SHTF Communications

[cgrutt]

Any interest in talking about SHTF Communications? Wanted to keep this separate from the Baofeng thread because I want to expand discussion past the $25 UHF/VHF handhelds. What would be best "rig" for a SHTF scenario?

What type of radio is best? E.g., handheld at 5W provides best portability but would a 50W mobile be better in terms of reaching out further distances?

What bands? UHF? VHF? HF? All mode? What are people likely to be communicating on?

Does digital make sense for SHTF? Will D-STAR and other repeaters be available? Do they offer any advantages over analog radios (e.g., being able to interface with your Android phone and send text messages if phone service goes down, etc.)

Should radio be equipped with GPS? Why?

How do we keep power up and running? Solar panels?

What antenna systems work best?

IDK, just thinking outloud... please chime in!

 

[cgrutt]

iCOM IC-7300 vs Yaesu FT-991A -- definitely leaning towards one of these "shack in the box" all mode receivers. The iCOM has a better user interface and much better spectrum scope however Yaesu includes VHF and UHF all in one box...

 

[cgrutt]

Thinking about ordering this radio soon... iCOM ID-51A Plus2 ... dual band VHF/UHF with D-STAR and GPS...

 

[cgrutt]

Also looking at the Yaesu FT-857D... All mode UHF/VHF/HF in small package...

 

[Jackalope]

I have and use an Icom IC-7300 and a couple of ID-51A's. Both are decent radios for the money. I have yet to use DSTAR on HF, but it's an interesting mode on VHF/UHF. Locally (middle Tennessee) folks don't use DSTAR or DMR, but rather Yaesu system fusion on VHF/UHF. So whatever digital mode is available to your locality is probably your best bet. Yaesu system fusion is by far the easiest of digital modes to set up and use. Both DMR and DSTAR are complicated to set up, if you're starting from scratch without any assistance.

Regarding HF radios, Icom is arguably the leader in innovation, and their radios have the best bang for the buck. I currently have HF radios from the big three, and for casual operating I invariably turn to the Icoms ( IC-7100, IC-7200, IC-7300 and IC-9100). The IC-7300 revolutionized entry level HF transceivers by offering a SDR transceiver for less than $1000. The 7300 blows away the competition with its many features, such as built in tuner, band scope, and multiple filters which allow users to copy transmissions during poor conditions. If I had to choose among my many radios, the IC-7300 would be my #1 choice for a base radio. The Icoms also are the easiest to use on digital modes, as there is a USB interface built in.

If you're looking for a lower powered HF radio, with built in batteries, solar charge controller, RTTY reader, and tuner, check out the CommRadio CTX-10. It's an American designed and manufactured SDR radio, and price is about the same as the IC-7300. If I was going to be on foot, or operating remote portable, I'd probably use the CTX-10 because of its weight and compact form factor. I can carry the radio, extra batteries, and multiple antennas in a Pelican 1300 case.

We're in the golden age of radio right now. Whatever you decide to order, I advise you to do it soon, as dealer stocks are dwindling. I know of at least one vendor that has already run out of certain models.

 

[cgrutt]

Thanks! Will check out the CTX-10 hadn't heard of that before. Yeah, the IC-7300 is definitely on short list. Thanks again.

 

[Acer-m14]

lol crap i'm old remembering the old spark gap radio lol

 

[Acer-m14]

 

[Marine Cpl]

I learned a lot from this site if anyone is interested. Those guys know everything.

RadioReference.com Forums

RadioReference Discussion Forums

forums.radioreference.com

 

[Acer-m14]

I learned a lot from

from sticking my hands in Tube type items trying to make them work again ..

that TV fly back xformer isn't that bad . .. only knocked me back 2 feet lol

 

[Curmudgeon]

Pretty sure McCoy can tell you everything you need to know.

 

[Acer-m14]

since this is a SHTF .. ..

what about having a RF spectrum analyzer .. the one i had the chance to play with ,,, omg the fun .. its limited in transmitting power ..
but can listen to a lot of frequencies and show where the chatter is visually ..

the one i got to play with could set off pager tones .. yep did that at the fire dept meeting once lol ..

 

[fnfalguy]

In the past, we use to have sat phones in the car, but as my work role changed, we got away from those. Currently in the BOB we have Garmin inReach devices which allow for texting via satellite. That our initial plan if cell service gets jammed up. I’m still shopping for the HF station for the house but keep bouncing around on choices. Probably leaning towards the 991a or 7300, but after I watch some more YouTube videos, I’m sure that will change.

 

[99cummins]

the one i got to play with could set off pager tones .. yep did that at the fire dept meeting once lol ..

Dick.

 

[BDinPutnam]

In the past, we use to have sat phones in the car, but as my work role changed, we got away from those. Currently in the BOB we have Garmin inReach devices which allow for texting via satellite. That our initial plan if cell service gets jammed up. I’m still shopping for the HF station for the house but keep bouncing around on choices. Probably leaning towards the 991a or 7300, but after I watch some more YouTube videos, I’m sure that will change.

Interesting. I assume it requires a sat subscription? From whom if you dont mind my asking?

 

[fnfalguy]

@BDinPutnam it does require a subscription through Garmin. We are paying about $12/month/device. It uses the iridium satellite network. For us, the cost was worth the piece of mind as it acts as a multitasker, comms as well as navigation if needed.

 

[meketrefe]

If I don't find you in the air I will just give you a call.

 

[BuffNiag]

I like the idea of D-Star but it sure needs a lot of existing infrastructure to operate. Seems counterintuitive to the whole concept of ham radio.

 

[Chevusa]

Use your cell phone dude. You realize your phone can't catch the virus right? It'll work just fine! This isn't The Walking Dead. All services will remain functional.

 

[repete]

Use your cell phone dude. You realize your phone can't catch the virus right? It'll work just fine! This isn't The Walking Dead. All services will remain functional.

It will work just fine until it doesn't, besides some guys like ham radios. Whats the problem?

 

[cgrutt]

Use your cell phone dude. You realize your phone can't catch the virus right? It'll work just fine! This isn't The Walking Dead. All services will remain functional.

I've been interested in this stuff way before current pandemic. I've also personally been in situations when cell phones didn't work (e.g., Hurricane Andrew, 9/11, etc.). There are many areas where there is very poor (if any) cell service (e.g., hiking, camping).

 

[fnfalguy]

Same here @cgrutt spent too much time oil field related when cell phones and vhf/uhf Radios were useless. One situation we were in immediately came to mind when satellite was needed. Guy going into anaphylactic shock after a bee bite. Luckily he had a pen on him, but we were able to get EMS to us to transport after that.

 

[cgrutt]

This looks like a very interesting radio / scanner with very wide range of frequency reception and digital capability. A bit pricey...

Does anybody know if the iCOM IC-R30 will decode local police/fire/ems channels if they are on a digital system?

Specs:

General
Frequency coverage A Band B Band	0.100000 − 821.999990 851.000000 − 866.999990, 896.000000 − 3304.999990 MHz* 108.000000 − 520.000000 MHz * Depending on the receiver version. 0.100000–3304.999990 MHz guaranteed.
Mode A band ≤1300 MHz: >1300 MHz: B band	FM, FM-N, WFM, AM, AM-N, SSB, CW, D-STAR (DV), P25, dPMR, NXDN, DCR FM, FM-N, WFM, AM, AM-N FM, AM, D-STAR (DV), P25, dPMR, NXDN, DCR

I'm assuming the P25 is standard for local police/fire/ems channels but not sure.

 

[cgrutt]

So I just ordered an iCOM ID-4100A mobile radio with a basic dual band magnetic mount antenna. VHF/UHF dual band @5W/15W/50W (selectable). This radio has DSTAR capability, GPS built in and can interface with Android phone to send text/small images if local cell tower goes down.

Planning to buy the IC7300 for HF but at least I've got UHF/VHF covered now.

Didn't buy a power supply yet.... thinking I'll use my battery jump start or generator for time being. Will probably wind up installing in vehicle at some point. Thing I like about the ID-4100A is it has 50W TX but can still be used as a portable. Feeling much better, lol...

 

[masterswimmer]

So I just ordered an iCOM ID-4100A mobile radio with a basic dual band magnetic mount antenna. VHF/UHF dual band @5W/15W/50W (selectable). This radio has DSTAR capability, GPS built in and can interface with Android phone to send text/small images if local cell tower goes down.

Planning to buy the IC7300 for HF but at least I've got UHF/VHF covered now.

Didn't buy a power supply yet.... thinking I'll use my battery jump start or generator for time being. Will probably wind up installing in vehicle at some point. Thing I like about the ID-4100A is it has 50W TX but can still be used as a portable. Feeling much better, lol...

Ham Radio Outlet?

 

[cgrutt]

Ham Radio Outlet?

I used Gigaparts.com but Ham Radio Outlet or DXEngineering carries same stuff...

 

[masterswimmer]

I used Gigaparts.com but Ham Radio Outlet or DXEngineering carries same stuff...

I bought the Yaesu from HRO. Their shipping was same day. Great c/s so far.

Good luck with your new iCOM ID-4100A. Looks like a kick ass unit.

 

[Bob]

Digital modes from Yaesu, Icom, and Motorola won't always talk to each other. Analog is always interoperable. Any preprogrammed channel setups in which you intend to operate in digital modes should be duplicated in the radio in analog.

If you want to get distance with UHF and VHF, you need height more than power. Assuming flat terrain, you can usually talk farther with 5 watts at 500ft above average terrain than you can with 50 watts on the ground.

GPS in a radio is a 'nice but not necessary' feature. Who are you sending your coordinates to? There are security implications when you're operating unencrypted.

Do you maintain extra radios?
Are your radios frequency agile, or do they require programming?
If they require programming, are you going to have the ability to program them in a SHTF scenario?
Do you plan to coordinate with other people or groups during a SHTF scenario?
If so, do you have an integrated communications plan? Do you have multiple channels for multiple functions?

 

[cgrutt]

Digital modes from Yaesu, Icom, and Motorola won't always talk to each other. Analog is always interoperable. Any preprogrammed channel setups in which you intend to operate in digital modes should be duplicated in the radio in analog.

If you want to get distance with UHF and VHF, you need height more than power. Assuming flat terrain, you can usually talk farther with 5 watts at 500ft above average terrain than you can with 50 watts on the ground.

GPS in a radio is a 'nice but not necessary' feature. Who are you sending your coordinates to? There are security implications when you're operating unencrypted.

Do you maintain extra radios?
Are your radios frequency agile, or do they require programming?
If they require programming, are you going to have the ability to program them in a SHTF scenario?
Do you plan to coordinate with other people or groups during a SHTF scenario?
If so, do you have an integrated communications plan? Do you have multiple channels for multiple functions?

Good stuff. Thanks.

As of now all I have is a Beofeng. Had an Elecraft KX3 but had to sell for financial reasons. Started getting into this seriously about 3 years ago, but haven't done much. Joined local radio club and was following along with weekly nets for a while but never had much luck with the Baofeng actually making contacts. I think it had more to do with the mountains around my area than radio. Now living on top of mountain and have visability for many miles so hoping making contacts will be resolved with new equipment. Also new antenna is 1/2W-5/8W vs the "rubber duckie" on handheld so hoping that helps too. GPS on this radio is primarily used to find and connect to local repeaters, which need to be programmed into radio with their GPS coordinates. Hoping to rejoin club and participate in weekly nets to learn more and develop network of other HAMs in immediate area. There are several NYGF members in my local vicinity that have expressed interest in HAM so maybe we can do something there. In my view SHTF includes hurricanes, power outages and other local and/or regional events and would like to have radio to monitor and/or assist with local responders should the need arise. Hoping this rig will put me closer to meeting that objective....

 

[FLA45fan]

So I just ordered an iCOM ID-4100A mobile radio with a basic dual band magnetic mount antenna. VHF/UHF dual band @5W/15W/50W (selectable). This radio has DSTAR capability, GPS built in and can interface with Android phone to send text/small images if local cell tower goes down.

Planning to buy the IC7300 for HF but at least I've got UHF/VHF covered now.

Didn't buy a power supply yet.... thinking I'll use my battery jump start or generator for time being. Will probably wind up installing in vehicle at some point. Thing I like about the ID-4100A is it has 50W TX but can still be used as a portable. Feeling much better, lol...

Which dual band mag mount antenna?