An Introduction to Handheld Radios

Small radios that can be held in one hand are commonly referred to as walkie-talkies or handy talkies. Amateur radio operators call them “HTs.” An HT is a compact radio powered by a removable, rechargeable battery. (If you anticipate using a handheld radio in a grid-down environment, consider buying a few spare batteries.)

Handheld radios are generally sold with a short antenna that is referred to as a “rubber duck.” This type of radio has a button that is depressed (usually located on the side of the radio) when the operator wants to transmit a message. HTs have built-in speakers for listening.

The typical handheld radio transmits a signal using less than 10 watts of power. The power limit for HTs is 10 watts, mainly due to restrictions imposed by batteries. The most common handheld radios transmit 5 watts of power.

A radio’s power setting is an approximate gauge of how far a transmission can be heard by someone with a radio who is listening on the same frequency. A transmission using 1 watt of power will not be heard as far as a transmission using 5 watts of power when the same radio, antenna, and listening station are used. Using a stock antenna at ground level, the typical handheld radio might transmit a signal that can be received over a distance of three miles on 5 watts of power and one mile using 1 watt.

The range of handheld radios is greatly affected by the presence of buildings, trees, and other objects that reflect and absorb radio waves. On flat ground, with no obstructions, VHF and UHF radio waves can be received over longer distances than in a dense forest or an urban location. The type of antenna used also affects the range over which a radio can transmit. (Antennas will be discussed in the next chapter.)

Advertising literature provided by radio manufacturers will often claim that a 5 watt radio can transmit up to 40 miles. A handheld radio can indeed transmit up to 40 miles or more, given the perfect circumstances. Line of sight transmission is enhanced when your position is elevated above ground level. If you stand atop a ten-story building, the horizon is not three miles away but 12 miles. If you stand on a mountaintop at an elevation of 3,000 feet, the horizon is more than 65 miles away. At this elevation, line-of-sight transmission is possible over great distances with a handheld radio because the horizon is further away. But most people don’t operate in a perfect environment. Two operators using handheld radios with stock antennas at ground level in a suburban setting may be able to talk over a distance of a few miles.

Modes
Handheld radios can be used in a variety of modes. Direct transmission between two or more radios on a single frequency is referred to as simplex operation. Sometimes, stations will utilize two frequencies for communicating. Typically, an operator will transmit on one frequency while listening on another. This requires the user to monitor two frequencies—a capability that many radios have. This type of operation is referred to as duplex mode. In half duplex, only one operator talks at a time. When both stations can talk simultaneously without interference, it is referred to as full duplex. If a third radio is used to relay transmissions between two stations, it is referred to as a repeater operation. A repeater, in the broadcast sense, is a radio that retransmits the signal of another radio. Some repeaters relay radio traffic on a single frequency. Some relay signals on two frequencies. A repeater, when elevated, can extend the range of a handheld radio for many miles.

Repeaters that are available for public use are often located atop mountains, water towers, and tall buildings, which enhances line of sight. Amateur radio operators rely heavily on repeaters to extend the distance over which they can talk. But repeaters require power to work. In a crisis where power is not available, repeaters that you would normally rely on may not be operational. Some repeaters have battery, generator, or solar backup power, but many do not. For that reason, preppers should be familiar with simplex operation and incorporate into their plan other modes that do not rely on repeaters.

What Are Your Needs?
One of the most common questions people ask about radios is which one they should buy. If you’re new to the world of portable radios, it’s understandable that you would ask this question, but it can’t be answered until other questions are answered first. Answering some basic questions will help narrow down the equipment and training you need.

Are you interested primarily in listening to others who are on the air, or do you wish to talk via radio?

If your goal is listening, buy a shortwave radio or scanner designed for listening rather than transmitting. With whom do you wish to communicate? Where are they located in relation to you geographically?

Do you or the other party live on a hill or some other elevated location?

Is there a mountain, hill, or other object that blocks the line of sight between you and the person with whom you wish to communicate?

Is the other party willing to buy the needed equipment and learn how to use it?

If those you wish to talk to are not willing to buy the equipment and learn how to use it, are you content to talk to strangers you might find who are on the air?

Keep in mind the fact that you’ll only be able to talk to someone if they have a radio tuned to the same frequency, operating in the same mode, and within range of your radio.

Citizen Band
Citizen Band (CB) radios have been designated by regulatory agencies for general public use in most countries. No license is required to operate them. In the U.S., 40 specific frequencies between 26.965 and 27.405 MHz have been allocated by the FCC for this band. These frequencies are also known collectively as channels 1-40. Citizen band radio transmission can be done in several modes: AM, FM, and single sideband. The maximum legal power limit is 4 watts on AM and FM, and 12 watts on single sideband. (Single sideband is a mode of transmission that decreases bandwidth without causing a reduction in power or signal strength.) Transmission of CB signals is usually by direct line of sight. The typical operating range is about 5 miles, depending on terrain and obstructions. However, because the frequencies fall into the 11-meter HF spectrum, when atmospheric conditions are right, CB signals can travel by skywave for thousands of miles. (Skywave transmission will be discussed in depth in another chapter.) Handheld CB radios are available for purchase at truck stops and online retailers, as are units designed for use in a vehicle or as a base station at home.

FRS
If you want to talk to people within a few miles, a handheld radio may accomplish that goal without using a repeater. One option is a radio designated for use by the FCC under the Family Radio Service (FRS). These radios require no license. They operate in the UHF spectrum between 462-467 MHz. The effective range of FRS radios is about a mile, and they are generally inexpensive. Their usefulness in prepping is limited to communication between people who are close in proximity to one another. FRS radios are very popular. In a situation where normal means of communication are not available, many people will be using them, and it may be hard to break through the chatter of other users. FRS radios can transmit on 22 channels. Some channels limit the power to half a watt. Other channels have a limit of 2 watts. FRS radios have preset power levels, and the antennas cannot be changed.

MURS
Multi-use radio service (MURS) is a set of five frequencies designated by the FCC for public use. MURS frequencies are in the VHF spectrum between 151-154 MHz. MURS frequencies are not very popular, so if you’re looking for an option where fewer ears are listening, and there’s less traffic to compete with, MURS is worth looking into. MURS transmissions are limited to 2 watts maximum, which limits effective range. Radios dedicated to the MURS frequencies can be purchased through most retail outlets that sell radios. Some radios not designed explicitly for MURS will operate on MURS channels, though they may not be FCC-approved for MURS use. If you want to talk to people who are more than a mile or two away, you’ll need a different setup, which will necessitate a different radio, antenna, and possibly the use of a repeater.

Marine Band
In the U.S., the FCC has allocated a segment of the VHF spectrum for use by those who operate on waterways, although technically, anyone—regardless of their physical location—can use the marine band. The band includes frequencies between 156-174 MHz. Handheld radios are generally limited to 5 watts, while mobile units are limited to 25 watts. Mobile radios are designed to be used in vehicles, but they can also be used as a base station at your home. A 25 watt mobile radio with a good antenna can transmit 60 miles or more given the right conditions. The marine band is segmented into more than 80 channels. Some channels are restricted, while others are for general use. Be aware that if you use a 25 watt radio on a band that has a power limit of 2 watts, you should adjust the power level so that it complies with band’s legal power limit.

GMRS
If you’re not ready to make the jump to amateur radio, general mobile radio service (GMRS) is worth considering. Operating on GMRS frequencies in the U.S. requires an FCC license, but unlike with amateur radio, there is no test. One $35 license covers an entire family (and anyone else designated by the license holder). The license is good for ten years. GMRS radios use the UHF spectrum between 462-467 MHz. Handheld radios generally offer 5 watts of power, while mobile units may operate on up to 50 watts, which could greatly extend the reach of your transmission if the frequency you’re using permits it. GMRS repeaters are also available through retail outlets and can extend the range of handheld units. Some cities have GMRS repeaters that are available for public use without a fee. A search on mygmrs.com  can help determine if there is a GMRS repeater near you. The range of an off-the-shelf GMRS handheld radio and antenna is a few miles. With an improved antenna and repeater, it can be extended up to 100 miles.

Amateur Radio
Another option is to obtain an amateur (ham) radio license. The FCC licenses amateurs at three levels: technician, general, and extra. The technician is the lowest level. To obtain a technician license, you must pass a 35-question test and pay a $35 fee. Once you’re licensed, you have the ability to operate on all VHF and UHF amateur bands and a small segment of the high-frequency (HF) 10-meter band. The advantage of a ham license is that it gives you access to more radio bands and more repeaters. For example, there are dozens of amateur radio repeaters in the Phoenix area. Since most are located on mountaintops, I can use many of them, and some have emergency backup power.

This is an excerpt from my book Emergency Preparedness and Off-Grid Communication.