Posted on 04/26/2011 9:59:16 AM PDT by DCBryan1
Freepers:
Due to last night's storms in Central Arkansas, our family found out the HARD WAY just how important communications (commo) is when the power goes out, telephone lines get blown down, the cell towers are destroyed, and we are left in the dark with multiple tornados inbound.
Anyways, I wanted to solicit Freepers help on unconventional communications with family such as Citizen Band (CB), FRS, GMRS, etc. I am going to attend our Central Arkansas Ham Radio meeting next month and see about going "one step further" to get my ham radio license. Please read below for my situational needs.
Buy and license two-way (used in construction, law enforcement etc.) in the vhf band.
That 30 miles will be absolutely reliable.
Amateur radio license (Ham)can be obtained in a shorter time than you may think. Passing the test to having a call sign assigned to you can be as little as 7 days. Check if there are any one day license preparation and testing events in your area or do your own study on line and find a testing session near you. The local Ham Club will help you.
As far as comms go; Amateur radio offers the most flexibility and the best chance to stay in touch with the family group.You need to assess what you all want to do and the funds that it will take.
Amateur (Ham) radio offers several modes to communicate through. (VHF&UHF) FM simplex, (VHF&UHF) FM repeaters,High Frequency (HF) Single Side Band (SSB), VHF,UHF,HF packet radio, and don’t forget CW—morse code. Plus legally up to 1500 watts of RF power if needed on many bands.
Setting up effective communications will require practice and proficiency with your Ham radio equipment.
You all will need to practice. You need to become proficient at establishing communication with your family members.
Write down what yo want to do with regard to family communication and determine the best mix of Ham equipment required to accomplish the task.
Did I mention you will need to practice with your equipment?
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