I have one of those cheap RTL-SDR dongles that I use for listening to ADS-B messages. Other than listening to FM radio, do you know if any other good uses in a disaster situation?
FRS and MURS frequencies would probably be most ubiquitous and useful in an emergency. If you get a second SDR, you can "hop" and listen to trunked frequencies used by emergency services, local and federal channels. Or you could buy a scanner from Uniden for something a little easier. I can highly recommend the SDS-100 - https://uniden.com/products/sds100-true-i-q-x2122-digital-ha...
Even better, get your ham license before you need it, and practice getting on the air with emergency nets and just to chat with fellow hams.
Any HN regular should be able to study for a few hours and pass the Technician test. This gives you access to all the VHF and UHF frequencies that are often used in emergency communications. A bit more study and you can get the General license, which lets you use more HF (potentially longer range) frequencies.
Many hams start with a cheap Baofeng handheld. These sell in the $25-60 range. Here's one I have and recommend - it's at the high end of that range but has several improvements over the cheaper ones including a better antenna:
Ham radio has been popping up on HN a lot lately. Besides emergency communications, there are a lot of interesting things you can do once you get your license. Feel free to holler with any questions!
> Any HN regular should be able to study for a few hours and pass the Technician test.
This isn’t hyperbole. I got my Technician license after literally only studying for an hour (admittedly I had some prior experience, but most of what the test is just memorizing various things you should know).
Second this. There are a few study apps that make use of free time on the toilet for a few weeks and you’re good to go.
I have probably a dozen RTL SDR’s strewn about boxes and junk drawers, but the idea of relying on them in an emergency is unsettling. The little baofengs have a terrible interface but last a long time on a charge and are pretty rugged.
The point about practicing is legit. Most comms with these radios happen with relays, but you’ll want to know where people will be in simplex (walkie talkie style) operation if there’s no infrastructure.
