What's the best "prepper" emergency radio??

[krokus]

It does not cover CB, so keep that in mind. It is a copy of a Yaesu FT-8900, but of unknown quality.

I noticed that the antenna connection looks like an N connector, not the more common UHF, aka SO-239. So appropriate connections would be necessary for that, along with a band separator, to connect to the different antennas. (One antenna is not going to do the job, unless there is a discone design that covers transmitting on all four bands.)

 

[NSprepper]

I had a feeling it was not as good as it looked, as are alot of things on that website.

 

[jonwienke]

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00I53VUEY/

 

[NSprepper]

Interesting

 

[mmckenna]

Something I'll add about those radios....

If you really are into the prepping thing, then you really should consider having separate radios. Having all your "eggs in one basket" isn't always the best choice. Not only does it limit what you can do, it also gives you one point of failure.

While those 4 band radios are nice, pay close attention to where they work on the 10 meter band and what permissions you'd have as a new ham in Canada. Here in the US the Tech portion of the 10 meter band only permits CW and SSB, so new tech licensees can't use the 10 meter portion with their license.

Before buying an amateur radio, make sure you have a clear understanding of what is used in your area. While Halifax is a big city, there isn't any point in sinking money into a VHF/UHF radio like this if there isn't anyone else to talk to.

I'd recommend a single band VHF/2 meter radio, or maybe a dual band 2 meter/70 centimeter radio. If you want to add more bands later, there are a lot of good HF radios that will cover all the HF bands, including 10 meters and 6 meters and give you a lot more options.

Unless you have a big budget, take some time to consider all your options. Don't be too quick to sink your entire budget into a single radio.

Check with the local amateur radio club and see what they have to say. Do take what they say with a grain of salt. Sometimes local clubs are into some very specific aspects of the hobby and will naturally want to steer you in their direction. Get input from many sources before spending the money.

 

[robertmac]

Wow, you guys are a wealth of knowledge, thanks!

I've decided to sell my old CB base and handheld, and invest in a more modern more reliable mobile unit, and a good antenna.

I have e also been looking at these on alibaba, they seem pretty high powered, what do you think of these units?
What kind of antenna do I need to cover all these frequencies?

Others have filled you in but I will add.It may be OK with the proper amateur radio license to use them. As they are the CCR knock offs, programming can be a pain. If you get your amateur radio license talk with people in your area to see what they would recommend. In general you get what you pay. If you look under Budget radios you will see all kinds of problems with these CCR. In general, even though the big three companies can have problems, they tend to be less of a problem and much easier to program manually or using software. Some people like Larsen attennas. Again, attend an amateur radio club meeting in your area and see what these people are using.

 

[NSprepper]

Thanks for your suggestions.
I took a practice online ham exam today, just to see where I stood, it was pathetic, only 70%! Lol!

All of the electronics questions were correct, but it seems I've totally forgotten all the radio reg stuff.
I think it's gonna be hard for me to pass test with my memory so poor.

Yet another reason to stick to CB and the FRS channels.

 

[reedeb]

Don't give up 70% is better then nothing. Look up a local HAM radio club maybe get some help from someone get the ticket and there ya go.

 

[eaf1956]

Don't use a radio, best not let the non preppers know where the food is.

 

[NSprepper]

Don't give up 70% is better then nothing. Look up a local HAM radio club maybe get some help from someone get the ticket and there ya go.

Thanks for the encouraging words, I appreciate it

Every time I think I have made a decision of what to do first, I get pulled in a different direction, lol.

It's hard to "pull the trigger" on buying a radio when your budget is so limited, I'm even questioning now whether food preps and TP are a more important investment, not just because of an emergency, but because the way the worlds economy is headed.

 

[stingray327]

I just don't want a mag-mount scratching and ruining my nice new pain on my vehicle, been there done that before.

Also, how to run the coax from inside to outside without messing up a rubber seal on a door or hatch, leaks aren't fun.

There must be a way.............

You could use a piece of cloth like cut out a piece from a car cover to put under magnet antenna to protect the paint. I have used this on both CB K-40 and scanner Antenna Specialist Mon-51 antenna which works great.

 

[reedeb]

Thanks for the encouraging words, I appreciate it

Every time I think I have made a decision of what to do first, I get pulled in a different direction, lol.

It's hard to "pull the trigger" on buying a radio when your budget is so limited, I'm even questioning now whether food preps and TP are a more important investment, not just because of an emergency, but because the way the worlds economy is headed.

I know the feeling I am on disabilty now so my money is tight as well BUT ya gotta eat and ya gotta [well you know what] lol so BOTH food and TP is important. Look up Baofeng starter kits I got one before Christmas under 40 bucks Hand held extra battery pack regular ant and longer range antenna charger and car power system. I had to order later an attapter for my Metal telescopic duel band antenna but it was worth it and not expensive.

 

[robertmac]

Not sure why a prepper would worry about scratching a vehicle if the world was ending? As others have said there are ways to protect the vehicle. Used a number mag mounts for years with no scratches. The problem with doing online exams is it teaches one how to memorize answers. Doesn't really teach them about radios, etc.. One advantage of looking up a club is that there will be people there to help with everything radio. I see preppers buying radios, but when the crap hits the fan, they pull out the radio and oh, now what? Use the radio, program by hand, learn about proper antenna installation, etc.. IF you have HF privileges, a whole new world opens up [and I don't mean CB]. There is so much more to HF. Operating on HF will teach one how to use it properly, antennas that work, grounding, bonding, etc., etc.. You will probably use ham radios for years before needing prepper food. I am not a prepper but have bagged food, jerky, peperoni, water, etc.. Now saying that, a lot of ham clubs teach and encourage survival gear, not just radios, but batteries, alternative energy sources etc.. Ham radio is just a start and will probably give better distance communication that CB and certainly FRS.

 

[NSprepper]

Well, the world isn't ending yet!
Why wouldn't I want to take care of my new vehicle, it's the only thing of value I own, and I won't own it until i pay it off.
If the shtf ever, I couldn't care less about a paint job, but until then I need to ensure my resale value is preserved.
I found a Universal antenna mount that fits along the edge of the hood, the manufacturer says it should fit my vehicle just fine, and he suggested a fire stick, spring connection, and a quick disconnect on the mount as well.
Now, I just have to get the $$ to pay for it all

 

[NSprepper]

I know the feeling I am on disabilty now so my money is tight as well BUT ya gotta eat and ya gotta [well you know what] lol so BOTH food and TP is important. Look up Baofeng starter kits I got one before Christmas under 40 bucks Hand held extra battery pack regular ant and longer range antenna charger and car power system. I had to order later an attapter for my Metal telescopic duel band antenna but it was worth it and not expensive.

I have one baofeng UV-5R with the extended larger battery (3800mah I think) and also one of the zastone equivelent
with the regular size battery.
The AC charge cradles came with them, and I've ordered better high gain antennas which should arrive soon.

I've seen battery packs for the baofeng radios that you open up an they are filled with AA cells instead of the stock batteries, so you can charge them with a standard charger.

What do you think of those replacement batteries? Are they worthwhile?

I have to also get the 12v car lighter plug in adapters for these radios as well.

 

[mmckenna]

I found a Universal antenna mount that fits along the edge of the hood, the manufacturer says it should fit my vehicle just fine, and he suggested a fire stick, spring connection, and a quick disconnect on the mount as well.

Skip it. Those fiberglass antennas on mounts like that will lead to damage. The fiberglass whips don't bend, and the springs can actually make it worse. Since the mount is pretty thin to fit around the hood, you'll have issues in the long run.

Instead, you can use a similar mount.
Go with the industry standard NMO type mount. That'll give you access to a wider selection of antennas. Having the standard NMO mount will allow you to swap antennas around as you needs/interests change.

For the antenna, go with a Larsen NMO-27. It's a base loaded whip that is tunable from 26MHz up past 30MHz. Great performer for CB, and can be cut to run on the 10 meter band if you so desire. The whip is pretty thin, so not an issue with wind, highway speeds or tree branch strikes.
If you do decide to go the amateur radio route, you can remove the NMO-27 CB antenna and install a 2 meter or 2 meter/70 centimeter antenna in it's place. Or, install a mount on the opposite side of the hood and run both antennas. NMO-150 is the 5/8th's wavelength 2 meter antenna. NMO-2/70 is the dual band antenna.

Properly installed and maintained, the NMO and Larsen antennas will easily outlast your vehicle.

Plus, they look better. Instead of looking like a big CB antenna, they are smaller, thinner and blend in a lot better.

 

[NSprepper]

Skip it. Those fiberglass antennas on mounts like that will lead to damage. The fiberglass whips don't bend, and the springs can actually make it worse. Since the mount is pretty thin to fit around the hood, you'll have issues in the long run.

Instead, you can use a similar mount.
Go with the industry standard NMO type mount. That'll give you access to a wider selection of antennas. Having the standard NMO mount will allow you to swap antennas around as you needs/interests change.

For the antenna, go with a Larsen NMO-27. It's a base loaded whip that is tunable from 26MHz up past 30MHz. Great performer for CB, and can be cut to run on the 10 meter band if you so desire. The whip is pretty thin, so not an issue with wind, highway speeds or tree branch strikes.
If you do decide to go the amateur radio route, you can remove the NMO-27 CB antenna and install a 2 meter or 2 meter/70 centimeter antenna in it's place. Or, install a mount on the opposite side of the hood and run both antennas. NMO-150 is the 5/8th's wavelength 2 meter antenna. NMO-2/70 is the dual band antenna.

Properly installed and maintained, the NMO and Larsen antennas will easily outlast your vehicle.

Plus, they look better. Instead of looking like a big CB antenna, they are smaller, thinner and blend in a lot better.

So, are the NMO antenna mounts the type you drill holes in your vehicle to mount?
I googled it, and it seems to show only mounts permanently drilled into the vehicle.
Like I say, I can't drill any holes in this vehicle, at least not yet.

I used to have a Larsen antenna years ago, but it was a mag-mount on an old car.

How about this:

 

[jonwienke]

Sometimes too much of a good thing is an awesome thing.

 

[toastycookies]

How about this:

Filthy Casual. Welcome to the Pros.

 

[ladn]

There are a wide variety of bases for NMO mounts including magnetic and screw clamp. There are also "L" brackets with a 3/4" hole for the mount, and screw holes that allow it to be mounted into fender side of the hood where the screw holes won't show.