Choosing the right antenna system
As communications become more important
to the prepper survivalist, one area that is often neglected is the
antenna system. There are a lot of options when it comes to the
antenna system for your specific needs. Whether you are doing VHF/UHF
of HF communications, the antenna is the most important part of the
system.
Keep in mind that you are better off
spending more time and money on your antenna system and purchasing an
adequate radio, than spending all your money on a 10K radio and some
crummy antenna.
What do you mean VHF/UHF and HF.
When you start to put your radio communications system together
you will have to decide what range you will need to talk with other
preppers/ survivalist groups. Of the three types of systems, VHF and
UHF radio's offer clean FM communications for your local group using
FRS radios or GMRS. When used between a good base station and mobile
units, you can expect a range of 25 to 50 miles. This would be with
high power (50 to 75W) mobile gear. And although it is always nice to
have a fancy state of the art radio, without a decent antenna system
you might as well turn the radios off and send smoke signals.
VHF and UHF communications are line of sight from antenna to
antenna. Any obstacles will decrease and sometimes block the signal
entirely. This can be hills and trees if you live in a wooded area,
or tall buildings and structures in an urban environment.
| VHF: Very High Frequency (really, it does). 30MHZ to 300 MHZ |
| UHF: Ultra High frequency. 300MHZ to 3000MHZ (3Ghz) |
| HF: High Frequency. 3MHZ to 30MHZ |
CB and Amateur radio |
| VHF/UHF |
Amateur and FRS/GMRS |
Which type of radio is right for me.
Of the FRS (Family Radio Service) radios that make false claims of
power output and distance, you can realistically expect 1 to 2 miles
with these. You are limited to ½ Watt (500 MW) and no external
antenna. You are stuck with that little nub sticking out of the top
of the radio.
GMRS radios have a higher output power and no antenna limitations
but require a license. These can be obtained per household making
them a bit more expensive but more practical for longer range
communications. FRS and GMRS work in the UHF range.
Amateur radio is another option if you need local, regional and
international communications. Amateur radio requires a test and a
call sign from the F.C.C. (Federal Communications Commission). On the
bands that are allocated to ham radio, you have a wide choice of
frequencies to choose from, different modes that you can operate and
higher power output (up to 1500W). There are also no limits on
antenna systems, other than what the HOA may decides.
CB radio is a good choice for local AND regional communications.
You are limited to AM (Amplitude Modulation) of SSB (Single
Sideband). The CB band is also somewhat sporadic. At times you will
hear stations from all over the country when signals start bouncing
off the atmosphere (Some refer to this as “skip”). When this
happens local communications can be lost in the noise.
One other consideration for CB radio in the HF spectrum is
antenna size. As you go down in frequencies the antennas get larger.
Antenna systems like the
Diamond
V2000A are a good compromise antenna that offers good
performance, tri-band operation and decent gain. It works from 50MHZ
up into the VHF/UHF range. It is designed for ham radio operators but
can be used for GMRS. At just 8ft tall it provides a lot of punch.
Which antenna system should I get.
When using FRS/GMRS you should decide on what range you will need
to maintain communications with everyone involved in your group. If
you go with FRS/GMRS radios, you have smaller antenna systems that
are available but the range is shorter. It is really worthwhile to
put more money into your antenna and purchase radio equipment that
may be used, than to buy a 10K radio and put up a crummy antenna.
Some antenna's work on more than one band, but they are a bit of a
compromise on the performance. The benefit of these types are that
you only need one antenna up in the air. There are many choices for
VHF/UHF multi band antenna's, and even some for HF/VHF/UHF.
Even if you are not a Survivalist or hardcore prepper, it is
always a good idea to be prepared. DO not neglect the antenna system
in your radio communications gear. Find out what your needs are, what
ranges you require as well as mode, and put together the best antenna
system you can. You will have much more effective communications that
way.
73 es see you on the air.
