Are CB Radios Good For Preppers? Recent reports suggest that some companies are moving towards offering specialized radio systems designed to facilitate communication during a catastrophic event or natural disaster. Some of these radio telescopes have been dubbed “survival radios” because they claim to help you stay connected while helping you prepare for an emergency.
Many believe that such gadgets will be essential in those first few days, weeks, and even months after a catastrophe when normal communication channels are down. They also hope that this new technology can help motivate people to remain socially engaged and informed in times like these.
However, there is no clear proof that these products work effectively, and sometimes they can cost upwards of $200!
It is very important to do your research before buying one of these expensive survival gear items. Make sure it is backed by studies that show it works and that it is worth the money. Also, make sure it is compatible with any existing equipment you already own – most manufacturers release information about their radios.
This article will talk more about how bad survivor radios can actually be for prepping and what alternatives are available.
SHTF Radio Communication Options
The most important thing to consider when choosing a radio communications system is what frequency range it covers. If you live in a rural area where cell phone service isn’t available, then a shortwave radio may be your best option. Shortwave radios operate at frequencies between 30 kHz and 300 MHz. They’re not as popular as AM/FM radios but they still cover large areas.
Why CB Radios Are Still Relevant For Preppers
1. They’re Inexpensive
CB radios are relatively inexpensive, especially when you compare them to other forms of communication like satellite phones.
2. They’re Easy to Use
CB radios are very easy to use, even for those who are not familiar with radio technology.
3. They’re a Great Way to Communicate With Other Preppers
CB radios are a great way to communicate with other preppers in your area. This can be a valuable asset in an SHTF situation, when you may need to coordinate with other preppers to find supplies or safety.
4. They’re a Good Backup Communication Option
CB radios can be a good backup communication option, in case your primary form of communication fails.
5. They’re a Fun Hobby
CB radios can be a fun hobby, as well as a useful tool. Many preppers enjoy chatting on the radio, and it can be a great way to pass the time in an SHTF situation.
What is the Best Ham Radio for Preppers?
When it comes to preparedness, ham radios are an often overlooked but critical piece of gear. In an emergency, ham radios can be used to communicate with first responders and other emergency personnel, as well as with family and friends. But with so many different types and models of ham radios on the market, it can be difficult to know which one is the best for your needs.
Here, we’ll take a look at some of the different types of ham radios available, as well as some of the features to look for when choosing the best ham radio for preppers.
Handheld Ham Radios
One of the most popular types of ham radio is the handheld radio. Handheld ham radios are small and portable, making them easy to carry with you in an emergency kit. They’re also relatively simple to use, which is important in an emergency situation.
Base Station Ham Radios
Base station ham radios are larger and more powerful than handheld radios. They’re designed for use in a stationary location, such as a home or office. Base station ham radios typically have more channels and a longer range than handheld radios.
Mobile Ham Radios
Mobile ham radios are similar to base station radios, but they’re designed for use in a vehicle. Mobile ham radios typically have higher power outputs and longer ranges than handheld or base station radios.
Digital Ham Radios
Digital ham radios are the newest type of ham radio on the market. They offer some advantages over traditional analog radios, such as the ability to send and receive text messages and email.
Now that you know more about the different types of ham radios available, you can start shopping for the best one for your needs. When choosing a ham radio, be sure to consider the power output, range, and a number of channels. You should also make sure the radio you choose is compatible with the emergency communication gear you already have.
What is a signal repeater?
Signal repeaters are devices that work by amplifying radio signals to re-broadcast or re-transmit the signal you already have. The way they do this is by using technology like TV sets that receive broadcast signals as examples!
A transmitter sends out an initial radio wave, which then bounces off of various objects and frequencies lose some strength before it gets picked up again. A repeater works by receiving these weakened waves and either boosting their intensity or creating new ones altogether.
By having more powerful radiated energy, your message can reach farther than if there was no amplification. This applies particularly to shortwave radios, which require significant amounts of power to function properly.
Many prepper resources are now including a CB (or “crystal”) radio in their gear because they believe they will be essential in a crisis. These use signal repeaters to extend range. More powerful radiated energy means you can communicate further without needing to change batteries too often.
There are two major drawbacks to consider with a CB radio though. First, most people cannot listen in without being licensed, so only those who are licensed may effectively use one. Second, since they depend on frequency shifts to differentiate between messages, they must remain within the range of other users or the conversation will not make sense!
This could be problematic during a pandemic when many people are socially distancing themselves.
What is a satellite dish?
A very popular way to get rid of channel clutter in televisions and radios is using what’s called a “satellite radio.” The technology was first used as an alternative source of broadcast television but has since grown into its own genre with different brands that cater to various music tastes and genres.
Satellite radios usually have two parts: An antenna to pick up wireless signals from satellites, and a digital receiver that processes and organizes those signals. Depending on which model you buy, it may also feature speakers or headphones so you can listen to the radio directly. Some even allow you to connect external devices such as phones or computers!
Many people use them day-to-day to find new songs they like or to play while listening to their regular radio station. Others use them as a tool to learn more about music by exploring artists and genres. Some even enjoy listening to talk shows or sports events while doing other things!
There are some drawbacks to owning a satellite radio though. Most companies offer free accounts, but most require you to purchase additional services like a premium package to access certain stations and features. This is not only expensive but annoying when you want to test out one product before buying it.
Some take advantage of users who purchase these extra services by offering limited access to content or reduced-quality sound, making it difficult to tell the difference.
Are CB radios useful for a survival situation?
Having a functioning CB radio in an emergency is definitely helpful, but only if you know how to use one! Becoming educated on what types of radios exist, what functions they have, and how to operate them is important before picking out which one you want to purchase or already own.
Most people do not realize that some cars come with a built-in CB radio! This can be very helpful when looking to buy a new car because many companies now offer this as an option. It will often cost around $100-$150 extra to add this to your vehicle.
But why would you need this in a crisis? You could use it to contact friends and family, find help, or even start up a small business! All of these things are possible with a CB radio.
However, most people do not know how to use their radio correctly, or there is no way to turn it on.
Does the location matter?
As we mentioned before, there are two main types of short-range radio communication– field day radios and handheld or portable radios. Field Day radios require more infrastructure than just an antenna to work, so they are not as practical in any kind of crisis situation.
Handheld radio transmitters are much smaller and cost less, but they have very limited ranges. They will not function outside of their initial settings, and it is difficult to find information about the average distances these devices can broadcast from.
Many people use them when preparing for an emergency because they think that if something happens close by, at least someone will know what channel to listen to! This assumption is wrong though- most people do not know how to use this equipment properly, and even those who do may not be able to communicate effectively due to noise interference.
We recommend against using CB (community bulletin) radios unless you are familiar with them and know how to use them correctly during a disaster. These units depend heavily on signal strength which makes it hard to know if one station is better than another –they cannot. Even if you did manage to determine which was stronger, you would still need to know what message you want to send out and whether anyone else is already broadcasting on that frequency.
If your goal is to learn how to use prepper radios, then looking into other options is worth your time.
Does the skill level matter?
As we have seen, with shortwave radios you can be a beginner or advanced user. Just like any other tool, there are different levels of use. For some people, listening to music is their main purpose for radio while others want to get more detailed information.
If you are just starting out as a prepper, then it’s totally okay to start off using a lower-end radio. There are many great low-cost options that work very well!
However, we recommend investing in at least a simple AM/FM scanner first since this will help you find what stations are available near your location. This way you can still get basic info, but now you also know which frequencies they are on!
That being said, do not invest too much money in crystal sets or even better, hand-modified radials! These extremely expensive radios may seem cool, but they are mostly used by Hollywood for making movies.
Most individuals cannot afford a radio like this so most of them are left unused.
Is it safe to use a CB radio?
Using your car as an impromptu shelter can be done with or without a license, but only if you have permission! Driving is a privilege that comes with responsibilities, including ensuring there are no other means of communication before using yours.
There’s also the issue of who owns the vehicle you use for shelter. If someone notices you taking their parking spot or running out of gas, they may call the police which could ruin your shelter plan.
If you do not have access to a car, then yes, having a working CB radio is important.
Are there regulations?
Recent reports suggest that some individuals are taking up to one kilo of radio transmitters and putting them into their mouths in order to achieve a more powerful signal. This is not only potentially deadly but also may be illegal!
There is no regulation that covers ingesting or otherwise handling frequency spectrum radios as if they were firearms. However, we do have federal laws governing interstate commerce of guns which can sometimes carry over into other areas like radio equipment.
If you come across any type of transmitter (or gun) that has an FDA warning about ingestion or exposure, this would constitute legal interference with communication technology. There could be civil liability involved as well depending on how much trouble you went through to obtain it.
Who should I call?
As we mentioned before, there are two main types of communication that most people use in times of an emergency or natural disaster- CB radios and cell phones. Luckily, you do not need to have both to stay connected!
If you do not own a CB radio, then it is okay to skip this article. You can still stay connected by owning a mobile phone with voice service. Simply choose your favorite smartphone app to test out their coverage where possible.
Most people begin using their cell phones during an emergency as they try to determine which companies provide the best signal. For those who already have a landline telephone, these apps will work just fine unless something has gone completely wireless!
For individuals without access to either type of communication, here are some helpful tips about what you can do. Certain groups offer low-cost or free ways to get yourself prepared. One of these is having a kit full of supplies including food, water, medicine, and shelter materials.
It is important to know what resources exist for you to utilize when looking to connect with others. There may be someone else close by that needs help instead!
Hopefully, you enjoyed reading our article about why prepping is important and how to start preparing. If you had success in doing so thus far, keep going!
We would love to hear from you.