HAM radios for survival?

DPKnives said:
My wife has the vx5r (great little radio) I bought it for myself and told her if she got her tech I would give it to her. she did it she got her tech and the vx5 then I had to get a vx7r for myself. Doug
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That's not a bad deal...any compatibility issues between the two...software, etc.? I was thinking on a VX7R or waiting for the 8 model that is supposed to come out.

ROCK6
 
I definitely want to get into this. I can see all kinds of uses. I just know that the eqpt would kick this poor college kid's arse...
 
The equipment is not bad, you pick up a single band hand held for about $50 ... of course if you want to go off the deep end you can spend several thousand on one radio (not recommended for starting out though). Of course the same can be said of collecting knives too :).
 
Hey rock6 not yet I have a program for each of them and they work well. I bought the programing cable for the vx7 and the vx7 has a screw in mic plug and I was still able to use it with the vx5. in fact when i got the cable I could not get it working with the 7 so i tried it with the 5 and it worked so I was happy. Doug
 
I've got one and am in the process of obtaining a license (done all the reading etc) and just need to find the time to take a road trip to take the exam. Easier said than done seeing as it's about 80 - 100 miles one way.
 
My dad was way into HAM in the early 80's before he passed away. He had tons of equipment and used to talk to people all over the US. Seems there were more than just three levels back then? but this was 30yrs ago. I remember the first level you could only use morse code - no voice communication!

If you think about it - HAM was the internet before the internet in terms of long distance social interaction. Imagine how much better off we would all be if using the internet required some minimal level of licensing :)
 
I'm glad this thread got brought back out.

I've been a ham since the mid 90's, spent 11 years as EC of our County EmComm group. We mostly used 2M and 70cM, but also got heavily involved in some of the digital modes as well, APRS (Automatic Positioning Reporting System) and Winlink. Our area has quite a lot of mountians in the area which kills VHF/UHF in low lying areas, but by setting up portable repeaters, we were able to work around that on some of the public service events we helped out with. IMO ham radio is one of the best survival tools one can have.

The wife and I both have Yeasu FT-60 handhelds with better after market antennas. I have a Kenwood D-700 mobile radio in the truck and on the desk at home.
 
bacpacker said:
I'm glad this thread got brought back out.

I've been a ham since the mid 90's, spent 11 years as EC of our County EmComm group. We mostly used 2M and 70cM, but also got heavily involved in some of the digital modes as well, APRS (Automatic Positioning Reporting System) and Winlink. Our area has quite a lot of mountians in the area which kills VHF/UHF in low lying areas, but by setting up portable repeaters, we were able to work around that on some of the public service events we helped out with. IMO ham radio is one of the best survival tools one can have.

The wife and I both have Yeasu FT-60 handhelds with better after market antennas. I have a Kenwood D-700 mobile radio in the truck and on the desk at home.
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In your opinion, how does one of the newer HT's like a Yaesu VX8-DR compare in terms of Tx/Rx strength? IIRC, the VX8 is a four-band radio? and i don't know if your FT-60's are.....

My neighbor is a HAM with what is now a "General" license. I'm certain he has the highest rating as he's been involved for *decades* and knows more about commo than anyone i've ever met. When i expressed interest in HAM he was pretty stoked to have someone interested in commo. However, i'm super busy with work so i don't have the time to put into studying for my license, but i can't imagine a more informed Elmer...
 
fmajor007 said:
In your opinion, how does one of the newer HT's like a Yaesu VX8-DR compare in terms of Tx/Rx strength? IIRC, the VX8 is a four-band radio? and i don't know if your FT-60's are.....

My neighbor is a HAM with what is now a "General" license. I'm certain he has the highest rating as he's been involved for *decades* and knows more about commo than anyone i've ever met. When i expressed interest in HAM he was pretty stoked to have someone interested in commo. However, i'm super busy with work so i don't have the time to put into studying for my license, but i can't imagine a more informed Elmer...
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Some of the folks in our EmComm group got the VX-8 and are very happy with them. They are loaded with features and to my knowledge have no issues. THey work on 6m, 2m, 23cm, 70cm bands. They also work in the digital mode APRS and have a accesory that adds GPS feature for using with APRS. I'm sure you can find them cheaper, but it looks like they run around $500. I think they also are somewhat water proof.

My FT-60 only does 2m & 70cm and no APRS features. They are solid radios and can be had for $150 or so. It really only depends on what all you want to use it for and what your willing to pay.

Having a good Elmer is a great thing. I had/have two and they have saved me lots of time and money over the years, as well as, making learning fun. Good luck with the test.
 
As an Emergency Management type, and a Wilderness SAR volunteer I'm a big advocate for HAM Radio!!
Carry a VX-7R, and have an 8800 in the truck.

I'm just a Tech (KC7NDJ), but have enough Extra's on our volunteer EOC Staff to be able to offer the exams locally.
Also installing 8800's in Fire Stations, Schools and Community Centers as backup comms for emergencies/disasters.

HAM Radio is a huge part of our preparedness efforts; even our Sheriff got his Tech license!

Cheers,
8
 
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