Radios (Brief, Practical)

Overview

Radios connect teams when phones fail. Keep it simple: pick legal services for your region, standardize channels and tones, and practice concise, clear exchanges. Height beats power; line-of-sight matters.

Skill Level: Basic

FRS/GMRS Basics

Know your service and its limits (U.S. examples—verify your country’s rules).

FRS (Family Radio Service): No license; fixed antennas; low power (0.5–2 W depending on channel); typical range 0.5–2 mi on foot.
GMRS (General Mobile Radio Service): License required in U.S.; higher power (up to 50 W mobile); detachable antennas; can use repeaters.
“Privacy codes”: CTCSS/DCS sub‑audible tones reduce nuisance traffic but do not secure your comms.

FRS power and channels (U.S. summary)

Ch 8–14: 0.5 W max
Ch 1–7, 15–22: up to 2 W (fixed antennas only)

GMRS repeater quick note (U.S.)

Repeaters typically listen on 467.x MHz and transmit on 462.x MHz with a tone. If legal and available, program the output channel, input (with +5 MHz), and correct tone per repeater info.

Weather alerts (SAME)

Weather radios can filter alerts to your county via SAME codes. Look up and program your local SAME codes; keep a printed card with county names/codes in your kit.

Range reality

Open ridge to ridge: many miles. Forest/urban clutter: hundreds of meters to a few km. Inside buildings: highly variable.

Line-of-Sight

Radios are mostly line‑of‑sight at these frequencies.

Gain height: Move uphill, hold radios upright; avoid standing behind vehicles/rock walls.
Obstructions: Buildings, terrain, and wet foliage absorb/reflect signals.
Human body: Don’t block the antenna with your hand; keep it vertical.

Simple Antennas

For services that allow it, antennas yield the biggest improvement per dollar.

Handhelds: A 1/2‑wave whip often outperforms short “rubber ducks.”
Mobiles: Roof‑mounted quarter‑wave whips with good ground plane.
Position: Get the antenna above head height; extend fully; keep vertical.

Channel Discipline

Be brief, clear, and predictable.

Call format: “You–This is–Me–On–Channel” (e.g., “Base, this is HikerOne on three.”)
Keep it short: Who/Where/What/Intent. Avoid chatter.
Prowords: “Say again” (repeat), “Standby” (wait), “Affirmative/Negative,” “Wilco” (will comply), “Break” (separate thoughts), “Out” (end).
Phonetics: Use NATO phonetic alphabet; numbers spoken individually when clarity matters.
Check‑ins: On the hour and half‑hour or by plan; acknowledge with status.

PACE Comms Plan

Write it down and carry it.

Primary: e.g., GMRS Ch 3, tone 0.
Alternate: FRS Ch 1, tone 0.
Contingency: Text on the hour; leave written note at trail junction.
Emergency: Meet at “North Lot 19:00”; PLB/SOS for life threats only.

☑️ Checklist — Radio Op Quickstart

Radio on correct channel/tone; volume set
Antenna vertical; move to high, clear spot
Press‑to‑talk: press, pause 1 second, speak; release fully
Use WHO/WHERE/WHAT/INTENT; confirm with readback
Log key messages (time, content, decisions)

Examples

Search rendezvous: “Base, HikerOne: At Saddle Junction 14:10, all okay, intent continue south to Creek, next check‑in 15:00, over.”
Urban family check: “FamilyNet, Alex: Home 18:20, power out, intent stay, next 20:00, out.”

⚖️ Legal: Licensing and permitted power/antennas vary by country and service. Follow local regulations. Do not transmit on emergency or restricted channels unless directed or in true emergency per law.

Key Takeaways

Height and antenna quality often matter more than raw power.
Standardize channels, tones, and message format; schedule check‑ins.
Keep transmissions short and clear; confirm with readbacks.

Scenario

🧭 Scenario (Neighborhood after storm): Power out, cell congested. Family and two neighbors check in on FRS Ch 2.
🔍 Decisions: Check‑in cadence; message format; who logs.
✅ Outcome: You run top‑of‑hour check‑ins with WHO/WHERE/WHEN/WHAT/INTENT; readbacks confirm; you log decisions.
🧠 Lessons: Cadence + format + readbacks = clarity
🏋️ Drill: Do a 10‑minute radio net with prowords at home.