Communications for shtf

[Jason Freeland]

I have an Icom IC-705 and a small portable loop antenna (ham license required). I actually made contact into Vancouver Canada on 10 watts! It’s portable, battery powered, does vhf uhf and hf, and can be set up about anywhere.
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Nice unit, I kind of wanted one of those when I first got my license, but I have let a lot of my Ham activity slide. Only portable unit I have right now is a Icom ID52A handheld. Really nice kit, but it wasn't cheap. I'm certainly not doing a grey man in SHTF, with the antennas I have in the backyard, for my main radios.

 

[Fr Mulcahy]

True, but I suspect most of that can be figured out without transmitting.

It depends upon the transmission mode. FM transmission over UHF or VHF is pretty easy; digital HF (shortwave) has a much higher learning curve. SSB on HF takes some time to learn; CW (Morse code) is a lot more difficult than any of these.

Most people can pass the Technician test after about 40 hours of study. It's worth the effort and expense to do it and become legal.

 

[dennishoddy]

but there are many different modes for communication.

Exactly.

 

[KOPBET]

It depends upon the transmission mode. FM transmission over UHF or VHF is pretty easy; digital HF (shortwave) has a much higher learning curve. SSB on HF takes some time to learn; CW (Morse code) is a lot more difficult than any of these.

Most people can pass the Technician test after about 40 hours of study. It's worth the effort and expense to do it and become legal.

I'm sorry, I was referring more to GMRS (uhf).

You can get an Extra Class HAM license without ever keying a radio. No morse code needed.

 

[BlindOne]

If you're talking about pretty serious SHTF you might want to listen to a wide range of frequencies to see what's going on, even if you can't transmit on them.
Maybe a shortwave radio in addition to your GMRS.

Yes agree, I have 2 a Grundig 350xl and a radio shack dx392

 

[bigb159]

If you're looking for a read, this one is really good:https://www.amazon.com/Guerrillas-Guide-Baofeng-Radio/dp/B0BNV21F4P

Goes through fundamentals of radio, GMRS, and the Baofeng usage, but touches on local and squad communications and security in sensitive environments.

 

[ddanger1]

Anyone have/used a "Rapid" radio? Supposed to have a log distance ability...Like a few states over.

 

[OkieMoe]

Ive acquired a pile of field phones from various militaries. That and enough combat wire to cause a hernia. But I think they are only good for about 7 miles.

 

[BlindOne]

If you're looking for a read, this one is really good:https://www.amazon.com/Guerrillas-Guide-Baofeng-Radio/dp/B0BNV21F4P

Goes through fundamentals of radio, GMRS, and the Baofeng usage, but touches on local and squad communications and security in sensitive environments.

Thanks for the information.

 

[johncm1977]

I have always wanted to get my license. Especially when issues happen ( tornados especially )