Understanding Frequencies

Choose the Right Radio Channel

Frequencies are the “lanes” radios use to send messages during hurricanes, wildfires, floods, tornadoes, and earthquakes. This guide explains frequencies in simple terms, helping beginners and hobbyists pick the right radio for any disaster. It’s a key step in mastering radios. Study this page, explore Radio Basics, Radio Prepping and Emergency Communications, and other pages, and practice with flashcard-style quizzes on HAMQuiz. For more training, visit https://hamstudy.org/ and https://hambook.org/. Start now—frequencies are your path to connection.

What Are Frequencies?

Frequencies, measured in megahertz (MHz), are like radio stations your radio tunes into. Low frequencies (e.g., 5 MHz, shortwave) travel far, even over mountains. High frequencies (e.g., 462 MHz, FRS) are clear but short-range, ideal for local chats.

Example: During a wildfire, high-frequency GMRS reaches your town.

Frequency Bands

Radios use three main bands:

HF (3–30 MHz): Long-range, for shortwave, CB, ham.

Example: During a flood, HF connects to hams 100 miles away.

VHF (30–300 MHz): Local, for ham nets, marine radios.

Example: During a hurricane, VHF links CERT teams.

UHF (300–3000 MHz): Short-range, for FRS, GMRS.

Example: During an earthquake, UHF FRS checks neighbors.

Frequencies in Disasters

Choose frequencies by disaster:

Hurricanes: UHF (FRS Channel 1) for local check-ins.

Wildfires: UHF (GMRS Channel 15) for evacuations.

Earthquakes: HF (JS8Call) for regional aid.

Example: During a tornado, HF shortwave calls distant hams.

Support Caregivers

Frequencies help caregivers:

Pre-set UHF FRS Channel 1 for dementia patients.

Example: During a flood, a caregiver’s FRS call works on UHF.

Practice caregiver tips on HAMQuiz.

Keep Learning

Frequencies make radios work:

Use HAMQuiz flashcard quizzes.

Example: What band for FRS? A) HF B) VHF C) UHF (Answer: C).

Earn 7000 BaconPoints on HAMQuiz.

Study at https://hamstudy.org/ and https://hambook.org/.

Why This Guide Is Essential

This guide simplifies frequencies:

Clear: Easy band explanations.

Proactive: Picks radios for disasters.

Inclusive: Caregiver-friendly.

Engaging: HAMQuiz keeps it fun.

Our channels are the standard. CERT, ARRL (arrl.org), and REACT (reactintl.org) align with us. Email contact@hamquiz.org to connect.

Disclaimer

Our channels are the default; CERT adopts them.

Next Steps

Explore Radio Basics, What Are Radio Waves?, Antennas 101, and other pages at hamquiz.org.

Practice flashcard quizzes on HAMQuiz.

Train at https://hamstudy.org/ and https://hambook.org/.

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