The quick answer is I have no intention of buying more equipment. I have around $550 invested in what I have which allows for 2 meter and 70 cm frequencies which are plenty for keeping in contact locally and with the Tech license I can talk on those frequencies. This isn’t a hobby for me; it’s a part of my prepper plan for the SHTF scenario. I can get info from those who do treat Ham Radios as a hobby and have long distance equipment. They will get that info and pass it along locally and long distance. I don’t have relatives long distance that I have been able to talk into getting their license or equipment so there’s really no need for me personally to have it.
In a major emergency when power is lost on the grid; the repeaters are usually on a battery backup system so they should still work. I’m not sure what the scenario is for an EMP hit or how direct the hit needs to be to affect things like cars and plugged in repeaters. Obviously the best thing is to unplug everything electronic.
The fact is we really don’t know what will happen in the event of an EMP attack. I guess it depends on what causes that EMP and how close it hits. The big problem is transformers in the grid. They are expensive and difficult to replace quickly. Common thinking is a lot of things will still work but maybe have some problems like windows not working in cars or something.
I was thinking a massive take over the world type EMP.
I learn a lot just listening to hubby talk, he likes talking all over the world not just local.
Up until this last year when age caught up with him we did the St. Jude’s Marathon Ham volunteers, to free up ER from the small stuff that a pick up truck could bring in supplies or take in a tired runner. He is part of the national ER team, but since moving to a smaller town, role has been reduced to just the local Hospital, no field work. There are about 30 in the new club, not bad for a tiny berg most are seniors.
Ditto here, no relatives just friends into Ham Radio.