LongRangEnthusiast
Member
Just picked up a radio and I'm looking to figure out how to set it up for small team comms (1 vehicle to another in the backcountry). It's a Baofeng UV-5R.
Any radio guys out there?
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LongRangEnthusiast said:
I picked up two of these a couple weeks ago. Need to try and stretch it their legs. So far they are so so from in the house to a car driving away..
Taking them to Lake Powell next week. So, we'll see...
LongRangEnthusiast
Member
I am not a licensed HAM user, but I'm open to getting it. Just figured I'd play with the many features that don't require that first and see how much I feel the need to pursue a HAM license.
LongRangEnthusiast
Member
For those interested, I found this to be a great resource: https://www.radioreference.com/apps/db/
I have the same Baeofeng radio and I bought a longer whip antenna for them(I got a deal on a 5 pack). I've been studying off and on for the ham radio test, although it the SHTF I don't think a license will matter any more. In the meantime, the radios are still in the box, as I haven't had time to work with them. My understanding is they have to be programmed prior to use?
That is my understanding too- you need to get the proper programming cable to setup your freq list, repeaters and channels- may as well get a spare battey and longer antenna while your at it -buy it from the feng distributor and they don't charge tax...
Yeah when SHTF nobody is gonna be checking license or fining anyone- but the time to practice getting skilled is now and you pretty much need the license to do so...
Yeah when SHTF nobody is gonna be checking license or fining anyone- but the time to practice getting skilled is now and you pretty much need the license to do so...
LongRangEnthusiast
Member
Harrier said:
True. Hadn't really considered that.
I double LongRangEnthusiast;
https://www.radioreference.com/apps/db/ is a great resource. Download some of these charts for offline usage. Print them out as a JIC.
I bought some USB Chargers for the UV5R Radios, that way I can charge them using any USB Battery Bank or similar device.
SHTF scenarios these radios overlap the FRS/GMRS/MURS Bands and could be used to interact with these frequencies. Having a handy list of these frequencies for offline usage. Print them out as a JIC.
There are also Amateur Radio Clubs (ARC) that have repeaters, search for "your area + amateur radio club" in google ( i.e. Chandler AZ amateur radio club). If there is a club nearby that hosts a repeater the frequencies should be readily available on their site.
The Programming Cable has come in handy, download the CHIRP program, and become familiar with it. It is easy to use and you can use some of its features without the cable.
I have been thinking about Simplex Repeaters, basically, listen to, record, and repeat system. While they seem odd they do have their applications, especially in an SHTF scenario IMO. They have some application-based repeaters or hardware-based ones. http://f6dqm.free.fr/soft/simplex/en/simplex.htm
https://www.radioreference.com/apps/db/ is a great resource. Download some of these charts for offline usage. Print them out as a JIC.
I bought some USB Chargers for the UV5R Radios, that way I can charge them using any USB Battery Bank or similar device.
SHTF scenarios these radios overlap the FRS/GMRS/MURS Bands and could be used to interact with these frequencies. Having a handy list of these frequencies for offline usage. Print them out as a JIC.
There are also Amateur Radio Clubs (ARC) that have repeaters, search for "your area + amateur radio club" in google ( i.e. Chandler AZ amateur radio club). If there is a club nearby that hosts a repeater the frequencies should be readily available on their site.
The Programming Cable has come in handy, download the CHIRP program, and become familiar with it. It is easy to use and you can use some of its features without the cable.
I have been thinking about Simplex Repeaters, basically, listen to, record, and repeat system. While they seem odd they do have their applications, especially in an SHTF scenario IMO. They have some application-based repeaters or hardware-based ones. http://f6dqm.free.fr/soft/simplex/en/simplex.htm
Desert Rat
Member
I got my license about a year or two ago. Have a couple of handsets, need to join a club and get familiar with them. My buddy is pretty well versed in it and has been helping me.
Desert Rat said:
I'm in the same boat. I passed the test and have been trying to do some reading and such online to learn more about radio, antennas, etc. It is really interesting stuff, but sometimes it would be nice to have a translator who could cut through the jargon a bit.
High Standard
Member
I have always wanted to get my Amateur Radio License. Now that I’m retired I am ready to start studying and preparing for my test. Technician License first.
I live in Prescott Valley. Anyone here with a local club who can give me the info so I can join and start participating?
I live in Prescott Valley. Anyone here with a local club who can give me the info so I can join and start participating?
I have a General Amateur Radio License. I definitely recommend getting your Technician License to start with. Thats all you need for 2 meter and 440 CM radio use. The really knowledgeable people in radio circles will be less likely to help you if you are transmitting without a license. The Superstition Ham Club in Mesa normally holds monthly VE testing. I am not sure how that is working during the Covid BS. As to the Baofeng Radios, These are cheap 5 watt radios that have been proliferating the internet for several years. They are useful but if you get into this more there are better options for mobile radios. A yaesu FT2980 is a fantastic inexpensive 80 watt 2 meter mobile radio. There are many others. The power output is not really that important however the antenna is. There are adapters that allow a magnetic mount mobile antenna to be attached to the little HT. Adding this to your vehicle with a mag mount smack in the middle of that metal ground plane(roof of your car) will make that 5 watt radio more useful. For programming the Baofeng i suggest going to the CHIRP website and dowloading the software for the radio you have. Its a freeware that has regular updates. https://chirp.danplanet.com/ Download an image of the radio before you start so you can return to the beginning if something gets screwed up. There are lots of online resources for repeater lists. The Baofeng radios will transmit outside the ham bands as well. We use them on the commercial frequencies for offroad racing. The FCC controls all of this but there is a lot of disregard these days. Do your homework and tread carefully. I am willing to help out licensed hams with programming or just answer questions.
I've have an Extra Class Amateur Radio License since 1983. I'm one of the group that won 1st Place at Field day in 8A battery for over 20 years running, something that's never been done before or since.
I'm an ARRL Volunteer Examiner but haven't administered any tests in quite a while, but I'm still licensed for it.
I'll answer questions if I can for anyone who wants to ask.
I'm an ARRL Volunteer Examiner but haven't administered any tests in quite a while, but I'm still licensed for it.
I'll answer questions if I can for anyone who wants to ask.
High Standard
Member
I’m signed up to take my Technician test next month. Going to start studying right away. Going to join the local club as well.
Thanks to everyone for all your suggestions.
Thanks to everyone for all your suggestions.
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