probably an SDR? :)
Realistically, you probably want to have something mobile and not power-consuming, plus a solar panel (or any kind of generator). So maybe a set of LoRa device and/or goTenna, HAM radio + backup batteries, and AM/FM radios.
Or maybe just HAM radio + backup batteries.
I think I might just reignited my desire for a HAM radio license...just kidding, I'm living in a small city of 3KM radius, I'm will not survive the fireball if a nuke decided to hit us. So good luck for you, I guess.
But there’s a lot of moving parts and it’s kind of the last thing you want to deal with in an emergency
I just ordered a baofeng half out of late night panic, half out of interest in radio/learning about Ham licensing. I know it has a USB so can program it so would be legal without a license to broadcast. But I think can still listen without modifications.
With an amateur license you can use pretty much whatever equipment you want, including homemade. But then the obligation to obey the legal limits is borne by you, not the manufacturer. And Baofeng radios have a reputation for emitting lots of nasty harmonics and noise outside the desired transmission bands.
Of course, none of this should deter you from using whatever is available in an emergency. The FCC regulations include a clause allowing you to bend the rules if it is immediately necessary to do so to prevent imminent danger to life or property.
Yeah it's not like I have anyone to talk to lol I don't plan on chatting up a storm. I figured it is better than the crappy plastic hand crank radio thing I have and to me this is pretty long tail risk likely never be in that much of a bad situation.
Plus ham is interesting to me so who knows maybe in the future worth investing the time.