Radio Equipment and Frequencies
Radio is the only medium that allows information transmission over distance without intermediaries and infrastructure. However, it requires knowledge and appropriate equipment.
PMR 446 (Private Mobile Radio)
The most popular standard in Europe. License-free. Range: 0.5-2 km in the city, up to 5-10 km in open terrain. Ideal for group/family communication on trips or in a convoy.
Kanały PMR (446 MHz):
CB Radio (Citizen Band)
Citizen band 27 MHz. Popular among drivers (channel 19). Long range (even tens of km with a good antenna), but requires large antennas and 12V power.
Important: Regional differences: Some countries use AM modulation and "zeros" (frequencies ending in 0, e.g., 27.190 MHz), while others use "fives" (27.195 MHz) and FM. Check local regulations.
Ham Radio
Requires a license and exam. Allows for communication over thousands of kilometers (HF) or local (VHF/UHF) using repeaters. In a life-threatening situation (and ONLY then), anyone can use any means of communication to call for help.
Listening Scanners
Devices used only for reception. Allow monitoring services (where not encrypted), weather, and emergency broadcasts without the risk of accidental transmission.
Warning about Baofeng radios
Popular UV-5R/UV-82 radios are technically capable of transmitting on service bands and PMR, but transmitting from them without a radio permit is illegal in many places (even on PMR due to removable antenna and high power). They are great as cheap listening scanners in emergencies.