Communication

[colack]

What methods of communication are the best to be trained in if the grid goes down? Coz I would need to arrange alternative arrangements with family if my immediate action plans are compromised. I've some radio training, but it was a long time ago, and wondered what kit would be worth a look

[Amber_Leith]

This is something Im totally new to but have to get stronger on, just starting online.

[preppingsu]

First starting point would be some good quality walkie talkies.

Then maybe a CB radio.

Thinking long term consider getting your ham radio licence.

Here's something that was posted on the forum a while back - there's lots more info, do a search and read, read, read.

Right. Ham or Amateur radio is one of those hobbies where you get as much out of it as you put in (time and energy wise). It can be a VERY expensive hobby, but it doesn't have to be. The more you learn about it, and electronics the cheaper it CAN be. For example, you COULD build a shortwave morse transmitter for about #10-20, but this would require some knowledge of electronics, and be able to follow a schematic diagram etc.

For argument sake, lets say you dont have any electronics knowledge but want to get on the air. The first thing you need to do is take a class+exam (otherwise you'll be transmitting illegally and could end up with a hefty fine) The classes are usually run over a weekend, with the exam the following weekend and explain a bit about radios, radio wave propogation (how the radio waves travel) as well as how to setup and operate a radio. You will also get some hands on time with a radio or two as well. You might even get to have a go at morse. When I did my foundation level course+exam I think it was in the region of about #50 which is pretty good for 2 days training and an exam.

Ok, so you have taken the course, passed your exam and now you want a rig. What are the costs, ranges etc?

This is very much a 'how long is a piece of string' question but in the broadest sense people usually start on one type (VHF), then progress to another type of radio. (Difficult to explain without going into too much detail) But, essentially amateur radio bands you can use are split up into the following:

Shortwave or HF - 0.1Mhz - 30Mhz - with gaps in between
VHF - 50Mhz band (6 metres),
-144Mhz band (2 Metres)
UHF 433Mhz (70cms)

What are the ranges? With the foundation license you are limited to 10Watts output. This means the following

UHF - Very localised and very much line of sight, range of a few miles without using repeaters.

VHF - Still local, but a bit better range, depending on antenna selection, height above ground, line of sight obstacles etc, you can get anywhere from a few miles up to perhaps 40 miles if conditions are good. This is based on the 2metre band, but if conditions are good you have a much greater range on 6metres, but its condition dependant and not that many people use it in the UK.

HF - If you use a digital mode (connect a computer to your radio) or you learn morse, you can communicate GLOBALLY with just a few watts of power and a very simple (and cheap) antenna. If you just use voice, you can probably get a range of a hundred miles or so...again this is VERY conditions and antenna dependant..

Costs:

A second hand VHF/UHF rig will set you back somewhere in the region of about #130 for a decent one. This will be a mobile rig (meant to go in your car) so runs off 12v and will need a decent power supply - which are about #50, or run it in your car.
A second hand HF rig will be more expensive, and anywhere in the region of #200 upwards.
You can get rigs which run on HF and VHF, but you wont get much change out of about #300 for one of these.

You will also need an antenna and need to mount it as high as you can. A VHF antenna will set you back about #70 new. A short wave antenna can be made from a spool of copper wire and some connectors, or a ready made kit for about #40 (I think).

There is so much more to radios, equipment, propogation, transmission modes etc...far more than I could cover in a forum post, but I hope that answers some of your questions. The best way to start really is to take the training course and exam. You will then know how to set up and use a radio, and be able to legally use one! Its a fascinating hobby, and great fun too!

[colack]

Preppingsu, you are my yoda on this site thanks

[preppingsu]

Helpful, trying to be I am...

[Bodhihermit]

Thanks for reposting that info Preppingsu

I have to admit that Communication is one area that i really have been a bit lax with I think it's high time i took your advice and read a bit more, then maybe go shopping

[Hamradioop]

A complete course on radio communications for the UK Amateur Radio Exams. a little out of date but only when the refers to the Radio communication agency which is now Ofcom and the annual licence fee, now free for life. the technical bits are all valid, you can download it and burn in on to a CD. http://www.ukradioamateur.co.uk/


If you go to the ofcom website you can more info http://licensing.ofcom.org.uk/radiocomm ... eur-radio/

[metatron]

It depends how far away they are. Ham radio stuff gets expensive and real boring fast, so if you can avoid it, avoid it like the plague. CB is short range but if you can hit them with a signal its worth doing as not many people have FM receivers or kit that covers that range any more.

Cheapest secure way for local comms is buy a few TP-Link TL-WR740N their £13.19 each and stick OpenWRT or DD-WRT on it and set it up as a meshing network. There easy enough to solar/battery power them and at least its encrypted.



http://www.aria.co.uk/SuperSpecials/Oth ... =skinflint

Long range really limits you to HF or if you have line of sight mesing networks are still doable, or you will need more nodes.

[Panther]

Don't forget the importance of low tech communications such as Morse Code using either light or whistle; a useful skill to practice.

[mikefranks]

Hi guys,


I was thinking about 2 way radios, are they safe to use in a "SHTF" situation? Im not too sure, would be great to know


thanks


Mike