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Radio: Difference between revisions
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Adding section on walkie-talkies, testing Cite extension
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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(MW)/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(MW)/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|A photo of 2 AM(MW)/FM radios, each with extendable antenna and headphone jack.]] | 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(MW)/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|A photo of 2 AM(MW)/FM radios, each with extendable antenna and headphone jack.]] | ||
It is good to buy am AM(MW)/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. | It is good to buy am AM(MW)/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. | |||
If you are caught out without a radio and have access to a vehicle, it very likely has a built-in AM(MW)/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 === | |||
Unlike AM(MW)/FM radios detailed above, walkie-talkies are both broadcast station and receiver, and so known as 'two-way' radios. The range of a modern walkie-talkie is anything from a few hundred meters in a city to many kilometers when used on a peak. This communication tool can be especially invaluable when you are in a group and need to split up, staying in contact and relaying information. | |||
Walkie-talkies operate on license-free broadcast frequency ranges in the UHF (Ultra High Frequency) band respective to the region the walkie talkie is purchased within. In the EU the allocation is known PMR446 (Private Mobile Radio, 446 MHz)<ref>https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/PMR446</ref>, whereas in the US it is typically the Family Radio Service (FRS)<ref>https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Family_Radio_Service</ref>, and in Australia UHF CB<ref>https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/UHF_CB</ref>. | |||
Regardless, if you are in a region using 2 or more walkie-talkies operating on unlicensed bands, they will still function. Typically walkie-talkies include a channel selector for selecting a pre-agreed channel to operate on. This selector is either a button or dial. It is important to agree on a channel to use before splitting up your group and using the walkie-talkies. Some walkie talkies also include an AM/FM radio scanner, allowing the operator to quickly find and tune into a local radio station. Some even include NOAA weather radio receivers. | |||
When selecting a walkie-talkie it is good to ensure it has a high IPX water rating | |||
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