[ARCHIVED THREAD] - Do we have a forum dedicated to handheld/tactical radio communication? No? Let's do it here then. (Page 1 of 3)
Posted: 8/24/2025 10:23:32 AM EDT
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I want to start looking into radio both for the Boog, and for more boring shit like on my farm. Our farm has an active radio license we use for our UHF radios, we use in our tractors. I'd like to add a few handheld units for our vehicles, and for my tactical gear. Editing to expand: I know nothing about how radio works, at all. I've been watching some videos on the topic, but there's a preposterous amount of acronyms and assumed background knowledge that I do not have. I'm ordering a cheap set of equipment from Amazon just to play around with, but I want to get into some more durable equipment too. Can I easily make this radio: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B074XPB313?ref=ppx_yo2ov_dt_b_fed_asin_title&th=1 talk to a Kenwood UHF radio? How would I go about that? More generally, what frequencies am I allowed to use? I think we have an allocated band, but I'm not sure about that. We have two frequencies identified on our license, and it says the power output and maximum ERP (I don't know what that is) is 45.000. On the Frequencies page, it also says Units: 15. Does this mean we're allowed to use 15 devices on this license, or something different? Thanks. |
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It looks like the HAMS got moved to the "Spam and bullets" Outdoor Section. I wonder if they noticed. Anyway, aside from the HAM forum, also in the Outdoor section there are: Survival Discussions: https://www.ar15.com/forums/Outdoors/Survival-Discussions/17/ This has the most traffic. Homestead, Farm, & Garden: https://www.ar15.com/forums/Outdoors/Homestead-Farm-andamp-Garden/19/ More granola-y than the one above. Survival Equipment: https://www.ar15.com/forums/Outdoors/Survival-Gear/18/ Probably most accurate for your question but has the least traffic. Realistically, if you aren't looking to break any laws and want to have a reliable "around the farm" radio communication the HAM forum is probably the best bet. |
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Quoted: ... Realistically, if you aren't looking to break any laws and want to have a reliable "around the farm" radio communication the HAM forum is probably the best bet. The "around the farm" part is where it could get tough. If it's being used for business then amateur radio isn't appropriate. Without getting a specific business license, MURS would probably be the best fit from a legal perspective but it's going to be rather limited in range. |
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Quoted: I want to start looking into radio both for the Boog, and for more boring shit like on my farm. GMRS license for farm use. FRS if it's not very large (cheap walkies, no license required). HAM forum if you want to get triangulated and reported to the FCC for considering ordering a Baofeng without licking gov boots first. |
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Quoted: GMRS license for farm use. FRS if it's not very large (cheap walkies, no license required). HAM forum if you want to get triangulated and reported to the FCC for considering ordering a Baofeng without licking gov boots first. GD if you want people to make up shit. |
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Quoted: The "around the farm" part is where it could get tough. If it's being used for business then amateur radio isn't appropriate. Without getting a specific business license, MURS would probably be the best fit from a legal perspective but it's going to be rather limited in range. Quoted: Quoted: ... Realistically, if you aren't looking to break any laws and want to have a reliable "around the farm" radio communication the HAM forum is probably the best bet. The "around the farm" part is where it could get tough. If it's being used for business then amateur radio isn't appropriate. Without getting a specific business license, MURS would probably be the best fit from a legal perspective but it's going to be rather limited in range. Our farm does have a UHF license for our radios. We got it before I was born. I just don’t know anything about how it works, the laws, the functionality. I know how to turn on the radio, and push the button to talk. I want to integrate handheld comms, possibly on the same license? I don’t have any idea where to start. |
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Quoted: Our farm does have a UHF license for our radios. We got it before I was born. I just don’t know anything about how it works, the laws, the functionality. I know how to turn on the radio, and push the button to talk. I want to integrate handheld comms, possibly on the same license? I don’t have any idea where to start. Quoted: Quoted: Quoted: ... Realistically, if you aren't looking to break any laws and want to have a reliable "around the farm" radio communication the HAM forum is probably the best bet. The "around the farm" part is where it could get tough. If it's being used for business then amateur radio isn't appropriate. Without getting a specific business license, MURS would probably be the best fit from a legal perspective but it's going to be rather limited in range. Our farm does have a UHF license for our radios. We got it before I was born. I just don’t know anything about how it works, the laws, the functionality. I know how to turn on the radio, and push the button to talk. I want to integrate handheld comms, possibly on the same license? I don’t have any idea where to start. I don't have much experience with business radio licensing, but they are only good for ten years before they need to get renewed. |
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Quoted: I don't have much experience with business radio licensing, but they are only good for ten years before they need to get renewed. Quoted: Quoted: Quoted: Quoted: ... Realistically, if you aren't looking to break any laws and want to have a reliable "around the farm" radio communication the HAM forum is probably the best bet. The "around the farm" part is where it could get tough. If it's being used for business then amateur radio isn't appropriate. Without getting a specific business license, MURS would probably be the best fit from a legal perspective but it's going to be rather limited in range. Our farm does have a UHF license for our radios. We got it before I was born. I just don’t know anything about how it works, the laws, the functionality. I know how to turn on the radio, and push the button to talk. I want to integrate handheld comms, possibly on the same license? I don’t have any idea where to start. I don't have much experience with business radio licensing, but they are only good for ten years before they need to get renewed. It’s renewed. |
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Quoted: It’s renewed. Quoted: Quoted: Quoted: Quoted: Quoted: ... Realistically, if you aren't looking to break any laws and want to have a reliable "around the farm" radio communication the HAM forum is probably the best bet. The "around the farm" part is where it could get tough. If it's being used for business then amateur radio isn't appropriate. Without getting a specific business license, MURS would probably be the best fit from a legal perspective but it's going to be rather limited in range. Our farm does have a UHF license for our radios. We got it before I was born. I just don’t know anything about how it works, the laws, the functionality. I know how to turn on the radio, and push the button to talk. I want to integrate handheld comms, possibly on the same license? I don’t have any idea where to start. I don't have much experience with business radio licensing, but they are only good for ten years before they need to get renewed. It’s renewed. If you have access to the license on the FCC site it should show you the modes and any limits to the license. |
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Find your farm's existing license here. https://wireless2.fcc.gov/UlsApp/UlsSearch/searchAdvanced.jsp Ham is what you make it. It is a hobby that affords more flexibility in operating and learning. It is also a social network where you can meet other technical minded people who can transfer knowledge to you. You don't need it, but you might want it. If you just want to key up a radio and talk to family and friends, including work related topics, then FRS/GMRS/MURS/business license is more appropriate. |
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https://www.ar15.com/forums/General/What-is-the-preferred-team-and-squad-communications-for-you-and-the-homies-/5-2810465/ Come, come let us talk about team level communication. |
| My recommendation is to get a decent GRMS radio (Wouxun radios are very good, but a little spendy), pay $35 for your license (which covers the entirety of your immediate family) and you're good for 10 years. You'll be limited to line-of-sight communications, but if you need more range, affordable GRMS repeaters are available. |
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Quoted: Our farm does have a UHF license for our radios. We got it before I was born. I just don’t know anything about how it works, the laws, the functionality. I know how to turn on the radio, and push the button to talk. I want to integrate handheld comms, possibly on the same license? I don’t have any idea where to start. Quoted: Quoted: Quoted: ... Realistically, if you aren't looking to break any laws and want to have a reliable "around the farm" radio communication the HAM forum is probably the best bet. The "around the farm" part is where it could get tough. If it's being used for business then amateur radio isn't appropriate. Without getting a specific business license, MURS would probably be the best fit from a legal perspective but it's going to be rather limited in range. Our farm does have a UHF license for our radios. We got it before I was born. I just don’t know anything about how it works, the laws, the functionality. I know how to turn on the radio, and push the button to talk. I want to integrate handheld comms, possibly on the same license? I don’t have any idea where to start. FIrst identify how many handhelds you want and what your budget is. Then identify which radios fit into your budget. Then find a dealer and buy. They'll need to know the frequency, modulation mode and allowed power which should be on your license. There's an easier, cheaper way but it's not strictly legal. |
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Quoted: Serious question, how does getting a license help with team and squad communication? Quoted: Quoted: The big reason I tell people to get a license is because of what you’ll learn from doing so. In the end you’ll be better able to communicate, setup equipment , etc. Serious question, how does getting a license help with team and squad communication? It doesn't. Our soldiers and Marines use intra team comms all of the time without a ham license. |
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Quoted: There’s the ham radio forum, but all they’ll do is tell you to get a license. Attached File They won't answer any of your questions they'll just complain that you are trying to break into their hobby and unless you are going to spend a few days studying to get a license they won't talk to you. |
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Quoted: If not GMRS for a team, what do you recommend? Quoted: Quoted: Because they have someone in the back shop configuring the radios to authorized frequencies. If you want that, GMRS is probably your best bet. If not GMRS for a team, what do you recommend? Why are you discounting GMRS? |
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Quoted: Because they have someone in the back shop configuring the radios to authorized frequencies. If you want that, GMRS is probably your best bet. Quoted: Quoted: It doesn't. Our soldiers and Marines use intra team comms all of the time without a ham license. Because they have someone in the back shop configuring the radios to authorized frequencies. If you want that, GMRS is probably your best bet. Does that guy have to have a ham license to know how to program radios? |
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Quoted: If not GMRS for a team, what do you recommend? Quoted: Quoted: Because they have someone in the back shop configuring the radios to authorized frequencies. If you want that, GMRS is probably your best bet. If not GMRS for a team, what do you recommend? For many use cases it's what I would recommend. Although it very much depends on what the goal for your team is and who your adversaries are. |
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Quoted: Does that guy have to have a ham license to know how to program radios? Quoted: Quoted: Quoted: It doesn't. Our soldiers and Marines use intra team comms all of the time without a ham license. Because they have someone in the back shop configuring the radios to authorized frequencies. If you want that, GMRS is probably your best bet. Does that guy have to have a ham license to know how to program radios? No. But he has been to a technical school to teach him how to program it and has had trainers teach him how to perform the tasks. You of course know this. |
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Quoted: No. But he has been to a technical school to teach him how to program it and has had trainers teach him how to perform the tasks. You of course know this. Quoted: Quoted: Quoted: Quoted: It doesn't. Our soldiers and Marines use intra team comms all of the time without a ham license. Because they have someone in the back shop configuring the radios to authorized frequencies. If you want that, GMRS is probably your best bet. Does that guy have to have a ham license to know how to program radios? No. But he has been to a technical school to teach him how to program it and has had trainers teach him how to perform the tasks. You of course know this. Are there any questions on any ham license exam about chirp? I recall a licensee complaining that he learned nothing about chirp in his studying for his exam(s). |
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Quoted: Are there any questions on any ham license exam about chirp? I recall a licensee complaining that he learned nothing about chirp in his studying for his exam(s). Quoted: Quoted: Quoted: Quoted: Quoted: It doesn't. Our soldiers and Marines use intra team comms all of the time without a ham license. Because they have someone in the back shop configuring the radios to authorized frequencies. If you want that, GMRS is probably your best bet. Does that guy have to have a ham license to know how to program radios? No. But he has been to a technical school to teach him how to program it and has had trainers teach him how to perform the tasks. You of course know this. Are there any questions on any ham license exam about chirp? I recall a licensee complaining that he learned nothing about chirp in his studying for his exam(s). The test bank is public knowledge. Have you looked for yourself or do you always ask questions you know the answer to? FYI: There are also no questions on the Motorola CPS, the Anytone CPS, the IC-9600 user interface, APRS Droid, or hundreds of other pieces of amateur radio software or hardware. Having a license allows you to start using the equipment and practice. If you have help, there are plenty of folks willing to assist if you only bother to ask. |
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OP, ignore the assbrains in this thread. Yes, we DO have a ham radio forum here, and there are very knowledgeable people contributing to it. Two-way comms as you describe are often discussed there. It's just like shooting, and first aid, there is a skillset to learn. |
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Gmrs covrrs frs channels too so its advantageous to go that route. We were using an app that worked like nextel for a while. I forget that it was called, someone here suggested it and it worked well. Esp because with Bluetooth to sport tacs of through speakers in the machine |
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GMRS will get you some pretty decent range with only the cost of a $35 for a 10 year "friends and family" license. It operates on the traditional FRS (walkie talkie) VHF/UHF frequencies but allows for up to 50 watts of power instead of just like 1-3 watts on your average handset. You can easily go 20+ miles in the right terrain, but it does require a direct line of site. Lots of affordable radios out there as well as repeaters etc. A common tactic used in Ukraine right now is to put a repeater on a drone to use a mobile antenna. Fly that puppy on a radio tower or building and set it down. Ham is more versatile and allows for the long-range HF frequencies but of course you need a license to transmit. Probably easier to get 1 person in your group a HAM license and HF radio for long range external comms, then everyone else could use GMRS for internal comms. Probably a good idea to have a radio scanner as well to monitor the local unencrypted comms. Most government agencies use encrypted comms these days though. If you got some serious cash and are worried about security then you can go for digital encrypted radios, but they keep going higher frequency and need more repeaters. Also I believe you will need a business license to do so. Otherwise I would you can just use code words to pass messages through radio, oldest trick in the book. |
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Quoted: GMRS will get you some pretty decent range with only the cost of a $35 for a 10 year "friends and family" license. It operates on the traditional FRS (walkie talkie) VHF/UHF frequencies but allows for up to 50 watts of power instead of just like 1-3 watts on your average handset. You can easily go 20+ miles in the right terrain, but it does require a direct line of site. Lots of affordable radios out there as well as repeaters etc. A common tactic used in Ukraine right now is to put a repeater on a drone to use a mobile antenna. Fly that puppy on a radio tower or building and set it down. Ham is more versatile and allows for the long-range HF frequencies but of course you need a license to transmit. Probably easier to get 1 person in your group a HAM license and HF radio for long range external comms, then everyone else could use GMRS for internal comms. Probably a good idea to have a radio scanner as well to monitor the local unencrypted comms. Most government agencies use encrypted comms these days though. If you got some serious cash and are worried about security then you can go for digital encrypted radios, but they keep going higher frequency and need more repeaters. Also I believe you will need a business license to do so. Otherwise I would you can just use code words to pass messages through radio, oldest trick in the book. And unfortunately they've made business licenses a lot harder to get. For a while you could get an itinerant license without too much bother, but too many people did and it the FCC put a stop to it. |
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Quoted: Our farm does have a UHF license for our radios. We got it before I was born. I just don’t know anything about how it works, the laws, the functionality. I know how to turn on the radio, and push the button to talk. I want to integrate handheld comms, possibly on the same license? I don’t have any idea where to start. Some of ya'll need to read before squawking GMRS/FRS or a ham license. |
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Quoted: Some of ya'll need to read before squawking GMRS/FRS or a ham license. Quoted: Quoted: Our farm does have a UHF license for our radios. We got it before I was born. I just don’t know anything about how it works, the laws, the functionality. I know how to turn on the radio, and push the button to talk. I want to integrate handheld comms, possibly on the same license? I don’t have any idea where to start. Some of ya'll need to read before squawking GMRS/FRS or a ham license. I could have done a better job putting my questions in the OP. I figured I'd get a subforum link and then scurry over there. I'll use this thread for my questions. |
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Quoted: OP, ignore the assbrains in this thread. Yes, we DO have a ham radio forum here, and there are very knowledgeable people contributing to it. Two-way comms as you describe are often discussed there. It's just like shooting, and first aid, there is a skillset to learn. Link to the ham forum thread discussion on team level comms? |
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Quoted: The test bank is public knowledge. Have you looked for yourself or do you always ask questions you know the answer to? FYI: There are also no questions on the Motorola CPS, the Anytone CPS, the IC-9600 user interface, APRS Droid, or hundreds of other pieces of amateur radio software or hardware. Having a license allows you to start using the equipment and practice. If you have help, there are plenty of folks willing to assist if you only bother to ask. I cant practice squad level maneuver without a license? |
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Quoted: The "around the farm" part is where it could get tough. If it's being used for business then amateur radio isn't appropriate. Without getting a specific business license, MURS would probably be the best fit from a legal perspective but it's going to be rather limited in range. Quoted: Quoted: ... Realistically, if you aren't looking to break any laws and want to have a reliable "around the farm" radio communication the HAM forum is probably the best bet. The "around the farm" part is where it could get tough. If it's being used for business then amateur radio isn't appropriate. Without getting a specific business license, MURS would probably be the best fit from a legal perspective but it's going to be rather limited in range. Realistically, except for an occasional jackass or unusual situation no one cares what you do with your Baofeng or the like. The range is so little and there's so many channels as long as your not screwing with someone's repeater who cares. Ham HF is an entirely different story. You could potentially screw up the use of a frequency for half the world on it. |
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Quoted: /media/mediaFiles/sharedAlbum/this-gif-793.gif They won't answer any of your questions they'll just complain that you are trying to break into their hobby and unless you are going to spend a few days studying to get a license they won't talk to you. Bull |
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Quoted: I cant practice squad level maneuver without a license? Quoted: Quoted: The test bank is public knowledge. Have you looked for yourself or do you always ask questions you know the answer to? FYI: There are also no questions on the Motorola CPS, the Anytone CPS, the IC-9600 user interface, APRS Droid, or hundreds of other pieces of amateur radio software or hardware. Having a license allows you to start using the equipment and practice. If you have help, there are plenty of folks willing to assist if you only bother to ask. I cant practice squad level maneuver without a license? With CB, FRS, or MURS you can. GMRS needs a license that is just a $35 fee for your family. |
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Quoted: Realistically, except for an occasional jackass or unusual situation no one cares what you do with your Baofeng or the like. The range is so little and there's so many channels as long as your not screwing with someone's repeater who cares. Ham HF is an entirely different story. You could potentially screw up the use of a frequency for half the world on it. Quoted: Quoted: Quoted: ... Realistically, if you aren't looking to break any laws and want to have a reliable "around the farm" radio communication the HAM forum is probably the best bet. The "around the farm" part is where it could get tough. If it's being used for business then amateur radio isn't appropriate. Without getting a specific business license, MURS would probably be the best fit from a legal perspective but it's going to be rather limited in range. Realistically, except for an occasional jackass or unusual situation no one cares what you do with your Baofeng or the like. The range is so little and there's so many channels as long as your not screwing with someone's repeater who cares. Ham HF is an entirely different story. You could potentially screw up the use of a frequency for half the world on it. Heck, use anything outside of 144-148 or 420 to 445 and hams won't care. |
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Quoted: My recommendation is to get a decent GRMS radio (Wouxun radios are very good, but a little spendy), pay $35 for your license (which covers the entirety of your immediate family) and you're good for 10 years. You'll be limited to line-of-sight communications, but if you need more range, affordable GRMS repeaters are available. Our area has a pile of GMRS repeaters that are open to anyone with a license. They do have expectations, like ham radio repeaters, that you use proper protocol. But they have amazing coverage. |
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Quoted: Does that guy have to have a ham license to know how to program radios? Nope, but it sure helps the process along if you understand what you’re doing and what the setting mean. Does a man need training to shoot a rifle? Nope, but it sure will make him more effective. |
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Quoted: Heck, use anything outside of 144-148 or 420 to 445 and hams won't care. Step on cops, emt, fire, .mil or an airport and someone else will care. "Get a license" is shorthand for read a library book about the subject and take a quiz to demonstrate a minimum understanding so you don't cause trouble or hurt yourself. If you can’t handle that w/o getting the vapors then just use your phone like the rest of the planet. |
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Quoted: Heck, use anything outside of 144-148 or 420 to 445 and hams won't care. Quoted: Quoted: Quoted: Quoted: ... Realistically, if you aren't looking to break any laws and want to have a reliable "around the farm" radio communication the HAM forum is probably the best bet. The "around the farm" part is where it could get tough. If it's being used for business then amateur radio isn't appropriate. Without getting a specific business license, MURS would probably be the best fit from a legal perspective but it's going to be rather limited in range. Realistically, except for an occasional jackass or unusual situation no one cares what you do with your Baofeng or the like. The range is so little and there's so many channels as long as your not screwing with someone's repeater who cares. Ham HF is an entirely different story. You could potentially screw up the use of a frequency for half the world on it. Heck, use anything outside of 144-148 or 420 to 445 and hams won't care. This, for 2m and 440 (your Baofeng) |
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Quoted: Step on cops, emt, fire, .mil or an airport and someone else will care. "Get a license" is shorthand for read a library book about the subject and take a quiz to demonstrate a minimum understanding so you don't cause trouble or hurt yourself. If you can’t handle that w/o getting the vapors then just use your phone like the rest of the planet. Quoted: Quoted: Heck, use anything outside of 144-148 or 420 to 445 and hams won't care. Step on cops, emt, fire, .mil or an airport and someone else will care. "Get a license" is shorthand for read a library book about the subject and take a quiz to demonstrate a minimum understanding so you don't cause trouble or hurt yourself. If you can’t handle that w/o getting the vapors then just use your phone like the rest of the planet. That's "someones" problem, not Hams, though. 
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[ARCHIVED THREAD] - Do we have a forum dedicated to handheld/tactical radio communication? No? Let's do it here then. (Page 1 of 3)
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