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Radio: Difference between revisions
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→AM(MW)/FM radio reception
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It is here that radio offers a valuable fallback technology for not only receiving critical status updates and information from local authorities and other communities, but also can allow for transmissions from your own community or group that can help you reach others and get needed assistance. | It is here that radio offers a valuable fallback technology for not only receiving critical status updates and information from local authorities and other communities, but also can allow for transmissions from your own community or group that can help you reach others and get needed assistance. | ||
== AM | == AM/FM radio reception == | ||
In an emergency where critical infrastructure is experiencing outage, local information will almost always be broadcast over AM (also referred to as Medium Wave) and/or FM. It is for this reason, at the least, a simple AM | In an emergency where critical infrastructure is experiencing outage, local information will almost always be broadcast over AM (also sometimes referred to as Medium Wave or MW) and/or FM. It is for this reason, at the least, a simple AM/FM radio with charged batteries and spares should be acquired and stored in an accessible place. They can usually be bought very cheaply. [[File:Am-fm-radio.jpg|thumb|left|A photo of 2 AM/FM radios, each with extendable antenna and headphone jack.]] | ||
It is good to buy am AM | It is good to buy am AM/FM radio with a mini-jack socket and extendable antenna. The mini-jack socket allows for plugging in headphones which can be useful when reception quality is poor. The extendable antenna can greatly aid in finding and receiving a broadcast. | ||
Small radios such as these can be put into a backpack or 'go bag', alongside a spare set of batteries. Rechargeable batteries should be used where possible. It can be a good idea to waterproof your radio by putting it in a quality zip-lock bag, alongside spare batteries held together with a rubber band or tape. Be sure you have tested it and have learned how to use it before you do. | Small radios such as these can be put into a backpack or 'go bag', alongside a spare set of batteries. Rechargeable batteries should be used where possible. It can be a good idea to waterproof your radio by putting it in a quality zip-lock bag, alongside spare batteries held together with a rubber band or tape. Be sure you have tested it and have learned how to use it before you do. | ||
If you are caught out without a radio and have access to a vehicle, it very likely has a built-in AM | If you are caught out without a radio and have access to a vehicle, it very likely has a built-in AM/FM radio. Note that AM broadcasts travel over vastly longer distances than FM, and so it is important to be aware of this in relation to your geographical context. As always the best reception with radio is line-of-sight. While it is rare we can see the antenna(e) we are receiving a broadcast from, getting to a position of altitude away from RF (radio-frequency) occlusions like buildings and hills can make all the difference in reception. | ||
== Walkie-talkies == | == Walkie-talkies == | ||