maymayms Posted August 9, 2022 Share Posted August 9, 2022 Not new to prepping but communication is definitely a blind spot for me. I have family living 5 miles (direct line) from my house. Driving distance is more like 8.5 mi. Live in hilly area, covered with forest. What would be the best (within reasonable budget) way of communicating if cell phones are not working? I started looking at 2 way radios and know the 35 mile range is BS telenor sms packages. In my area I'm sure that is probably closer to 1, which doesn't really help much. Any suggestions? Thanks in advance, sorry for my ignorance on this subject. Quote Link to comment
Annarchy Posted August 9, 2022 Share Posted August 9, 2022 Check out Ham radios… might be something worth looking into…. Wikipedia: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Amateur_radio Some extra info…. https://hamradioplanet.com/ham-radio-basics/ Quote Link to comment
Midnightmom Posted August 9, 2022 Share Posted August 9, 2022 50 minutes ago, Annarchy said: Check out Ham radios… might be something worth looking into…. The most common "ham" radios are 2 meter radios. Unfortunately, they are FM/"line of sight" frequencies. Perhaps good ol' CB radios would work. 1 Quote Link to comment
Annarchy Posted August 9, 2022 Share Posted August 9, 2022 Some aren’t strictly FM, according to DH & there are a plethora of repeaters, due to the high usage and popularity of them, recently. It was just an idea… Excellent idea MM. I was trying to think of the other types, and was drawing a blank. “Thanks, good buddy”….”10-4”…. “Purple top, output” 1960’s flashback.. Quote Link to comment
Midnightmom Posted August 9, 2022 Share Posted August 9, 2022 1 hour ago, Annarchy said: Some aren’t strictly FM, according to DH & there are a plethora of repeaters, due to the high usage and popularity of them, recently. It was just an idea… Most repeaters are purchased, constructed, and maintained by amateur radio "clubs" but are available to anyone who knows the frequency for usage. Many repeaters have historically been located on "public" land, while some were on private property. Last year (or was it 2 yrs ago, now?) the Forest Service told some of the clubs here in CA that they would have to relocate their repeaters! And this was AFTER the Carr Fire had shown just how important these repeaters are! We have lots of small communities tucked away in the mountains surrounding up, and, like maymayms said above, cell phone reception stinks - is NOT reliable, and "traditional" phones can go out if the lines are damaged by fire. I don't know how/if this got settled as I hadn't thought about it until this topic came up. Also, Ham Radio is regulated by the Feds and you "need" a license in order to legally broadcast on any of the frequencies. There are also certain unwritten rules and courtesies that are expected to be observed and that is a learning curve all of its own. Maybe, at some point, satellite phones will be within reach for most people who live in remote areas to own. It would be best it this were to happen sooner than later! Quote Link to comment
Midnightmom Posted August 9, 2022 Share Posted August 9, 2022 (edited) 1 hour ago, Annarchy said: “Thanks, good buddy”….”10-4”…. “Purple top, output” 1960’s flashback.. Edited August 9, 2022 by Midnightmom Quote Link to comment
Jeepers Posted August 9, 2022 Share Posted August 9, 2022 I'm looking into CB's 5 hours ago, Midnightmom said: “Thanks, good buddy”….”10-4”…. “Purple top, output” 1960’s flashback.. LOL. Bear in the air!!! I got my rabbit ears on and I wanna get chummy chummy. Legendary Shack Shakers - The Cb Song lyrics (muzikum.eu) 1 Quote Link to comment
Recommended Posts
Join the conversation
You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.