Funny timing. This has been on my mind a lot lately. Sooner or later this digital/cellular age is going to collapse under it's own weight or uncivilization is going to go belly up and we will need a way to communicate with distant brethren.
That is precisely why I've been interested. Chazsbetterhalf thinks (OK, knows) I'm a little goofy on it. But even though I'm not a "hardcore" prepper, I certainly want communication capabilities in the "what if.." scenario. It's kinda funny, whenever a big storm is predicted, someone always brings out the "bread & milk" video. I just laugh, because I(we) never have such concerns.
I often wonder, what's going to happen when a large CME ( Coronal Mass Ejection) happens again and takes out comm satellites as well as power grids. People will go goofy. Meanwhile, I'll just sit back and enjoy the peace & quiet, and the dark night skies.
This is a good place to start. It's a great, great, cheap radio. You'll have to do your own research as to what you can and cannot do.(mainly from a transmitting standpoint) Baofeng UV-5R | Dual Band | 4/1W | 128CH | Flashlight | VOX | Alert | TOT Edit, I'm trying to post a link for Amazon, but one doesn't appear to be showing.