this post was submitted on 21 Jun 2025
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Socialist Rifle Association

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[–] PirateFrog@lemmy.dbzer0.com 3 points 1 week ago* (last edited 1 week ago) (1 children)

Found that the book mentioned in the video on how to configure and use these radios is available for free on Archive:

https://archive.org/details/ncscout-the-guerrillas-guide-to-the-baofeng-radio-2022

[–] SharkWeek@lemmy.blahaj.zone 3 points 1 week ago (1 children)

I found it to have a lot of stuff repeated, and some bad advice mixed in, so take it with a pinch of salt.

(Me and my other half use these when out of mobile range in the mountains, in case of emergencies)

[–] PirateFrog@lemmy.dbzer0.com 2 points 1 week ago

Good to know. Thanks for the summary!

[–] frezik@midwest.social 2 points 1 week ago (2 children)

Would recommend getting a ham license if you're going to use these. There are flashcard apps that can run you through the tests. Morse code isn't required anymore. Not hard to pass.

[–] kalpol@lemmy.world 1 points 1 week ago* (last edited 1 week ago)

Second this. Hamstudy app is great. Takes a little work but really is not hard, then you can do things properly.

Or just pay the $35 and get a GMRS license and skip the Baofengs, find some cheap Radiooddity or etc. Part 95 radios and you still get to use repeaters that are pretty common.

[–] PirateFrog@lemmy.dbzer0.com 1 points 1 week ago* (last edited 1 week ago)

For others reading, be aware that acquiring a HAM license will assign you a callsign that, if looked up on the FCC website, reveals your full name and home address unless you take measures to avoid that, such as getting a PO Box.

If you only plan on using a HAM radio during times of emergency, such as the type indicated in the video, obtaining the license is more of a formality than a necessity. Though learning how to use HAM radio, and which frequencies to avoid, would be fruitful either way.

Unless you are being a jerk on the airwaves, or are actively jamming a HAM frequency, the FCC will not bother to ensure you are licensed, for HAM or GMRS.

Most repeater stations are sticklers for rules though, so you'll likely need a callsign to be able to use them.