HAM Radio resources and notes
You can listen to any frequency that you like. You only have to worry about legality when you push the Transmit (PTT) button.
There are channels called FRS where you can transmit on low power (<2W) - many walkie talkies use this. Can't get much range maybe a few miles line of sight.
There are also MURS channels where you might need a license to transmit.
If you get your own FCC HAM License you get a callsign and you can use the HAM bands and talk to other people farther away using repeaters. You can also use more power to transmit further. But you have to use the rules of the radio and never interfere with anyone's other communications. License is online now and about $20. Electronics theory and other stuff. A few hours worth of video watching could be enough for most semi technical folks.
Mike Glover Talks Ham Radio and Preparedness: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P2eFwHRW_30
I started my journey with these mobile compact radios from Baofeng. They work in multiple frequency ranges (bands), so that prevents them from getting a "approval" for transmitting on the public requencies. But they are inexpensive, and popular, so there's plenty of support/accessories.
The normal Baofeng UV-5R modified by Mirkit to be 8W instead of 4W and programmable
- This is 2 radios and a usb programming cable https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07V9V669Z/
Baofeng for Beginners: How to Use Baofeng UV-5R Buttons and More https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eYqcjAo5wUI
Chesco PA Radio Reference: https://www.radioreference.com/apps/db/?ctid=2255
NOAA Weather: https://www.weather.gov/phi/wxradio
FRS/GMRS Frequencies Demystified: https://www.k0tfu.org/reference/frs-gmrs-privacy-codes-demystified/
Cheso ARES feed: https://www.broadcastify.com/listen/feed/11364
You can manually program with the radio but using software is much better. I was able to use both the OEM (VIP) software and the CHIRP software to program the channels and the settings. It's like programming the presets on your radio in your vehicle.
Video - Baofeng UV-5R Programming - setup as a police scanner https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zlQqQKIWEVE
Video - How to use FRS - Operating the Baofeng UV-5R (Almost!) Legally Without a License Using the Family Radio Service (FRS) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FtmReetGd3g
Beginners Guide: https://chirp.danplanet.com/projects/chirp/wiki/Beginners_Guide
UV-5R Troubleshooting Guide: https://chirp.danplanet.com/projects/chirp/wiki/BaofengUV5R
Please find, in FCC.md file in this repo, the information provided to me from the FCC Support Agent directly.
https://github.com/melt7777/hamradio/blob/master/FCC.md
Five Easy Steps to Get Your Ham Radio License - Ham Radio Q&A: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9mcVLxQUSak
Introduction to Ham Radio and Technician Training Class (1hr, good course): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vG2S_xV3zJE