Hoping someone can guide me in this prepper question:
I am looking for good communications in the event we lose our standard way of communicating such as an 'end of the world' scenario. In case we get hit with an EMP strike, or a massive solar flare, or a rogue government takeover and all cell phones, the internet, land lines, everything gets taken down, how can I ensure I know what is going on in the world and whom to align with (other than those I've already aligned with)?
I have a battery powered Shortwave, digital. I know I'll be able to HEAR anything broadcasting that hits my antenna, but how do I communicate back with them to locate them? Is HAM radio the way to go? If it is, I'm looking for something worthwhile to use frequencies that I might hear. But I know nothing about Ham radio. I realize to get licensed you have to take a test, but I'm told it's pretty common sense simple. Of course, in an emergency such as I mentioned, it'll matter not, but still, I do plan on acquiring that lisence.
So the real question is, what Ham radio do I get? Handhelds are nice if I'm on the go, but if I'm in my home (which is designed somewhat as a defendible fortress), are there good base stations worthwhile?
I like what I read about the IC 718 but I have no idea if it's any good.
I am told the ICOM 705 B/C is excellent but it is a bit pricey at around $1300.00.
Are either of these worth looking into more? Is there a steep learning curve to being able to use them? I'm so used to my old National analog shortwave where I can just tune the dial slowly to come across a broadcast to listen to (I'm an old Tom Valentine listener) a digital tuner may be cumbersome at first.
Then there's the antenna issue -- what do I get? what will work best?
So many questions and I want to do this right.
Constructive advice, please.
Thank you.
I am looking for good communications in the event we lose our standard way of communicating such as an 'end of the world' scenario. In case we get hit with an EMP strike, or a massive solar flare, or a rogue government takeover and all cell phones, the internet, land lines, everything gets taken down, how can I ensure I know what is going on in the world and whom to align with (other than those I've already aligned with)?
I have a battery powered Shortwave, digital. I know I'll be able to HEAR anything broadcasting that hits my antenna, but how do I communicate back with them to locate them? Is HAM radio the way to go? If it is, I'm looking for something worthwhile to use frequencies that I might hear. But I know nothing about Ham radio. I realize to get licensed you have to take a test, but I'm told it's pretty common sense simple. Of course, in an emergency such as I mentioned, it'll matter not, but still, I do plan on acquiring that lisence.
So the real question is, what Ham radio do I get? Handhelds are nice if I'm on the go, but if I'm in my home (which is designed somewhat as a defendible fortress), are there good base stations worthwhile?
I like what I read about the IC 718 but I have no idea if it's any good.
I am told the ICOM 705 B/C is excellent but it is a bit pricey at around $1300.00.
Are either of these worth looking into more? Is there a steep learning curve to being able to use them? I'm so used to my old National analog shortwave where I can just tune the dial slowly to come across a broadcast to listen to (I'm an old Tom Valentine listener) a digital tuner may be cumbersome at first.
Then there's the antenna issue -- what do I get? what will work best?
So many questions and I want to do this right.
Constructive advice, please.
Thank you.