Internet outage - Comm alternatives Emergency updates, FR contingency ham email & shortwave news

10/21/2016

[MarchonDC09122009]

In light of today's widespread Internet outages, we should discuss contingency plans for FR availability, news updates and emergency communications.

Please share what ham amateur radio shortwave frequencies to monitor for emergencies and news updates, as well as practical ham email on the HF and VHF bands.

[azkathy]

What gets me about this is Bill Cooper was probably right and that is why they wanted to shut him up/kill him.

[MarchonDC09122009]

Thank you for the additional info regarding Cooper.
As for the BSG doc, careful examination of mismatch corp logo, wrong address, and over the top jargon detail, indicate the document is a hoax designed to further discredit conservatives and their independent alt-media.
It’s timing perfectly aligns with Obola’s MSM statement voicing concern that the far right is spreading toxic misinformation.

We really need to use careful discernment and avoid anything that can falsely marginalize us.

Best FReegards all!

[azkathy]

Thanks for your input/observations. I agree that we need to be especially careful right now. They are working really hard to marginalize alt right media/folks so I could see it being planted just for that purpose.

At this point nothing would shock me about our “government”.

[jpsb]

The only real alternative to the internet is UUCP. Unix to Unix Copy. However building a UUCP system with the internet down would not be easy. Better to set up a UUCP network now and keep it on stand by.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/UUCP

[MarchonDC09122009]

Thanks for the info.
I used to use UUCP in the 80’s during the Mainframe Timeshare Message Board haydays.
UUCP still requires conventional telecommunications infrastructure.
If the internet, cell phone repeaters, land lines and/or power is out for and extended period of time, this thread is meant to help fellow FReepers with obtaining:

1. Reliable independent news sources to Monitor (RX) via shortwave broadcast frequencies.

2. Reliable means of communication (RX/TX) between FReepers, friends in order to provide Situation Reporting, request help, etc.

Shortwave HF (long distance - DX) and VHF/UHF (local) Winlink RMS Packet radio email is the only way to go.
It’s what the Red Cross, FEMA, and Peace Corp use.
That’s what we’re talk’in bout.
For those so inclined and able - get this stuff sooner than later. Chinese / Japanese supply chain is fragile, and this stuff is imported by the hundreds / few thousand.

You are looking at a $1300+ minimum (new purchases unless you get used gear or build your stuff)
And remember, you need to invest in a ham radio class exam to become minimally licensed, then invest Dozens of Hours in understanding how to use your gear for effective receive and transmit communication.
Here’s what you need for SHTF long distance communication:

Flexible 20+ w solar panel - $100 A
Deep cycle marine 24F battery - $65 W
300w inverter. - $50 W
Yaesu FT817ND HF all band mobile ham radio - $630 HO
Portable antennas Wonder wand mag loop & yo yos. $300 HN
TNC type HF/VHF 300 / 1200 baud modem - $200+ HN
Cables, manuals, software - $150 HN
*must have compatible working laptop and/or Tablet or smart phone with ham radio Winlink email software.

You can currently get this stuff at:
Amazon (A)
HamradioOutlet (HO)
http://www.hamradio.com/detail.cfm?pid=H0-007097
http://www.eham.net/reviews/products/75 (HN)
Walmart (W)

[cherry]

how much are ham radios and do you need a huge antenna?

[visualops]

if they only have 500 participants, I wonder if they will have the video available later?

[CottonBall]

Now that’s an interesting site.

We’ve moved since getting our licenses so should probably update our registration data?

[TMSuchman]

A few items for thought;

1] what about using frs & gmrs radios for local comm [NO lisc. is required]

2] also what about using CB’s for local comm as well

3] I am working on setting up the last Fri. of each month at 7PM for a “prepper” radio check in to last for about 20 min. Just to touch base with others in your area.

4] There is a list of freq’s for just this reason
[Please see my fb page for the image/s that list] ( Mike Suchman ) [I can not for the life of me post photos here for some reason]

[MinuteGal]

I spent a half-hour trying to register...got the familiar run-around....I don't have a mobile phone, so all the stuff I labored to fill in over and over was worthless and I kept getting rejected....also didn't know what they meant by "user name", so I tried all my usual names, handles, aliases, etc., nothing worked.....also the usual unreadable wavy code to copy, couldn't read a damn one of them....interminable things to fill out....just to get on alternate FR site.

No thanks.

Leni

[DocRock]

Unfortunately, I haven't seen or read about any other states using a statewide radio network like SarNetFL. However, there are a lot of repeater systems that link towers. Where I live, we use a county wide system WC4PEM that will allow a cheap, 5 watt handheld dual band ham radio like a Boafeng cover a wide area. Another local system is the NI4CE west central FL repeater system that covers several counties. Do a little search for your area and I'm sure you can find local systems and clubs that can guide you. I have more links on my homepage under a "Got Comms"link to a 2014 thread.

73 (which means "With Best Regards")

[thecodont]

Thanks! (Nice home page, too.)

https://www.repeaterbook.com/repeaters/index.php?state_id=none#sthash.8cQHaJ4e.dpbs

“73 (which means “With Best Regards”)”

Thanks, you as well.

[MarchonDC09122009]

Local radio FM 2meter handheld 5 mile range repeater (electricty) dependent radios are useless toys in the event of widespread prolonged disruptive event power outage.
CB’s are also static blare nightmares.

Go $$$ HF capable long distance (DX) comm, or go home.

Without reliable trustworthy communications SITuation REPort news, you have no command and control.

If the internet, cell phone repeaters, land lines and/or power is out for and extended period of time, this thread is meant to help fellow FReepers with obtaining:

1. Reliable independent news sources to Monitor (RX) via shortwave broadcast frequencies, ie: Int’l, Nat’l, Regional

2. Reliable means of communication (RX/TX) between FReepers, friends in order to provide Situation Reporting, request help, etc.

Shortwave HF (long distance - DX) and VHF/UHF (local) Winlink RMS Packet radio email is the only way to go.
It’s what the Red Cross, FEMA, and Peace Corp use.
That’s what we’re talk’in bout.

For those so inclined and able - get this stuff sooner than later. Chinese / Japanese supply chain is fragile, and this stuff is imported by the hundreds / few thousand.

You are looking at a $1300+ minimum (new purchases unless you get used gear or build your stuff)
And remember, you need to invest in a ham radio class exam to become minimally licensed, then invest Dozens of Hours in understanding how to use your gear for effective receive and transmit communication.
Here’s what you need for SHTF long distance communication:

Flexible 20+ w solar panel - $100 A
Deep cycle marine 24F battery - $65 W
300w inverter. - $50 W
Yaesu FT817ND HF all band mobile ham radio - $630 HO
Portable antennas Wonder wand mag loop & yo yos. $300 HN
TNC type HF/VHF 300 / 1200 baud modem - $200+ HN
Cables, manuals, software - $150 HN
*must have compatible working laptop and/or Tablet or smart phone with ham radio Winlink email software.

You can currently get this stuff at:
Amazon (A)
HamradioOutlet (HO)
http://www.hamradio.com/detail.cfm?pid=H0-007097
http://www.eham.net/reviews/products/75 (HN)
Walmart (W)

[DocRock]

Many local EOCs should have an ARES with a frequency plan. Here is a LINK to my local list of frequencies. Number 18 (I think) is my local WinLink which requires a bit of work to set up and use correctly. Most traffic passes by phone (voice). We activated for Hurricane Matthew and nobody used the WinLink. I activated a shelter and I monitored the SarNetFL which activated statewide. All traffic was voice. WinLink works great for dropping text emails of stranded shelter "guests" to family outside the effected area, or to the State EOC if all other comms go down, but we never had to use it. I do agree with HF for DX, and if lurkers want to see how many hams are logging DX contacts right now, Mash Here. Map updates every 3 min I believe.

[MarchonDC09122009]

Doc, you ‘da hands-on ham man!
Thank you for your boots-on-the-ground field emergency experience report.
BTW: that DX Map is ‘da $hitz.

Let’s put together something actionable and as easy to understand as possible.
https://amrron.com/about/ (Ham Newbies see 15 min video)
http://graywolfsurvival.com/56/how-to-get-ham-radio-license/

TPTB & DNC are a tricky treacherous lot with Big plans for us conservatives.3
Time’s wast’in.

Looking forward &
73
KBI5MK
(Without comms, you have no command & control)

[DocRock]

Well, the main problem is WinLink email is going to requires a General License to go High Frequency except for "line of sight" uhf/vhf simplex repeaters. Those still require a digital device, (laptop, pad or phone) interface to type the message and the WinLink system is a mesh of interconnected, ham stations that still rely on the internet working somewhere in the network. So if the world wide web doesn't work properly, WinLink isn't going to work properly. PSK31 seems to work pretty well as a peer to peer HF teletype, but even that relies on good skywave propagation. The sun can completely blackout HF bands with a solar storm. We haven't even touched on antennas needed which can get pretty big to get on the world wide High Frequency Bands. My wire antenna in the backyard is 104 feet long... Then lightning issues when you stick a lightning hungry wire like that in the sky in the lightning capitol of the U.S. (where I live). Ultimately, the bottom line is, there is no 15 minute comms course. Here is a decent post I made in 2014 about comms and how I got started. Got Comms?

[DocRock]

Oh, there are a bunch of Amateur Radio satellite repeaters that can be used with the cheap hand held Boafeng radios. But you would need to run apps that show time and trajectories to hit them as they fly over... which may also rely on the web.

AMSAT.ORG

And if you check their schedule, you can contact the International Space Station

Sam From Earth

[jimjohn]

bookmark

[MarchonDC09122009]

Excellent additional info Doc.
I appreciate your caution about WinLink having Internet network dependencies.

I did not intend to infer there is a 15 minute training course, and earlier in this thread I emphasized ham proficiency first starts with studying and passing your license exam, and then dozens of hours of hands-on experience.

I took the liberty of reposting some of you information to ensure this thread contains your valuable advice.

73
_______________________________________________
Doc Rock 2014 informative ham radio comms post:

I talked with some close friends that have an audio/video repair business about my antennas and all of them were hams. They showed me a dual band, hand held (HT) Boafeng UV-5R that cost about $35 delivered, gave me a Technician class study manual and showed me the online study guides and self testing programs. I ordered the Boafeng as they don’t require a license to listen, only to transmit and began my studies. The local ham club has repeaters and gives the license tests for free once a month. By the first of December, I had my Tech license and was on the air with the local hams and by Jan of this year I earned my General license and bought a 30 year old HF radio for $400 and put up a $50 antenna and have been making world wide contacts.

So, a year ago, I rode my bike a couple days with thousands of patriotic Americans and discussed this topic and after some study, a little effort and maybe $800 investment, I have local and world wide COMMS.

Last night, I attended our county ARES (Amateur Radio Emergency Service) monthly meeting. I live in the center of Florida in a huge county and if our repeater towers go down we have to make contacts long distance on the VHF/UHF bands. The typical cheap hand held radio is reliable only for a few miles (3 to 5 miles on simplex). The HF bands skip over local contacts in the daylight hours and we have found through exercises that 2 meter SSB (single side band) simplex gets the best results but requires a more expensive radio. Contacts were made 17 to 20 miles consistently. As you can drive 75 miles and still be in our county, relays are a must so we can pass messages. Our desire is to have hand held radio coverage of this huge county, but without enough relays, it won’t be possible.

So, the article listed has some great info, but without some study, practice and investment, COMMS are going to be very limited.

Here are a few links for someone interested in Amateur Radio:

Amateur Radio Relay League ARRL

Note: The ARRL is celebrating it’s 100th Anniversary this year. Also, I found many of the study guides I needed to pass my exams at local libraries by a simple search on ARRL.

Find a Local Club

Repeater Book Directory of thousands of repeaters by location, frequencies and tones

Online Ham selftest You will have to create a free account to practice the Ham test so it can tract your individual results in areas you need to work on so you can pass your exam easily. (I used this one.)

Becoming a Ham This page has other online study info and a lot of great links. (Some of the links are broken and some of the study guides require payment while others you don’t even need to create an account.)

No Nonsense Study Guides

Want to see who is logging world-wide contacts at this very instant? Mash Here to see DX Maps HF

Well, I warned you this would be a long post but I feel it is needed with our current world events. Before I get the “I’m going to stay off the grid” comments... I think you should know that most hams, (local and world-wide, think and talk like we do. If you get mail and have a driver’s license, you are not “off the grid”. My advice is to stay legal, get your license before you every key the mic on a ham frequency and get in a local club.

Last bit of advice. A cheap, dual band hand held (HT) is the Baofeng UV-5R as noted in a post up-thread. The newer versions of the UV-5R use different accessories (batteries, programing cables, etc...), so stick with the older UV-5R which has a proven track record.

And my last word on the subject...You don’t have to learn Morse Code anymore!
22 posted on Fri Sep 26 06:19:01 2014 by DocRock (All they that TAKE the sword shall perish with the sword. Matthew 26:52 Gun grabbers beware.

[DocRock]

Additional info:. There is no age requirement for a ham license so children can get involved. The AARL is the century old ham organization and they have youth outreach directors which help kids start radio clubs in their schools and I’m pretty sure offers some grants and scholarships. So if you have kids or grandkids that are not being challenged in school, or they are homeschooled, this is a great subject that covers all the STEM subjects as well as Geography.