Ham radio -anyone interested in free training?

[Spiderwebb]

I've decided to get a Foundation Licence in Amateur Radio in the next couple of months(ish). I've bought some literature from Amazon which is well recommended in support of the test, I've been through the RSGB website to get acquainted with 'stuff' and located my nearest club.

I'm completely new to this which, coupled with a spontaneous attitude towards making purchases means getting hold of radio has now moved up the wish list.

The big question is, which radio? Aside from being in contact with others post-SHTF, a specific requirement is that I can use a handheld in my EDC to contact my OH. A radius of c. 15. Miles (urban) is the ask. Recommendations as to the best setup to achieve this greatly appreciated.

Thanks in advance.

[Spiderwebb]

I've decided to get a Foundation Licence in Amateur Radio in the next couple of months(ish). I've bought some literature from Amazon which is well recommended in support of the test, I've been through the RSGB website to get acquainted with 'stuff' and located my nearest club.

I'm completely new to this which, coupled with a spontaneous attitude towards making purchases means getting hold of radio has now moved up the wish list.

The big question is, which radio? Aside from being in contact with others post-SHTF, a specific requirement is that I can use a handheld in my EDC to contact my OH. A radius of c. 15. Miles (urban) is the ask. Recommendations as to the best setup to achieve this greatly appreciated.

Thanks in advance.

*Bump*

[modplod]

With respect, in a TEOTWAWKI situation I don't think the authorities will be too interested in unlicenced radio hams!

If you wish to get involved in ham radio then go right ahead and get yourself a licence.

For those of you more interested in obtaining a reliable means of radio communication in times of strife - simply get yourself a ham radio and only use it when the balloon goes up. Simple.

Those with a need for local comms 1 - 4 miles should look at a simple CB radio. Those wanting slightly longer distance should look at ham radios - VHF (144 mhz) or UHF (433 mhz). Those who want the longest distance will need to obtain a HF radio set.

Another possiblity for local comms (1-3 miles) is 446mhz. You don't need a licence for these sets however they aren't very powerful (much less range than a 4 watt CB).

Anyone can buy a ham radio - there are no special licences required to do so.

Just be aware that is is unlawful to use a ham radio without proper training or a licence. I'm sure ALL the ham radios bands will become very busy with unlicenced chat once the balloon goes up.

I let my own G4 callsign lapse many years ago after the Post Office started increasing licence costs. I was recently advised the licencing conditions have been dramatically changed (no morse requirment) and that it no longer costs much to be legal?

[madmedic]

do we have emergency freq for use in the UK if SHTF? i have Adv license but to be honest would just end using calling frequencies is i ever needed,

[Spiderwebb]

With respect, in a TEOTWAWKI situation I don't think the authorities will be too interested in unlicenced radio hams!

If you wish to get involved in ham radio then go right ahead and get yourself a licence.

For those of you more interested in obtaining a reliable means of radio communication in times of strife - simply get yourself a ham radio and only use it when the balloon goes up. Simple.

Those with a need for local comms 1 - 4 miles should look at a simple CB radio. Those wanting slightly longer distance should look at ham radios - VHF (144 mhz) or UHF (433 mhz). Those who want the longest distance will need to obtain a HF radio set.

Another possiblity for local comms (1-3 miles) is 446mhz. You don't need a licence for these sets however they aren't very powerful (much less range than a 4 watt CB).

Anyone can buy a ham radio - there are no special licences required to do so.

Just be aware that is is unlawful to use a ham radio without proper training or a licence. I'm sure ALL the ham radios bands will become very busy with unlicenced chat once the balloon goes up.

I let my own G4 callsign lapse many years ago after the Post Office started increasing licence costs. I was recently advised the licencing conditions have been dramatically changed (no morse requirment) and that it no longer costs much to be legal?

Thanks for the info. My interest falls more into the hobby side of things so on with the licence. I'm thinking of a HF setup - something based at home and a mobile unit for the EDC. I'm just a little overwhelmed by the choice of kit so any guidance there would be great. I'll also discuss with the Radio Club when I get to meet them, but I don't intend disclosing my prepping inclinations so I won't be as specific with them as I've been here.

[Reservior]

With respect, in a TEOTWAWKI situation I don't think the authorities will be too interested in unlicenced radio hams!

I agree, which is why, and I'm sure I'm not alone, why some members would really appreciate a quick run down on what equipment is needed, and how to set it up, in a basic terms.

Personally, I have zero interest in ham radio, even typing those words bored me rigid . However, I do see the benefit of having some kind long range listening (news) and potential communication device, should the need arise.

I could take the course and exam but know for a fact I won't listen for longer than 30 seconds and fail the exam so a pointless exercise in time, for me.

[Spiderwebb]

With respect, in a TEOTWAWKI situation I don't think the authorities will be too interested in unlicenced radio hams!

I could take the course and exam but know for a fact I won't listen for longer than 30 seconds and fail the exam so a pointless exercise in time, for me.

I looked at last years Foundation Level exam paper yesterday via the RSGB site. [Hope you're still awake at this point Reservior] 25 multiple choice questions, at a cost of c. £28. Most of the questions seemed relatively simple, some req'd ohms law knowledge but overall didn't look like a ball ache. To my mind, worth the trouble. I'd rather have the knowledge going into SHTF than look back with any regrets - such a small investment of time & dosh. [and sleep! ]

[Arzosah]

This is an interesting thread, thanks folks! Yep, I'm interesting in having the skill for any kind of the-balloon's-going-up situation, but really not interested in it as a hobby (tho a local club has a talk on early manned spaceflight soon, which *is* interesting to me!).

I think I want to take the Foundation licence because I'm so uninterested in it - I have no knowledge at all of what I need, what's appropriate, what might blow up in my face if I plug the wrong things in to one another ...

Its good to know people's opinions about whats appropriate when, and what the range is.

[madmedic]

I'll also discuss with the Radio Club when I get to meet them, but I don't intend disclosing my prepping inclinations so I won't be as specific with them as I've been here.

the clubs i am with are all really happy to give loads of advice on radios and often members will have loads of stuff for sale too.. on of my local clubs has meetings ever month and cover loads of interesting stuff including home builds.. there is a massive amount of info there in the clubs..

[Ejcb]

I think ham radio is an excellent idea for our purposes, although the technical nature of the gear and its intricacies are proving a tough nut to crack - lots of reading!

It seems that most here have organised themselves into geographical locations, I wonder if interested preppers would organise a communication network?

If we could relay communications from north to south and east to west, it would certainly augment and solidify any response and capability that our forum offers.