Off-grid communication

What is PMR446?

Licence-free walkie-talkie radios available throughout the European Union. They operate on the 446 MHz frequency with a maximum power of 0.5W. They are the most accessible and easy-to-use option for family emergency communication.

• 16 channels: 1-8 analogue, 9-16 digital
• Channel 1: Conventionally used for emergencies
• Real-world range: 1-3 km city, 3-5 km suburb, 5-10 km open countryside
• Cost: EUR 30-70 per pair

Tutorial: Setting up PMR446 for emergencies

CTCSS code table

Set the same code on every radio in the family to filter out third-party conversations:

Recommended models

Citizen Band (CB)

Operates on 27 MHz with 40 channels and a maximum power of 4W AM or 12W SSB. Licence-free in Portugal since 2003, no ANACOM (Portuguese communications regulator) licence required.

• Channel 9 (27.065 MHz): International emergency channel
• Channel 19: General conversation, widely used by truck drivers
• Range: 5-20 km typical, up to 50 km+ with good atmospheric propagation

What to buy

How to get a licence

• ANACOM exam: approx. EUR 30, a theory test on regulations and technical knowledge
• Class 2: local VHF/UHF, 2-4 months of study
• Class 1: includes HF (worldwide range), 4-8 months of study
• Callsign: CT + suffix (e.g. CT1ABC)

Range by band

• VHF/UHF: 20-80 km via repeaters (ARVM, REP)
• HF: National and international range, ideal for severe emergencies
• Digital modes: FT8, Winlink (email via radio)

Organisations in Portugal

• REP: Rede dos Emissores Portugueses (Portuguese Amateur Radio Society), rep.pt
• ARES Portugal: Amateur Radio Emergency Service

Entry-level equipment

Repeater map for Portugal

Repeaters extend the range of VHF/UHF radios. Check the online maps to find repeaters in your area:

Key repeaters by region

Note: Frequencies and callsigns may change. Always check official sources for up-to-date information.

Meshtastic / LoRa

LoRa devices running Meshtastic firmware create mesh networks that work without internet or communication towers. Messages hop from device to device, extending the range.

• Cost: EUR 25-40 per device
• Range: 5-15 km between nodes, potentially unlimited via mesh
• Licence: Not required (ISM band)
• Advantage: Battery lasts for days, communicates via a phone app

meshtastic.org for documentation and setup guides

Briar

An Android messaging app that works via Bluetooth or Wi-Fi Direct, with no internet needed. Ideal for local communication when the network goes down.

• Cost: Free
• Range: approx. 10-100 m (Bluetooth/Wi-Fi Direct)
• Advantage: Encrypted, works on any Android device

goTenna

Mesh devices that pair with your phone via Bluetooth. They send text messages and GPS locations without a network.

• Cost: EUR 100-200 per pair
• Range: approx. 5 km urban, more in open countryside
• Advantage: Easy to use, intuitive app

Starlink

SpaceX's satellite internet system. It works independently of ground infrastructure. If communication towers fall or cables are damaged, Starlink remains operational as long as it has power.

Options available in Portugal

Emergency usage tips

• Clear sky view: Requires an unobstructed view of the sky (minimum 100 degree opening)
• Power: Always have a charged power station or a generator ready
• Starlink app: Lets you check for obstructions and signal quality before installing
• Power-saving mode: On the Mini, enable power-saving mode when not in use
• Communication backup: Combine PMR446 for local communication with Starlink for internet

Other satellite options

• Satellite phone (Iridium, Thuraya): EUR 800-1500 + EUR 50-150/month. Voice and SMS anywhere in the world. Useful for very remote areas.
• Garmin inReach: EUR 350-450 + EUR 15-50/month. A GPS device with satellite messaging and an SOS button. Ideal for hiking and outdoor activities.
• Globalstar SPOT: EUR 150-250 + EUR 12-25/month. A GPS tracker with an SOS button and pre-set messages.

When technology fails completely, traditional methods may be the only option:

• Whistle: 3 short blasts = call for help (international mountaineering convention)
• Signal mirror: Reflects sunlight to attract the attention of helicopters or rescue teams
• Brightly coloured cloth: Orange or red, visible from a distance. Spread it on the ground or wave it
• Torch SOS: 3 short, 3 long, 3 short (Morse code for SOS)
• Note on the door: If you evacuate, leave the date/time, destination, and number of people
• Community notice board: Agree with neighbours on a place to leave physical messages

Decide before an emergency how the family will communicate if mobile phones do not work:

Essential plan elements

• Primary and backup PMR446 channel: e.g. Channel 5 (primary), Channel 8 (backup)
• CTCSS code: The same for the whole family
• Listening times: 8:00, 13:00, 20:00 for 5 minutes
• Radio meeting point: An elevated location where the signal is stronger
• Status codes:
  • "All green": We are fine, safe
  • "Yellow": Difficult but controlled situation
  • "Red": Emergency, we need help
  • "Return to base": Meet at the rally point

NATO phonetic alphabet

Use it to spell out names or important information clearly:

A-Alfa, B-Bravo, C-Charlie, D-Delta, E-Echo, F-Foxtrot, G-Golf, H-Hotel, I-India, J-Juliet, K-Kilo, L-Lima, M-Mike, N-November, O-Oscar, P-Papa, Q-Quebec, R-Romeo, S-Sierra, T-Tango, U-Uniform, V-Victor, W-Whiskey, X-X-ray, Y-Yankee, Z-Zulu