yanwhat ham radio setup should i get for disaster prep (cheapness/portability preferred)
Raker de W4WWW@bcrypt (1/...) Speaking from direct experience, almost any radio is good, as long as you know how to use it blindfolded. That means using it regularly - conversations, programming memories by hand (no CHIRP or helper programs), knowing the interface inside and out. Last thing you want or especially an incident commander (IC) wants is someone who needs to read the manual to their radio to find out how to program a memory or have to use a PC in an actual emergency. Rote memory.
@bcrypt (2/...). Stay away from Baofeng. They are cheap for a reason (bad build quality, inferior RF components, etc). Woxoun and AnyTone are Chinese-made radios I would buy (and I have an AnyTone AT-D878UVii, but don't use it enough). Others I would include a new or used Yaesu FT-60R (tanks, literaly) (the FT65R is also OK), Yaesu FT-4XR. Points if you can get a AA battery pack for it. Give Jason's video below a watch for more options. https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=csUQfVJO26E
Best Handheld Ham Radio Under $100 | 2022 HT Ham Radio Guide
@bcrypt I hope that helps some and that I didn't scare you off. Ham radio is a fun hobby in the big venn diagram view and I hope you can find what is fun to you. Cheers!
@w4www_raker much appreciated, thanks! i got my ham license several years ago but haven't actually bought a radio yet due to the sheer overwhelming number of options. this is super helpful.
Matt@w4www_raker @bcrypt Raker has the actual answer. None of the other recommendations for specific radios really matter if you don’t use the radio frequently before the emergency. Buying a radio and throwing it in a drawer isn’t a good idea.
Exotime@spongeruiner @w4www_raker @bcrypt yes, huge +1 here. Knowing how to use it is key.
The other factors I haven't seen mentioned here yet is range and audience - knowing who you're trying to talk to. Eg: a UHF/VHF handheld is no good if your whole city is destroyed by an earthquake and you're trying to tell friends in another country you're okay. Fine if you're trying to reach your neighbors with pre-agreed protocol, but in a big disaster the not every repeater will be available.