Radio Choices
The Hamilton County CERT program uses a variety of radios for team communication. There are so many types of radios to choose from, it can be very confusing. To help you decide which radio to select, here are some guidelines.
1 – CERT Communications can help program these radios using CHIRP software:
Radioddity GA-2S – the most basic radio which can only be programmed using a computer. This radio does not have a screen and announces the channel you are on when you turn the dial.
These Baofengs are very similar and either one is a good choice:
Baofeng UV-5R – 5 watt dual band radio, can be programmed manually.
Baofeng BF-F8HP – 8 watt dual band radio, can be programmed manually.
2 – Amateur Radio License is required for the Repeater Channels
A GMRS (General Mobile Radio Service) license is required to use the shared FRS/GMRS frequencies that is able to transmit above 2-Watts of power. These licenses are good for 10 years and apply to anyone in your immediate family. To obtain a GMRS license, click here.
To use the Simplex channels or to listen to the Amateur Radio Repeater Channels you should have a GMRS license. You must have at least a Technician’s license to talk on the Repeaters.
3 – HCEM has established a Band Plan for all of the radios. This means that we are all on the same channels when we communicate using either our personal radios or any of the repeaters. This helps to simplify the communication process. To obtain the latest channel band plan, contact your CERT Strike Team Leader.
4 – Other Radios
The CERT Communication team has limited it’s support to the radios listed above. We know that people have purchased other types of radios but the comms team cannot support all of them. For example the Yaesu FT-60 and Radioddity GS-5B require different programs and connectors. These radios are great and many of us use them, but it requires you to purchase additional software and programming cables specific to the radio and program them yourself. Programming using a computer program is relatively simple, just follow the channel band plan and program for your radio.
Optional Radios
Radioddity GM-30 GMRS Radio (1 pc)
5 Watt, Long Range Two-Way - 1 piece
GMRS Repeater Capable, NOAA Scanning
Supports PC Programming
Radioddity GM-30 GMRS Radio (2 pc)
5 Watt, Long Range Two-Way - 2 pieces
GMRS Repeater Capable, NOAA Scanning
Supports PC Programming
Radioddity GS-5B
Bluetooth Programming
Dual Band with Dual PTT
USB Rechargeable
Powerwerx DB-750X Mobile Radio
Ham License Only - Dual Band
50 W, 750 Channel Commercial Mobile Radio
Powerwerx Programming Kit
Antennas
Dual Band SMA Dual Loop
For UV-5R, BF-F8HP Radios
SMA - Female Connection
15.6-in Whip for BaoFeng Radios
NA-771 VHF/UHF Antenna
SMA-Female Connector
Other options available from this link
Foldable 42.5-in for BaoFeng Radios
2-Pack, For UV-5R, BF-F8HP
Additional sizes available from link.
Magnetic Mounted for Baofeng
Car/Vehicle Mount UHF/VHF
For UV-5R
20-In Magnetic Mount GMRS Radios
Nagoya UT-75G Super Loading Coil
Includes additional SMA Male & Female Adaptors for Handheld Radios
YAGI Antenna - Ham License Only
High Gain 9dBi UHF 70cm Base
UHF 400-470 MHz 5 Element
Baofeng 2-Way Radio
Misc. & Accessories
Car Charging Cable
12-24 V for BaoFeng Two-Way Radios
UV-5R and BF-F8HP
USB Programming Cable - Baofeng
BTECH PC03 FTDI
For Baofeng UV-5R and BF-F8HP Radios
USB Programming Cable with Driver CD
CH340 Chip for GMRS Two-Way Radios
UV-5R, BF-F8HP with Driver CD
NIFTY UV-5R Reference Card
Baofeng UV-5R Series Tri-Fold
Reference Card
Handheld Antenna Cable Connectors
SMA Male to UHF SO-239 Female Connectors
6" Pack of 2 for Amplifier
Radio Strap/Holder
X-FIRE Portable Radio Shoulder/Duty
Belt Holder with Anti/Sway Strap