Durable HT frs capable?

[mcnabb100]

Hi guys, i'm looking for a HT for use in extreme emergencies that is capable of transmitting on the FRS frequencies. The Baofeng's have come to my attention but I would prefer something more durable for an emergency radio. What would you guys suggest? I would prefer to not need to desolder anything on the radio.

 

[Mudfoot]

I think my Baofeng UV 5R is pretty darn durable. The Wouxun is pretty solid also.
Any of the big 3 requires, cutting, desoldering or tweezering.

 

[mcnabb100]

Any of the big 3 requires, cutting, desoldering or tweezering.

I was afraid of that.

Do you think the baofeng is tougher than the Wouxun or vice versa.

Thanks for the help!

 

[Mudfoot]

I only had the Wouxun for a few months before I traded it off. I now have two UV-5R's and consider them more durable.

Just my opinion...

 

[mcnabb100]

I saw This on icom's site. I think it fits the bill but I'm not sure how to program it. I found some icom programming usb cables but I'm not sure about what software I would need. Chirp made no mention of this radio, and neither does some of the Icom software.

 

[Mudfoot]

You won't have the frequency range of the Baofeng or Wouxun. Plus you'll spend more coin.

Accessories are more coin as well.

Buy whatever provides you comfort.

 

[desync0]

For the price of the china HT's, buy two, if they're for emergency use, might as well have a spare. If something happens and you destroy one, you'll have a back up and won't be out $3-400.

 

[mcnabb100]

Honestly I'm not crazy about having the screen and all the buttons if I don't need them. Also the UI on the baofeng seems confusing. I would prefer the channel nob on the icom even if I have to reprogram with my computer.

 

[desync0]

What about a UV-3R Mark II then?

Still has a display, but does away with the keypad.

 

[snakyjake]

extreme emergencies

Since you mentioned extreme and emergency, I wouldn't rely on FRS or a HAM HT. You need 2 way satellite communication: InReach.

Jake

 

[Mudfoot]

Friend of mine has a SAT phone. It's pretty darn cool. But he makes big bucks and can afford the bill. It has an annoying echo on some calls.

 

[KingCobra_CDX882]

For Best ..

You should have Ham,CB,MURS,FRS/GMRS,Business bands,Sat. & Cel..Basically covering everything from HF through UHF.

There are so many times one will not work and another will..
No system alone is exempt from issues.

In Emergency's one needs to be able to have different systems at their reach.. That is your Best chance of having at least one (hopefully ) of these systems still working ( usable ).

Admit-ably though it can quickly get costly covering all the bases

 

[mcnabb100]

I have looked at the SAT phones but right now they are out of my price range.

I'm thinking about going with an icom IC-F4011. It's a UHF radio primarily for business but I found a website that will program the channels to the frequencies of your choosing so I'm going to have it programmed for frs/gmrs channels 1-16. They also sell the programming software, I may pick up a copy along with a cable later.

Unfortunately i'm on a pretty strict budget, I'm 17 and looking for a job. I have an interview tomorrow so hopefully I'll have some more radio money soon :w00t:

thanks for all the advice!

 

[snakyjake]

Make sure you read the manual before you buy. I don't like how the squelch is set. Selective calling is a nice feature to have, but I can't figure out from the manual how it is setup. I don't carry the manual around, so I need something intuitive.

Another option for emergency communication is APRS. I like the idea it can track to my last known location.