Buying a VHF/UHF Amateur Band Radio
Last revised June 13, 2024 by Gary Goelkel, Morgan Hill CA ARES Emergency Coordinator
The best first and the most versatile amateur radio is a handheld, sometimes referred to as an HT (handi-talkie). HTs are used for local communications, utilizing the VHF and UHF bands which are available to any amateur radio license class, are repeater capable giving you broad regional radio coverage, and their small size makes them very portable.
Emergency communications within your City and Santa Clara County utilize VHF/UHF communications, so this should be your primary radio tool.
What do I buy?
HTs are available from $30 to $800, with the more expensive versions providing more features and usually better performance. The cheapest radios (under $70) tend to be harder to program, more susceptible to radio interference, and cause radio interference to others close to you. We have had amateur radio exercises in Santa Clara County where the inexpensive Baofengs (aka B-Tech, Radioddity) caused so much interference it was disruptive to the exercise and totally useless for the participants using them. Here are some key features you want to have.
Suggested minimum features:
VHF/UHF Dual Band (can use VHF or UHF frequencies)
5 watt output power
Li-ion battery (holds charge for months, NiMH batteries self discharge within 30 days)
Rapid charger
200+ radio channel memories (almost all do)
Reference lower cost models that meet above minimums: Yaesu FT-4XR ($90), Yaesu FT-65R ($105), TYT MD-UV390 ($120), Wouxun KG-UV9PX ($200), Icom IC-T10 ($239). In my opinion, the best low cost radio for emergency communications is the Yaesu FT-65R. It’s well made, easy to program, has a rugged water resistant case, and excellent battery life. It has all the basic features that you need for event and emergency communications.
Nice to have features depending upon personal preferences:
If you are willing to spend more than $100, these additional features may be of value to you.
Dual watch (can monitor two channels simultaneously, however you may also find trying to listen to two conversations simultaneously is too distracting when actually working an event. It is a more useful feature when each channel is occasionally used )
Large color display, photo reflective for bright light use (ability to see settings in all light conditions, larger type)
Higher weatherproof rating (IP ratings such as IP67, IPX7)
Digital capability (various standards such as DStar, C4FM, DMR, etc.)
GPS/APRS capability
Weather Alert
Top reference models that meet above: Yaesu FT5DR ($419), Icom ID-52A ($599), Kenwood TH-D75A ($749)
Where to buy:
Reliable Internet Vendors: Ham Radio Outlet (CA), DX Engineering (OH), GigaParts (AL), BuyTwoWayRadios(SC)
Radio Programming:
The easiest way to program your radio with all your local repeaters and simplex frequencies is by using a PC and software such as RT Systems or CHIRP. RT Systems software typically costs $25 and the programming cable to connect your radio is another $25. CHIRP is open source and a little more complicated to use. You also need the radio programming cable. Your local Ham club will have members that already have the software and local channels setup and will be happy to program your radio for you while showing you how to do it. You can also program by hand, but that process becomes daunting if you load all the Santa Clara County City frequencies and County Nets which total over 150 channels.