What Do I Put In My Radio?

OK, so Tactical Wisdom and NC Scout, along with that “BOO-FWANG” guy Randy said I needed to get some Boo-Fwang’s, and I did. Now what?

Those radios are useless to you sitting in a drawer, unprogrammed. The biggest question I get is, “But what do I program it with?”. That’s a great question and we’ll try to give you some ideas here. If you just don’t know, you can click on the Consulting Services link above and arrange for me to program your radios for $125 plus shipping.

Download the CHIRP software first.

First, understand that as the Tactical Wisdom here says, you should listen more than you talk. That means program in channels you might hear others talking on locally.

To answer before listening—
    that is folly and shame.

Proverbs 18:13

I always start with programming the 22 FRS/GMRS (Family Radio Service/General Mobile Radio Service) channels. They are the same 22 UHF channels, the only difference is that the GMRS license allows you to use more power on most channels and repeaters on 8 channels. These channels are in use nationally by families, hikers, hunters, campers, and businesses. In a crisis, they will be used for communications. It will be good to listen to them. Just remember, kids, that you must be on LOW power to use these without a license.

On that note, a GMRS license is $3.50 a year ($35 for 10 years) and covers your extended family out to grandparents/grandkids and aunts-uncles/cousins. Literally everyone. Just get it.

The next five channels I put in are the MURS or Multi Use Radio Service channels. These are 5 VHF channels that are generally used for business. These require no license but do have a 2 watt power limit (low power). You can use any size antenna.

Having both the GMRS and MURS channels gives you a good mix of UHF (good for urban) and VHF (good for rural) channels.

For general listening I put in the amateur radio VHF and UHF calling frequencies and the AMRRON national channel (146.420), which is a national preparedness radio channel for finding like minded folks or information in an emergency. These require an amateur license.

Next I got to repeaterbook.com and gather all the local amateur radio repeaters and input them, for listening purposes. They will be a great source of information. Include your local SkyWarn or ARES (Amateur Radio Emergency Service) frequencies. Never interfere or broadcast on these channels, these folks are doing good work. Just listen and use the good information.

The last thing I add are local GMRS repeaters for anywhere I frequent from mygmrs.com. Some of them have unlisted codes that the owners will give out to licensed and approved folks.

With these above ideas, you have a fairly robust radio program already. Devise your teams comms plan around whatever services your people hold licenses for. These aren’t the only types you’ll need, but it’s all that will go on your Baofeng or similar radios.

I know that in some areas, public safety like police and fire may be on UHF/VHF frequencies that can be heard by your Boo-Fwang, but I don’t recommend putting them on there. You might accidentally broadcast and that’s a HUGE problem. It’s also not an efficient scanner. If you do choose to put them on there, make them receive-only.

If you have extra room and live near lakes or the sea, put in the local Marine VHF channels like 16 and what ever the local hailing frequency is.

Again, I offer programming.

There is still one slot for the Montana Fieldcraft course 5/3 to 5/5 and there are several in the May NC and June OK courses. Get signed up. Also, save the date for our July 26-28 get together in Bigfork, MT.

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