2 way radio

Celticwarrior · #11 (**permalink**) 02-07-2010

I think that is a good point. While using various radios and bands (even those 15 mile range walkies by the way are FCC regulated and require you to get them registered or you can be fined) are currently restricted by laws, when the SHTF all of that is out the window anyway. Having a ham set, even a basic unit, and a CB set are important to long term survival. Get them now, when you can, and learn as much as you can about their ranges, what items you need to use them (mikes, power sources, antennas, etc.), and how to operate them properly. Even if you never use them until 'the Day', at least you will have them. Mobile units for the car and even personal units you can carry around wirelessly are available too. Check Radio Shack or local Ham and CB stores or even clubs in the Yellow Pages, or look around for swap meets. You can get some great equipment for pretty low prices.

Who knows, once you have the equipment and have done some homework on it, you might want to get your no-code Amateur license? It happens!

Slade N. Illinois · #12 (**permalink**) 02-07-2010

So, if those who use the Ham, CB and 2 way come up with the numbers, we should all right them down and keep them with our radios.

Celticwarrior · #13 (**permalink**) 02-07-2010

2 ways run on specific channel freqs that are usually held just for the company making that unit. So for all of us to be on the same 2 way channel, we'd all need to have the same units (model number) by the same company (Cobra, Motorola, etc.).

Otherwise, for the CB and Ham, I completely agree. Set up a main and an alternate channel or band for each and maybe even decide the times of day when check-ins would happen. That should give us all a little piece of mind if something were to happen, we could still check up on our ST "family" members. Relaying information back and forth could be useful in that case too, letting people know what the conditions are around the country. It's also possible that members could check up on our friends or family members who may live nearby. Much as I would love it if everyone I knew lived next door to me, I know there are people out there that are simply too far away to make it here in a disaster, so having someone out there able to check on them would be very nice.

crashdive123 · #14 (**permalink**) 02-07-2010

Quote:

Originally Posted by Celticwarrior

2 ways run on specific channel freqs that are usually held just for the company making that unit. So for all of us to be on the same 2 way channel, we'd all need to have the same units (model number) by the same company (Cobra, Motorola, etc.).

I'm not sure I understand what you are referring to. If it's a FRS or GRMS radio the channels are pre set and universal. While you can enter privacy codes to prevent those without the same code entered from hearing your conversation, any model that covers that frequency range with the same privacy code can communicate - regardless of model. For other models where a particular frequency can be dialed in - as long as another unit is on that frequency it will work.

Celticwarrior · #15 (**permalink**) 02-07-2010

The models I was talking about are the inexpensive units you see in most electronic and camping stores, which have preset channels, but they are not universal. They are often a narrow range that that manufacturer uses for a specific series. The best models are made for professional or corporate use and have more channel options and frequencies that are common to many radios of the same caliber. Most of the cheap hunter models are not adjustable like that. I have owned a few of those types and they couldn't even talk to other models from the same company, or only shared one channel in common. Crossing between one company's model and anothers was impossible.

I switched over to the type you are referring to a couple of years ago when a company I was working with changed over all their Motorola units and I got several plus chargers for almost nothing. They just needed new batteries. These are the high-end units used by law enforcement, construction companies and other groups and have a manual frequency adjustment throughout a large range. I've traveled around wearing the unit on scan and heard retail store employees, construction workers and other folks using their own radios with no problem. It's a case of buyer beware. The cheap walkies you find at Cabela's and such may be great for your own small group, but might not have the ability to talk with others who don't share that equipment. Spend the money and get the better radios. It's worth it in the long run.

northernbc · #16 (**permalink**) 02-07-2010

my bed would be made and unused at c.w's it would be sad i am to far away.

snowshoe67 · #17 (**permalink**) 02-07-2010

I use a Cobra C.B ,my handle is "snowshoe"

Unswydd · #18 (**permalink**) 02-07-2010

Quote:

Originally Posted by snowshoe67

I use a Cobra C.B ,my handle is "snowshoe"

No S#@T ! LOL Kinda would have figured that. LOL

Punisher · #19 (**permalink**) 02-08-2010

I bought a pair of Cobra 22 mile FRS radios last year. I bought these for my wife and I and also for my job. There great to have and there a good piece of mind.