Best Handheld Ham Radio For Survival (2024 Updated)
When it comes to survival, having the right tools can mean the difference between life and death. One of the most important pieces of equipment to have on hand is a handheld ham radio. Handheld ham radios are a must-have for any survivalist, as they provide a way to communicate with other people in the area during an emergency. When looking for a handheld ham radio for survival, there are a few key points to consider.
First, make sure you get a radio that is reliable. Look for one that has a long battery life and is waterproof. Additionally, make sure the radio has a wide frequency range, so you can stay in touch with other ham radio users in the area.
Second, make sure the radio is easy to use. It should have a clear display and intuitive controls so you can quickly find and use the right frequencies. Additionally, it should have an easy way to switch between different frequencies and channels.
Third, make sure the radio is portable. Look for one that is lightweight and has a belt clip or shoulder strap for easy carrying. Also, make sure it is easy to recharge and can be powered by a battery or solar panel.
Fourth, make sure the radio is compatible with other devices. Look for one that can connect to a computer, smartphone, or tablet. This will allow you to use the radio to send and receive messages even when you're not near the radio.
Finally, make sure the radio has good reception. Look for one that has a good range and is able to pick up signals from far away. Additionally, make sure the antenna is adjustable, so you can adjust it to get the best signal.
By considering these five key points, you can find the perfect handheld ham radio for survival. With the right radio, you can stay in touch with other people during an emergency and ensure your safety and the safety of those around you.
10 Best Handheld Ham Radio For Survival
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1. Portable Ham Radio Survival Antenna With Bnc Adapter
This Survival Antenna is designed to turn any portable hand held or vehicle ham radio into a survival tool with increased communication capability. It is easy to set up and use with no tools required and can be used right out of the package. This product is made in the USA with quality components including coax wire, brass, and stainless steel fittings. It comes with an adapter to fit any specific radio and is packaged in a reusable 6 mil plastic bag with instructions and 550 cord to gain height. The antenna measures 28 feet in length including the cord, and the package measures 10 x 12 inches.
This antenna is perfect for anyone who wants to stay connected in an emergency situation. It is ideal for hunting, backpacking, camping, and hiking, and the long antenna ensures good transmission range. It is lightweight and easy to carry, and the weather tight connections make it suitable for use in all weather conditions. With its simple setup, no tools required, and increased communication capability, this Survival Antenna is a must-have for any ham radio user.
2. Baofeng Ar-152 10w Ham Radio: Dual Band Handheld Long Range, 12000mah Battery & Programming Cable.
The Baofeng AR-152 10W Ham Radio is a professional two-way radio that offers long range communication with up to 128 channels. It is FCC certificated and FCC ID:2AJGM-AR152, and has a tri-power switchover with high, mid, and low settings. The signal waves have the ability to penetrate wood, steel, and concrete, giving you better range and performance in urban environments and around buildings.
The AR-152 comes with a 12000mAh battery, 2.5mm charging port, and three charging methods – car charger, USB charger and wall charger – so you can charge anywhere, anytime. It also comes with two tactical antennas – a 25cm/9.84inch AR-152 Tactical Antenna and a 33cm/13inch Gooseneck Tactical Antenna – both with a SMA-Female connector. These antennas can help enhance the signal and provide better communication.
In addition, the full set includes a programming cable and after-sales service. With the programming cable, you can program your AR-152 two-way portable radio with a special firmware from radio shared. The after-sales service can provide technical guidance and assistance for any issues you may have.
The Baofeng AR-152 10W Ham Radio Tactical Powerful Dual Band Radio Handheld Long Range Two Way Radio is an ideal choice for long range communication and tactical operations. With its powerful features and long battery life, it will provide you with reliable performance and better communication.
3. Radioddity Gs-5b Dual Band Bluetooth Handheld Ham Radio
The Radioddity GS-5B is the perfect two-way radio for amateur radio enthusiasts. This radio is packed with features, making it an impressive choice for all levels of ham radio operators.
The GS-5B is a dual band, dual watch, dual standby, and supports up to 128 channels. It has an 8.9-inch long antenna, providing a strong signal and impressive range. The radio is also Bluetooth programmable, so it can be programmed with a dedicated app from both Android and iOS systems. It also has keypad programming for all settings and functions.
The GS-5B has an improved display, featuring a full color screen, a signal strength meter, and other great features. The dark background makes it easy on the eyes, even in daylight. It is also designed to be robust and rainproof, and is rated IP56 waterproof for use outdoors in harsh environments. The orange color also makes it easier to spot in low light.
The GS-5B also has a number of additional features, such as micro-USB charging, VOX delay, dual PTT, channel name edit, SOS function, DTMF function, 211 CTCSS and 51 DCS tones, 1750Hz tone, encryption and VOX for hands-free operation.
Overall, the Radioddity GS-5B is a great choice for amateur radio operators. It is packed with features, making it an ideal option for all levels of ham radio operators. With its strong signal and impressive range, it is sure to meet the needs of any ham radio enthusiast.
4. 4000mah Solar/crank Emergency Radio With Flashlight, Reading Lamp, & Sos.
This newest design MD-090P emergency crank weather radio is the best value for emergency radio in this market. It has a 4000mAh rechargeable battery and the most powerful lighting functions of any emergency radio, including a super-bright 3 mode flashlight and motion sensor reading lamp. An external antenna and electricity label provide further convenience. The hand crank is designed for comfort, and the tap switch is highly intuitive.
In the face of unpredictable nature, this emergency crank radio is the perfect way to stay prepared for any event. It has weather band and phone charge to get the latest weather and all hazard information from 7 NOAA stations. This radio can give you the time you need to get fully prepared before any emergency happens, and keep you and your family safe.
The MD-090P has 4 charging modes – Micro USB charge, Solar charge, Hand-crank, and 4000mAh rechargeable battery. This ensures that the emergency radio will never run out of power, no matter the emergency situation. The flashlight radio has a lighting range of over 10m, and the motion sensor reading lamp is perfect for getting up in the middle of the night without waking family members.
This emergency weather radio has helped millions of USA civilians live through hurricanes, tornadoes, and snowstorms. We back our product with an 18-month warranty, and our customer service is available 24/7 for any questions. Add this crank flashlight radio to your cart and be prepared for any emergency.
5. Baofeng Bf-H6 10w Dual Band Handheld Walkie Talkie (2-Pack)
The Baofeng BF-H6 10W High Power Two Way Radio Dual Band Handheld Walkie Talkie is a professional radio perfect for those needing reliable communication in various situations. It features switchable high/medium/low power to adapt the best call quality and is FCC certified (FCC ID: FFC ID: 2AJGMBF-H6).
This product comes with an extra battery, car charger, a unique programming cable, and a high gain AR-771 antenna. The programming cable is compatible with Mac and Windows systems, and can be used with Chirp software. The radio also comes with an original 2200mAh high-capacity battery and car charger cable for easy replacement of the battery anytime, anywhere.
A high quality speaker microphone is included to free the user’s hands, perfect for traveling, survival, hiking, cycling, work, camping, fishing, and Emergency Alarm. The AR-771 antenna boosts the signal of the radio, and is ideal for call needs in various settings such as ski resorts, construction sites, and outdoors.
The Baofeng BF-H6 10W High Power Two Way Radio Dual Band Handheld Walkie Talkie package includes all necessary items to get started. It includes a PL2303 Programming Cable, two BF-H6 Radios, four 2200 mAh Li-ion Batteries, two headsets, two base chargers, two car charger cables, two AR-771 Antennas, two Speaker Microphones, and more – it solves all your needs in one package.
Best Handheld Ham Radio For Survival FAQs
Are ham radios good for survival?
Yes, ham radios can be a great tool for survival. They can be used to communicate with other people in the area, allowing for updates on the situation, support, and assistance. Ham radios can also be used to listen for updates from other sources, such as weather reports and emergency updates. During a survival situation, having access to this information can be invaluable. Ham radios can also be used in conjunction with other radios and radios equipped with satellite capabilities to increase the range of communication. In addition, the radios can be used to communicate with emergency services and search and rescue teams. Used correctly, ham radios can be an essential part of a survival plan.
Are handheld ham radios worth it?
Handheld ham radios can be a great investment depending on what you are looking for. They are an affordable way to get into the hobby of amateur radio, and they are also highly portable, making them ideal for emergency use or field day events. They typically have a good range and come with features such as digital voice transmission and the ability to easily switch frequencies. Handheld ham radios also have the advantage of being able to communicate with other ham radio operators around the world, making them an ideal way to connect with people from all over the globe. However, they may not be the best option for those who are looking for a more powerful radio, as they tend to have more limited range and fewer features than base station radios.
What is the best ham radio for survival?
The best ham radio for survival depends on individual needs and preferences. Generally speaking, a dual-band handheld radio is the most versatile and cost-effective option for emergency communication. It should have a wide frequency range that includes both VHF and UHF bands, as well as a long battery life and adjustable power levels for extended use. Many models also feature a wide variety of features, such as privacy codes, VOX capability, and programmable memory. Additionally, a waterproof model is recommended, as well as a compatible antenna and a power source. A ham radio can be a valuable tool for survival, providing reliable communication during a crisis.
What is the best mobile ham radio for SHTF?
The best mobile ham radio for SHTF (short for ‘Sh*t Hits The Fan’) is likely the Yaesu FT-8900R Quad Band FM Transceiver. This radio is equipped with 10 metre, 6 metre, 2 metre, and 70 cm bands, allowing users to communicate with other ham radio operators in their area. It has a 50 watt output power and a wide range of features, including a large LCD display, dual VFOs, narrow-band FM, CTCSS/DCS encoding and decoding, a built-in voice recorder, and a 200 memory channel capacity. It also has a built-in cooling fan and a remote head for easier operation. Its rugged construction and waterproof body make it an ideal choice for emergency situations where users may need to operate their radio in harsh conditions.
