I'm wondering what many of you are planning for communications. Many Youtube prepper videos mention ham radios. I understand you need a license to operate one.
Preppers in NS might consider setting up a network or all be using the same type of communication. This form won't always be available. What do you think folks?
For me im not interested in ham radios, anything that puts out a signal can be heard and traced. Was always interested in homing pigeons though however knowing people would be the first step.
Well, we have a couple comms here...
1st off, cell phones. Yup, the networks can be tied up pretty bad, but texts will always get through...eventually.
2nd, we have GMRS radios for very local comms when we may be at different locations as we have several properties within our county.
3rd, we are looking into ham radios. You only need a license to transmit, but if you are in imminent danger, no problem.
The license comes after s fair amount of training which will teach you how to set up and use a radio. If you are looking into ham, I suggest getting the license and training.
Ham radios can be used to monitor the airwaves from outside a disaster zone and keep you informed of what's going on.
Also, hams can keep in touch with distant prepper groups...a definite benefit.
I will need to get my Canadian license but I have some ham equipment (a handheld and a mobile). Still need a good HF rig though. Currently licensed in the US. Not particularly 'experienced' in the tech end but was FSS/aeradio for years so the actual comms are my thing.
Does the whistle on my key chain count. I took a decent fall on my property last year. It only winded me but if I had broke my back I would have frozen to death. It got me thinking. It would still be unlikely that anyone would hear me,,,but any one that did would emediatly know something was wrong. For tactical, It will long outlast a comm system...and its way more comfortable to carry than a trumpet...wich might have made my fall truely embarassing. ouch
I have a Tactical Harness and I have a Tool Belt. The Tool Belt is more Useful.
Whistles are a great idea. Cheap too. EDCs and bugout backs (and the kit you keep in your car at all times) should all have one. I hate to carry purses but the purses I do have each have a whistle in them - just in case I am caught in some back alley or surprised in a parking lot late at night. I am not likely however to carry a purse when I go for a walk in the woods - must remember to carry a whistle on a string I guess. A small mirror is also not a bad thing to have in your car or when you go out on a walk out of the city, even if it doesn't make noise - you can start a small fire with it or signal if the lay of the land and the sun are in your favour.
When it comes to whistle use on a large piece of land though, you might want to have someone help you test how far the sound will carry, and test during different seasons as well because I expect the sound will go further in winter when the trees are bare and the landscape flora has died down.