Having a good radio is one of the most important things you can have before, or after, the apocalypse! Luckily, there are many different types of radios out there that cater to almost every need and style.
Luckily for you, we’ve gathered some information about what makes a great all-around radio here for you to refer to. Read on for our top tips and then go check out some of these radios below!
Thank you so much for reading today’s article! We hope it helped you find not only a good prepper radio but also gave you ideas on how best to prepare for an apocalyptic situation.
The radio should have at least 1 FM band
Recent developments in wireless technology have allowed for several types of digital radios. These do not use cables to connect to other devices, but instead transmit signals via WiFi or Bluetooth technology.
A good survival radio will usually have at least one analog frequency range that can be tuned either by ear or using a receiver wand. Some newer models now also include an additional feature called a LCD screen which allows you to easily see what channel you are listening to as well as check battery life, signal strength, and more!
These features are very helpful when looking to find a safe source of communication. An easy way to tell if a device has this is by whether it has a loop antenna or a stick-style design. A loop antenna creates a larger area for better reception while a stick style does not.
The radio should have at least 1 AM band
Having one good general purpose radio is great, but having more than one bad “shtf” radio can be even worse. Because when things get really bad, you will not be able to choose which ones work and which don’t!
Having several different radios means there won’t always be someone else with the same exact model that you are, making it harder to find help. Also, if everyone has their own personal radio, then people may get stuck fighting for control of the broadcast or using something without power or electricity to listen.
A good all-around radio would be one with an AM frequency range (the lower end of the radio waves), a battery source, and either SD card slots or USB ports. This would make it possible to take off the back cover and access the memory easily, as well as being able to use the radio without having to connect it to a charger first.
The radio should have a digital display
Having a way to listen to music, talk shows, or general entertainment content is very important in the aftermath of a crisis. A good survival tool will usually include a small battery powered radio that can be connected to an external antenna so you can receive adequate reception.
The first thing you want to do after establishing a base for yourself is find out what kind of bands are being broadcasted. Bands such as WWOR (Channel 9) and WCBS (Channel 11) both air public service announcements which may help keep people motivated and inspire them to do things they would not normally do.
Other helpful programs include information about emergencies, weather forecasts, and medical advice. All of these things could mean life or death for someone else’s family!
By having this type of media, you can motivate others and let them enjoy listening while also keeping themselves busy. It is also ideal for creating community by sharing your current location with other listeners who know exactly where you are and what is going on.
The radio should have a speaker
Having a working radio is one of the most important things you can own before the end of day. A lot of people start listening to music after they get into survival mode, which is great!
But how will you listen to something if there isn’t anything playing? You could always bring your phone or earbuds with you, but those require power, and we don’t know what will happen to electricity in the world.
A good SHTF radio will play both music and action/news reports. It doesn’t matter whether it’s AM or FM radio, nor does it matter if it has batteries or not – all radios work by receiving signals from other devices or wireless networks, so even without power it will still function.
There are many different brands that make quality pre-charged radios, some more expensive than others. But they are all very similar in features, so it really comes down to personal preference.
The radio should have a microphone
Having a way to communicate is very important in any situation, much more so during a survival event. A smartphone with wireless connectivity can sometimes be helpful for communicating, but it will not always work depending on how well it is prepared for an emergency.
A good personal or group-radio that has a built-in speaker and headphone jack is your best bet. This removes the need to use the earbuds you normally would since you can listen to music or talk directly through the radio!
Not only does this solve the problem of there being no one to speak to, but it also allows for two-way communication which is very valuable in a crisis. Some radios even allow users to add their own voice tracks or apps so that you do not have to use the ones provided by the manufacturer.
The radio should have a memory
A good field radio should have a small amount of internal storage, typically limited to around 250-500 songs. This is not a very large amount so if you are running low on space you can be easily prompted to delete a song or two to make room for more.
This will unfortunately remove some of the settings for the radio but they are easy to re-install! Most radios offer a way to connect via Bluetooth which removes the need to use an external antenna and USB port, both of which require something free.
A wireless connection uses less power too which helps preserve battery life.
The radio should have a charger
Having a good quality pre-charged battery for your survival gear can make a big difference in how long you can listen to music or talk with people before needing to find power.
Most wireless headphones use very small, lightweight batteries that need to be recharged frequently. This is not ideal when you are trying to find shelter or survive an outage.
So what are some tips to look out for when choosing a good self-powered radio? First, check if it has a built-in rechargeable battery!
Second, does it connect to a smartphone or other device via Bluetooth or NFC (Near Field Communication)? These technology modes require less energy than using a cable connection which requires powering up the radios every time you want to use it.
Third, is the volume strong enough? A weaker signal will only hurt your listening experience so don’t choose a lower powered model unless it is really soft music you desire to hear.
The radio should be weatherproof
When choosing your next good survival tool, make sure it is weather resistant! This will help you stay in contact with what’s going on around you, as well as give you some level of comfort when you are not able to communicate with others due to limited battery life.
Most radios have an antenna built into the device which allows it to receive and transmit signals. These antennas can get clogged up or weakened over time if not cared for properly, so making sure the radio is protected against water is important.
Some great survivors always carry two different size batteries, one for normal use and one that they keep charged for times when there is no signal. Make sure your radio has adequate space to store both types of batteries.
What is the Best Ham Radio for Preppers?
When it comes to being prepared for an emergency, one of the most important things you can do is to have a good communication plan in place. And one of the best ways to ensure you can communicate in an emergency is to have a ham radio.
There are a lot of different types and models of ham radios on the market, so it can be tough to decide which one is right for you. But there are a few things you should keep in mind when choosing a ham radio for your emergency preparedness plan.
First, you need to make sure the radio you choose can operate on the frequencies you need. There are a lot of different frequencies used by ham radios, so you need to make sure the radio you choose can operate on the ones you need.
Second, you need to make sure the radio you choose is durable and can withstand the elements. Ham radios are often used in emergency situations, so you need to make sure the radio you choose can withstand being dropped, being exposed to the elements, and is used in a variety of conditions.
Third, you need to make sure the radio you choose has all the features you need. There are a lot of different features available on ham radios, so you need to make sure the radio you choose has the ones you need.
Fourth, you need to make sure the radio you choose is easy to use. Ham radios can be complex, so you need to make sure the radio you choose is easy to use and understand.
Fifth, you need to make sure the radio you choose is affordable. Ham radios can be expensive, so you need to make sure the radio you choose is affordable.
Keep these things in mind when choosing a ham radio for your emergency preparedness plan and you’ll be able to find the best one for you.
What is the difference between a walkie-talkie and a two-way radio?
Walkie-talkies are designed for short-range communication, typically between two people. They are relatively simple devices that use a push-to-talk (PTT) system to send and receive signals.
Two-way radios, on the other hand, are designed for longer-range communication. They typically have more features than walkie-talkies, such as the ability to scan for open channels and the ability to send and receive text messages. Two-way radios can also be used in a point-to-point configuration or in a point-to-multipoint configuration, which allows for communication with multiple radios.
One of the biggest advantages of two-way radios over walkie-talkies is that they can be used in a wider range of situations. For example, two-way radios can be used in construction sites, warehouses, and other industrial environments where there is a lot of noise. They can also be used in retail environments, schools, and hospitals.
Why do you need an SHTF radio?
When it comes to preparing for a disaster, one of the most important things you can do is to make sure you have a way to communicate with the outside world. That’s where an SHTF radio comes in.
An SHTF radio is a radio that is specifically designed for use in a disaster situation. It is usually a portable radio that can be used to receive and transmit messages in a variety of ways, including voice, text, and data.
There are a number of reasons why you might need an SHTF radio. For example, if you are caught in a natural disaster like a hurricane or earthquake, you may need to be able to communicate with emergency services or other survivors. Or, if you are in a remote location and need to contact help, an SHTF radio can be a lifesaver.
In addition, an SHTF radio can be used for entertainment and information in a disaster situation. For example, you can use it to listen to news and weather reports or to find out what is happening in the world around you.
Are CB radios good for emergencies?
In an emergency, every second counts. That’s why having a reliable means of communication is so important. A CB radio can be a great asset in an emergency situation.
CB radios are relatively inexpensive and easy to use. They can be a great way to stay in touch with family and friends during an emergency situation.
CB radios have a range of up to about 30 miles, depending on terrain and conditions. They can be used to communicate with others in your vicinity or to summon help from farther away.
In an emergency, a CB radio can be a lifeline. It can help you stay in touch with loved ones, or summon help from afar. If you don’t already have a CB radio, now might be the time to invest in one.