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sheerfire96 OP t1_jeg0jmz wrote

Reply to comment by psimian in [Request] Portable Transistor Radio by sheerfire96

I’m comfortable enough soldering and tinkering unfortunately I just don’t have the equipment right now in life.

I have my ham license but was just utterly overwhelmed when trying to mess around with it. It’s something I’d like to try and return to at some point for the sake of being prepared for emergencies (and just science/engineering fun).

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psimian t1_jeg418n wrote

Well in that case, grab a Baofeng UV-5R for $25 off amazon, and start calling in to your local nets. You can also pick up a copy of The Guerrillas Guide to the Baofeng Radio. (AKA how to have a lot of fun with a cheap radio)

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sheerfire96 OP t1_jeg5v8r wrote

That’s an interesting looking book.

I had one of those UV-5Rs somewhere but it’s gotten lost in several moves. I should see if I can find it again. That book looks like it could be more useful than the user guide that came with the radio

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psimian t1_jegfquf wrote

Totally. Maybe 2/3 of the book is useless unless you're really into prepping or something, but the other 1/3 is worth the price by itself. It walks you through all the programming options, gives you a list of all the standard walkie talkie and general communications frequencies, explains how to build an antenna, and how to make a repeater out of 2 radios.

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