Intro to CB and HAM radio

*Article shamelessly pilfered from hamradioprep.com and moonrakeronline.com*

Recent disasters have proven that we can’t rely on the internet and phones to communicate during emergencies. These technologies rely on data and the electrical grid, which can falter in survival situations. Organisations like the Red Cross and REMA help save lives. But you shouldn’t depend on emergency relief to come to rescue you.

As a survival prepper, you know the importance of staying prepared in any natural disaster, and one of the most critical tools at your disposal is the ham radio.

This beginner’s guide to survival for preppers explains everything about this technology. We’ll explain why you should use a ham radio, how to become a ham operator, and tips for choosing the best amateur radio.

## Different Types Of Radio

The two most popular radio services in the United States are the Citizens Band (CB) Radio Service and the Amateur Radio Service. There are significant differences between the two services, and knowing these differences will help you choose the one that’s right for you.

### What is CB Radio

The Citizens Band Radio Service (CBRS) is a private, two-way, short-distance voice communications service for personal or business use. Citizens Band users can operate on 40 channels between 26.965 MHz and 27.405 MHz, with a maximum output power of 4 W. Under most conditions, you can expect a range of 1-5 miles. Licenses are no longer required to operate a Citizens Band station, and the FCC does not renew formerly issued CB Radio Service licenses.

People get into CB radio because they don’t have to take an exam and get a license, the equipment is inexpensive, and it can be very useful in some situations. The low power output and limited frequency range can, however, be quite limiting. If these are limiting factors for you, then you should consider getting an amateur radio license.

### Amateur Radio (aka Ham Radio)

If you’re really interested in pursuing radio as a hobby, and want to learn about the technology as well as use it, then the Amateur Radio Service is for you. The advantages of the amateur radio service include:

* Amateur radio operators can use frequency bands from “DC to daylight.” The lowest frequency band available to amateur radio operators is the 2200 m band, which stretches from 135.7-137.8 kHz. At the high end of the radio spectrum, amateur radio operators are allowed to transmit on frequencies above 275 GHz. This allows amateur radio operators to choose the appropriate frequencies for nearly any communication requirement.
* Amateur radio operators are allowed to use much higher output power. Amateur radio stations can have up to 1,500 W of output power. This flexibility, coupled with the ability to choose different frequency bands, allows amateur radio operators to communicate with other amateurs locally or around the world.
* Amateur radio operators are encouraged to experiment with their radio equipment, unlike users in the other personal radio services. Instead of having to use only radio equipment certificated by the FCC, radio amateurs are allowed to build their own gear and experiment with new communications methods. A good example of this is digital communications. Amateur radio operators have been experimenting with digital techniques that allow communications even when signals are so weak that they humans can’t hear them. So, if you like to tinker and experiment with your equipment, amateur radio is the right choice for you.
* Amateur radio antennas allow long-distance communication without cell towers or internet.

Of course, all of this does come at some cost. Unlike the other radio services, which do not require a license, or do not require a test to be licensed, to obtain an amateur radio license, one must take a test. And, to get all amateur privileges, one must take three different tests—the Technician Class test, the General Class test, and the Amateur Extra Class test. The FCC charges $35 for your initial 10-year license, but there is no FCC charge if you upgrade your license, such as from Technician to General.

Getting started in amateur radio is not that difficult. To get a Technician Class license, you must pass a 35-question, multiple-choice test. And, there are plenty of online resources, like HamRadioPrep, to help you study for your test.

### Can ham radio be used as a CB radio?

Generally, the answer is no. CB radios come out-of-the-box with a specific product certifications, and you are not permitted to modify the power output or any internal components of the radio. If a licensed amateur radio operator wanted to speak on a CB frequency range, the operator would need to use a CB radio.

That said, amateur radio can be used in many applications where people currently use CB radios. For example, some road rally organizers use CB radios to communicate during a rally. Amateur radio could also be used for this type of communication, and has the advantage of greater range, but you need to be licensed to use a ham radio in this situation.

### What about other personal radio services?

CB Radio and amateur radio are not the only two person radio services available! Two additional radio services you might consider are:

* General Mobile Radio Service (GMRS)
* Family Radio Service (FRS)

#### General Mobile Radio Service (GMRS)

A similar service is the General Mobile Radio Service (GMRS). The General Mobile Radio Service uses 30 channels at 462 MHz and 467 MHz for short-distance, two-way voice communications and data messaging. In addition to using a different frequency range, GMRS users can set up repeater systems to extend the range of their handheld and mobile radios. With a repeater system, you can achieve a range of 25 miles or more. Power outputs on GMRS channels vary by frequency and are set at 0.5, 5 and 50 watts maximum. Licenses are required to operate a GMRS system, but there is no examination. Anyone in your immediate family may operate under your GMRS license, too. The fee for a GMRS license is $35 for 10 years.

#### Family Radio Service (FRS)

The Family Radio Service (FRS) is a service for individuals as well as businesses. A license is not required to operate an FRS radio, and the service operates on 22 channels also used by GMRS, but the radios are limited to 2 watts output power on 462-MHz channels and 0.5 watts on 467-MHz channels. Also, the radios cannot have a detachable antenna. As you can imagine, with these technical limitations, the range of FRS radios is limited and a maximum range of 1 mile is common.

The FCC rules for the Citizens Band Radio Service, General Mobile Radio Service, and Family Radio Service are located in 47 C.F.R. Part 95. If your communications needs are modest, and being able to talk to friends and family locally are all you’re after, then one of these services could be right for you.

## Why Should You Use a Ham Radio for Prepping?

Technology has been commonplace over the last few decades, but many young adults don’t even know how to operate a handheld radio. Here’s why you need a ham radio as a prepper.

### Communication Channels Down

You never know when the next catastrophic disaster will come. There’s a good chance that another natural disaster will occur again during your lifetime. Stockpiling food, essential supplies, and ammunition isn’t enough.

During emergencies, cell phones and landlines won’t be operable. For example, consider the devastating hurricane that hit Puerto Rico in 2017. The natural disaster knocked out the country’s communications, affecting thousands reliant on modern technology.

Ham radios would have provided much-needed communication in this situation. They will still be effective since they don’t depend on wires. Instead, the radio has antennas that broadcast into the airwaves to communicate, allowing you to contact the local emergency services or another ham operator.

It’s not just natural disasters that affect communication channels either. In 2020, the UK police shut down 10% of the phone lines to stop drug dealing. Whether it’s the government or natural disasters, having access to communication when landlines go down is critical.

### More Versatility Than Other Alternative Communication Methods

In the US many preppers use CB family radio service (FRS) devices or GMRS radios.  In the UK, Europe and the rest of the world most preppers use standard CB radios or other communication services.  However, these devices are low powered and the range of communication is limited.  Ham radios are much more versatile in their communication

Ham radio’s can access numereous frequencies and radio bands, making them flexible and responsive. For example, utilising HF frequencies lets people send messages across the country or even to other countries

### Joining a Community

There is a worldwide community of ham radio operators, there may not be another in your local community, but when power is out, the ham radio allows you to receive emergency alerts and communicate with the world.

In the UK, as a prepper you will be receiving information from the Met Office, UK’s national weather service, on your normal FM radio.  Their channel means you can still disseminate information throughout the ham community.

You also can be an active participant in the ham radio community and maybe educate them on prepping.  Or teach other preppers how to use ham radio.  It’s good to teach others and it's good fun to use ham radio.  It's just another tool you can use to organise and keep your neighbours close, especially when everyone has separated.

## Pros and Cons of Ham Radio

You never know when local emergencies or disasters will strike. Uncertain times make ham radios incredibly important, especially in extenuating circumstances. Here are the pros and cons of ham radio.

### Pros

* **Communication Without Internet and Landlines** - All that’s needed to use a ham radio is a radio (also called a transceiver), battery, and appropriate antenna. The simple setup is handy during natural disasters, power outages, camping trips, or emergencies.
* **Power Efficiency** - Many popular handheld ham radios use rechargeable batteries and only need 5 to 8 watts to operate.
* **Portability** - A mobile or handheld ham radio can be carried around wherever you go, not limiting you to stay within any single location.
* **Ease of Use** - While using a ham radio is a technical endeavour, it’s not too difficult to learn, especially with some training and studying.
* **Affordability** - Ham radios are budget-friendly devices. You can find many functional ham radios for less than £500.  An entry level handheld will cost you less than £100.

### Cons

* **Limited to Ham Radio Community** - Users only can communicate with other users who have a ham radio. There’s no way to communicate with people who don’t have one.
* **Possible Disruptions** - Unfortunately, terrain and weather conditions can affect the ham radio signal since it operates on radio frequency raves.

## How to Choose a Suitable Ham Radio for Survival

Now you’re ready to purchase a ham radio for survival. We’ve compiled a few vital factors to consider when choosing a suitable ham radio for emergencies.

### Coverage

During survival scenarios, range and coverage are key factors to consider. First, ensure that your radio has both UHF and VHF frequencies.

You'll have to spend a little more if you’re serious and want HF frequencies. However, there’s more to it than just frequencies. You’ll want the maximum power output and antenna to extend your range. Keep in mind that you can buy an antenna separately to boost the range of your radio.

### Battery Life

Battery life is an essential consideration in choosing the right emergency radio. Many ham radios have at least 20 hours of battery life on a single charge, while some can have 32. It’s worth looking for other ways to charge your radio.

### Multiple Power Sources

Having battery-powered radios is imperative. As long as you have a storage of batteries, your radio won’t die on you during crucial moments. However, consider ham radios that accept power from external sources like an AC adapter or a manual charger.

Getting a high-tech radio with advanced features means it’ll draw more power. If you’ve got these nifty radios, you still need to ensure you’re aware of alerts.

### Extra Features

Some of the best ham radios offer handy features to make your life easier. Some come with onboard battery packs to charge other gadgets like your phone and tablet. It may seem overkill, but it can be helpful, especially if you want to calm your children as you weather the emergency.

Other features include solar panels for extra charging, flashlights, rugged exteriors for protection, programmable stations, and even built-in speakers.

### Memory Slots

Sometimes local communication can disrupt the messages that you’re sending. Having a lot of memory slots allows you to store frequencies and channels. It is instrumental if you are looking for international communication.

Having 12 memory slots is sufficient for local messaging, but international communication should have over 100 memory slots.

### Backlit Display

In most emergency cases, the power will be out. That can make it difficult to operate your radio in the dark. A backlit display allows you to use your ham radio even in poorly lit conditions. Also, the backlight should be able to turn off when not in use to conserve battery power.

### Meets Safety Standards

Many ham radios should meet technical standards, such as the capability to receive area-specific alerts. Some even allow vibration signals for visually impaired individuals or light flashing for hard-of-hearing people.

### Additional Equipment for Ham Radio

Ham radios are powerful devices that let you communicate effectively during times of crisis. However, you can supercharge your radio by hooking it up with the right equipment that improves its transmission and reception capabilities and extends its range.

### Microphones

While most ham radios come with microphones, sometimes you’ll want to upgrade for better quality microphones. There’s nothing worse than the receiver who can’t understand your message from a poor-quality mic.

Some operators prefer a headset that combines the headphones with a microphone positioned in front of the user’s mouth. High-quality mics and built-in frequency adjusters can work effectively even with loud noises.

### Morse Code Keys

If you ever need to send morse codes through the airwaves, you’ll need a morse key for sending the code. Sending morse code is highly useful when sending secretive messages, especially when there is imminent danger. Some keys allow you to store commonly sent messages, such as a call sign.

### Antenna and Antenna Support

The type of antenna will determine your range. The home-based antennas with HF capability can be very large and run 33 feet high or more.

Make sure you have a stable feedline connecting the antenna to the transceiver. The setup ensures you don’t have a loss of transmitter output or received signals.

There are many options for antenna support. You could use tripods, or fixed mounts onto a roof, or you could use metal masts. These masts can stand up well, especially in windy conditions.

## Australian CB Channels

Below is information from the Australian UHF channel chart you can refer to so you know which channel you should leave your CB radio on by default for general use:

* **Channel 18** for caravan owners/campers: If you own a 4×4 off-road camping truck or caravan, this is how people will find you in case something falls off the side of your camper along the way. This channel is for general use for off-road adventurers.
* **Channel 10** for 4WD clubs or convoys: This is the default general use channel, except if your club chooses to use a different channel. It is also commonly referred to as the national parks channel. Chat to other travellers and meet up to discuss your travels at a local caravan park in town.
* **Channel 40** commonly used by truck or oversized vehicle drivers: This channel is Australia's main road safety resource.

If you need to contact another camper or caravan owner, or a truck or 4WD driver, you can switch to the above channels (18, 10 and 40) as these are all shared channels and accessible to everyone.

That being said, there are other CB radio channels you can switch to for specific public information.

* **Channel 5** (or 35 – a repeater output channel) for emergencies only: In case you or someone in your convoy is hurt or injured and there are no other means of communication, channel 5 is the one you should use to get assistance. Both channels 5 and 35 are legislated by the Australian government and are reserved exclusively for emergency use. Any misuse, once proven, can lead to prosecution or substantial penalties.
* **Channel 29** is the road safety channel for Pacific Highway and Pacific Motorway: You can use this road safety channel if you want information on traffic or sudden closures or detours on these main roads.
* **Channel 11** to locate friends: In case you lose communication with a friend on a different channel, you can try finding them by using this call channel before moving to another channel.
* General use channels: If you have a camper convoy with your friends, you can agree to switch on most channels for general use. For the general band, you can choose from channels 9, 12 to 17, 19 to 21, 24 to 30, and 39. If your radios have extended bands, you can select from channels 50 to 60, 64 to 70, and 79 to 80.

### Legally restricted UHF channels

The channels below are legislated as a part of the Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA) UHF CB Class Licence. Any misuse or abuse of these channels is subject to penalties.

* **Channels 5 and 35** are reserved for emergency use.
* **Channel 11**, the designated ‘call channel’, is meant only for initiating calls but not for discussions or conversations.
* **Channels 22 and 23** are allocated exclusively for telemetry and telecommand use or automated data communications.
* **Channels 61, 62 and 63** are reserved for future allocation, so voice transmissions are not allowed.

The sophisticated technology available today makes it easy to triangulate the location of any UHF radio user found to be abusing or misusing these channels. Therefore, it makes sense to stay off these frequencies - especially cb emergency channels when not in an emergency.

### General Emergency Frequencies

There are lots of emergency frequencies out there, some of which will be listed below. In this section, I’m going to try and cover some of the more important frequencies that are used for emergency communications on an international basis. While some won’t apply to you, they may still be useful to have at some time, as they are frequencies that are constantly monitored.

* 2182 kHz – International maritime distress frequency for radio telephony
* 4340 kHz – NATO combined submarine distress
* 8364 kHz – Survival craft
* 34.90 MHz – Often used by the National Guard for emergency purposes
* 39.46 MHz – State and local police forces for inter-departmental emergency communications
* 47.42 MHz – Red Cross relief operations
* 121.5 MHz – International aeronautical emergency frequency
* 138.225 MHz – FEMA disaster relief operations
* 151.940 MHz – Emergency channel used by preppers
* 154.52 MHz – Local fire departments for inter-department emergency communications
* 155.60 MHz – State and local agencies for inter-department emergency communications
* 156.050 MHz – Port operations
* 156.700 MHz – Port operations
* 156.75 MHz – International news channel that broadcasts maritime weather
* 156.80 MHz (VHF Channel 16) – Global emergency radio transmissions
* 156.85 MHz – International maritime distress, calling and safety frequency
* 163.4875 – Another frequency often used by the National Guard for emergency operations
* 157.125 MHz – US Government only
* 157.150 MHz – US Coast Guard
* 243.0 MHz – NATO combined distress and emergency frequency
* 406.0 – Emergency position indicating locator beacon (EPIRB)

## UHF CB radio etiquette

Using a UHF CB radio can be fun and exciting. However, just as there is caravan park etiquette to be observed, there are also rules to follow to ensure the trouble-free use of your radio. When using a CB radio, remember:

* Aside from keeping off legislated or legally restricted channels 22, 23, 61, 62 and 63, you can only use channel 5 (or 35) and 11 when it is absolutely necessary.
* If you’re using call channel 11 to locate a friend from your convoy, once you have established communication, you are expected to move to a different channel to continue your conversation. This way, the channel is freed up for other parties who need to use it. Short-distance one-on-one conversations should be continued on any available general-purpose channel.
* Note that all communications on public channels can be heard by any user (or a repeater you are using) within range, so they can also join in. However, UHF CB radio users are generally well-behaved and observe proper etiquette.
* If you know that the channel you are using is already being used (especially by locals in the area), show your courtesy by moving to another frequency.
* There may be instances when you encounter trolls and new users who don’t know yet how to behave. In such cases, just avoid trolls (which are rare) and politely inform newbies about radio etiquette, so they know better.