Communication USPC Achievements and Radio Suggestions

Ryan Harden

Ryan Harden

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When out on missions or just communicating between local groups, it’s vital that you can communicate with other members. On this page, we’ll discuss the basic recommended equipment and channels we use to keep groups connected when out in the field or in a grid-down situation. If they knock out your comms, you're not going to know what's going on and you won't be able to call for help.

The USPC recommends two basic types of radios. HAM (amateur radio) and GMRS. GMRS if you don't have your HAM license, many also get their GMRS license and use higher power 40-50 watt radios. While this article is designed to showcase some of the types of communication devices, it can be confusing when trying to figure out what to use. Bluntly, we use GMRS and HAM.

USPC Communication Directors: @PointRider / @Joe B

Recognition -

You will get your GMRS, Tech, General, and Extra badges on this site by sending your call sign to @Spiritus Ignis or posting below.


Communication Ops will be given by your leaders for specific missions, below are some general call frequencies.


USPC Official Band Plan (draft)

Preferred - Amateur (HAM) Radio (License Required To Transmit)

VHF Simplex 146.460 MHz VHF (2 meter) is the preferred frequency for many.

UHF Simplex - 446.000 MHz on UHF (70 Centimeter)

It is best to have a radio that uses APRS, this broadcasts your location so we can see you on maps.

We're also programming in the international calling frequency of 145.5625 for C4FM digital FM / Fusion.

WiRESX Digital HAM Chatroom: We use Wisconsin Link most often though we have our own node.

HF Calling Frequencies -

HF is where it's at for long-range overlanding. After we talk with more HF folks, we'll come up with some frequencies to start with for USPC. These are guidelines of course, bands can vary greatly. Be advised, most of the HF bands will require a General Ham License which you can study for once you have your technicians license.

10 Meter - (coming soon)

20 Meter - (coming soon)

40 Meter - (coming soon)

80 Meter - (coming soon)



2nd Best -

GMRS - (License Required To GMRS Transmit over 2 Watts)

Channel 16 (UHF 462.5750) 2 Watt FRS and up to 50 Watt GMRS.


Licenses -

GMRS License Guide


Ham Radio -

Technician Class

Use This Shortcut to Pass Your Ham Exam In 24 Hours


Getting My Ham Radio License // Becky Stern


General Class

General Class Courses (Free YouTube Study Guide)

Extra Class

Ham Radio Extra Class 12th Edition (Free YouTube Study Guide)


Recognition -

You will get your GMRS, Tech, General, and Extra badges on this site by sending your call sign to @Spiritus Ignis or posting below.
 
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I thought this video was a good overview of just how powerful having an HF radio can be.

Operating HF Mobile with Yaesu FT-891 & ATAS-120a on the Beach

"This is a video of me Operating HF Mobile with my Yaesu FT-891 and ATAS-120a screwdriver Antenna and my Renogy 100 watt Foldable Solar Suitcase, while on the Beach 🏖 in New Symrna, Florida! I make multiple contacts around the country as well as talk about my 1st Air Mobile Contact with an Air Canada 🇨🇦 Boeing 767 @ 35,000ft over the North Atlantic who was operating on the 20m Amateur Radio Band which was very exciting!"
 
Communication badges added.

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I do recommend the yaesu radios from hamradio.com along with the mars mod so you can hear and transmit on gmrs and frs. While the type accepted lingo you might hear is for the sale of the radio, it's hogwash pertaining to transmission.

You do not need a license to buy ham radios. You can leave that blank on hamradio.com. buy the mars mod with the radio so their staff does it and you don't have to worry about screwing up the radio.

Any questions, we're here to help.
 
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