency 300 MHz – 3 GHz

Common Emergency Frequencies

Frequency Name
34.90 Nationwide National Guard frequency during emergencies
39.46 Inter-department emergency communications by police
47.42 Nationwide Red Cross channel during humanitarian aid missions
121.50 International frequency for aeronautical emergencies
138.225 Disaster relief channel used by FEMA
154.265 Used by firemen during emergencies
154.28 Used by firemen during emergencies
154.295 Used by firemen during emergencies
155.160 Used by various agencies during search and rescue operations
155.475 Emergency communications for police
156.75 International maritime weather alerts
156.80 International maritime distress channel. All ships at sea are required to monitor this channel.
162.40 NOAA
162.425 NOAA
162.45 NOAA
162.475 NOAA
162.50 NOAA
162.525 NOAA
162.55 NOAA
163.275 NOAA
163.4875 A National Guard emergency communications frequency
163.5125 Military National Disaster Preparedness frequency
168.55 Emergency and disaster frequency used by civilian agencies of the federal government
243.00 Military aviation emergencies
311.00 US Air Force flight channel
317.70 US Coast Guard aviation frequency
317.80 US Coast Guard aviation frequency
319.40 US Air Force frequency
340.20 US Navy aviator frequency
409.625 Department of State national communications frequency
462.675 Emergencycommunications and traveler assistance in General Mobile Radio Service
Channel 3 (26.985 MHz) Prepper CB Network (AM)
Channel 4 (27.005 MHz) The American Preppers Network (TAPRN)
Channel 9 (27.065 MHz) Universal CB Emergency/REACT channel
Channel 13 (27.115 MHz) Typically used within campgrounds and marine areas
Channel 15 (27.135 MHz) Used by Californian truckers
Channel 17 (27.165 MHz) Used by Californian truckers headed east/west
Channel 19 (27.185 MHz) Main trucker channel
Channel 36 (27.365 MHz) Survivalist network
Channel 37 (27.375 MHz) Prepper 37 USB
27.3680 Prepper network
27.3780 Prepper network
27.4250 Prepper network

FRS Frequencies

Alpha Tag Frequency 
FRS 01 462.56250
FRS 02 462.58750
FRS 03 462.61250
FRS 04 462.63750
FRS 05 462.66250
FRS 06 462.68750
FRS 07 462.71250
FRS 08 467.56250
FRS 09 467.58750
FRS 10 467.61250
FRS 11 467.63750
FRS 12 467.66250
FRS 13 467.68750
FRS 14 467.71250
FRS 15 462.55000
FRS 16 462.57500
FRS 17 462.60000
FRS 18 462.62500
FRS 19 462.65000
FRS 20 462.67500
FRS 21 462.70000
FRS 22 462.72500

License

US

Part 97.401(a) of the Federal Code of Regulations: Primarily, it authorizes any use of radio technology for the "immediate safety of human life and immediate protection of property," regardless of all other FCC regulations, when no alternative is available. Otherwise, a license is required to transmit. You are free to listen to any broadcast.