point of ham radios??

[Deeps]

Ham Radio give you the ability to communicate internationally, without telephones and mobiles. The amount of frequency/channels allocated allow more chance of success than CB which is comparatively restricted. In the event of a world wide Event it is likely to be the mode of communications between isolated communities.
Just think of it as a telephone without wires. Mobile Phones actually are individual wide band radio transmitters that use a system of repeaters or cells.

Totally, same as the iridium system etc, it all comes down to practicalities, power being the big one. World wide might not be everyone's top priority, getting in touch with some folk who are 10 miles away might be more important. I'm not slagging 'ham', I can understand why Diva has questions about the usefulness of it for preppers, your normal 'ham' probably doesn't feel the need to have backup batteries so as soon as the lecky goes, then they're OTA (off the air).

[undomesticdiva]

Ham Radio give you the ability to communicate internationally, without telephones and mobiles. The amount of frequency/channels allocated allow more chance of success than CB which is comparatively restricted. In the event of a world wide Event it is likely to be the mode of communications between isolated communities.
Just think of it as a telephone without wires. Mobile Phones actually are individual wide band radio transmitters that use a system of repeaters or cells.

Totally, same as the iridium system etc, it all comes down to practicalities, power being the big one. World wide might not be everyone's top priority, getting in touch with some folk who are 10 miles away might be more important. I'm not slagging 'ham', I can understand why Diva has questions about the usefulness of it for preppers, your normal 'ham' probably doesn't feel the need to have backup batteries so as soon as the lecky goes, then they're OTA (off the air).

Okay... I think based on everyone's answers I've managed to cobble together the (very) basics. Thank you for your patience! I'm not great at electronics, i can re wire a plug and change a fuse but that's about it. DIY? No problem! Give me a piece of wood or fabric and i'll make something with it. So trying to make sense of FM and AM and Mhz etc sounds mostly like gobbledygook i'm afraid. I have since discovered there is a Ham group 5 miles away from me, so when i'm feeling brave i might pop along and give it a go, then see if i can figure it out
I do appreciate everyone's efforts to explain though (Natural blonde )
If you need me i'll be sitting in the corner with my

[undomesticdiva]

Also, can you get a "walkie talkie" version of a Ham radio??

[Deeps]

Also, can you get a "walkie talkie" version of a Ham radio??

'walkie talkies' are just very short range radios that you don't need a licence for. You can get amateur radio's that you can talk to the world on but you need to do your 'ham' licence.

[Captain Darling]

Walkie Talkies are usually V/UHF (usually 130-150 MHz in VHF or 430-480 MHz in UHF) and can be bought and used without a licence or training. You can get them in Argos and stuff.

Hams usually have to pass a course or a test to be allowed to use other frequencies within the VHF band (local) or HF (international)

Generally speaking, the lower the frequency, the bigger the antenna, and the bigger the range.

[Deeps]

Walkie Talkies are usually V/UHF (usually 130-150 MHz in VHF or 430-480 MHz in UHF) and can be bought and used without a licence or training. You can get them in Argos and stuff.

Hams usually have to pass a course or a test to be allowed to use other frequencies within the VHF band (local) or HF (international)

Generally speaking, the lower the frequency, the bigger the antenna, and the bigger the range.

And the more power you need, lots and lots of the stuff.

[undomesticdiva]

oh was hoping I could start off with one, the smaller then better, the less I can maff up/ break it lol

[Briggs 2.0]

Ham Radio give you the ability to communicate internationally, without telephones and mobiles. The amount of frequency/channels allocated allow more chance of success than CB which is comparatively restricted. In the event of a world wide Event it is likely to be the mode of communications between isolated communities.
Just think of it as a telephone without wires. Mobile Phones actually are individual wide band radio transmitters that use a system of repeaters or cells.

Totally, same as the iridium system etc, it all comes down to practicalities, power being the big one. World wide might not be everyone's top priority, getting in touch with some folk who are 10 miles away might be more important. I'm not slagging 'ham', I can understand why Diva has questions about the usefulness of it for preppers, your normal 'ham' probably doesn't feel the need to have backup batteries so as soon as the lecky goes, then they're OTA (off the air).

I guess I must be an abnormal ham as my preferred HF rig is intercontinental capable on only 30watts and runs from a wind up battery.

I am pretty sure there's at least two regulars on here with the same kit so if/when the world flips upside down and digital communication dies, then we will be able to switch to analogue so we can chat about how we told everyone the end was nigh.

[Hamradioop]

Hi diva, you can go into Maplin and buy two types of Licence free radio transmitters. I. PMR446 this is designed for nearby communications, it has an output of 1/2 a watt and operates in the UHF Band (think analogue TV Channels) it has a claim range of up to 8km. which would be hill top to hilltop. 2 CB Radios 4 watts output on FM/AM and 12 Watts on SSB( do worry about FM,AM and SSB it is the way your voice is put onto the radio transmission) the ranges is good for about a genuine 10 Miles*
and at certain times of the year /solar cycle can be used to communicate internationally)

Now if you have look outs or scavenging teams the PMR446 may be of some use this is assuming you have a Mutual Aid Group set up (some times referred to as a MAG)

Now I have bee a ham since 1981 and it was my hobby before I joined this forum or heard of the world of prepper. I try and advise people on the best way to get their Ham Licence and keep them from getting into trouble with Ofcom who enforce the Law on Radio Transmitters.

Now the reason I think Ham Radio is a good tool form preppers is if the SHTF the electrical grid WILL collapse in a few days then shortly after will go the Mobile Phones and landlines when there battery back up if any is exhausted. Now the BBC will probably be transmitting one or twice a day to keep the public informed of Guberment rules. The real situation may well be found using Ham radio to listen for intel.

deeps said I can understand why Diva has questions about the usefulness of it for preppers, your normal 'ham' probably doesn't feel the need to have backup batteries so as soon as the lecky goes, then they're OTA (off the air).

That is seriously incorrect as most hams have battery and solar backups for operating Portable in a field or mountain top which is a significant part of the hobby. Some years back We were operating from a hilltop and had set up a complicated Radio station for an international VHF/UHF SHF contest and we had a couple of Army \officer watching us, they were on an exercise looking for suitable communications relay points. They complemented us on the efficient manner they station was set up and said their soldiers could learn from us. Most hams get out in the field several times a year for ccontests or RAYNET exercises. send me a PM if you need anything else Diva

[undomesticdiva]

Okay, i have discovered that a walkie talke and a two way radio are completely different things.
Now, my next questions are:
Would i be able to get a two way radio and pick up regular ham radio signals?

Is it basically a miniature version of a regular size ham?

Are they easy to work and maintain?

A yes or no answer will be fine, if i can figure out that much (and buy one when i have money spare ), then i shall look into the logistic and inner workings etc Sorry for sounding so thick