I am looking for a good shtf survival radio or radios. I am familiar with using radios from my time in the army and as a police officer, but I have not used or owned anything serious as a civilian. I have read a few articles and it sounds like what I am looking for is the Yaesu FT-60R. Beyond this radio meeting my checklist of what I think that I need. What else should I get as accessories in order to be able hit the ground running?
@Samuel_Lakey
The FT-60R is a great entry level dual band (2m and 70CM) amateur radio with wideband receive, long life battery, and NOAA weather. But, remember that it is an amateur radio that can contact amateur repeaters and other amateurs. Could you provide a little more detail about what you want to do when the SHTF? Remember that an HT will transmit only 7 - 10 miles. It would help to know how far you want to transmit, if you will only be talking to others with an HT, or what your exact needs are. Thanks!
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As of right now I am looking for a radio (or as many as I may need, probably two) to communicate with others that may be with me in a dire situation. You can fill in the blank on that one. Everything from a WW3 situation or some type of society ending event whether its war or extreme weather disasters. Right now its just me and the family. I don’t think that I will need an extreme long range radio, but who knows what may happen? I think that as long as I can communicate several miles, pick up updates about weather and current events, needs to be portable or fit in a pouch. I am thinking about what I will need for batteries or charging, the ability to use field expedient antennae’s for longer range, Instructions that make sense to a layman, spare parts, etc. I am new to these radios and I’m trying to learn as quickly as possible. Any help or suggestions will be appreciated.
@Samuel_Lakey
I assume you are a licensed amateur radio operator since these radios are amateur band only. I would recommend a minimum of two of these radios with a cigarette lighter adapter for charging and/or and extra battery. A mag mount antenna, like the Diamond Antenna MR73SMA, Diamond Antenna MR73SMA Dualband Mobile Antenna - 20" Magnet | GigaParts.com will extend your range and can be mounted on your car roof or trunk.
I would also recommend a 50 watt mobile radio, like the Icom IC-2730A to use from home to keep in contact with your FT-60’s.
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I am not licensed, which is why I haven’t bought anything yet. I’m not even sure what all licenses and credentials I would need to get for everything to be legit. I only have a couple of the Midland radios that are sold as a hunting accessory. The range on them is terrible and I would like something that is a bit more secure that not just anyone is going to be listening in on. I intend to eventually get a base type radio set up here at the house. I’ve always been interested in HAM radio. I’ve just never gotten to it until now.
I really appreciate the help and pointing me in the right direction.
@Samuel_Lakey
Well if you want to get a Federal license you should contact your local amateur radio club. In addition to requiring a license, I don’t believe these radios will do what you need. I would recommend a GMRS (General Mobile Radio Service) radio such as the Alinco DJ-G46T 5W GMRS UHF HT with Display. This is the same power and will link you with others as well as repeaters.
https://www.gigaparts.com/alinco-dj-g46t-5w-gmrs-uhf-ht-with-display.html
We also carry some Midland brand GMRS mobile radios at 50 watts. As far as the range being terrible, as you state; a 5 watt hand held, regardless of the brand or frequency, is not going to be any different.
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