Shoot me now (radio questions)

[madgaz]

I know as much about quantum physics as I do about radios (well maybe a little bit more on radios).
Basic story, I'm nosey and like listening, if TSHTF, I want to be able to communicate.

I currently have a Maycom AR108 which I have only ever been successful with next to the airport.
I'm also lookong at buying a Baofeng UV5-R

Is the Maycom sufficient, and what 'should' I be able to receive on it?
Is the Baofeng any good? At 4w do I need a ham license? (I've read somehwere you do with the baofeng, but not 4w???)

Please feel free to tell me to use the search, but it has just confused me

[munchh]

I just sent this to someone else in a PM, but it should help, but the quick answers.....

AR-108 is an airband reciever, dont expect to get much more than that on it, if you wanted a cheap alternative look at its big brother
the FR-100, it covers loads more.

The beafeng UV5-R only covers 136-174MHZ and 400-480HZ (commonly known as 2m and 70cms) you will find on 4w you should be able to use your local repeaters and talk short range (local) to other users, yes you should have at least your foundation licence, but SHTF, i doubt it would matter, although, this is a good sort of handheld to start with, but it will only be as good as a CB localy and a CB needs no licence, lots to read below.

Here are a few threads just on here, happy reading.

[munchh]

sorry, these links work

viewtopic.php?f=15&t=6024

viewtopic.php?f=15&t=5707

viewtopic.php?f=15&t=5289

viewtopic.php?f=15&t=5185

viewtopic.php?f=15&t=4715

[TorNicho]

I'm guessing you don't want help on your quantum physics query then?!

[madgaz]

I'm guessing you don't want help on your quantum physics query then?!

I'm saving that for next week thanks

[madgaz]

Some great links there, thanks. Even more confused now though. Quantum physics anybody haha?

I shall read in further detail, but think I may go for the Baofeng. Foundation licence sounds like a good idea, and so does talking (in person ) to my local Amateur Radio club.

[munchh]

Haha, my work here is done....

[munchh]

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/170797499652? ... 762wt_1006
About the cheapest Baofeng UV5-R


http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Dual-Band-TG- ... 4226wt_934
But i can vouch for these, i have one and they are very good. You will find these in the UK, but not as cheap, i have bought from Radiofactory and have never had any trouble.

[madgaz]

I spent the last hour trawling through eBay at Baofeng's, when I could have just checked here for Mr Munchh's input :headbang: haha

Thanks for the help

I found the 'new' 2013 model UV5-R's with ear piece and programming cable for approx 45 quid, in the UK, which I didn't think was bad to be honest.

[munchh]

Thats the way to go, with all these chinese radios i have gone on to buy the program cable speaker mic and car adapter, if you cannot cahrge it up its not going to do you many favors when SHTF comes around, having the ability to use 12v is a must.

£45 bargin.