SHTF Radio Recommedations

[Moondancer]

I'm interested in getting a radio for general use as well as having it for possible SHTF scenarios.

I've always kinda liked the idea of having a multi-band (as in AM, FM, and short wave) but I know little or nothing about SW. Likewise, I'd ideally like one that is battery / solar / hand crank powered, but know little or nothing about these other than Grundig (?) makes some.

While money isn't much of a consideration on the purchase (I'll spend what I feel is justified), I'm not looking to invest beaucoup bucks to get the absolute top of the line just to have it.

So... anything you can give me will be greatly appreciated. Personal experience, FOAF recomendations, websites, reference information, whatever.

Thanks!

 

[Ed Straker]

Go find an issue of Monitoring Times to get an idea of what is available on shortwave. The Grundig YB400PE is outstanding, available from Radio Shack for $150, or on Ebay for about $100. It's about the size of a paperback book. The Sangean ATS 505 is another option, a lttle less expensive. There's a book called 'Survival Communcations' that might help, too.

 

[garrettwc]

Check out the website of The C. Crane Company.
http://www.ccrane.com

Lots of good radio related stuff on their website.

 

[Hutch]

Yup, SHTF comms is quite an interesting subject. If all you wanna do is listen, then ya got some good advice already. Let me also suggest you get a scanner, the radio kind, not the computer kind. You can listen in to the PD, FD, etc. You will also likely be able to tune in the local ham-radio 2m repeater and listen to what the local civilians are saying. Probably more valuable than knowing what the BBC or Deutche Welle is saying about your local conditions.

You also need a publication called "Passport to World Band Radio", available from amazon. It will give you some idea of what's available, when it's available, and where on the dial you can look for it. Be aware, it ain't like you can depend on it like the pre-sets on your car radio. Time of day, atmospheric conditions, sunspots, and lots else will determine what you can hear. So will your antenna. If you're really serious, try tuning in various sources BEFORE it's an emergency. All it takes is time and patience.

If you can find them, contact the local amateur radio club and see if any of the members has compiled a list of the radio frequencies the local PD's, FD's and so forth use. Those'll be handy when you're programming the scanner.

 

[444]

Check out the BayGen Freeplay Radio on that CCrane website. I got one that is AM, FM, Shortwave. It is powdered by batteries, AC, built in solor panel, or a hand crank generator.
Works great. I use it all the time.
Looks like it is $99 and this one comes with a light, mine doesn't have the light. http://www.ccrane.com/freeplay_plus.asp

I also have a portable that is solor powered. I don't know who made it, I have it at work. But, if you sit it in the sun for a day or two (I leave it on the windowsill all the time), it will run for days on end with that one charge.

 

[C.R.Sam]

And...

Learn blinker.

Sam

 

[Moondancer]

More?

Thanks to all who've answered so far.

I'm a glutton for information, so if anyone has anything else, keep it coming!

 

[AUTIGER04]

C.CRANE CO. or Your local radio shack.

 

[Sodbuster]

More?

You have received some great advice already. I have an older Sangean and I'm very happy with it. The Grundig has been out for years now and is highly rated. Depending on where you are located (big city or small town) a scanner may not be real helpful. Large departments are going to encrypted, frequency-hopping radios. FWIW I have a 10-meter mobile radio in my truck, an RCI 2950DX. It's been modified by the dealer for 25 watts on CB and single side band. Cost is around $250. You need an FCC license to transmit on it, but it's legal to own and monitor with. During SHTF who would care about a license. Sorry about the dangling preposition.

 

[Bacchus]

Try looking for clubs in your area. They will know the "hot" frequencies and be able to give you advice about types of radios and where to buy them.

Try searching google with something like "amateur radio clubs" and your area.

 

[4v50 Gary]

BTW, mine is a Kenwood TH-G71 and I've been told it's mil-spec.