Have you ever been in an emergency situation without any means of reaching family and friends? We know you are probably thinking of using your cellphone to contact them but there’s another question – What happens if it’s an area without network coverage? Don’t worry, there’s a way out. With a ham radio, you can contact people during emergency situations.

A ham radio which is also known as an amateur radio is a popular hobby and service used by people to communicate during emergency. People use the device to communicate across towns, around the world, and into space without the use of internet or mobile phone. It has social, educative and informative features and can be a life saver in times of need.

During an emergency, several conventional forms of communication can be disconnected due to massive traffic and excessive usage, in this situation, a handheld survival ham radio will be the best option. It is designed to be used while on the go, and operated with rechargeable battery packs that power the FM voice transmitter outputs on UHF and VHF bands.

In this article, we are going to review some of the best handheld ham radio you can find in the market.

Best Handheld Ham Radio for Survival

The following handheld ham radios for survival come highly recommended:

Yaesu FT-60R

Yaesu is a reputable name in the amateur radio industry. The Yaesu FT-60R dual-band portable device is equipped with an alphanumeric display, backlit keyboard, 1,000 memory channels and scan mode. It has a lock mode to ensure that there are no accidental changes in frequency while traveling.

It is also equipped with reception capacitors for NOAA weather alerts and emergency channels lodged in 800-900 Mhz. It has three levels of power output: High, Medium and low. With a 1400 mAh battery, charger, easy-to-carry belt clip, and antenna, this portable amateur radio is considered to be one of the most durable in the market.

BaoFeng UV-82HP

The BaoFeng UV-82HP high performance dual band radio has three power modules – High, medium and low. The frequency range for commercial FM reception is 65-108 MHz and it has just one setting for using broadband. With a convenient LCD screen and channel lock to prevent accidental frequency changes, BaoFeng is known for producing clear sounds and arguably one of the best ham radios to buy.

You will certainly need this device in emergency situations. Check here to see the advantages of having an amateur radio during a disaster.

BaoFeng BF-F8HP

This radio is an improved version of the previous generation and with double of the power output, durable shell, extended battery, and the antenna. It comes at an affordable price and is a huge asset for users in emergency.

BTECH UV-5X3

The BTECH UV-5 × 3-watt three-band radio has a selectable scan frequency range and channels that can be deleted or added by scanning directly in the menu. This device can be combined with the Nagoya NA-320A antenna for a complete experience. It is also easy to program with the CHIRP software and offers VOX Talk used for the hands-free option.

Some of the features that come with this ham radio include a busy line transmission, noise cancellation, alphanumeric channel storage and easy programming with a computer. This kit also includes a radio, dual band antenna, 1500 mAh battery, single-band antenna, double-band antenna, adapter, charger, headset, belt clip, wrist strap, and user-friendly instructions for easy programming.

Kenwood Original TH-D74A

This digital handheld digital ham computer is intended for serious survivalists. It is an advanced technology that is compatible with APRS through packet communication. It also has a built-in GPS module, broadband and multimode reception.

The Kenwood Original TH-D74A features an impressive TFT display and an IF filter for excellent reception. It has a sound recording function and is compatible with micro USB standards and Bluetooth. It has common controls, memory channels, data import and is fully weatherproof. This expensive handheld ham radio has a sophisticated design and is an impressive and valuable communication tool in emergency situations.

SAMCOM FPEN10A

The SAMCOM FPEN10A radio is the ideal device for maintaining close contact with a limited number of people. With 121 privacy codes and 20 channels, it’s easy to keep your calls confidential.

Its 2W output delivers a stable signal with a communication range of 2 to 3 miles. It has a customizable power mode and a built-in group chat function that allows you to talk directly with people who are not on the same channel. You can easily tune into any channel while on the go in addition to the VOX and a 360-degree rotatable channel controller.

Finally, this amateur radio comes with an impressive lifetime warranty and is fully FCC certified.

Motorola Original VX-261-G7-5

This device is from the renowned Motorola brand and comes with 16 channels. It has a talk-around feature, VOX, antenna, a desktop charger and is splash proof. It is a budget friendly option and will certainly make a good choice for users looking for a reliable radio.

These are the best amateur radios that have made our list; you can also search the internet to find more models that can serve your needs.

If you get a ham radio and you need tips on how to start using it, you can check here: https://www.instructables.com/How-to-Talk-to-Someone-Using-Ham-Radio/.

Conclusion

Communication is very important. It is even more important in an emergency. Recent events in the world today show how fast we can lose service from cell phones, and even the internet. In situations like this, staying in touch with family and friends should be a priority.

Ham radio can provide the most reliable communication in the event of a disaster. It operates with a battery and uses a wireless support system which makes it possible for it not to depend on a mobile network tower or ISP to function.