Best Handheld Ham Radio for Survival in an Emergency
Looking for the best handheld ham radio for survival?
In this modern world, ham radios or amateur radios are some of the top devices that make it possible for one to communicate with people from distant places. Using the best handheld ham radio will ensure that you have effective means of relaying important messages.
It does not matter if you are an outdoor enthusiast or survivalist; the handheld radios can still be of great use as they can help in improving your communication with other people in case you are not in a position to use your laptop, mobile phones or tablets. In this post, you will find the top-rated handheld ham radios for survival in the market today.
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If you are looking for an affordable tri-band handheld ham radio, then this product from BaoFeng Tech it the most recommended option!
This model is upgraded from a previous version and is an absolute steal at the price it is being offered at.
One of the users tested the ham radio across 51 miles with hills in between them, and could speak for an hour. Imagine how handy this would be an an emergency survival situation.
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Best Handheld Ham Radio for Survival Reviews
If you are looking for the best handheld ham radios, we have reviewed 3 of them for your.
We’re not gonna waste your time anymore, so have a look for yourself and get find the best products below.
1. BTECH UV-5X3 5 Watt Tri-Band Radio
Are you interested in a pricier handheld ham radio for survival? BTECH UV-5X3 is a perfect pick for ham radio lovers who need more flexibility and power than what the other handheld ham radios offer. BTECH offers a tri-band system hence preferred by only those people who are interested in much power/control.
The BTECH UV-5X3 consists of a tri-band frequency range of VHF 65-108 MHZ for commercial FM radio, the transmission and reception frequency ranges between VHF 136-180 MHZ with the transmission and reception frequency ranging UHF 400-520 MHZ.
This radio also consists of an ANI automatic number identification display, DTMF dual tone multi-frequency decoding, kills’ code application and the remote stun. This model is a true tri-band transceiver containing internal filtering feature and traditional case design which helps in accommodating the Li-ion battery. Its filtering scheme allows for complete power in all the bands.
Its receiver sensitivity is perfect and the audio sound is loud and clear. Being a tri-colour display, this handheld ham radio for survival has orange, blue and purple color options. It also consists of 7 alphanumeric characters that support both the top and bottom case. The new chipset RDA 1846N and RDA5802N are capable of reducing any switching noise. Its programming cable requires two extra pins.
Other features in this handheld radio are transmission timeout timer, busy channel lockout BCLO and VOX voice-operated the switch.
- It has a dual display for frequency and name.
- Its busy channel can easily be locked.
- Has a squelch function.
- It is difficult to program it using the CHRIP.
2. Baofeng Black UV-5R
Baofeng Black UV-5R, one of the best handheld ham radio for survival in the market has a frequency range of VHF-136-174 MHZ and UHF-400-480 MHZ. Compact in construction, the Baofeng Black UV-5R consists of VHF band of 65-108 MHZ for the commercial FM radio communication.
This ham radio is small in size with a new design and excellent frequency range. Using it is much easier can last for a considerably longer time. It offers excellent display, good quality antenna along with a dual-frequency. Having a good ergonomic design, this ham radio has a nice desktop charger and over 12 hr rechargeable battery. Being a two-way radio, it is capable of handling out-band signals.
This radio can be used in outdoor activities such as hotels, hospitals, adventure sports, manufacturing industries, property management and so on. It comprises of multifunctions like watch containing 128 programming memory channels, dual-band and display. It also consists of 104 DCS and 50 CTSS decoding and encoding feature.
It has a handsome external appearance, selectable narrow and wideband; battery saves function enabling it to offer high performance. Other features include low battery alert, 1750 Hz burst tone, keypad lock and TOT transmitter time.
- Has a responsive and well-done charging cradle containing LED feedback on the battery status.
- This radio can last for longer duration which is a great improvement from the previous radio brands.
- Very comfortable when being handled especially when using it with the 3800 mah battery.
- Has an excellent, clear and crisp audio quality.
- Its LED display is sharp and comes with a backlit color which changes to reveal different statues, commands and modes.
- Removing its battery is a bit difficult.
3. Uniden BC75XLT Handheld Emergency Radio
Uniden BC75XLT refers to a mid-range radio scanner. It is popularly known of packing a lot of beef under the hood and comprises of high-end features. Being one of the best handheld ham radio for survival in the market, this radio scanner consists of an option of programming over 300 frequencies making it suitable for professional use.
The Uniden BC75XLT users can program channels by tuning into the nearest transmission point hence; one does not have to spend hours looking for a transmission. One great feature about this radio transmitter is it can be charged using a USB charger.
It is capable of withstanding rough use and still performs like a charm for years thanks to its rugged built and durable features. It can also allow one to monitor the weather making it a great radio for any public servant worker. It is capable of capturing and scanning frequencies at a more extended range and it can transmit a signal to a wide area.
- The advanced features are easy to use.
- Its signal can cover a wide area.
- The transmissions are clear.
- Setting it up is easier and it is compatible with almost every system.
- Requires only a 2AA battery and capable of lasting for more than 9 hours.
- It has a bulky design.
- Not possible to listen to the transmission one you have plugged it into the charger.
Best handheld ham radio for survival – buyers guide
Here are some of the important things you should consider whenever you are shopping for the best handheld ham radio for survival.
Quality of the Speaker
There are times when the quality of the audio is affected by the nature of the environment where it is being used. In case you are trying to listen to your radio in a busy market, construction site or inside a club, understanding what is being transmitted might be a problem. This explains why it is important to go for handheld radio with a good speaker and has an external earphone jack. Whenever the environment becomes too noisy, all you have to do is plug in the earphones and continue receiving the clear and loud transmission.
Programming
You need to ask yourself if the handheld ham radio for survival you are just about to purchase can be programmed manually and through software. In case you can program it using software, it is advisable that you check if the programming cable is present and functioning. However, there needs to be a functional keyboard for one to program a radio manually.
Easy to Understand User Manual
The best handheld ham radio for survival in the market does have an easy to understand user manual. User manuals do come in handy when you are trying to operate the radio for the first time but do not work as you had expected. Whenever you find yourself in such a situation, it is advisable that you read through the user manual to help you understand what you are supposed to do.
However, you need to ensure the user manual is well structured; instructions are clear and easy to understand. No one would like to get frustrated just because they are not in a position to operate their handheld ham radio for survival.
Dual Band
The dual-band feature will offer one with the ability to monitor different frequencies at the same time. This function makes it easier for one to choose the frequency they would like their hand radio for survival to transmit on. However, one needs to be careful with the antenna that comes with the radio. Any top quality antenna should never have any problem although when you fail to purchase the antenna with the radio there are times when the two might not be compatible.
Rechargeable battery
Any handheld ham radio for survival will have to be recharged after using it for some time. It is important that you confirm before making any purchase that there is an external DC connection. An external DC connection will help in making the recharging work easier and helps in ensuring the radio has enough power.
Other considerations you need to include when shopping for a handheld ham radio for survival is the watt output. It is not worth going for a radio with a watt output of less than 1. Such radios may lack enough power to see you through your mission. The best handheld ham radio for survival should have a minimum of 4-watt output. The number of bands a radio can support is the other thing you need to consider.
Conclusion
Although there has been a slight drop in the popularity of ham radios compared to previous years, it does not mean they no longer have a place in the modern world. The handheld ham radio for survival has become more important for survival as ever before.
The three products listed above are currently considered to be the best handheld ham radio for survival in the market. Get one of these in case you want to have a safe and reliable means of communication.
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You can also read our article on the best dual band mobile ham radios.
