yanNov 13, 2022
what ham radio setup should i get for disaster prep (cheapness/portability preferred)
Show threadJeffNov 13, 2022

@bcrypt First off, you'll need a license if you want to use ham frequencies. So, go get your license first. After that, do you want to use the radio for local communications or long-distance?

For local communications a 2m/440 hand-held radio is probably what you want. There are VERY CHEAP radios available from Amazon but I can't in good conscience recommend them. Especially for disaster prep where you need a radio to work.

I recommend the Yaesu FT-65R. Reliable and not *too* expensive.

Show threadyanNov 13, 2022
@jeff thx, have had the license for years. got it originally for SDR stuff but am new to the ham radio space.
Show threadJeff
@bcrypt Ok, that's good. For local communications there are usually several repeaters on 2m/440 that you can use to further your reach and that act as a 'hub' for people to connect with each other on. Look for a local club in your area or check out https://repeaterbook.com/ for repeaters in your area. Or you can rely on simplex and keep a pair or radios handy or make sure friends or family have a HT in their homes ready to go as well.
Nov 13, 2022 at 2:48pmWeb
Show threadJeffNov 13, 2022

@bcrypt If you want to talk with other people in your family who aren't licensed, look into getting a GMRS license. It costs $95 a year for your license however it covers you and your immediate family so all of you can use the same call sign and have the reach of a 440 amateur radio hand held.

https://www.fcc.gov/wireless/bureau-divisions/mobility-division/general-mobile-radio-service-gmrs

General Mobile Radio Service (GMRS)

AboutRule Part47 C.F.R, Part 95 Subpart ERadio Service Code(s)ZA - GMRS

Show threadJeffNov 13, 2022

@bcrypt Let me fix a mistake I made - the GMRS license cost is now $35 and the license is good for ten years before you need to renew it. The GMRS channels share some frequencies with FRS radios but they are higher powered. Another option is MURS which operate in the 150-154MHz range. It's license-free but it's harder to find radios that are type-accepted for the service.

https://www.fcc.gov/wireless/bureau-divisions/mobility-division/multi-use-radio-service-murs

Multi-Use Radio Service (MURS)

About Rule Part 47 C.F.R, Part 95