I have heard that for communcation after TSHTF that you can use a hand held HAM radio - then combine its use with something called repeaters to extend your range.

I am looking to set up a comunications network. Currently I am concerned with a short range - 0 to 7-8 miles, and then longer range - outpast 8 miles and out as far as possible.

Any suggestons for either?

Thanks and take care -

Rourke

Ham 2 meter VHF should fill your need well altho the typical 'rubber duckie' antenna isn't the best for range 2 - 5 mi. would be typical ( line of sight ) ... however a telescoping whip ant. will add significant range 10 mi. or more once again line of sight ... re: repeaters are radios ussually placed on hilltops or in tall buildings receives in comming radio and rebroadcasts it out because they are on fixed locations ussually have higher power output range 25 - 50 + mi. is typical .

Rourke - would this network be something you and your net after TSHTF ? as in a full collapse or other uses/training ( where getting proper license should be a concern ) ... if not a licensed ham might want to consider CB ... one of the important things about com's is to take the stuff out and practice to be able to use it well when needed and to make sure periodicly that it does work ... how much $$$ per unit looking to spend ... some my group found the cost of quality radios a bit high for a peice of gear that would hang in a bug out bag until 'the day'

I am looking for a comms network for after TSHTF.

I would like to have something that could bee kept in vehicles, and packs - to be deployed quickly.

Possibly CB might be the best - with hand-held units capable of attaching external antenna and placing at a higher elavation for better range.

My price range is probally around $200 per unit or under.

Rourke

Rourke - I believe you missed rescueemt's point...and that is you are not going to be able to throw gear together and have it work. It takes some time, practice and most of all, experience using the equipment before you know what the system's capabilities are and whether it will perform to the standards you require. If you don't have a comms network before tshtf, you won't have one after.

While cb radio may provide you with voice comms, the reliable range is somewhat limited. Additionally, any sort of repeater equipment is something you will have to cobble together. Hand held units are also rather poorly made (by comparison) and lack many features...like SSB.

Ham radio, while requiring a license to operate (pre-shtf) allows many different avenues to communicate. Voice, CW (morse code), data (some of which is very similar to email), slow scan tv, fax...along with different frequencies that allow world-wide or local comms...depending on time of day, solar conditions, etc.

With the elimination of the code part of the tests, there isn't much cause to not get licensed. Take the technician and general tests and you'll legally be able to use most of the amateur radio spectrum. Those that make up excuses for not taking the test are usually the ones that have never tried...

There is a lot to learn about the amateur radio services, much more than can ever be hoped to be addressed in detail here. Find a local ham radio club and get involved. They'll also know of local "problem areas" where, let's say, power line interference is a known issue...

Tech ... actually this was a straight fwd question to Rourke as to what his needs were and what would be best to consider ... in my net we've decided that not everyone needs to be a ham but depending on the size of the net a couple hams in your net is good ... same not every one has to be a 'medic' but having a couple EMT's, Nurses, or other med professionals, same for other professions is a good thing ... i was trying to pass along best advice based on Rourke's needs ... as the intent isn't to use 'until the day' I'd go along w/ the conclussion Rourke has already made for CB radio ... simple vol., squelch, turn to the ch., key mike to talk ... by working out freq. protocols, group '10 codes' etc they will be a step ahead of the 'sheeple' ... but i would also rec. at least occassionally taking the gear out and testing it ... just bouncing around in a bug out bag or corrossion from humidity can wreck a radio and always best to find out before 'the day' .... but as Tech points out the more capable you are the better for having more choices ... our net primarily uses CB for distance and MURS VHF for close ops but we also have some hams for other coms

Thanks guys for the responses.

Out of all prep catagories - communication is the only one that I really have questions on. All advice is welcome.

Thanks - Rourke

I have a circuit board that can turn ANY two radios into a repeater. As long as it has an external speaker jack and a mic connector. I can also send you the printed circuit board layout and drawing as well as a picture of mine upon request.

I have an Icom 92AD (5W max with the ability to change output levels) with optional HM-175GPS mic. This is a 2m/70cm handheld that has digital capabilities (voice & data transfer) and can recieve 0.5mhz-999mhz (scanner ability). Add in the GPS mic and you have a GPS device which can be made to transmit your postition to another comperable Icom radio.

Plenty of options/add-ons for these radios, I have data cable that allows me to program it from a computer and gives me access to data transfer with my laptop (e-mail, chat, etc over a setup network/repeater).

Rick wrote:I have a circuit board that can turn ANY two radios into a repeater. As long as it has an external speaker jack and a mic connector. I can also send you the printed circuit board layout and drawing as well as a picture of mine upon request.

Is this a simplex repeater or full duplex, are can's necessary