Channel: We are assigned FRS channel 3 for VarsityParkCERT (limiting conflict with other CERTs.) We do not set a privacy code (CTCSS).
Monthly test: We test our radios each month on the first Tuesday at 7.30pm.
In an emergency: We will use the radios to communicate with our command post. Typically, a roving team of 3-4 volunteers will have one person acting as communicator, and will relay information and instrucions between the team and the Command Post.
Recommendation: No specific models are recommended by other CERTs. It is an individual choice, based on the features you like or need for other purposes. Varsity Park is roughly a 1⁄2 mile square. Please share your suggestions and “deals”.
I like the “36-mile” Midland GXT1000VP4 ($69/pair) value pack, “38-mile” Midland X-Talker T71VP3 ($79/pair), or a “25- mile” Motorola Talkabout T260 ($50/pair). Fry’s has these and (too) many others in stock – check Amazon online prices if you go to Fry’s, sometimes Fry’s will reduce to match if Amazon less expensive.
Good brands are Midland, Motorola, Uniden and Cobra; some lesser-known radios will work adequately, but are typically less robust with fewer desirable features. Fry’s and Amazon have a large selection of appropriate radios. At Fry’s, you can see the actual radios. Best Buy had a limited stock.
Inexpensive radios cost about $9 each (sold in 2-packs or 4-packs, such as the “3-mile” Floureon M- 880/ XF-638 from Amazon ($33 for 4 units, 1 W max power) but more satisfying and robust models would cost about $20-$45 each (typically sold as $40-90 for a 2-pack).
Best to get a newer radio that supports up to 2W for FRS (Family radio service, license free) – older radios were only allowed 0.5W. Unfortunately, it is not easy to find the manufacture date, and few mention their maximum power. Typically radios have a HI-LO (or HI-MED-LO) power. We try to only use FRS, but many radios also support up to 5W for GMRS (General Mobile Radio Service, requires a “family” license. See https://www.azgmrs.org/how-to-get-a-gmrs-license.php), needed for longer distance.
Get a radio that uses 3 or 4 AA batteries (smaller radios use AAA batteries, which won’t last as long), or allow rechargeable battery pack and AA batteries. Carry extra batteries that will last up to 10 years. In an emergency, we might lose power and recharging would be difficult/impossible. Most of these come with rechargeable Ni-MH batteries (AA size or battery pack). These can be charged offline in a separate charger or in the radio. Don’t leave the batteries on the charger for too many days.
It is useful if the radio has a VOX (voice-operated exchange) or eVOX option to allow hands-free operation, especially with a plug in microphone. Some radios have a settable VOX sensitivity option, helpful in a noisy environment. But we will continue to use the PTT (“Push To Talk”) button.
Get a water resistant radio (“Splash Resistant”) or better yet, Waterproof. Important for CERT use.
Many newer radios support NOAA weather alerts, a useful feature, but not critical.
FRS and GMRS now share the same 22 channels. Older radios with only 16 channels are to be avoided. Some radios claim to have more than 22 channels, but the higher channels are just lower channels with pre-configured CTCSS codes – we don’t need this.
Generally, radios with longer antennas are more powerful. Radios listed as having a 25 or more mile range (a super optimistic claim, rarely achieved) are very good for us.
It is useful to get a plug in clip-on microphone to support hands-free operation, especially with VOX. Some value packs include a headset/microphone.
It is useful if the radio not only has a belt clip (most do) but also a lanyard connector loop (few do).
Do not get the BaoFeng BF888s, since these do not have legal FRS/GMRS frequencies and have illegal removable antennas. They do not cover our channel 3 without reprogramming