Be Prepared – Stage One

STAGE ONE:
This is the basic or beginner stage.  It gives you a fantastic basic package that makes you an effective communicator for the life of your single HT battery.  The simplex range of most HT radios is typically at least one mile depending upon terrain but can extend beyond that distance some times.  This radio is capable of using repeaters which can vastly extend the geographical coverage area for you.  (Placentia does not have city repeaters.  We have the option to use the county repeaters.)
Equipment:
•    Hand held radio also called the HT (handy talky).  We strongly recommend that you buy a HT that puts out at least 5 watts of transmitting power.  To allow you to function as a Placentia RACES member you will need at least a dual band radio that covers the 2 meter and the 440 MHz bands.  Your first radio should be a dual band radio..
◦    Comes with a single battery.
◦    Charging cable is always included.
◦    Stock antenna comes with the HT.   (some HT radios supply inferior stock antennas)
◦    Instructions.
•    Cost:
•    If you already have a FRS radio, program it so that channel 3 with PL tone 3 is the primary channel.  If you do not have an FRS radio, consider buying one.  Channel 3, PL tone 3 is the exact frequency that Placentia CERT groups are expected to use.  Your job is to monitor this frequency.  If any CERT group needs to contact city hall their FRS radio might not make the distance.  This is why the RACES operator needs to step in and make that distance using their amateur radio.