Posted on 08/29/2017 6:02:12 AM PDT by Wonder Warthog
As an improvement to assuring communications during a Harvey-Katrina disaster, how about an 18-wheeler with a mobile cell phone transmitter, power generation, and high fuel capacity. To be driven into disaster zones to be put into use when cell towers become disabled (flooded, lose power, etc). It seems to me that DHS (Homeland Security) could benefit from a fleet of such vehicles.
They have those.
They’re called “Stingrays” and they are used by local law enforcement to snoop on thousands of phone calls.
Will it float?
If the towers are flooded 18-wheelers wouldn’t be able to get in.
Don’t forget amateur radio operators. Many of them have portable radios run off batteries and many amateur radio clubs have gas and propane generators. You might try googling “amateur radio clubs” followed by your zip code to find a contact point.
That’s the way it should be - the ISPs making plans to protect their customer; not the government.
I have often wondered why the media when attracted like the pests they are to natural disaster sites, they don’t bring with them such resources plus other help such as food, water and money. But nope, just a few guys standing in the middle of it or a couple of pert infobabes intensely explaining things to us.
Modern Technology!
Who’d a thunk it?
Go back to bed..
I suspect the "Stingrays" are "listen-only", not omnidirectional.
There are multiple reasons why a cell tower might "go down". The vulnerable part is at the base of the tower, which can flood. Tower backup power is probably time-limited. And how close would an 18-wheeler unit have to get to be effective. All questions worthy of thought. DHL has the infrastructure to assure that a backup capability stays up for the duration.
Good information.
Very familiar with ham...though not one myself (other than Freeper handle). My current location actually has a dedicated ham emergency site for just such situations. My one quibble with it is that it is in the basement of a local community facility, and WILL be taken out by tsunami (Puget Sound). Should be located at the "local highest point", IMO.
It is good that they are preparing, but they most certainly need to coordinate with DHL, as DHL has the means to assure supplies flow (generator fuel) to critical infrastructure.
Do they have a version that fits inside the lift frame of a 40ft shipping container? Move to the emergency with any equipment designed for intermodal containers, or even flat bed truck in an emergency.
>> Tower backup power is probably time-limited. <<
Yep, the tower sites often have something like 48 hours worth of battery juice. After that, it may be “zip zero nada.”
>> in the basement of a local community facility <<
Good location only if you are in tornado alley!
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