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HB9V · Radio Amateurs of Canton Vaud
Home/Blog/Emergency Amateur Radio Station for a Blackout: Complete Guide

📡 Emergency Amateur Radio Station for a Blackout: Complete Guide for HB9

When the power grid goes down and all modern communications fall silent, radio amateurs become the last working network. This guide explains how to build a complete emergency station: portable HF/VHF/UHF transceivers, rapid-deployment antennas, a Go-Box, LiFePO4 batteries, solar panels, digital modes (Winlink, APRS, JS8Call) and the USKA Notfunk network. Everything a Swiss radio amateur needs to know to be operational when everything else has stopped working.

📡 1. Why radio amateurs are essential during a blackout

During a prolonged blackout, modern communication systems (mobile phones, Internet, e-banking) fail within a few hours. The authorities' Polycom network lasts longer thanks to its generators, but it is reserved for the official services (police, fire brigade, ambulances). Licensed HB9/HB3 radio amateurs fill a critical gap between official communications and the public.

🌍 Worldwide range

On HF (shortwave), a radio amateur can communicate across the whole world without any satellite or infrastructure

📧 Email without the Internet

Winlink lets you send and receive email by radio when the Internet is completely down

🔋 Total self-sufficiency

A portable station runs on battery + solar, with no dependence on the power grid

📊 The USKA network in figures:

  • ~4,000 licensed radio amateurs in Switzerland
  • 85 VHF/UHF repeaters on 145, 435 and 1250 MHz with independent power
  • 3 Winlink RMS stations (HB9AK-1, HB9AK-4, HB9AK-14) for email by radio
  • Formal agreements with the cantons (Fribourg, Zurich, Zug, Basel-Landschaft, Aargau) and the Swiss Red Cross
  • Swiss Emergency Contest (SEC), an annual emergency communications exercise

📻 2. Emergency transceivers: which radio to choose?

The choice of transceiver depends on your emergency scenario. For local communication (town, valley), a VHF/UHF handheld is enough. For regional or national communication (between cantons), an HF radio is essential. Ideally, have both.

Portable HF transceivers: long-distance communication

Yaesu FTX-1 FIELD portable HF VHF UHF amateur radio transceiver

🏆 Yaesu FTX-1 FIELD: the revolutionary successor

The FTX-1 FIELD is Yaesu's brand-new portable transceiver (2025), successor to the legendary FT-818. Covering HF + 50 MHz + 144 MHz + 430 MHz all-mode with C4FM, it features a 4.3" colour touchscreen with 3DSS technology (3D spectrum scope), an SDR architecture, simultaneous dual-band reception and two BNC connectors (HF/50 and VHF/UHF). Its 6400 mAh SBR-52L battery gives up to 9 hours of operation on HF SSB. 6W on the internal battery, 10W on external power: the ideal companion for emergencies and field operation.

HF/VHF/UHFAll-mode + C4FM
10WExternal / 6W battery
~1.1 kgWeight
SDRArchitecture
4.3" touch3DSS screen
Dual RXDual receive
~CHF 1,300-1,400
Yaesu FT-891 compact 100W HF amateur radio transceiver

⚡ Yaesu FT-891: the compact 100W rig

For those who need power in an emergency, the FT-891 delivers 100W on HF/6m in an incredibly compact case (1.9 kg). 32-bit DSP, triple conversion, 3 kHz roofing filter. USB connectivity for digital modes. It is the best choice for an HF emergency station able to get through when conditions are poor.

HF + 6m1.8-54 MHz
100WSSB/CW/FM
1.9 kgWeight
32-bit DSPProcessing
USBDigital
12V DCSupply
~CHF 750-850
Yaesu FT-818ND portable QRP HF VHF UHF amateur radio transceiver

🎒 Yaesu FT-818ND: the legendary QRP rig

Successor to the iconic FT-817, the FT-818ND covers HF/VHF/UHF all-mode with 6W max. Its high-stability TCXO (±0.5 ppm) makes it reliable on digital modes. Built-in NiMH battery, 208 memories. The perfect lightweight for SOTA and the grab bag, a timeless classic among portable operators.

HF/VHF/UHFAll-mode
6WMax
~1 kgWeight
TCXOStability
NiMHInt. battery
208Memories
~CHF 700-800

HF base station: the main rig

📻 Yaesu FT-991A

All-in-one HF/6m/2m/70cm station with C4FM System Fusion, 3.5" touchscreen, spectrum scope, 100W HF, 50W VHF/UHF. The ultimate all-round emergency station: one radio for every band and every mode.

~CHF 1,300-1,500

📻 Yaesu FT-DX10

HF/50MHz SDR transceiver with direct-sampling receiver, large 5" colour touchscreen, real-time spectrum scope, 300 Hz/500 Hz/3 kHz roofing filters, narrow roofing filters. 100W, an exceptional receiver with remarkable selectivity. Yaesu's best choice for a high-performance HF emergency base station.

~CHF 1,400-1,600

VHF/UHF handhelds: local communication

Yaesu FT-70DR C4FM FM VHF UHF amateur radio handheld

📱 Yaesu FT-70DR: affordable C4FM

Dual-band C4FM System Fusion + analogue FM handheld. The FT-70DR is the ideal entry point into Yaesu digital: compatible with all C4FM/Wires-X repeaters while keeping FM compatibility for analogue repeaters. Rugged IPX5 construction (water-jet resistant), 1800 mAh Li-ion battery giving about 9 hours of operation. Simple, reliable and affordable.

VHF/UHFDual-band
5WPower
C4FM + FMModes
IPX5Water-resistant
~CHF 200-250
Yaesu FT-5DR advanced C4FM VHF UHF amateur radio handheld

📱 Yaesu FT-5DR: the advanced C4FM handheld

Top-of-the-range dual-band handheld with C4FM System Fusion, built-in GPS, APRS, 1.7" colour touchscreen, Bluetooth and simultaneous V+V/U+U/V+U reception. The FT-5DR offers GM (Group Monitor) mode, which shows the position of every member of your group on the screen, ideal for emergency coordination. Wires-X compatible for Internet connectivity via digital repeaters.

VHF/UHFDual-band
5WPower
C4FM + FMModes
GPS/APRSBuilt-in
~CHF 450-550

📱 Yaesu FT-65R: the rugged budget option

VHF/UHF handheld ruggedised to IP54 and MIL-STD-810 standards. 5W, 1950 mAh Li-ion battery (9+ hours of operation). Commercial-grade construction, 3.5h fast charger. The sensible choice for a reliable, affordable emergency handheld.

VHF/UHFDual-band
5WPower
IP54Ruggedised
9h+Battery life
~CHF 80-120

Transceiver comparison table

ModelBandsPowerWeightMain strengthPrice ~CHF
Yaesu FTX-1 FIELDHF/VHF/UHF10W~1.1 kgAll-band SDR, C4FM, touchscreen1,300-1,400
Yaesu FT-891HF/6m100W1.9 kgCompact 100W750-850
Yaesu FT-818NDHF/VHF/UHF6W~1 kgLegendary QRP700-800
Yaesu FT-991AHF/VHF/UHF100W4.3 kgAll-in-one, all bands1,300-1,500
Yaesu FT-DX10HF/6m100W~9 kgHigh-performance HF SDR base1,400-1,600
Yaesu FT-70DRVHF/UHF5W~300gC4FM + FM, IPX5200-250
Yaesu FT-5DRVHF/UHF5W~300gAdvanced C4FM + GPS/APRS450-550
Yaesu FT-65RVHF/UHF5W~250gRugged, IP54, price80-120

📡 3. Portable emergency antennas: rapid deployment

In an emergency, you don't have time to put up a tower and a Yagi beam. You need light, compact antennas that deploy quickly. Here are the best options for each situation.

Portable HF antennas

Portable EFHW End-Fed Half-Wave HF amateur radio antenna

🏆 End-Fed Half-Wave (EFHW) antenna: the queen of portable operation

The EFHW is the most popular portable HF antenna in the world. A simple antenna wire fed at one end through a 49:1 transformer (2500Ω → 50Ω). Multi-band (typically 80m-10m), it needs only one high support point. Deployed in 5-10 minutes: hang one end up high (tree, mast, balcony), and the other on the ground or as an inverted-L.

80m-10mMulti-band
<500gTotal weight
1 pointSupport
5-10 minDeployment
~CHF 80-150

🔄 Linked dipole: the reliable one

A classic wire dipole with removable links (Anderson Powerpole or crocodile clips) that let you change band by adding or removing wire sections. Predictable performance, balanced feed, no tuner needed if it is cut correctly. Needs two support points.

Multi-bandVia links
<500gWeight
2 pointsSupport
No tunerAdvantage
~CHF 50-120

🔁 Chameleon F-LOOP 3.0: the indoor antenna

Portable magnetic loop covering 80m-10m (3.5-29.7 MHz). It can work indoors, on a balcony or in a confined space, a unique advantage. Performance only 1-2 S-units below a quarter-wave vertical. No ground plane needed. Ideal for flats or when an outdoor installation is impossible.

80m-10mCoverage
25W SSBMax power
IndoorsCompatible
No GPGround plane
~CHF 300-400

Portable telescopic masts

A portable fibreglass mast lets you raise your wire antenna to a height of 10-12 metres, which greatly improves range, especially on VHF/UHF and for HF verticals.

ModelHeightCollapsedWeightFeaturesPrice ~CHF
Spiderbeam HD 12m12 m118 cm3.2 kgHeavy-duty, one-person setup, fibreglass120-160
Spiderbeam Mini 10m10 m72 cm1.7 kgSuitcase-sized, ultra-light, SOTA/POTA80-110
SOTAbeams Tactical Mini6 m56 cm~500g11 sections, fits in a rucksack, quick to deploy50-70

VHF/UHF antennas: base and portable

💡 Instant upgrade: replacing the stock antenna on your handheld with a Diamond SRH-771 or a Nagoya NA-771 can improve range by 30 to 50%. It is the simplest and cheapest upgrade for a VHF/UHF handheld. For maximum performance, mount a base antenna such as the Diamond X-50N up high.

Diamond X-50N dual-band VHF UHF base antenna

📡 Diamond X-50N: the VHF/UHF base antenna

The benchmark dual-band 144/430 MHz base antenna. The X-50N is the most popular fixed antenna among radio amateurs worldwide. Gain of 4.5 dBi (VHF) / 7.2 dBi (UHF), length 1.7m, max power 200W. Simple to mount on a mast or balcony. Ideal as a permanent antenna for your emergency station, it works just as well for FM repeaters as for C4FM digital modes.

144/430 MHzDual-band
4.5/7.2 dBiGain
1.7 mLength
200WMax power
~CHF 70-100
Diamond SRH-771 dual-band VHF UHF handheld antenna

📱 Diamond SRH-771: the benchmark handheld antenna

Flexible dual-band 144/430 MHz antenna with SMA connector. Length 39 cm, gain 2.15 dBi (VHF) / 3.8 dBi (UHF). The classic replacement for the stock antenna, giving an immediate 30-50% improvement in range on your FT-70DR, FT-5DR or FT-65R. Flexible and tough, it withstands knocks and bending without breaking.

144/430 MHzDual-band
2.15/3.8 dBiGain
39 cmLength
SMAConnector
~CHF 25-40

📦 4. The Go-Box: your grab-and-go emergency station

The Go-Box concept is simple: a complete amateur radio station packed in a rugged case, ready to be grabbed in seconds and set up in minutes. Everything is pre-wired, the connectors are standardised and the battery is charged.

Components of a Go-Box

  1. The case: Pelican 1450/1500 (waterproof, unbreakable) or a budget alternative such as Apache (Harbor Freight). Pre-cut foam to hold each item in place.
  2. The transceiver: your HF or VHF/UHF radio fixed in the case. The FTX-1 FIELD, FT-891 or FT-818ND are perfect choices thanks to their compact size.
  3. The LiFePO4 battery: 12V, 20-50Ah depending on your needs. Standardised Anderson Powerpole connectors. Secured at the bottom of the case.
  4. The distribution panel: fused 12V distribution with Anderson Powerpole connectors to power the transceiver, lighting, USB charging and so on.
  5. The antennas: coiled EFHW, coaxial cable, telescopic mast strapped to the outside or in a separate bag.
  6. The accessories: microphone/headset, USB cable for digital modes, SWR meter, paper logbook, pen, head torch, printed emergency frequencies.

⚡ The Anderson Powerpole standard: radio amateurs all over the world use Anderson Powerpole 30A connectors as the standard for 12V connections. Genderless (no male/female), standardised polarity (red = positive), secure connection. Wire your whole station with Powerpoles to guarantee interoperability with other emergency stations.

Example of an HF Go-Box configuration

╔══════════════════════════════════════════════════════╗
║  GO-BOX HF, portable emergency station               ║
╠══════════════════════════════════════════════════════╣
║                                                      ║
║  Transceiver:     Yaesu FT-891 (100W HF)             ║
║  Battery:         LiFePO4 20Ah (240Wh)               ║
║  Antenna:         EFHW 80m-10m + 10m mast            ║
║  Tuner:           Internal or MFJ-939                ║
║  Digital:         USB cable + PC, Winlink/JS8Call    ║
║  Case:            Pelican 1500                       ║
║                                                      ║
║  Estimated run time (SSB, 20% duty cycle):           ║
║  → 100W: ~8 hours                                    ║
║  → 50W:  ~14 hours                                   ║
║  → 20W:  ~30 hours                                   ║
║                                                      ║
║  Total weight:    ~8 kg (without mast)               ║
║  Deployment time: ~15 minutes                        ║
╚══════════════════════════════════════════════════════╝

🔋 5. Independent power: LiFePO4 batteries and solar

In an emergency, the power source is as critical as the transceiver. LiFePO4 (lithium iron phosphate) batteries have revolutionised portable amateur radio: light and safe, with a nominal voltage of 12.8V (about 13.2V at rest) that is perfectly suited to 12V transceivers.

Why LiFePO4?

⚖️ Light weight

Less than half the weight of an equivalent lead-acid battery. A 20Ah LiFePO4 weighs ~2.5 kg compared with ~6 kg for lead-acid.

🔄 Longevity

2000-5000 cycles at 80% depth of discharge, compared with 300-500 cycles for lead-acid. Lasts 10+ years.

⚡ Stable voltage

13.2-13.4V at rest (12.8V nominal), perfect for 13.8V transceivers. The voltage stays stable down to 80% discharge.

🔒 Safety

No gassing, no risk of explosion, safe to use indoors. Built-in BMS.

HF transceiver power consumption

ScenarioCurrentPowerRun time 20AhRun time 50Ah
Receive only1.5-2.5A20-33W8-13 hours20-33 hours
TX 100W SSB (20% duty)~5-6A avg.~70W avg.~3-4 hours~8-10 hours
TX 100W FM continuous~23A~300W~50 minutes~2 hours
QRP 5-10W SSB~2-3A avg.~30W avg.~7-10 hours~17-25 hours
Winlink VARA HF~4-5A avg.~55W avg.~4-5 hours~10-12 hours

Solar sizing for an HF station

☀️ Rule of thumb:

  • 100W HF station: 200-300W solar panel + 50Ah battery minimum
  • QRP station (5-20W): 50-100W solar panel + 12-20Ah battery
  • VHF/UHF handheld: a 20-50W solar panel or a USB charger is enough

Use an MPPT charge controller (90-98% efficiency) rather than PWM (70-80%). Watch out for radio frequency interference (RFI): test your solar setup on receive before relying on it.

⚠️ RFI (Radio Frequency Interference): DC-DC converters, solar chargers and the inverters in portable power stations (EcoFlow, Jackery, etc.) can generate radio noise on the HF bands. Always test your complete setup on receive before counting on it in an emergency. Dedicated LiFePO4 batteries (without an inverter) connected directly at 12V DC are the cleanest for radio.

💻 6. Emergency digital modes: communicating beyond voice

Digital modes turn your radio station into a sophisticated communication tool: email, text messaging, GPS position reporting, all without the Internet. In an emergency, they offer capabilities that voice alone cannot.

Winlink: email by radio

📧 Winlink: the worldwide email network by radio

Winlink is a worldwide email messaging system using amateur radio frequencies. When the Internet is down, you can send and receive email through your HF or VHF station. Messages pass through radio gateways (RMS) connected to the Winlink 2000 servers.

EmailBy radio
HF/VHFTransport
VARA/ARDOPProtocols
FreeSoftware

How it works:

  1. Install Winlink Express on a Windows computer (or Pat for Linux/Mac).
  2. Connect your transceiver to the PC via an audio interface (SignaLink, Digirig, or built-in USB cable).
  3. Choose a protocol: VARA HF (fast and reliable), ARDOP (free), or VARA FM for VHF.
  4. Connect to an RMS: in Switzerland, use HB9AK-1 (Hörnli, 1130m), HB9AK-4 (Bullet, 1140m) or HB9AK-14 (Titlis, 3000m).
  5. Write and send your email: it will be routed to the recipient through the Winlink network.

🇨🇭 Winlink RMS stations in Switzerland:

  • HB9AK-1, Hörnli (1130m, east of Zurich), 2m packet on 144.925 MHz at 1200 Bd + 10m HF
  • HB9AK-4, Bullet (1140m, French-speaking Switzerland), VARA FM (wide/narrow) + packet on 144.900 MHz
  • HB9AK-14, Mount Titlis (3000m, central Switzerland), UHF VARA FM + packet + 10m HF

These mountain-top stations provide excellent coverage of Switzerland and neighbouring countries.

JS8Call: weak-signal text messaging

⌨️ What is JS8Call?

A digital mode derived from FT8, designed for keyboard-to-keyboard messaging in weak-signal conditions. Unlike FT8 (structured exchanges), JS8Call allows free-text conversations. It works with extremely weak signals, ideal for QRP.

🆘 Why use it in an emergency?

JS8Call offers store-and-forward relaying: if the station you are calling is not on the air, your message is stored and relayed automatically by intermediate stations. Automatic GPS position reporting. It works even with 1-2W!

APRS: automatic position reporting and messaging

📍 APRS (Automatic Packet Reporting System):

  • European frequency: 144.800 MHz
  • Automatic GPS beacon: your position is transmitted at regular intervals
  • A network of digipeaters extends coverage to the whole of Switzerland
  • Short text messages (like SMS)
  • Real-time mapping on aprs.fi
  • Email gateway via Winlink APRS

In an emergency: APRS lets you automatically locate operators in the field, track their movements and send short messages, even when the mobile network is down.

Equipment needed for digital modes

ItemOptionsPrice ~CHFNotes
Audio interfaceDigirig Mobile, SignaLink USB, or built-in USB cable (FTX-1 FIELD, FT-DX10)50-150The Digirig is compact and perfect for the Go-Box
ComputerWindows laptop/tablet, or Raspberry PiVariableAn old dedicated laptop will do. Keep it charged.
SoftwareWinlink Express, JS8Call, WSJT-X, FldigiFreeInstall and test it BEFORE the emergency!
CablesUSB-A/USB-C, audio cables if needed10-30Take spare cables

🇨🇭 7. USKA Notfunk: the Swiss amateur radio emergency network

Notfunk (emergency radio) is coordinated by the USKA under the leadership of Jean-Michel Clerc HB9DBB (emergency@uska.ch). Since HB9KF was founded in 1995 and IG-Notfunk in 2006, Switzerland has built up a structured amateur radio emergency network with formal cantonal agreements.

Cantonal organisation

CantonSectionKey features
FribourgHB9FG (RAF-ORCAF)Agreement with the OCC since 2018. 17 members, 4 portable go-cubes + 2 vehicle-based units. FM voice + Winlink-VARA.
ZurichHB9NF (Notfunk Zürich)Notfunk station at Brütten (2023), solar + battery power (autonomy of several weeks). 24-hour monitoring of emergency frequencies.
ZugHB9ZG23 radio amateurs, regular message-handling training.
Basel-LandschaftHB9NFB (Notfunk Birs)DAB+ ASA (Automatic Safety Alert) tests. Support for cantonal crisis operations.
AargauHB9NAEstablished since 1 August 2014. Cooperation with the cantonal authorities.
Uri/SchwyzHB9CFVoice traffic, data relaying, deployment of mobile relay stations.

AREDN: the high-speed mesh network

🌐 AREDN (Amateur Radio Emergency Data Network) is a high-speed TCP/IP mesh network on the amateur bands (mainly 5.8 GHz). It uses modified commercial WiFi hardware (Ubiquiti, MikroTik) with open-source firmware. AREDN is deployed in Switzerland: the first Swiss AREDN Convention took place in December 2022 (organised by HB9FTS).

Capabilities: VoIP (telephone without a network), file sharing, email, video, web applications, all without the Internet, over high-speed radio links between nodes. Throughput up to 54 Mbps.

How to take part in Notfunk

  1. Get your licence: CEPT (HB9) or NOVICE (HB3) from OFCOM. The USKA offers training courses: uska.ch/ausbildungskurse
  2. Join your local USKA section and the cantonal Notfunk group (HB9NF, HB9FG, HB9ZG, etc.). In French-speaking Switzerland, contact HB9V or HB9FG.
  3. Take part in the Swiss Emergency Contest (SEC), an annual exercise in September. 80m, 40m, 2m and 70cm bands in SSB and FM.
  4. Prepare your station: a Go-Box with independent power, portable antennas, digital modes (Winlink at the very least).
  5. Practise regularly: join local nets, test your Winlink connections, check your batteries and antennas.

📡 8. Amateur radio emergency frequencies in Switzerland

HF frequencies: national and international communication

FrequencyBandUseRange
3.760 MHz80mIARU R1 emergency centre of activityRegional (~500 km), night
7.110 MHz40mIARU R1 emergency centre of activityNational/international, day and night
14.300 MHz20mIARU R1 emergency centre of activityInternational, day
18.160 MHz17mIARU R1 emergency centre of activityInternational, day
21.360 MHz15mIARU R1 emergency centre of activityInternational, day (good conditions)
3.643 MHz80mCH/AT/DE emergency (CW)Regional
7.085 MHz40mCH/AT emergencyNational
1.873 MHz160mCH/AT emergencyRegional, night (short distance)

💡 ±20 kHz: emergency traffic may be found up to ±20 kHz either side of the centre frequencies to avoid QRM. Scan the area around these frequencies.

VHF/UHF frequencies: local and regional communication

FrequencyBandModeUse
145.500 MHz2mFMVHF calling frequency, the first thing to try in an emergency
145.525 MHz2mFMUSKA Notfunk frequency
433.500 MHz70cmFMUHF calling frequency
144.800 MHz2mAPRSAPRS position beacons and messages
Local repeaters2m/70cmFM85 USKA repeaters with independent power

Rega frequency (non-amateur, open to everyone)

FrequencyChannelUseCTCSS
161.300 MHzChannel E🆘 Rega emergency, mountain distress, open to EVERYONE123.0 Hz

🎯 9. Practical scenarios: what to do in a blackout

📡 Scenario 1: Local emergency (VHF/UHF)

Situation: power cut in your municipality, mobile network down.

  1. Switch on your VHF/UHF handheld on battery
  2. Listen on 145.500 MHz (calling frequency)
  3. Try the local repeaters with independent power
  4. Enable APRS (144.800 MHz) to report your position
  5. Coordinate with nearby radio amateurs to set up a local net

📡 Scenario 2: Regional blackout (inter-cantonal HF)

Situation: power cut affecting several cantons, duration unknown.

  1. Deploy your HF Go-Box with an EFHW antenna
  2. Night: listen and call on 3.760 MHz (80m)
  3. Day: switch to 7.110 MHz (40m)
  4. Set up regular traffic schedules (every 2 hours)
  5. Use Winlink via HB9AK-1/4/14 for formal messages
  6. Relay information between the local VHF nets and the regional HF net

📡 Scenario 3: International disaster (cross-border HF)

Situation: major earthquake affecting Switzerland and neighbouring countries.

  1. Activate the IARU Region 1 emergency net
  2. Cross-border frequencies: CH↔DE: 3.643/7.110 MHz | CH↔AT: 1.873/7.085 MHz | CH↔FR/IT: 7.110/14.300 MHz
  3. Use the standardised IARU message format (UTC date/time, callsign, position, message)
  4. Red Cross traffic under the IFRC/USKA agreement
  5. Frequency selection by propagation: 80m at night, 40m day and night, 20m by day for long distance

Emergency message procedure

Net Control:  "This is HB9xxx, HB9 emergency net on 3.760 MHz.
              All stations with emergency traffic,
              call now."

Station:      "HB9xxx from HB9yyy, EMERGENCY traffic."

Net Control:  "HB9yyy, pass your emergency traffic.
              All other stations, radio silence."

Station:      "Break, break. Formal emergency message from [location].
              Message begins: [clear and concise content]
              Message ends. Request acknowledgement."

Net Control:  "Roger, I copy: [read-back]. Confirm."

Station:      "Affirmative. HB9yyy out."

📋 10. Checklist: a complete amateur radio emergency station

📻 Transceivers

  • HF transceiver (FTX-1 FIELD, FT-891 or FT-818ND)
  • Backup VHF/UHF handheld
  • Spare batteries for each radio
  • Chargers and power cables
  • Microphone/headset and external speaker

📡 Antennas

  • Multi-band EFHW (80-10m)
  • RG-58 coaxial cable (10-20m) + connectors
  • Telescopic fibreglass mast
  • Upgraded VHF/UHF antenna (Nagoya/Diamond)
  • Cord, tent pegs, Velcro strap
  • SWR meter or antenna analyser

🔋 Power

  • 12V LiFePO4 battery (20-50Ah)
  • Portable solar panel (100-200W)
  • MPPT charge controller
  • Anderson Powerpole distribution
  • Spare fuses
  • 12V cables and adapters

💻 Digital

  • Laptop with Winlink Express
  • Audio interface (Digirig / SignaLink)
  • USB cables (A and C)
  • JS8Call, WSJT-X, Fldigi installed
  • List of Winlink RMS frequencies

📄 Documentation

  • Copy of OFCOM licence + photo ID
  • Printed emergency frequency table
  • List of local repeaters with CTCSS
  • Paper logbook + pens
  • ICS-213 message forms

🔧 Accessories

  • LED head torch (USB rechargeable)
  • Multi-tool (Leatherman / Victorinox)
  • Tape, cable ties, Velcro
  • High-visibility vest
  • Water and food (24h)
  • Personal medication

🤝 Our partners

Phonicom.ch: amateur radio specialist in Switzerland

At Phonicom you will find all the Yaesu transceivers for your emergency station (FTX-1 FIELD, FT-891, FT-818ND), portable antennas (Diamond, EFHW), LiFePO4 batteries and all the gear to assemble your Go-Box. Personal advice and fast delivery in Switzerland.

Visit phonicom.ch →
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