This is great info. I live in southern Appalachia and recently survived the horrific impact of Helene. I didn't have power for 10 days, and for about half of that time there was no cell service or internet. Just my regular little Grundig radio with multiple bands was my lifeline to what was going on, what roads were impassable, etc.
So now I want to explore this and get going on learning how I can use radio in the future.
Brilliant article ... I am so pleased to see this. We are in the process of setting up exactly this for our very remote and isolated community. Because we are on farms, spaced a considerable distance from each other, with hills and forests between, and no relay towers we're embracing old tech and long anateas, but we're doing exactly what you are suggesting. I am looking forward to reading your follow up article on this subject. Fantastic.
Great article, thank you. This ist something I will definitely Look into. I assume you could use the radio with rechargeable batteries (that can be charged with a small Solar panel like e.g. the Bigblue 28 W)?
I didn't want to feed my tech addiction with more stuff, but your pitch for these radios is making my inner 10 year old push the buy button. Would be great to start a co-op order so we don't have to feed the beast and our feudal masters at notamazing
They have channels they like to use ... we can even hear them down here in Australia ... they are hilarious to listen in on. Real window into insanity. But their is plenty of band to ignore them too.
As in build a network of people over radio? Sure. You might even spend the time online now to find them and how you can reach various groups on radio. That’s a great way to use this technology.
So obviously the best thing is to have multiple radios distributed among people in your network, but it sounds like the UV-5R is also very useful stand-alone?
This is great info. I live in southern Appalachia and recently survived the horrific impact of Helene. I didn't have power for 10 days, and for about half of that time there was no cell service or internet. Just my regular little Grundig radio with multiple bands was my lifeline to what was going on, what roads were impassable, etc.
So now I want to explore this and get going on learning how I can use radio in the future.
Thank you!
Brilliant article ... I am so pleased to see this. We are in the process of setting up exactly this for our very remote and isolated community. Because we are on farms, spaced a considerable distance from each other, with hills and forests between, and no relay towers we're embracing old tech and long anateas, but we're doing exactly what you are suggesting. I am looking forward to reading your follow up article on this subject. Fantastic.
You sold me! I have had idle thoughts about radio comms before but hadn't researched yet. This was an invaluable introduction.
Great article, thank you. This ist something I will definitely Look into. I assume you could use the radio with rechargeable batteries (that can be charged with a small Solar panel like e.g. the Bigblue 28 W)?
Yes, it plugs into the wall to charge. It's a good idea to have some extra backup batteries too. Good thought re charging it with a solar panel.
I didn't want to feed my tech addiction with more stuff, but your pitch for these radios is making my inner 10 year old push the buy button. Would be great to start a co-op order so we don't have to feed the beast and our feudal masters at notamazing
Or check EBay or local pawn shops, yard sales to buy something used. Could even just get an older Ham radio.
This is a part of my emergency preparedness plan I was missing. A very informative, well-written, empowering piece, Justin. Thank you!
I have to say though that I am absolutely amazed that we have handheld Hamm radios. We are going to discuss this at tomorrow’s local meeting.
Why does this post seem like an ad for the Baofeng UV5R?
lol, I honestly had the same thought. I’m a budget guy, so I use it and know it. If I knew more, I’d probably talk about other radios too.
It’s very cool! Do you find yourself talking with militarized preppers on ham a lot
They have channels they like to use ... we can even hear them down here in Australia ... they are hilarious to listen in on. Real window into insanity. But their is plenty of band to ignore them too.
Thanks Margi. Unfortunately here in the US it’s not hilarious anymore…
That was a careless comment, on my part, Musclemonk. I appologise. They are not funny anywhere.
Hugs and understanding here :)
Hi Justin,
Can I just check - does this advice apply to outside of the US, as I'm in the UK
Yes, radio is used all over the world. Local laws will apply to legal operations of course.
Can you build a digital network over it?
As in build a network of people over radio? Sure. You might even spend the time online now to find them and how you can reach various groups on radio. That’s a great way to use this technology.
So obviously the best thing is to have multiple radios distributed among people in your network, but it sounds like the UV-5R is also very useful stand-alone?
Yes, even by itself you can listen to NOAA and other emergency broadcasts. Could signal to people as well.
Plus you can learn how it works. If you get the HAM license, you can talk to people randomly too.