All the two way communication devices I have seen give ranges that are at
best optimistic and then at only best possible conditions. The more power
the device has [all else being equal] the better your range though going
from 1 watt to 2 watts will not come close to doubling your range. I would
also look at devices that have multiple power levels because you want to
conserve power when you do not need full output. Having backup devices is
always better then nothing. Keep in mind that the type of communications
these devices use is "line of sight". If there is a hill between the two of
you range will be poor. If one person is much higher than the other and the
path is relatively clear the range can be very good. I have a modest
vertical antenna on top of my house at 35 feet above the ground for 146 mhz
and with it my range is over ten miles to other users on the ground and up
to about 50 miles for users with similar antenna set up. Directional "beam"
antennas can extend range dramatically [well over 100 miles] to other beam
antennas pointed at each other. With the built in antenna for my HT about a
mile is good for HT to HT communications at ground level.

So if you need to use a HT device try to get as high and in the clear as
possible or consider an outside antenna. I don't know if they make external
antenna devices for the consumer devices though one could be easily built if
need be. Even one in the attic of a house could extend the range quite a
bit. Otherwise consider getting your ham license. You do not need to learn
Morse code for the entrance license and the exam is fairly easy with books
that have the questions and answers. With a ham license you could then also
purchase higher powered FM mobile devices for your cars. Event without a
repeater with car to car using 50 watts FM your range should be at least a
couple miles due to the combination of higher power and a much better
antenna that would be used on the car. A car mobile possibly would also be
able to communicate with a HT on the ground within the range you need. A new
FM mobile radio can be purchased for well under $200 and there are
economical mag mount antennas that can be stored in the trunk until needed.
These antennas can be as little as a foot high. Good luck. --- Steve

http://www.universal-radio.com/catal...xvrs/2800.html --- Yaesu FT
2800M. 65 watts on 2 meters for $159.95.


"Win Heagy" wrote in message
...
Ok...I guess more details are needed She works in Washington DC, I work a
few miles away. As you may know, over the past few years, DC has been,
shall we say, an area of interest with regard to emergencies. As we also
know,
from 4 years ago, cell phones were no help during the emergency. We have
text messaging, but that cannot necessarily be counted on either.

So, my original post still stands, but to be more specific, I'm talking
about
9/11 type emergencies. I'd like to have a backup communications method
when our familiar methods fail. I realize no communication method is
failsafe, but I just wanted to see if someone had any insight I may not
have
considered. If you don't, know problem...thanks anyway.

Win


"Michael Black" wrote in message
...

"Win Heagy" ) writes:
Hi,

I'd like to get a small, portable HT type radio for my wife (a non HAM)
in case phones, etc., fail. What can you recommend? It should be small
enough to carry daily, but get an honest 2-3 mile range (depending on
terrain).
We've tried several of the FSR type radios, but none get anywhere near
the
advertised range. Any suggestions?

Please email to (remove SPAM)

Thanks,

Win


Huh?

People survived without having constant communication for eons. Now
suddenly a cellphone isn't good enough, people need backup?

Yes, emergencies will happen, but people your desire for a backup of
a cellphone is just way down the curve.

First you need an emergency, then you need the cellphones to fail,
then you need a need to communcate.

One thing missing from your post is what is she supposed to do with
this radio? You need someone at the other end, so are you saying
you'll always be that close to her so the two of you can talk? Or
are you hoping that she can call some random person to come and help
(which
may or may not happen?)?


Michael VE2BVW