• Buying a HAM Radio

HAM Radios for CERT

The least expensive, good HAM radios suitable for CERT** and other HAM radio uses are:

    –Wouxun KG-UV3D

        It is a good choice for serious CERT HAMS.  The more expensive radios may be able to do a little more

        and may be a little easier to program, but those aren't required for CERT.  The Wouxun can do some

        things they can't.

    –Yaesu FT60-R or better

        Time tested radio for emergency work and if you plan to pursue the hobby aspects of HAM radio.

        That said, Wouxun is the defacto "standard" in Walnut Creek because more people have Wouxuns.

Talk with friends – it is not good to be the only one with a certain radio.  As a beginner, it is easier to work together & help each other… try to get the same radio.

** Note: CERT radios need to be dual band (2m/70cm); with 5 watts output; use a rechargeable battery; use a AA battery case; be water resistant or water proof; and rugged.  Wouxun, Yaesu, Alinco, ICOM, Kenwood, etc. all make good radios.  We have seen problems with the Baofeng radios (spurious emissions, battery case didn't fit).  Features vary, but more features usually come at a price.  Some HAMS have more than one radio.

Ordering a HAM Radio

Order as soon as you can so the radio is available before "CERT Getting on the Air, class 2":

    • Click to place an order directly on the Radio Order website

      Note: the Group Purchase is only available by using the links.  You CANNOT get this discount if you go

      to the Ham Radio Outlet store in Oakland, order by phone, or order on www.hamradio.com.

To have your items ready for delivery at "Getting on the Air" class 2, Dick DubBey must have your order soon after the first "CERT Getting on the Air" class #1.  Pay Dick at the class 2 with cash or make your check out to Richard DuBey. 

Ordering early increases the chance that you will get your radio during the "Getting on the Air" class, part 2.

Whatever items available for pickup shortly before the class will be distributed to you in class.  If necessary, we can make arrangements for you to pick up your order from Dick DuBey's house after that.

Questions

• If you have any questions, please contact Dick DuBey at 925-876-0125 or by email rdubey@sbcglobal.net.

And, no, he doesn't get paid a commission or anything for doing this - he's strictly a volunteer, just like you, trying to improve emergency preparedness in Walnut Creek.

• Still trying to make up your mind between the Yaesu and the Wouxun?

  Perhaps these will help Wouxun KG-UV3D and Yaesu FT-60R feature comparisons

                                   Wouxun KG-UV3D, Yaesu FT-60R, Yaesu VX-8R technical comparison

• Do you need a spare battery?  Estimated battery life comparison

• Click to View Wouxun Radio setup for WC CERT Practice Net check-ins

• Click for the surprise answer... So, how the heck do you pronounce "Wouxun" (thanks Jeff Starr)? 

For administrative use: New GOTA Radio Orders

OBSOLETE - 11-16-2015 - spurious emissions...

   –BaoFeng UV-5R or better

        Relatively new, inexpensive radio.  Also good for CERT.  Good first radio. If you "outgrow" it, you have

        not committed much money and can use it as a backup.  If you can't decide between the other two,

        this is a good choice.

OBSOLETE - 6-13-2018  don't offer paper form on website...