As we mentioned earlier, one of the most important things for any prepper to have is a way to communicate. Most people settle on using standard cell phones or landline telephones, but these can be limited resources if needed downtime.
Having an alternative method of communication that you are familiar with can help in times of need. Whether it’s learning how to use a radio or investing in your own HAM (ham band) radio, both are great alternatives to traditional phone methods.
Why would someone choose to invest in their own HAM radio equipment instead of buying a cheap used one online or at a local Radio Shack?
It all comes down to the radio license! A person will pay a fee to operate as an amateur radio operator which includes the purchase price of their radio. People who already have their licenses do not have to make this investment, but it is helpful to know what ones exist so you don’t waste money by buying something that does not work.
There are many reasons why someone may want to become an Amateur Radio Operator (ARO). They may enjoy talking to other people about technology, they may like holding conversations while on camping trips or during emergencies, or maybe they just love to play music!
Whatever the reason, being able to contact others via radio is a very powerful tool that everyone should know how to use.
1) They’re less expensive
As we mentioned before, not every prepper is the same! Some people do things more seriously than others. For some, it’s to ensure they can still connect with loved ones in an emergency situation while also being able to communicate efficiently with law enforcement or other groups that may help them during the aftermath of a disaster.
For those individuals, having a ham radio license is a must-have. However, like any tool, depending on what you plan to use it for, how much money you want to spend on it, and which one is the best model for your budget, then again, there are different versions for different purposes.
So why don’t we review some reasons why most preppers choose ham radios over cell phones?!
Reasons why preppers prefer ham radios
There are several good reasons why preppers opt for older-style analog handheld HAM (ham radio antenna) radios instead of newer digital models. Here are some reasons why.
2) They can last longer
As mentioned before, most preppers don’t use short-lived radios like those designed to work with cell phones. These types of radios require more electricity to function which may not be available in an emergency situation.
Ham radios are much better than this! Most ham radio equipment is built to survive for many years under poor conditions. This means it will still work even if there isn’t enough power or the element needed to operate corrodes away.
These elements include zinc for electrolysis (which creates energy from water), copper for antenna connections, and iron for storage batteries. All three of these components can easily be replaced later on.
Making sure you have some extra pieces of each of these is very important as you won’t find them at a store but online shopping sites such as eBay make that possible.
3) They receive better reception
While many people use FM (frequency modulation) radios, there is an increasingly popular way to listen to radio stations – ham radios! A “ham” is someone who enjoys supporting their community by participating in various AM/FM radio-related projects and discussions.
Most major metropolitan areas have at least one local club that meets up to discuss different aspects of amateur radio, including how to improve your signal strength or even start your own station if you are able to do so.
Many clubs offer training for those who would like to become licensed radio operators which can include things such as learning about electronics, radiated power, spectrum control, etc. These individuals are often referred to as Amateur Radio Operators or AROs for short.
AROs typically enjoy higher reception quality than anyone else due to three reasons. First, they live or work close to the area where radio broadcasts occur most, so the antenna doesn’t need to be very large to pick them up.
Second, since AROs usually know what kind of radio equipment other engineers use, they can invest in more expensive higher gain antennas instead of using lower-cost ones.
Third, ARO technology includes practices such as frequency reuse, making it possible to get good coverage with a relatively small amount of bandwidth.
4) They help keep your mind at ease
As discussed earlier, the way some people prepare for an emergency is by having enough food to last them for a few months, but what if there were no grocery stores left once that period was up? What if fuel was limited or non-existent?
One of the things many prepping individuals do is use a ham radio as their main form of communication. A ham radio allows you to “talk” to other hams (also called amateur radio operators) with similar radios via a frequency they have chosen to use in order to communicate.
This can be done virtually anywhere, even if it is for a short time since most hams have transmitters and receivers built into their equipment already. Some even have digital ones now!
Using a ham radio gives you another means of communicating beyond just talking directly to someone else, which is very helpful when resources are limited. It also helps maintain morale since you are able to talk to others around the country who may not know about the situation you are in, but still want to lend aid if needed.
It also teaches you something new about technology, how it works, and how to fix it if something breaks.
5) They can be used for self-defense
Many prepping experts suggest owning at least one HAM radio per person to help them communicate during an emergency or crisis. This is especially helpful if you are in the countryside where cell phone service may not exist or be reliable.
Many people use their radios for entertainment purposes, but they can also be used for more practical uses as well. One of these uses is communication. You can use your radio to make local calls or to connect with other AM/FM radios and/or VOIP (Voice over Internet Protocol) services such as Google Talk, Yahoo Messenger, or Discord.
This is very useful since most people do not have this technology readily available to them.
6) They have a longer battery life
With most prepper brands, you can purchase either an AM/FM radio or a shortwave radio. Both of these types of radios use ham (short for an amateur) radiators to transmit signals. These are large antennas that radiate wireless energy across a wide area.
The difference is in how many stations they contain. An FM radio will only hold about 200-250 channels, whereas a shortwave radio can hold thousands! This is why some refer to shortwave as “space” radio because there is so much space for more information.
This also means that it can be difficult to find a signal with an empty channel.
7) They can be used as a signaling device
Most prepping experts agree that when it comes to choosing what equipment you need, whatever works is good. One of the things they will tell you about radio equipment is how important it is in keeping yourself safe during times of crisis or disaster.
One of the most common reasons why people use ham radios is for emergency communication. This includes contacting other survivors or aid agencies, alerting others about an unsafe area, or simply telling someone where your help is needed.
By having your own radio, you’ll know you have one place to go if such a situation arises. Plus, many low-cost hams offer their services free of charge during emergencies!
There are also some who use them for business purposes, like running a charity or selling survival supplies.
8) They are more secure
Having an additional radio source is very helpful in ensuring that you do not lose communication when disaster strikes or if someone else does not have a way to communicate with you!
Most people know how to use a cell phone, but fewer know how to use a HAM (ham wave radio) setup. These are much less common than a smartphone, making them expensive which may be out of reach for some prepping just because they are not wealthy at this stage of their lives.
However, these are extremely valuable resources during times of crisis as they allow for two-way communication free from mobile carrier-sponsored interference. This makes it possible to talk to other individuals and/or search for help online for information and solutions!
There are many different brands of handheld radios available and most can be picked up and used very inexpensively.
HAM Radios for Preppers Buying Guide
Ham radios are one of the best ways to stay connected during an emergency, when cell phone towers and other forms of communication may be down. But with so many different types and models of ham radios on the market, it can be tough to know which one is right for you.
Our ham radio buying guide will help you choose the best radio for your needs, whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned pro. We’ll also give you some tips on how to use your ham radio during an emergency.
What is the range of Ham radio, CB, FRS, GMRS, and MURS?
When it comes to short-range communication, there are a few different types of radios that you might come across. Here, we’ll take a look at the range of some of the most common radios out there: Ham radio, CB radio, FRS radio, GMRS radio, and MURS radio.
Ham radio, also known as Amateur radio, is a type of radio that is used for communications between two or more amateur radio operators. Ham radio can be used for a variety of purposes, including emergency communications, disaster relief, and even just casual conversation. The range of a ham radio depends on a number of factors, including the power of the transmitter, the height of the antenna, and the type of terrain between the two stations. In general, though, you can expect a range of anywhere from a few miles to hundreds of miles.
CB radio, or Citizens Band radio, is a type of radio that is commonly used by truckers and other people who are on the road. CB radio has a relatively short range, typically only a few miles. However, in some cases, CB radio can have a much longer range, depending on the terrain and the power of the transmitter.
FRS radio, or Family Radio Service, is a type of radio that is commonly used by families for short-range communication. FRS radio has a very limited range, typically only a few hundred feet. However, FRS radio is very simple to use, making it a good choice for families who want to be able to communicate without having to deal with the more complicated features of other types of radios.
GMRS radio, or General Mobile Radio Service, is a type of radio that is similar to FRS radio but has a slightly longer range. GMRS radio has a range of up to five miles, making it a good choice for short-range communication between two people who are relatively close together.
MURS radio, or Multi-Use Radio Service, is a type of radio that is similar to CB radio but is designed for use in a business setting. MURS radio has a range of up to two miles, making it a good choice for businesses that need to communicate over a short distance.
What Is The Best Ham Radio For Preppers?
When it comes to prepping, one of the most important things you can do is to have a way to communicate with others. A ham radio is the best way to do this, as it doesn’t rely on cell towers or other infrastructure that could be destroyed in a disaster.
There are a lot of different ham radios on the market, so it can be tough to know which one is the best for preppers. Here are a few things to keep in mind when choosing a ham radio:
1. Power source. Some ham radios run on batteries, while others need to be plugged into an AC outlet. If you’re planning on using your radio during a power outage, make sure you choose one that doesn’t rely on electricity.
2. Range. The range of the ham radio is important, as you’ll want to be able to communicate with others who are far away. Some radios have a range of up to 100 miles, while others only have a range of a few miles.
3. Ease of use. If you’re not familiar with how to use a ham radio, you’ll want to choose one that is easy to use. Some radios have more features than others, so make sure you choose one that is simple to operate.
4. Price. Ham radios can range in price from a few hundred dollars to a few thousand dollars. It’s important to find one that fits your budget, as you don’t want to spend more than you have to.
5. Reviews. Before you purchase a ham radio, be sure to read reviews to see what others think of it. This will help you make an informed decision and choose the best radio for your needs.
Now that you know what to look for in a ham radio, you can start shopping around and find the best one for you. Be sure to keep these factors in mind, and you’ll be able to find the perfect radio for your prepping needs.
Which Ham Radio Licence Should You Get For Prepping?
When it comes to prepping for an emergency, one of the best things you can do is get a ham radio license. This will allow you to communicate with other ham radio operators in the event of a power outage or other disaster.
There are three different classes of ham radio licenses, and the one you choose will depend on how you want to use your ham radio.
The first class is the Technician class license. This is the entry-level license, and it will allow you to operate on all frequencies above 30 MHz. You’ll be able to communicate with other ham radio operators around the world, and you’ll also be able to access emergency frequencies.
If you want to be able to communicate on frequencies below 30 MHz, you’ll need to upgrade to a General class license. This will give you access to all amateur radio frequencies, including those used for emergency communications.
The highest level of license is the Amateur Extra class license. This will give you access to all amateur radio frequencies, including those used for satellite communications.
So, which ham radio license should you get for prepping? It really depends on how you want to use your ham radio. If you just want to be able to communicate with other ham radio operators in the event of an emergency, the Technician class license will be sufficient.
However, if you want to be able to communicate on all frequencies, including those used for satellite communications, you’ll need to upgrade to the Amateur Extra class license.
Do You Need a Licence To Use Ham Radio?
Ham radio is a fascinating hobby enjoyed by many people across the globe. But before you can start using a ham radio, you need to obtain a license from your country’s regulator.
In the United States, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) issues licenses for ham radio operators. There are three classes of licenses, each with its own requirements.
The first-class license is the most difficult to obtain and requires passing an examination that covers electronics and radio theory. With this license, you’ll be able to operate on all frequencies allocated to the ham radio service.
The second-class license requires passing a written examination that covers basic regulations, operating procedures, and electronics. This license allows you to operate on all frequencies allocated to the ham radio service, except those in the restricted bands.
The third-class license is the easiest to obtain and only requires passing a written examination that covers basic regulations. With this license, you’ll be able to operate on frequencies allocated to the ham radio service, but you’ll be restricted to using only lower power levels.
If you’re interested in obtaining a ham radio license, the best place to start is by contacting your local ham radio club. They can provide you with information on how to get started, and can also help you find a study group to help you prepare for your license examination.