Ham Radio

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Ham Radio
HamRadio1 World.png
HamRadio2 World.png
HamRadioMakeShift World.png
General
Category
Communications

A ham radio is an interactive item used for listening to radio broadcasts and for communication in multiplayer. It supports both text and voice chat over long distances.

Overview

Ham radios are one of three types of communication devices.

Radio
Receive only, lightweight, commercial frequencies only.
Walkie talkie
Short-range two-way, lightweight, more frequencies.
Ham radio
Long-range two-way, exceedingly heavy, most or all frequencies. Earbuds cannot be used. Ham radios are best used as stationary furniture in a safe location.

Variants

Icon Tile Name Encumbrance Noise range (tiles) Frequency range Transmit range (tiles) Item ID
Mic. Volume Minimum Maximum
HamRadioCivilian.png HamRadio1 World.png Premium Technologies Ham Radio 20 5 10 10 MHz 500 MHz 7500 Base.HamRadio1
HamRadioMilitary.png HamRadio2 World.png US Army Ham Radio 20 5 15 0.2 MHz 1000 MHz 20000 Base.HamRadio2
HamRadioCivilian.png HamRadioMakeShift World.png Makeshift Ham Radio 20 5 10 10 MHz 500 MHz 6000-8000 (depends on electrical skill level) Base.HamRadioMakeShift

Usage

An example of the interactive radio interface

Ham radios require a battery to function and must be placed or equipped by the player. They cannot be powered by the electrical grid or generators, however they will spawn with a battery, which drains over time when turned on.

Frequencies and broadcasts

Main article: Broadcasts

Ham radios can listen to radio broadcasts for some lore, or helpful information by tuning into the Automated Emergency Broadcast System (AEBS). The AEBS is on a randomized frequency, requiring the player to find a radio with it saved as a preset, which can then be tuned into on any radio. By listening to the AEBS, the player will be notified about weather, helicopter events and power shutoff.

How to use

To use a ham radio, left-click the device (if placed), or right-click it and select "Device Options" in the contextual menu to open the radio control UI. This displays all the device's settings, and where it can be powered on/off, replace battery, adjust volume, add headphones, mute the microphone, and manage frequencies.

Ham radios receive and transmit text and voice, including the 'shout' command (Q), chat messages, and voice chat LALT. The microphone can be muted to prevent accidental transmission. Noise from the ham radio (voice and text) can attract zombies, but this can be avoided by using headphones.

Multiplayer

Ham radios are particularly useful in multiplayer servers that have disabled global chat, or for role-play and immersive gameplay. They are best set up at the player's base to communicate with other players from long distances.

Disassembly

Ham radios can be dismantled with a screwdriver when in the player's inventory or placed. Dismantling will provide a variety of components along with 25 electrical experience.

Some components aren't guaranteed, and are instead based on RNG, which has a base chance of 50% and increases by an additional 5% per electrical level.

The obtainable items are as follows:

Icon Name Amount Affected by
electrical skill
Aluminum.png Aluminum 0-4 Not affected by electrical skill
Amplifier.png Amplifier 0-1 Is affected by electrical skill
ElectricWire.png Electric Wire 0-4 Not affected by electrical skill
ElectronicsScrap.png Scrap Electronics 1-5 Not affected by Electrical skill
LightBulbGreen.png Green Light Bulb 0-1 Is affected by electrical skill
LightBulb.png Light Bulb 0-1 Is effected by electrical skill
RadioReceiver.png Radio Receiver 0-1 Is affected by electrical skill
RadioTransmitter.png Radio Transmitter 0-1 Is affected by Electrical skill
Headphones.png Headphones 1
(if present)
Always given if present
Battery.png Battery 1
(if present)
Always given if present

See also