Comms question HAM/HF/CB??

August 24, 2021, 03:36 PM

smlsig

quote:
Originally posted by golddot:
thank you sir, I may take you up on that, I am still doing LOTS of research !!

Also you can download the free Repeater Book App from your favorite site. It uses your device’s gps and will show you the nearest repeaters from just about anywhere.

August 24, 2021, 03:41 PM

GWbiker

Be aware that in case of a declared state/federal emergency, all repeaters will be used for emergency traffic, only. County officials usually take charge in this event.

If you're using non repeater HF communications, you will need a FCC General license and a list of what band frequency you can use.

Also, a multi band radio is necessary due to some bands are open depending on time of day. Example: 40 meters just at sundown.

KJ7FTH

August 24, 2021, 05:10 PM

Flash-LB

quote:
Originally posted by GWbiker:

If you're using non repeater HF communications, you will need a FCC General license and a list of what band frequency you can use.

Also, a multi band radio is necessary due to some bands are open depending on time of day. Example: 40 meters just at sundown.

KJ7FTH

No, you can get on HF in a limited way with a Technician license.

Here's a pdf of the Technician privileges:
http://www.arrl.org/files/file...h%20Band%20Chart.pdf

August 24, 2021, 05:31 PM

GWbiker

quote:
Originally posted by Flash-LB:
quote:
Originally posted by GWbiker:

If you're using non repeater HF communications, you will need a FCC General license and a list of what band frequency you can use.

Also, a multi band radio is necessary due to some bands are open depending on time of day. Example: 40 meters just at sundown.

KJ7FTH

No, you can get on HF in a limited way with a Technician license.

Here's a pdf of the Technician privileges:
http://www.arrl.org/files/file...h%20Band%20Chart.pdf

So, now he has to learn Code?

<sigh>

August 24, 2021, 05:56 PM

nhtagmember

no longer a requirement to learn code for either the General or Extra license grants

lots of people still learning it, and lots of people still using it - especially on low power

August 24, 2021, 05:57 PM

nosticks

No code longer needed.

August 24, 2021, 06:14 PM

NavyGuy

Yep, the only way to get that distance is HAM. I communicate with a down town Dallas repeater easily, via FM form 45 miles base station, and 30 miles mobile. 146.700 colloquially call "the flame" because of it's strong signal atop of the "green building" some 60 stories high. Most repeaters and almost all simplex are not as powerful or have antennas as high. Simplex FM figure 20 miles without obstructions and 10 miles with trees and buildings.

August 24, 2021, 06:23 PM

Aeteocles

Just a random thought that popped into my head.

Would it be possible to attach a relatively thin wire to a drone or balloon to act as an antenna in an emergency, or have I watched too much Sci-Fi?

August 24, 2021, 06:43 PM

NavyGuy

quote:
Originally posted by Aeteocles:
Just a random thought that popped into my head.

Would it be possible to attach a relatively thin wire to a drone or balloon to act as an antenna in an emergency, or have I watched too much Sci-Fi?

If you are going to go HF, a wire antenna could work and actually might work a bit with VHH UHF but a simple dual band 18" antenna for about $25 is much better for the high frequency FM bands. For HF there are many more variables, and the most popular frequencies requires a General license which is substantially more difficult to test for then Technician.

August 24, 2021, 06:47 PM

nhtagmember

It (the balloon) is doable, but thats a tricky way to do it. If your location is fixed, might be better to climb a tree and attach a vertical near the top which will be more stable than a balloon, or you could string a long wire between trees.

August 24, 2021, 07:17 PM

GWbiker

quote:
Originally posted by nhtagmember:
no longer a requirement to learn code for either the General or Extra license grants

lots of people still learning it, and lots of people still using it - especially on low power

For those who didn't get the connection: to use the lower frequencies below 10 meters, an Amateur License Technician holder, MUST use CW, which is code.

Now then, the 40 meters band is soon opening up and I gotta practice my CW.

KJ7FTH. (Element 3)

August 24, 2021, 10:35 PM

maladat

quote:
Originally posted by Aeteocles:
Just a random thought that popped into my head.

Would it be possible to attach a relatively thin wire to a drone or balloon to act as an antenna in an emergency, or have I watched too much Sci-Fi?

People use wire antennas attached to balloons or kites or whatever for fun, but if you're looking for something reliable, it may not be the way to go.

Even if you don't have too much wind for a balloon or not enough wind for a kite or a popped balloon, trying to make specific contacts, antenna angle can be important, and you can't control that very well with a balloon or kite.

August 24, 2021, 11:42 PM

drill sgt

No matter what frequency range you use be it VHF/UHF/or HF 90% of your stations capabilities will be determined by your antenna system . Actual antenna/feed line/ physical location of antenna/style of antenna be it a omni directional or a beam antenna. Higher power output on a poor antenna system will not always improve performance......Some of the HF frequecies are more effecient at certain times of the day or nighttime........ And if the SHTF event happens be it a natural disaster or a man made event most of the repeaters will probably be closed to general public use and designated for emergency use..........Just remember any traffic/communications is not private and other hams will be able to listen in and hear what is said.......................The Main Trading Company in Paris, Texas that someone mentioned is a good place to start with info and or equipment. Have done business with them and they treated my good.......... 73"s de KL7JIU aka drill sgt.

August 25, 2021, 07:14 AM

walker77

quote:
Originally posted by 911Boss:
What is actual distance and what kind of topography from point “A” to point “B”?

Ham radio is probably best option, if line of sight without terrain obstruction, handheld 5 watt 2M radio might work.

Better option would be a portable radio with more power, say 25-50 watts running off of a 12v source, either battery pack or vehicle. Could easily be portable with an antenna mounted to a mast or tripod. Could use at home as well without having to commit to a “Dedicated” HAM station.

License requirement of course applies, but 2M access is granted at the starting “Technician” level.

Money wise, you are only looking at $200 bucks or so to get started for radio, battery, antenna.

Don’t necessarily have to dump big money on a name brand radio, lots of workable options such as this 25w VHF/UHF mobile from Amazon…

Here are shots of some of my portable/SHTF gear…

12v 20Ah power source. Charger fits in case, case exterior has two Anderson Power Pole connections along with USB and USB-C power ports and digital voltmeter to see charge level.

Case was $25 or so at Harbor Freight
Charger $35
Hardware/wire $30
LIFePO4 batteries highest cost ($100 each) but much less weight, longer life and can be cycled deeper. Can certainly use SLA batteries to save some money

How long can you get off of one battery?

August 25, 2021, 08:07 AM

Flash-LB

quote:
Originally posted by GWbiker:
quote:
Originally posted by Flash-LB:
quote:
Originally posted by GWbiker:

If you're using non repeater HF communications, you will need a FCC General license and a list of what band frequency you can use.

Also, a multi band radio is necessary due to some bands are open depending on time of day. Example: 40 meters just at sundown.

KJ7FTH

No, you can get on HF in a limited way with a Technician license.

Here's a pdf of the Technician privileges:
http://www.arrl.org/files/file...h%20Band%20Chart.pdf

So, now he has to learn Code?

<sigh>

No, he can use RTTY or Data or voice on 10M.

Plus, all he has to do is get the proper program for his computer and use it to send and receive morse code. Couldn't be easier and you don't have to know any morse code at all.

August 25, 2021, 09:16 AM

bubbatime

In a SHTF event, wont the repeaters be down?

What about a satellite phone call to a satellite phone? The satellites are up there and will always be up there...

August 25, 2021, 11:15 AM

ersatzknarf

Thank you for mentioning that.

Was thinking the same thing...

Why not satellite phones?

August 25, 2021, 11:27 AM

golddot

wow, what a great thread this has rolled into. let me clarify a few things...

one, this is only for SHTF, so I dont care about a license or any regulatory stuff. I want something I can plug in to a 12 volt source (or man pack battery), throw a line of string into a tree top and hoist up a vertical antenna and try to talk to DFW, preferably around the state or world.

I know this will rub some guys wrong, abut the license, I apologize in advance, I WILL get my license eventually but for now, I want the equipment and a knowledge of how to operate it. I have 6 years of comms experience in the Corps so radios and antennas are no stranger to me.

This will be part of my overall SHTF prep package.

August 25, 2021, 11:54 AM

Jimineer

Roger that on the license.

For me personally, I have an FT-991A that I can go mobile with. I can dial down the output power as needed.
With a Bioenno battery or two and a solar charger I can make due without house power and my truck has two 12V batteries.

The IC-705 is nice, and portable, but I don’t like being limited to 5 or 10 watts.