digital radio for emergencies

[Telyron]

Hello, I would like to know if there is a digital radio out there I could use without an ham radio license in case of emergencies, I know that DMR requires to transmit a DMR ID and if I don't have it I can't practically transmit even in a emergency situation cause the transceiver doesn't allow me to.
Any suggestion?

 

[belvdr]

Define what you're trying to do first, and if needed, get a license. Why restrict yourself to digital? There's no advantage.

Many folks want a radio "for emergencies" but not many have stopped to think about who they would need to talk to or who would even answer in those situations. For the majority, a mobile phone or a satellite phone would be better.

 

[jwt873]

Are you looking to use an amateur DMR repeater, or a network of repeaters (such as DMR-MARC or Brandmeister)?

If so, then you'll need a valid amateur call sign to register. No way around it.

 

[mmckenna]

Hello, I would like to know if there is a digital radio out there I could use without an ham radio license in case of emergencies,
…..
Any suggestion?

For emergencies, this is what you want.

Amazon.com

Relying on hobbyists in an emergency isn't a responsible plan.

 

[vagrant]

Or this Garmin inReach device for a little bit more $ with longer battery life and other built-in features.

* You will also need a Garmin inReach subscriber plan for whatever device you choose. I have their annual plan and my plan type is consumer: safety and I am billed around $12 each month. I travel where cellular coverage is not available, so this device works for me. Also, I have my amateur radio license, but as mmckenna noted above, relying on hobbyists is not a responsible plan. Anyways, with the Garmin device/plan you can send/receive text messages for non emergency stuff as well. I think I get 10 messages each month and additional texts are $0.10 each for sending and receiving, which is not going to break the bank if I needed to really send/receive a bunch of messages.

These devices utilize the Iridium satellites overhead. If you are situated down in a valley/ravine a VHF/UHF radio TX/RX signal will definitely have trouble...if a hobbyist is listening...if willing to help...if capable.

Additionally, these devices are easy for anyone to use in an emergency. Simply press and hold down the button until it activates. Then just keep the device with a clear view of the sky. I show my amateur radio buddies how to use it, because I don't need them fiddling around with a damn radio trying to call for help when professionals are needed.

 

[mmckenna]

I show my amateur radio buddies how to use it, because I don't need them fiddling around with a damn radio trying to call for help when professionals are needed.

Well said. That's why I carry mine when working at remote sites. When it's needed, I need professionals to respond, not someone who passed a multiple choice test.

 

[natedawg1604]

Why don't you just get a ham license? It's really easy, for just the technician level.

 

[belvdr]

Why don't you just get a ham license? It's really easy, for just the technician level.

And when all else fails, you can try to make a QSO. lol

 

[ka3aaa]

ham radio saved the day when i took my radios along on a fishing trip in a 16 foot run about when we sheared a prop pin and needed towed in several miles off Delaware shoreline.

 

[AK9R]

Folks, let's stay focused on the OP's question.

 

[jeepsandradios]

So back to the OPS question. The only digital license free radio I know of is the Motorola DTR series. They operate on 900mhz and can talk radio to radio. If your looking for a radio to talk to someone not with another radio then no. Nothing you can do without a license.

 

[popnokick]

So back to the OPS question. The only digital license free radio I know of is the Motorola DTR series. They operate on 900mhz and can talk radio to radio. If your looking for a radio to talk to someone not with another radio then no. Nothing you can do without a license.

You’ll also find Moto license-free radios as “DLR” and the newest models are “Curve”. What kind of “emergency” is being asked about? These radios may not be appropriate.

 

[ko6jw_2]

Of course you have to have a license no matter what mode you use. Despite the hype from certain manufacturers and distributors, very few hams have digital capabilities. The question is: Why would you want to use a mode that the majority of operators can't receive? As a ARES emergency coordinator we do not use digital modes for emergency communication. I am the trustee of a Yeasu Fusion repeater. I am not anti-digital, but the reality is that most of the traffic on the repeater is analog.

I agree with others above that ham radio is not for emergencies. In spite of what they would like believe, hams are not trained for emergency communication. That is assuming you can even get a response.

Get an In-Reach or similar device if you really want emergency help.

 

[a417]

This vaguely smacks of a SHTF comms post.

 

[MUTNAV]

It might help if the original poster described what an emergency to them consists of, and to whom they want to talk to.

Thanks
Joel

 

[belvdr]

It might help if the original poster described what an emergency to them consists of, and to whom they want to talk to.

Thanks
Joel

I had asked that in post #2.

 

[MUTNAV]

I had asked that in post #2.

I knew I heard it somewhere...

Thanks
Joel

 

[601]

For SHTF communication, simple is better. Analog, no PL, just a basic radio is the way to go. But as others said, who do you want to talk to? Where I lived before, I had established a local simplex communication network between houses in my neighborhood, and MURS fit the bill perfectly. We used it when hurricane Sandy hit and we're without power for 2 weeks, alkaline and plenty of extra batteries kept us in touch if anyone needed anything, as cellular was spotty at best.

Before you buy a radio, establish who is going to be at the other end. Then you can decide what is really needed. CB could be your best bet to start.

 

[MUTNAV]

For SHTF communication, simple is better. Analog, no PL, just a basic radio is the way to go. But as others said, who do you want to talk to? Where I lived before, I had established a local simplex communication network between houses in my neighborhood, and MURS fit the bill perfectly. We used it when hurricane Sandy hit and we're without power for 2 weeks, alkaline and plenty of extra batteries kept us in touch if anyone needed anything, as cellular was spotty at best.

Before you buy a radio, establish who is going to be at the other end. Then you can decide what is really needed. CB could be your best bet to start.

It would kind of depend on the emergency also. Does the poster want to know how to contact a brother in a neighboring state, or another town to find out if they can take his family in? or let his neighbors know he's out of gas, or rolled a jeep down a hill.

(or facetiously, a wardrobe emergency, a fiances wedding dress strap breaking and with cell phones being down and the maid of honor being out of communications range).

What constitutes an emergency is really subjective.

Years ago I read about a person crossing the ocean in a row boat that hesitated to call for help after flipping end over end and getting bones broken, since she realized she undertook the journey willingly and it would put others at risk to help.

Thanks
Joel