• Everyone in the group should have the same model of radio. It makes logistics of accessories such as microphones and batteries easier.
• Radio model should have readily available accessories.
• Radios should be rugged enough for heavy field (ab)use.
• Radios should be capable of operating off of common alkaline batteries. Most HTs capable of doing so will take either AAs or AAAs.
• Radios should be able to run on 12V DC, either directly or via an adapter.
• Radios should be frequency agile, or front panel programmable. Ham HTs are. Most commercial LMR HTs are not unless they are specifically mentioned as being FPP. Amateur radios should have fairly easy “MARS/CAP” extended frequency coverage modification. Your mileage may vary.
• Radios should preferably have a BNC or SMA type antenna connector, for ease of attaching gain-type antennas. This is not a problem with ham HTs. Many commercial LMR HTs will not.

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