Maintaining Mobile Communication in Distress and Emergency Situations

This paper provides an overview of the technical aspects of the application of amateur radio stations in maintaining mobile communication in distress and emergency situations. Ultra-high frequencies (UHF) were selected for radio communication testing. Testing was performed at a frequency of 446 MHz, which is covered by the PMR446 (Private Mobile Radio) standard. Handheld radios were used to test communication in urban conditions. Given the high attenuation of electromagnetic waves in urban areas due to concrete and steel reinforced concrete buildings, special attention is paid to testing communication in urban areas. The quality and range of communication using non-directional and directional antennas as well as with simplex repeaters are presented in the paper. The obtained measurement results of quality and range of communication in urban conditions are analyzed and interpreted. General conclusions are given on the capabilities of amateur radio handheld stations and additional equipment such as antennas and simplex repeaters for maintaining communication in distress and emergency situations in urban conditions.