It really depends on what you mean by the "basics". If you mean just operational behavior and how to talk to others via a radio, any platform will work for that. Just getting past the nervousness of talking is the first hurdle.
Other basics could be thought of as different antenna types and how/when they should be deployed. Different bands (HF/VHF/UHF) how they react to the area and terrain you are operating in. Different modes CW, digital, voice, etc. Short range, regional, long range, DX (global comms), satellite, etc. For these types of basics you would be looking at amateur radio (ham). Amateur radio gives you the most flexibility and functionality.
I realize that many people believe amateur radio is difficult and it can be. However, it does not have to be difficult at all. Additionally amateur radio hardware doesn't have to be expensive either. You can find good quality hardware on places like eBay and eHam for sale for reasonable prices. Granted its not the bleeding edge hardware but it works and performs the task you want.
Let me know if you have questions or need help. I'm happy to help out.
Many years ago, I started on CB, but recently I got my General ticket for Amateur Radio (HAM). they both have their place, but Ham is probably more versatile.KI7JMZ
I must admit comms are a weak area of my preps... can you(or anyone else) help me understand the versatility of HAM radio. I get that it would still be around if cell towers fail/get jammed/go down etc. but why ham?
I tried mentioning this to my wife to get her on board with comms but she thinks that ham is old "boomer" tech and why bother with it? I tried saying something about it still being relevant with the newer tech and digital hand helds and how there is versatility in bandwidth freq and radio wave spectrum and how frs frequencies would be problematic and gmrs has more restrictions on what you can broadcast over waves than HAM, etc
I just dont know much about radios but I do want to get my tech lic.
Sounds to me like you have a pretty good understanding of the benefits of the versatility of the VHF, and UHF bands. HF is still more versatile yet. No repeaters are needed to communicate.
simple answer. how to use vhf or uhf HTs or more simply, Find some radios and play with them. Baofeng UV-5r are OK to start. Get two and go out and "play". Just see what they do, how they work, the range in different areas, and learn by doing. KG4NWE
I'll echo the HT option for an inexpensive entry point, more than likely you're not going to be buying just one radio, you'll start off with two. it will give you a few miles coverage, but you're going to need a liscense to use it legally. You can get a gmrs liscense for 70 dollars, it will be good for 10 years and it legally covers all your family members on the gmrs frequencies - better still, it does not require that you take a test. Additionally, it will give you the ability to use a repeater legally if one is available in your area. An added benefit is that you'll be able to legally broadcast with higher power than just a frs/grms bubble pack radio. This is an important first step, one that will give you a basic understanding how to program your radio, how to use frequencies and offsets to connect to a repeater. you can go to mygrms.com and see if there is a gmrs repeater in your area.
If the radio bug bites you, then see about going up adding a mobile radio, something that you can put in your car or carry in your backpack that has more power. When you start down that road, antenna selection is important. you'll reduce the learning curve if you find a HAM club in your area and get some experience from people who have experience.
It really depends on what you mean by the "basics". If you mean just operational behavior and how to talk to others via a radio, any platform will work for that. Just getting past the nervousness of talking is the first hurdle.
Other basics could be thought of as different antenna types and how/when they should be deployed. Different bands (HF/VHF/UHF) how they react to the area and terrain you are operating in. Different modes CW, digital, voice, etc. Short range, regional, long range, DX (global comms), satellite, etc. For these types of basics you would be looking at amateur radio (ham). Amateur radio gives you the most flexibility and functionality.
I realize that many people believe amateur radio is difficult and it can be. However, it does not have to be difficult at all. Additionally amateur radio hardware doesn't have to be expensive either. You can find good quality hardware on places like eBay and eHam for sale for reasonable prices. Granted its not the bleeding edge hardware but it works and performs the task you want.
Let me know if you have questions or need help. I'm happy to help out.
Many years ago, I started on CB, but recently I got my General ticket for Amateur Radio (HAM). they both have their place, but Ham is probably more versatile.KI7JMZ
I must admit comms are a weak area of my preps... can you(or anyone else) help me understand the versatility of HAM radio. I get that it would still be around if cell towers fail/get jammed/go down etc. but why ham? I tried mentioning this to my wife to get her on board with comms but she thinks that ham is old "boomer" tech and why bother with it? I tried saying something about it still being relevant with the newer tech and digital hand helds and how there is versatility in bandwidth freq and radio wave spectrum and how frs frequencies would be problematic and gmrs has more restrictions on what you can broadcast over waves than HAM, etc
I just dont know much about radios but I do want to get my tech lic.
Sounds to me like you have a pretty good understanding of the benefits of the versatility of the VHF, and UHF bands. HF is still more versatile yet. No repeaters are needed to communicate.
simple answer. how to use vhf or uhf HTs or more simply, Find some radios and play with them. Baofeng UV-5r are OK to start. Get two and go out and "play". Just see what they do, how they work, the range in different areas, and learn by doing. KG4NWE
I'll echo the HT option for an inexpensive entry point, more than likely you're not going to be buying just one radio, you'll start off with two. it will give you a few miles coverage, but you're going to need a liscense to use it legally. You can get a gmrs liscense for 70 dollars, it will be good for 10 years and it legally covers all your family members on the gmrs frequencies - better still, it does not require that you take a test. Additionally, it will give you the ability to use a repeater legally if one is available in your area. An added benefit is that you'll be able to legally broadcast with higher power than just a frs/grms bubble pack radio. This is an important first step, one that will give you a basic understanding how to program your radio, how to use frequencies and offsets to connect to a repeater. you can go to mygrms.com and see if there is a gmrs repeater in your area. If the radio bug bites you, then see about going up adding a mobile radio, something that you can put in your car or carry in your backpack that has more power. When you start down that road, antenna selection is important. you'll reduce the learning curve if you find a HAM club in your area and get some experience from people who have experience.