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gear:radio [2024/07/03 22:32] – [Dual-Band VHF/UHF Radios] Humphrey Boa-Gartgear:radio [2024/09/28 05:26] (current) – [Popular Handheld Dual-Bands] Humphrey Boa-Gart
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 //Picture this:// You are at some kind of street event, and the cops cut everyone's cell phone signal. No more data. No more Telegram. No more Signal. Or you are out in the middle of nowhere, suffer a crazy injury, and you are not in range of any cell towers? Maybe this is the ocean, or up in the mountains. Maybe a hurricane has rolled through town, cut off the route to the hospital, and your neighbor is about to deliver their child. What do you do? //Picture this:// You are at some kind of street event, and the cops cut everyone's cell phone signal. No more data. No more Telegram. No more Signal. Or you are out in the middle of nowhere, suffer a crazy injury, and you are not in range of any cell towers? Maybe this is the ocean, or up in the mountains. Maybe a hurricane has rolled through town, cut off the route to the hospital, and your neighbor is about to deliver their child. What do you do?
  
-In ancient times, people once used a magical device called a **two-way radio** to communicate. In fact, many still do and do not know it. The cell phone you use today is just a computer with a few radio components, but it operates on the very same [[wp>Electromagnetic spectrum|Radio Spectrum]] as your television, home wifi and car radio - just in a part of the spectrum set aside for cell phones. //Big Cell Phone// doesn't want you to know this, but there are still places set aside for people to talk to each other with the old-fashioned radios as well.+In ancient times, people once used a magical device called a **two-way radio** to communicate. In fact, many still do and do not know it. The cell phone you use today is just a computer with a few radio components, but it operates on the very same [[wp>Electromagnetic spectrum|Radio Spectrum]] as your television, home wifi and car radio - just in a part of the spectrum set aside for cell phones. **Big Cell Phone doesn't want you to know this, but there are still places set aside for people to talk to each other with the old-fashioned radios //anonymously & for free!//**
  
 The physical reality is that it is impossible to completely lock down the radio spectrum: It is just a big open thing that exists all around us which anyone can throw things into. And all you need is a cheap walkie-talkie to get started. The physical reality is that it is impossible to completely lock down the radio spectrum: It is just a big open thing that exists all around us which anyone can throw things into. And all you need is a cheap walkie-talkie to get started.
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 //**Heads Up:** If you choose to broadcast on a part of the radio spectrum you are not allowed to broadcast on, **expect someone to eventually hunt you down for sport!** For example, if you:// //**Heads Up:** If you choose to broadcast on a part of the radio spectrum you are not allowed to broadcast on, **expect someone to eventually hunt you down for sport!** For example, if you://
  
-  * Interrupt frequencies set aside for cell phones and commercial radio stations; 
   * Talk on amateur radio bands without a license;   * Talk on amateur radio bands without a license;
 +  * Regularly transmit at wattage far in excess of what is legally allowed;
 +  * Interrupt frequencies set aside for cell phones and commercial radio stations;
   * Harass pilots and/or air traffic control, or harass shipyards;   * Harass pilots and/or air traffic control, or harass shipyards;
   * Mess with orders at the same fast-food drive thru every day;   * Mess with orders at the same fast-food drive thru every day;
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   * Issue fake weather alerts on the [[gear:wx|NOAA channels]];   * Issue fake weather alerts on the [[gear:wx|NOAA channels]];
  
-//...then be aware that on a long enough timescale, someone will be bored enough to try and find you. Many people who are into amateur radio have spent tens of thousands of dollars on equipment for this [[hazards:rabbit hole]] of a hobby. They are always looking for ways to play with their expensive toys, and one of these ways is by [[tactics:triangulation|triangulating]] the origin of rogue signals and reporting them to the government. Some of these people also work for the government. Be careful out there!//+//...then be aware that on a long enough timescale, someone will be bored enough to try and find you. In some places, this can take no time at all. Many people who are into amateur radio have spent tens of thousands of dollars on equipment for this [[hazards:rabbit holes|rabbit hole]] of a hobby. They are always looking for ways to play with their expensive toys, and one of these ways is by [[tactics:triangulation|triangulating]] the origin of rogue signals and reporting them to the government. Some of these people also work for the government. Be careful out there!//
  
 //**LEGAL NOTICE:** THIS PAGE IS PROVIDED FOR REFERENCE PURPOSES ONLY. THE ANONYMOUS MILITARY INSTITUTE DOES NOT ENDORSE UNAUTHORIZED AND/OR ILLEGAL RADIO USE, OR USING ANY OF THESE RADIOS IN PLACES THEY WERE NOT DESIGNED OR APPROVED FOR.// //**LEGAL NOTICE:** THIS PAGE IS PROVIDED FOR REFERENCE PURPOSES ONLY. THE ANONYMOUS MILITARY INSTITUTE DOES NOT ENDORSE UNAUTHORIZED AND/OR ILLEGAL RADIO USE, OR USING ANY OF THESE RADIOS IN PLACES THEY WERE NOT DESIGNED OR APPROVED FOR.//
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 Popular in recent years, is the **dual-band radio**. These radios are essentially amateur radios designed to work on [[rr>VHF]] and [[rr>UHF]] radio bands. The frequency range of these radios varies from unit to unit, depending on the manufacturer and their whims at the time, but this usually means they can pick up a bunch of frequencies around **130 MHz** to **180 MHz** (part of the VHF range) and another set around **400 MHz** to **500 MHz** (part of the UHF range). Popular in recent years, is the **dual-band radio**. These radios are essentially amateur radios designed to work on [[rr>VHF]] and [[rr>UHF]] radio bands. The frequency range of these radios varies from unit to unit, depending on the manufacturer and their whims at the time, but this usually means they can pick up a bunch of frequencies around **130 MHz** to **180 MHz** (part of the VHF range) and another set around **400 MHz** to **500 MHz** (part of the UHF range).
  
-In layman's terms, this means they can be used to communicate with **FRS/GMRS radios** and **70 centimeter amateur radios** on the UHF range, as well as **MURS radios**, **marine radios**, **Airband radios** and **2 meter amateur radios** on the VHF range. **//Technically, using these on FRS/GMRS/MURS channels is illegal.//** Of course, if you have an amateur radio license, you can legally use these on the amateur bands, as they were designed for.+In layman's terms, this means they can be used to communicate with **FRS/GMRS radios** and **70 centimeter amateur radios** on the UHF range, as well as **MURS radios**, **marine radios**, **Airband radios** and **2 meter amateur radios** on the VHF range. **//Technically, using these to transmit on FRS/GMRS/MURS/Marine/Airband channels is illegal.//** If you have an amateur radio license, you can legally use these on the amateur bands, as they were designed for. Of course, if you are only listening, that doesn't require a license at all.
  
-Dual-band radios may even have transmit capabilities on a third or fourth band (like the **200 MHz** range), and some can even listen in on the entire spectrum from **50 MHz** to **600 MHz**. Many of them feature the ability to keep the radio tuned into two stations at once, enabling you to simultaneously remain in contact with different types of radio users. There are also some cases where the UHF channels will perform better on the field, and other times when the VHF channels will be better - this depends on terrain, obstacles, clear line of sight, etc. The general rule-of-thumb is that VHF rules the sea & other wide open spaces, whereas UHF is more preferable in buildings & cities. Being able to use both keeps your options open no matter how the day goes. They are useful if you travel as well, as they are roughly compatible with the civilian radio allocations in many other countries.+Dual-band radios may even have transmit capabilities on a third or fourth band (like the **200 MHz** range), and some can even listen in on the entire spectrum from **50 MHz** to **600 MHz**. Many of them feature the ability to keep the radio tuned into two stations at once, enabling you to simultaneously remain in contact with different types of radio users. There are also some cases where the UHF channels will perform better on the field, and other times when the VHF channels will be better - this depends on terrain, obstacles, clear line of sight, etc. The general rule-of-thumb is that VHF rules the sea & other wide open spaces, whereas UHF is more preferable in buildings & cities. Being able to use both keeps your options open no matter how the day goes. They are useful if you travel as well, as they are roughly compatible with the civilian radio allocations in many other countries: Just program in the set of default channels people use in that country, and you are good to go.
  
 Some of these radios are not even walkie-talkies at all, but come in box form, to be mounted on your desk or in your car with a large external antenna. These types of radios will have better reception, better sound quality and a much further range than handhelds. Some of these radios are not even walkie-talkies at all, but come in box form, to be mounted on your desk or in your car with a large external antenna. These types of radios will have better reception, better sound quality and a much further range than handhelds.
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 [{{ :gear:uvk5.jpg?222|The UV-K5/K6 series supports custom firmware & a large range of frequencies.}}] [{{ :gear:uvk5.jpg?222|The UV-K5/K6 series supports custom firmware & a large range of frequencies.}}]
  
-A handheld dual-band is an incredibly versatile tool. Depending on the radio, they support a range of antennas, headphones/earpieces, and power options. With the right accessories, you can even mount them to your clothes or backpack with [[gear:molle|tactical webbing]].+A handheld dual-band is an incredibly versatile tool. Depending on the radio, they support a range of antennas, headphones/earpieces, and power options. With the right accessories, you can even mount them to your clothes or backpack with [[gear:pals|tactical webbing]]. All of these support the use of [[tools:chirp|CHIRP]] for relatively painless programming.
  
-  * The **UV-K5** and **UV-K6** by **Quansheng/Anysecu** are very cheap, incredibly impressive dual-band radios. They are impressive because you can easily swap out firmware, giving them toys like **spectrum analyzers**, enabling them to pick up almost anything from **50-600 MHz**, amongst a slew of other neat functions. Some firmwares unlock them further, allowing them to transmit on additional bands. As **IEEE Spectrum** recently remarked: [[https://spectrum.ieee.org/quansheng-uv-k5-hacking|"The Most Hackable Ham Radio Yet"]].+  * The **UV-K5** and **UV-K6** by **Quansheng/Anysecu** are very cheap 5-watt handhelds. They are at the top of this list because you can easily swap out firmware, giving them toys like **spectrum analyzers**, reception of everything from **50-600 MHz**, and a slew of other neat functions. Some firmwares unlock them further, allowing them to transmit on additional bands. As **IEEE Spectrum** recently remarked: [[https://spectrum.ieee.org/quansheng-uv-k5-hacking|"The Most Hackable Ham Radio Yet"]]. 
 +    * For those starting out, we highly recommend [[github>egzumer/uv-k5-firmware-custom]], as it supports painless flashing via Chrome-based web browsers. It is packed with features, makes the interface on the tiny K5/K6 screens far easier to read, and it comes with the aforementioned spectrum analyzer mod that makes these great scouting radios for discovering transmissions. 
 +    * If you are really daring, you can give [[github>whosmatt/uvmod]] a shot. This gives you a more fine-tuned selection of various firmware mods. Chances are the aforementioned //ezgumer// firmware will be enough for you, so we only recommend //uvmod// for power users.
  
-  * The **TD-H3** and **TD-H8** by **Tidradio** is another popular dual-band radio series that can be unlocked with custom firmware. They cost marginally more than the K5/K6, but offer full-color backlit screens.+  * If you are a novice and the idea of flashing your radio's firmware sounds daunting, the 5-watt **QYT KT-8R** is a great first handheld to play with. It has a large easy-to-read color screen, supports a wide range of frequenceies, and it can **//listen to 4 channels simultaneously//**. This makes it a great first-time radio to start on, as you can upgrade to a dual-band such as the aforementioned K5/K6 series later, and still keep the KT-8R around as a practical secondary radio. Why would you want two handheld radios? Because between the KT-8R and a normal dual-band, that means you can monitor **six frequencies at the same time**, which is obscenely useful in crowded urban areas.
  
-  * **Baofeng** has a massive line notoriously cheap handheld VHF/UHF radios. Baofeng was who renewed the world's interest in dual band radios, because you could get a **UV-5R** for $25, and program it on your computer to pick up a whole bunch of different things, when comparable walkie-talkies cost over $100. Nowadays, you can find better handhelds for comparable prices (see above), but these things are **everywhere** used now. Other popular models include the **UV-82** series, and more recently, the **UV-17R** & **UV-5RM** series. These aren't the most precise radios. They're also dirt cheap. You won't mind if you lose one down the side of a mountain, or into the sea, or if it gets stolen. Two important notes: +  * The **TD-H3** and **TD-H8** by **Tidradio** is another popular handheld series that can be unlocked with custom firmware. The 5-watt **H3** costs marginally more than the K5/K6, but offers full-color backlit screens in a slightly more compact form factor. The larger **H8** costs a little more, but has a whopping **10 watts** of broadcasting power. The custom firmware options are not as fully developed or easy-to-install as the K5/K6 yet, but hackers are [[https://www.facebook.com/groups/456942886822492|already on it]] so we expect these to become quite versatile handhelds in the near future. 
-    - Most of these radios have the same frequency ranges. Others are more limited. Check the specifications of anything you order, to see what frequencies that specific model can access, as this can sometimes vary wildly from model to model. You can program these, but they are harder to unlock, and many of them cannot be unlocked.+ 
 +  * **Baofeng** has a massive line notoriously cheap handheld VHF/UHF radios. Baofeng was who renewed the world's interest in dual band radios, because you could get a **UV-5R** for $25, and program it on your computer to pick up a whole bunch of different things, when comparable walkie-talkies cost over $100. Nowadays, you can find better handhelds for comparable prices (see above), but these things are **everywhere**. Other popular models include the **UV-82** series, and more recently, the **UV-17R** & **UV-5RM** series. These aren't the most precise radios. They're also dirt cheap. You won't mind if you lose one down the side of a mountain, or into the sea, or if it gets stolen. Three important notes: 
 +    - Most of these radios have the same frequency ranges. Others are more limited. Check the specifications **before you order**, to see what frequencies that specific model can access, //as this can sometimes vary wildly from model to model, and even different production runs of the same model//. You can program these, but they are harder to unlock, and many of them cannot be unlocked. 
 +    - Most of these are 5-watts, though some models boast up to 8-watts of power. Again, you'll have to research this yourself. There are simply too many Boafeng models and sub-models to catalogue here, and all of them //(even the "high power" ones)// are entry-level radios at best.
     - Watch out for knockoff Baofeng hardware, as there is a lot of it. Only trust direct sellers of Baofeng (and **BTECH**) products. Be especially wary for **counterfeit USB cables**, as not every programming cable that carries the Baofeng logo will actually be able to program your radio.     - Watch out for knockoff Baofeng hardware, as there is a lot of it. Only trust direct sellers of Baofeng (and **BTECH**) products. Be especially wary for **counterfeit USB cables**, as not every programming cable that carries the Baofeng logo will actually be able to program your radio.
 +
 +**One final important note:** Just because you can unlock some of these radios to use all the frequency bands, **//doesn't mean you will get good performance on these bands!//** This is especially applicable to those using custom firmware on the //K5/K6 series// trying to transmit on 50 MHz. **//The chips in these radios simply were not designed for that kind of use//**. Reception is one thing //(and child's play for the tuners)// but as far as transmission goes, stick to what the radio was designed for if you want other people to actually hear you! 
  
  
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 In some places, CB radio is still the band of choice. For example, some logging trails in the Pacific Northwest are still marked at the entrances with the preferred CB channel everyone on that trail system should stay on. Many truck and desert drivers still swear by them as well. It really depends on where you are, but popularity of these types of radios is fading fast, and in some places it is such an undisciplined wasteland that it is referred to as //"Children's Band"//. In some places, CB radio is still the band of choice. For example, some logging trails in the Pacific Northwest are still marked at the entrances with the preferred CB channel everyone on that trail system should stay on. Many truck and desert drivers still swear by them as well. It really depends on where you are, but popularity of these types of radios is fading fast, and in some places it is such an undisciplined wasteland that it is referred to as //"Children's Band"//.
  
-This isn't to say these types of radios are not useful, as they do have their tactical advantages over FRS/GMRS in many scenarios. CB radios can be made to transmit very long distances using [[wp>Skywave]] - that is, bouncing the signal off the ionosphere to reach distant parts of the earth. There are also **single side band** CB radios, which let you transmit with far more power. While hardly anyone hangs out on the side channels, if you know another person with a SSB CB, you can communicate across vast distances without a license. And, since CB radio is right next to the amateur radio **10 meter** band (**28-30 MHz**), some 10 meter radios can be used on the CB band, and vice-versa. For a time, there was a whole international grey market for hacked CB radios that could transmit off-band like this. Nowadays on some radios, it can be as simple as a firmware flash.+This isn't to say these types of radios are not useful, as they do have their tactical advantages over FRS/GMRS in many scenarios. CB radios can be made to transmit very long distances using [[wp>Skywave]] - that is, bouncing the signal off the ionosphere to reach distant parts of the earth. There are also **single side band** CB radios, which let you transmit with far more power. While hardly anyone hangs out on the side channels, if you know another person with a SSB CB you can communicate across vast distances license-free. And, since CB radio is right next to the amateur radio **10 meter** band (**28-30 MHz**), some 10 meter radios can be used on the CB band, and vice-versa. For a time, there was a whole international black market for hacked CB radios that could transmit off-band like this. Nowadays on some radios, it can be as simple as a firmware flash.
  
 These radios come in both handheld and stationary forms, and just like with the aforementioned dual-band radios, you're gonna get better range on the mountable radios with the big external antennas. These radios come in both handheld and stationary forms, and just like with the aforementioned dual-band radios, you're gonna get better range on the mountable radios with the big external antennas.
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 This is where it gets serious. While you can freely listen to any radio frequency all you want without a license, you will need a license to transmit on most bands. There are some bands (//like the aforementioned FRS, MURS & CB//) that you can use without a license, but they are few and far between. Most licenses are only granted to government agencies and large businesses. This is where it gets serious. While you can freely listen to any radio frequency all you want without a license, you will need a license to transmit on most bands. There are some bands (//like the aforementioned FRS, MURS & CB//) that you can use without a license, but they are few and far between. Most licenses are only granted to government agencies and large businesses.
  
-This is where **amateur radio** (also known as **ham radio**) comes in. These are parts of the spectrum set aside for civilians and hobbyists who are really serious about radio, where they can play around with advanced radios in a designated big kids sandbox. If you want consistently reliable radio communication, you want amateur. If you want to communicate across vast distances, you want amateur. If you want to get internet on a mountain deep in a national park or BLM land, you want amateur. If you want to do wild radio experiments, you want amateur.+This is where **amateur radio** (also known as **ham radio**) comes in. These are parts of the spectrum set aside for civilians and hobbyists who are really serious about radio, where they can play around with advanced radios in a designated big kids sandbox. If you want consistently reliable radio communication, you want amateur. If you want **Digital Mobile Radio (DMR)**, you want amateur. If you want to communicate across vast distances, you want amateur. If you want to get internet on a mountain deep in a national park or BLM land, you want amateur. If you want to do wild radio experiments, you want amateur.
  
 There are over two dozen different amateur radio bands allocated in the US alone, not counting similar allocations in other countries. Any given amateur radio generally only has access to some of these bands. Some people amass giant radio collections, forever looking for the perfect setup that can cover all the bands. Some people only focus on one or two bands. If you start out with one of the aforementioned **dual-band or tri-band radios**, you will already have a foot in the door on the most common walkie-talkie bands for amateur license holders. There are over two dozen different amateur radio bands allocated in the US alone, not counting similar allocations in other countries. Any given amateur radio generally only has access to some of these bands. Some people amass giant radio collections, forever looking for the perfect setup that can cover all the bands. Some people only focus on one or two bands. If you start out with one of the aforementioned **dual-band or tri-band radios**, you will already have a foot in the door on the most common walkie-talkie bands for amateur license holders.
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 ==== Marine Radio ==== ==== Marine Radio ====
  
-Marine Radio is all over the place, depending on the type of radio and what part of the world you are in. One popular marine radio band is in the VHF spectrum, which you can access with dedicated marine VHF radios, or with the aforementioned dual-bands and amateur radios. Many of the marine VHF radios will be water-resistant/water-proof and have [[gear:wx|weather radio]] channel reception built in as well. Some marine frequencies are in the HF range between CB and AM radio, and require radios that can work on those frequencies.+Marine Radio is all over the place, depending on the type of radio and what part of the world you are in. One popular marine radio band is in the VHF spectrum, which you can access with dedicated marine VHF radios, or with the aforementioned dual-bands and amateur radios. Keep in mind, that **Marine VHF Radio** is structured a little different from other walkie-talkie channels, **with different frequencies (usually) used between ships and the shore**. Many of the marine VHF radios will be water-resistant/water-proof and have [[gear:wx|weather radio]] reception built in as well.
  
-Unless you plan on buying a boat, you will not need a dedicated marine radio. Dual-bands, HF transceivers, and many amateur radio models, can communicate with various marine radio bands already.+Some marine frequencies are in the HF range between CB and AM radio, and require radios that can work on those frequencies. Unless you plan on buying a boat or doing regular shipyard operations, you will not need a dedicated marine radio. Dual-bands, HF transceivers, and many amateur radio models, can communicate with various marine radio bands already.
  
 ==== Police Radio ==== ==== Police Radio ====
gear/radio.1720045931.txt.gz · Last modified: 2024/08/06 05:50 (external edit)

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