Once you’re ready to dive into radio comunications, you will, just like everyone else, decide to pick up an HT (Handheld) radio. Assuming you have read this thread to familiarize yourself with the basics, we’ll move on. From my personal point of view, the HT is the single most important piece of Comms gear you can get. It’s portable, operates independently from the grid, and is the radio you are most likely to have on, or near, your person at all times.
We have already discussed the drawbacks of HT radios in the above-linked post. Knowing this, let’s roll up our sleeves and sort out the ice cream from the bullshit on handheld/portable radios.
If we remove repeater use from the equation, HTs are a Simplex mode of communications. This means that you are running peer-to-peer, or individual-to-individual with HTs. The radio is, in Simplex operation, communicating directly to another radio, without an intermediary.
For the sake of discussion, we will only be focusing on VHF/UHF HT radios here. While it is possible to pick up CB radios that operate in High-Frequency territory, the vast majority of HTs are configured to operate in the VHF/UHF bands of the electromagnetic spectrum. This includes the unlicensed bands/radios such as FRS (Family Radio Service), GMRS (General Mobile Radio Service [requires license]), MURS (Multi Use Radio Service), Ham radio (requires licensing), and ISM (Industrial, Scientific, and Medical).
Bendix King PRC-127, Baofeng UV-5R, Motorola Saber, Motorola i355, TRI PRC-148 Clone.
It will also be important to understand the difference between a frequency and a channel. A channel, in terms of radio communications, is simply a frequency stored to a fixed memory position in the radio. It may include other variables and information, but for simplicity’s sake, and to help people new to radio, we are going to leave it at that. So, for example, in the FRS (Family Radio Service) portion of the radio spectrum, Channel 1 is simply the frequency 462.5625 MHz, permanently stored to the radio’s memory on Channel 1.
Let’s go over some of these, and remove any mystery about the differences.
Family Radio Service (FRS)
FRS Radios are license-free, radios that operate in the UHF band between 462 MHz to 467 MHz. These radios are limited to a maximum of 1/2-watt of output power. There are 14 channels, which are fixed, and all FRS radios must be approved by the FCC for use. If you purchase a FRS radio from any known manufacturer, such as Cobra, Motorola, Midland, etc. these radios will have already been approved for usage by the FCC. These radios are commonly referred to as “blister pack radios.” The operation is simple. Turn the radio on, set a channel, and chat it up. These radios will only operate on the 14 channels that the FCC has approved for FRS communications. The radio operator can not operate outside of any of the channels contained on the radio.
General Mobile Radio Service (GMRS)
GMRS Radios, contrary to popular opinion, are not license-free radios. The FCC is considering removing the licensing requirement, but it has been pending for several years now. GMRS operates in the UHF band between 462 MHz to 467 MHz, and shares some of the same frequencies and channels that FRS uses. GMRS has 23 total channels available, and are limited to a maximum power output of 5-watts. The GMRS license lasts for 5 years, and is approximately $65-$90. Like FRS, GMRS is set up for simple communications. Turn the radio on. Set the channel. Proceed to party. Like FRS, GMRS radios are configured to use only the 23 GMRS channels. The operator can not use anything other than the channels provided on the radio itself.
Multi-Use Radio Service (MURS)
MURS radios are not dissimilar from FRS and GMRS radios, only MURS operates in the VHF portion of the radio spectrum. MURS, like FRS, is a license-free radio service. MURS operates between 151 MHz to 154 MHz, and is limited to five channels. These radios are not able to exceed 2-watts of output power. There are fewer manufacturers supporting MURS radio, than FRS, GMRS and CB; however, MURS is the only license-free option for VHF radios. Like the two previously listed radio services, MURS is a fire-up and yakkety yak situation.
Amateur Radio Service
Big-Boy Town.
Party time.
Amateur radio is the superior option for wireless communication. It requires testing, and a nominal application fee of $15 to get started. It’s not insurmountable. You don’t have to be a rocket-surgeon to get your license. It is the basis for what we’re about to discuss, so quit wasting your time, and go get your damn tech-ticket. Unlike the previously listed services, for a Tech-Licensee (the first available license for Amateur “Ham” radio) you are limited to 1500 watts of output, and have a nearly unlimited world of opportunities available to you in the radio spectrum. In short, you have access to everything from 50 MHz on up to Gigahertz (GHz) territory. Do it. If you’re reading this blog, you need to get your license. Period. Full stop.
Industrial, Scientific and Medicine
The ISM is sort of a nebulous web of frequency allocations, typically reserved for low-power transmitters used for research purposes. It is being brought up here, as there are a few devices, with excellent operating characteristics, that can be used, license-free, in the 902 MHz to 928 MHz portion of the ISM band. We’ll get to that later…
So, with HT radios, because there is no supporting infrastructure to support your Comms in Simplex operation, you are limited to Line Of Sight (LOS) between your radios. Terrain WILL PLAY A HUGE PART in the range and effectiveness of communication. Generally speaking, VHF (Very High Frequency) radios will provide the best coverage and range for outdoor terrain, in rural settings. This isn’t necessarily set in stone, but is typical of the VHF band’s performance characteristics. UHF (Ultra High Frequency) being a “tighter” wavelength in the electromagnetic spectrum, will generally outperform VHF in urban terrain, or areas with structures, vehicles, etc. UHF is less susceptible to obstacles and barriers.
Assuming you have just obtained your Tech License for operating on the Amateur portion of the spectrum, we’ll start discussing some of the things to consider.
Unlike FRS, GMRS, MURS, etc., as a Technician Class Licensee, you are fully authorized to build, operate, and maintain your own radios. This means that you can, essentially, take anything that generates a radio frequency signal, and use it. You are not constrained to operate only FCC-approved radios in the Amateur Radio spectrum. This is, in my opinion, one of the biggest advantages to getting licensed. You are not bound to using only FCC type-accepted radios for operation in the ham bands. You can use modified commercial/professional radios. You can build your own transmitter. You can purchase COTS (Commercial/Off-The-Shelf) radios. You are allowed to manually enter frequencies instead of being limited to channelized hell. That being said, you still have to operate within the confines of the FCC frequency allocations for amateur radio (50 MHz+ for Tech Licensees), and can’t go beyond 1,500-watts of power.
Amateur radios can be programmed, either through the front panel, or through programming software, via a cable that connects the radio to a computer. As well, these radios can be interfaced with a computer, to operate in digital modes; something FRS, GMRS, and MURS radios typically can not do. The basic concept behind digital mode operation, is that your computer works as a modulator/demodulator, sending digital information through the analog airways, and decoding that data on the downstream side. Digital modes are beyond the scope of this writing, so we’ll move on.
Eventually, you’re going to start shopping for radios, and are going to be seeing a lot of different features, brands, etc.
Let’s break down some of this bullshit…
Features
A short list of features you might see on Amateur Radio HT Radios is:
Dual Band / Single Band
Squelch Control
Variable Frequency Oscillator
CTCSS/DCS Tone Control
Memory Channels
Front-Panel Programming
Dual Receive/Watch
Time-Out Timer
Keyboard Lock
Voice Scrambler/Inversion
Cross-Band Repeat
Dual Band / Single Band: Dual Band or Single Band is in reference to the portion of the radio frequency range that is operable by the radio. A Single Band radio may operate in either the VHF band, or the UHF band, but not both. A Dual Band radio will operate both in the VHF band, as well as the UHF band.
Squelch Control: Squelch Control allows you to determine the strength of the incoming signal required to “open up” the radio. Raising this number will require a stronger signal in order for you to hear it. Lowering this number will allow you to hear weaker signals, along with additional noise.
Variable Frequency Oscillator (VFO): The VFO is a five-dollar word for, “you can manually enter the frequency that you want to receive/transmit on.” If you want to transmit and receive on 146.52, you enter “146.52” on your radio.
CTCSS/DCS Tone Control: Continuous Tone-Coded Squelch / Digital-Coded Squelch (CTCSS may also be referred to as a “Privacy Tone” or “PL” tone). Don’t let the word, “privacy” fool you, as there is nothing private about it. Tone-Coded Squelch is simply a sub-audible tone (you can’t hear it) that is generated when you press the push-to-talk button. If the radios you are using have this feature enabled, they will not be able to hear each other, unless they are both generating the same sub-audible tone. Don’t, for a second, assume that this is some secret-handshake shit going on. How it works is that, unless your radio “hears” that sub-audible tone, the squelch will be slammed shut, and you won’t hear anything; however, if you were to key-up the mic, anyone on that frequency can still hear you. It should be thought of as an “interference regulator” in that, if someone else is on the same frequency, you will not hear them if you have a Tone-Coded/Digitally-Coded squelch enabled. I say again, nothing “private” about it. Period.
Memory Channels: This is how many channels you can store to the radio’s memory. So, essentially, if you have 100 memory channels available, you can store 100 different frequencies to the radio. It is a compliment to VFO mode. VFO mode is a means to directly-enter the frequency you want to use; Memory or Channel operation will allow you to move between stored frequencies.
Front-Panel Programming (FPP): Front Panel Programming/Programmable radios are radios that allow you to directly enter frequencies, manage settings, and change parameters of the radio on the radio itself. The majority of amateur radios are configured to allow the operator to directly program the radio itself. Most commercial/professional radios, as well as all GMRS/FRS/MURS radios do NOT allow FPP. Front panel programming is a huge advantage for the trained radio operator, as it is a means for you to control every facet of the radio in the field, without having to interface the radio with a computer to change settings, frequencies, add channels, etc.
Dual Watch / Receive: Dual Watch / Receive allows you to monitor either two separate frequencies, or channels, at the same time.
Time-Out Timer (TOT): TOT allows you to configure a set time limit on transmissions. So, for example, if you set the TOT for 90-seconds, if you talk for 91-seconds, the radio will no longer transmit. The radio will terminate the transmission at the time interval you set.
Keyboard Lock: A Keyboard/Keypad Lock, when enabled, will prevent the keyboard from functioning until it is unlocked. This is a nice feature if the radio is carried in a position that isn’t easily accessible.
Voice Scrambler/Inversion: A Voice Scrambler is a means of private communications…to an extent. While unlawful to use on the ham radio frequencies/bands, a voice scrambler can be thought of as “analog encryption”. In a basic sense, Voice Inversion simply flips the high-tones for low-tones in the audio. If a third party were to be listening to the frequency you are operating on, the speech will sound like a cross between Donald Duck™ and a space alien. While useful for keeping Bubba, and other unsavory and impolite characters from listening in to the content of your communications, it is, relatively easy to decode, and offers only a modicum of security.
Cross-Band Repeat: Cross-Band Repeating basically allows a radio to receive a signal on one band, say UHF, and re-transmit that signal on another band, in this example, VHF. Where this comes into play, regarding HT radios, is where a handheld radio is used as an ad-hoc repeater system. If a radio is set for cross-band repeat, and placed in a strategically sound position (as high in elevation as possible), it will relay the transmission of the received signal to other radios, greatly extending the range of the HT radios networked to the cross-band repeater. A word of caution: Most amateur HT radios are not set up for a continuous duty cycle (period of operation). If using cross-band repeat, avoid heavy radio traffic.
In the ham radio parlance, you will often hear about “The Big Three.” This is in reference to Yaesu, Icom, and Kenwood. These companies typically manufacture dedicated hardware specifically for use on the amateur radio frequencies, and with features that are generally accepted as desirable by hams. If you are looking for known, reliable, quality amateur radio-oriented hardware, these are the three you want to look at.
If the aforementioned manufacturers are “The Big Three”, it could be said that Baofeng, Wouxun, and Puxing are “The Little Three”. Relatively new, in terms of ham radio, “The Little Three” are bargain-basement priced HTs that will get you on the air for little cash. Like most things in life, you get what you pay for; however, the massive amount of these Chicom radios floating around are a fact of life. If you own one, you might as well make the most of it, and if it’s all you can afford, then rock on. They’re capable, but are notorious for producing spurious emissions, or “Spurring Out.” What this means is that if you are transmitting on 146.52, the poor design of some radios will cause the transmitted signal to not only appear on the intended frequency (146.52) but also on other frequencies as well. Bad JuJu. Bad JuJu, not only from a legal standpoint, and as a common courtesy to other folks, but Bad JuJu in that, by having multiple versions of your transmissions on multiple frequencies you just multiplied your chances of being eavesdropped on, by anyone with ill intent in a grid-down environment.
An alternative to “The Little Three”, and generally priced lower than “The Big Three” are radios made by Anytone. A buddy of mine has had nothing but good things to say about the several different Anytone radios he has, and his primary mobile rig, an Anytone, has been serving him well. He lent me an Anytone AT-D858, and my impressions of the radio have been very positive, especially when contrasted to the offerings from “The Little Three.” While my only exposure to Anytone has been with the Digital HT shown below, it is a very well-constructed unit, and I don’t have any complaints in regards to either performance, or build-quality.
Anytone AT-D858 Digital Radio
The option is also available to obtain Land-Mobile Radio System radios. These are Commercial radios, typically used by Law Enforcement, Fire Departments, etc. Generally speaking, these are the most rugged, reliable, well-designed radios you can get. So why not cut the bullshit and go straight for LMRS/Commercial Radios, you might find yourself asking? Remember earlier, when I discussed how “The Big Three” often manufacture radios with features generally accepted as desirable by hams?” Yeah, like Front-Panel Programming, etc. Most Commercial radios are:
Single Band (Either VHF or UHF)
Programmable through computer interface/software only
Set up from the factory for Public Safety / LMRS Frequencies Only
Impossible, or difficult to “downband” into the frequency range (band split) for use in the amateur bands.
Surplus public safety radios, can be obtained for ham radio use; however, there is a sharp learning curve regarding the proprietary software for programming, a lack of flexibility for field programming, or changing settings, and a generally unfriendly-to-hams attitude by many of the manufacturers. Understandably so, I might add, as we ain’t their customers.
Yes, they are superior in build-construction, internal shielding, spurious rejection, receiver sensitivity, duty-cycle performance, etc. Yes, you will have an uphill battle wrestling some of these into ham radio operation. Is the juice worth the squeeze? From my perspective, yes, but you have to be willing to get your hands dirty, and it’s not something I would recommend to someone just getting started in radio communications.
Downbanding (the process of converting a radio, intended for operation on Public Safety frequencies for use on the ham bands) older commercial radios, requires getting your “John Titor” on, and hunting down old, vintage computers if you don’t already have one. For example, to successfully program an analog Motorola Saber, you can’t have a clock speed greater than 50 MHz on the processor, or you run the risk of turning the radio into a paperweight. Have you priced fully functioning >486 computers lately? You may find yourself spending a dollar to make up for the nickel you saved on cheap radios. If you want to load a cryptographic key on the radio, you will also need a Keyloader. These are rarely found for less than $200. You’ll also need to hunt down, or purchase, an older version of CPS software. Got a machine that can still read 3.5″ floppies? You get the point. It’s a challenge. But, they are damned good radios.
Motorola Saber 1 Analog Land-Mobile Radio
Moving on to some options that are license-free and operate in the ISM band we discussed earlier are Motorola DTR radios. These are digital two-way radios that operate in the 900 MHz portion of the spectrum. The advantage to these radios, and the reason they get their own section here, is that they are digital radios with FHSS, or, Frequency-Hopping Spread Spectrum. FHSS is a system whereby the transmitting radio, and the receiving radio, “sync up” on an established hop sequence. If you a familiar with the SINCGARS military radios; same shit. The frequency “hops” multiple times per second. If memory serves me right, it’s something along the lines of 26 MHz in spread, and jumps freqs about 10 times per second. To break that down, the radios are, for all intents and purposes, moving rapidly through the frequency range they operate in. This makes it extremely difficult for unsophisticated parties to even attempt to eavesdrop on. While they CAN be received on a near-field scanner, there is also the difficulty added in that there is a digital encoding scheme to the transmission that would have to be decoded in order to reassemble the original audio. While I wouldn’t count on them to keep all transmissions private from an invading foreign Army, the DTR radios would damned sure frustrate the living shit out of Cannibalistic Atlantans coming for your groceries.
Also, aside from the Motorola DTR series of radios, is the Motorola / Nextel i355 iDen phones. These are the old Nextel, chirping Push-To-Talk phones. These are NOT compatible with the Motorola DTR radios, but have the same FHSS capability, operate in the same area of the radio spectrum, and are also digital radios. These require a SIM card to function. The Southern Linc / Boost Mobile versions of these will NOT work off of the cell network. There were two portions of the Nextel PTT Network, Direct Talk and Direct Connect. Direct Connect relayed the PTT service through the cellular network. Direct Talk uses simplex operation between radios. The i355 phones/radios are a fraction of the price of the DTRs and offer the same capability. They can easily be found on the used market for less than the price of a Baofeng UV-5R.
Motorola / Nextel i355 Radio with remote speaker microphone
So what are some of the things we might want to look for, in terms of solid devices for Grid-Down scenarios?
Rugged. You want something that can operate in a variety of temperature ranges, can be used, abused, and treated like a cheap lawnmower, while still running. A lot of amateur radio equipment is not specifically designed for abuse, so it is recommended to read reviews, ask your buddies, verify specifications, etc. Check for drop testing, vibration testing, etc.
Waterproof. You want something with the highest IP rating you can afford. The higher the number, the more dust/water resistant the radio is. Very few radios are rated for submersibility, but at the absolute minimum, you want something that is rated for at least a torrential downpour. If all you have is a Baofeng, and $7, you can purchase a waterproof dry bag for cell phones at any discount big box store, and throw the radio in that. It beats the hell out of a Ziplock bag, and is less likely to tear. Your transmit audio will be muffled, but it’s better than a worthless radio that did its best rendition of the Wicked Witch of the West.
TRI PRC-148 Clone - Submersible/Dustproof - Compatible with .mil hardware - 10W Output
Removable Antenna. If your radio was a gun, the antenna is the barrel. The ability to replace the factory antenna can drastically change the performance of your radio. Different antenna configurations can greatly increase the performance of the radio, under certain parameters. With a fixed antenna, you’re stuck with a rubber-coated dummy load, whose performance is typically poor.
Spare Batteries. Very few radios offer the option of both rechargeable batteries, as well as disposable battery packs. Check for availability when making your buying decisions for a Grid-Down radio. Most of the radios that accommodate AA or disposable batteries do so through the use of a housing that you load the disposable batteries into. Some radios will default to a fixed, lower transmit power when disposable batteries are attached. Again, do your homework prior to purchasing to determine how this is handled by the radio. If there isn’t an option for disposables, purchase spare primaries and a means to charge the battery through solar, or a direct-current connection. Even a cigarette-lighter adapter will work in a pinch.
The most important thing you can get for emergency radios is a plan. Get everyone on the same page, and standardize on one particular radio. This will greatly assist in the supply management and logistics of the radio system.
One could make the argument that the Baofeng UV-5R, for better or worse, is the radio standard, as everyone, and apparently their uncle Bobby, has one. While, I would strongly advise against relying on a Baofeng for a situation-gone-sideways, if that’s all you can afford, then bring it on.
I would also strongly encourage you to consider the better options that are available, if you have not already purchased HT radios. Every ham I know personally has a Baofeng. None of the hams I know personally would seriously consider using one for EMCOMM unless they absolutely had to.
The Yaesu FT-60R is probably the second most common HT in circulation, and isn’t significantly more expensive than a Chicom Baofeng.
The bottom line is that your life as a radio operator will be far more pleasant, if everyone is using the same equipment, and you are all trained on the proper operation of that equipment. By not having standardized hardware, you are needlessly introducing additional difficulty into an already complicated system.
The HT radio, despite its shortcomings in range, is your lifeline, and sidekick, to the radio world. It provides you with a means to establish localized communication in your area without reliance on The Grid, or third-party infrastructure. If you are not interested in getting your Amateur License, there are still license-free alternatives that, limited in capability, still offer a means of communicating off-line. That being said, if you bought a Baofeng, and plan on “using it when SHTFTEOTWAWKISTANZOMG”, and don’t get licensed, you’re pissing up a rope. If that’s your strategy, get a couple of blister-pack FRS radios, and be done with it, as they require absolutely no working knowledge other than turning the power on, and setting the channel. You’ll also be stuck with the limited capability thereof. There’s plenty of folks out there that can lead a horse to water…the drinking is where the horse comes in…
REVISED: 09SEP16 - CORRECTED LINK TO FT-60R