What are folks using for SHTF Comms

[DB is Here]

Is there any sort of class of course that teaches the basics of operation? I know I could just YouTube it but I'd rather not spend endless nights sifting through junk videos to get to the good stuff if there's a shortcut

Guy called notarubicon is pretty solid and doesn't waste your time.

 

[RVTECH]

Is there any sort of class of course that teaches the basics of operation?

I am sure in your area there is a HAM club/group that probably has classes, test sessions etc.

I would also be more than happy to chat with you on the phone about some of the basics and maybe help you find something/someone in your area to get you on your way.

 

[RVTECH]

Guy called notarubicon is pretty solid

Solid wack job who isn't even a HAM operator.

 

[Stomper]

Solid wack job who isn't even a HAM operator.

Randy is NOT a wack job. He has a sophisticated (albeit dry at times) sense of humor, and loves trolling sad HAMS who have no sense of humor.

 

[parallax]

...

 

[Nutty4Guns]

Yaesu 857D configured at base or it's ready to grab and go in an emergency situation.

I'm using the same radio for a base as well. Great rig!

 

[AshWilliams]

I'm using the same radio for a base as well. Great rig!

Agreed. It's the "do it all" radio!

What are you using for antennas?

 

[GrayGoose]

Ham Radio

I love bacon! I didn't realize they made it in radio form!

I prefer Spam Radio.

 

[CountryGent]

Beyond conventional communication devices such as smartphones and Intratubes:

• GMRS radios. I have a ham ticket, but my better half does not. The GMRS license covers the family and offers a lot of options.
• A small number of 2m / 70cm amateur band radios.
• Ditto Citizen Band radios.
• A small number of signaling flares, 12-gauge and 25㎜, are stored, along with devices to launch said.

 

[Jcon268]

I am sure in your area there is a HAM club/group that probably has classes, test sessions etc.

I would also be more than happy to chat with you on the phone about some of the basics and maybe help you find something/someone in your area to get you on your way.

Nice. I remember learning a little about HAM radio as a boy scout when I was younger. The equipment seemed huge and like something I would never understand as 10 year old. I'm sure HAM equipment has evolved since the early 90s.

 

[Nutty4Guns]

Agreed. It's the "do it all" radio!

What are you using for antennas?

Just a Diamond X50A dual band in the attic for now (HOA restrictions). Also have a dipole for 10m that I will set up outside on occasion.

 

[RVTECH]

Randy is NOT a wack job. He has a sophisticated (albeit dry at times) sense of humor, and loves trolling sad HAMS who have no sense of humor.

Ok, I'll agree with his dry sense of humor however his assessment of 'sad HAMS' is really unwarranted and probably based on maybe a bad experience he might have had with a HAM operator and he is expounding on it.

My experience with HAMS has been great in the last couple years I have been involved.

I have met MANY great people who are hardly 'sad HAMS' and are very jovial, social people and I have become friends with many of them.

Randy may have some 'social issues' and his dry sense of humor might be an inhibiting factor with his ability to understand, or interface with people socially in any environment, HAM or otherwise.

 

[Nosferatu]

The wife and I have GMRS radios in each of our vehicles and I have a couple handhelds programmed with various frequencies. I can hear stuff if I want. I have no plans on talking to anyone else.

Randy may have some 'social issues' and his dry sense of humor might be an inhibiting factor with his ability to understand, or interface with people socially in any environment, HAM or otherwise.

I've never heard of the guy, but this is the kind of drivel that made me strongly dislike the HAM nerds I came across.

It MUST be him, not the autocratic, humorless, patronizing asses that dominate the 'community'.

 

[Stomper]

Ok, I'll agree with his dry sense of humor however his assessment of 'sad HAMS' is really unwarranted and probably based on maybe a bad experience he might have had with a HAM operator and he is expounding on it.

My experience with HAMS has been great in the last couple years I have been involved.

I have met MANY great people who are hardly 'sad HAMS' and are very jovial, social people and I have become friends with many of them.

Randy may have some 'social issues' and his dry sense of humor might be an inhibiting factor with his ability to understand, or interface with people socially in any environment, HAM or otherwise.

LOL…. You've obviously never read the "pure gold" written by the sad HAMS (aka "some people") in the comments section!

 

[AshWilliams]

LOL…. You've obviously never read the "pure gold" written by the sad HAMS (aka "some people") in the comments section!

His approach is built on the "outrage economy" principle which seems to be so prevalent these days. More controversy equals more views equals more revenue.

 

[Stomper]

His approach is built on the "outrage economy" principle which seems to be so prevalent these days. More controversy equals more views equals more revenue.

His videos don't get enough views to generate THAT much income, but I like his sarcastic, dry humor nonetheless.

He just did a portable air compressor review that was funny (to me).

 

[IndyPrepper]

So a couple things about my experience getting the technician license.

1) The actual study and prep was pretty easy. I was an operations specialist 2nd class in the navy back in the day, so the radio/comms/basics were just a refresher. I used Gordon West's Technician Class study prep guide..highly reccomend.

2) The test itself was easy but to be frankly honest..very creepy. I signed up with the Greater Los Angeles club to do it online. It was a video call with three other guys. They made me grab my camera and pan it around my office..monitors and every wall..to make sure I had no 'cheat' materials. It was unnerving..so be forewarned and clear out anything you don't want to be recorded in your space. Otherwise only one of the guys talked..the other two just sort of stared while I took the test.

3) The system that the government uses to license you uses your address and name as public information. So again, be forewarned..maybe use a PO box..because your 'handle' will tie to your address.

4) Try not to use your own phone number. I got a couple 'ham gram' calls from unknown ham operators..again..kinda creepy.

Those are my experiences. I'm still glad I got the license.

 

[Colt Carbine]

No. That said a lot of folks have the radio's especially Baufeng, but don't know how to use them. This was certainly my experience.

Purchased a couple Baofeng UV-82HP's, programming cable and the longer antennas, set up an account for programming and realized these devices are way beyond my understanding. So, here they sit, LOL

 

[MrMykonos]

Purchased a couple Baofeng UV-82HP's, programming cable and the longer antennas, set up an account for programming and realized these devices are way beyond my understanding. So, here they sit, LOL

Ayy same boat. I tried to watch a couple of tutorials but im pretty stupid soo...

 

[nammac]

Purchased a couple Baofeng UV-82HP's, programming cable and the longer antennas, set up an account for programming and realized these devices are way beyond my understanding. So, here they sit, LOL

Hmmmm. Was considering those as well, now I need to do more research. I'm not the brightest bulb in the box, so maybe have to keep it more simple, CB or Camp ell Soup cans and a string…