Ham Radio Recommendations

What’s a good radio to have when the SHTF? Ham? All weather? Any other communication tools or devices you recommend? How about The Telegram App? What’s the buzz on staying in touch under communism?! 😊

Tube-powered units that can withstand EMPs. There are many out there, I have tubes that can be used in some of them just because my collection is so large. A buddy is a long-time ham guy, I've only ever had (and still do) CBs. The ham world is alive and well, you shouldn't have any trouble finding out what's what.

originally posted by: HalWesten
Tube-powered units that can withstand EMPs. There are many out there, I have tubes that can be used in some of them just because my collection is so large. A buddy is a long-time ham guy, I've only ever had (and still do) CBs. The ham world is alive and well, you shouldn't have any trouble finding out what's what.

Unless you surround your digital unit in a Faraday cage...and then it would be protected from EMP.

ETA: And, obviously, keep it unplugged and disconnected to the antenna until needed.

Yeah, a tube-type hf rig would be good with a dipole hung across the yard. I would count on repeaters for lower bands being functional or safe from intrusion since 90 percent of repeaters have gone digital, In fact, there is an app for that now. Get you a morse code key and learn a little because then you can use it on little to no power so if you have to go on battery back up you can conserve energy.

originally posted by: MRuss
What’s a good radio to have when the SHTF? Ham? All weather? Any other communication tools or devices you recommend? How about The Telegram App? What’s the buzz on staying in touch under communism?! 😊

Ham is for sandwich...

its called A.M radio it stand for Amplitude modulation.

Just saying

a reply to: MRuss
1. You've gotta know how to use your comms.
2. You've gotta have people with similar (in most cases) comms.
3. You've gotta be listening when the other end decides they're gonna start talking.

Most people won't need anything more than a cheap Midland walkie-talkie per family member. They're usually good for the distances you'll be separated by.

If you really want to know more:

originally posted by: MRuss
What’s a good radio to have when the SHTF? Ham? All weather? Any other communication tools or devices you recommend? How about The Telegram App? What’s the buzz on staying in touch under communism?! 😊

Not sure about yours but some States require certification and registration.

Then you're not a Ham, anymore...

Im like the person he was talking about. Buy a Chinese receiver and keep it in the box, and dont read the manual...

originally posted by: Krakatoa

originally posted by: HalWesten
Tube-powered units that can withstand EMPs. There are many out there, I have tubes that can be used in some of them just because my collection is so large. A buddy is a long-time ham guy, I've only ever had (and still do) CBs. The ham world is alive and well, you shouldn't have any trouble finding out what's what.

Unless you surround your digital unit in a Faraday cage...and then it would be protected from EMP.

ETA: And, obviously, keep it unplugged and disconnected to the antenna until needed.

Well of course, but how many people have their own Faraday cage?

originally posted by: THeGreaTZoiD

originally posted by: MRuss
What’s a good radio to have when the SHTF? Ham? All weather? Any other communication tools or devices you recommend? How about The Telegram App? What’s the buzz on staying in touch under communism?! 😊

Ham is for sandwich...

its called A.M radio it stand for Amplitude modulation.

Just saying

And has been known by "Ham" since the early 1900s. It's what most people know it by. Just sayin'.

originally posted by: HalWesten

originally posted by: Krakatoa

originally posted by: HalWesten
Tube-powered units that can withstand EMPs. There are many out there, I have tubes that can be used in some of them just because my collection is so large. A buddy is a long-time ham guy, I've only ever had (and still do) CBs. The ham world is alive and well, you shouldn't have any trouble finding out what's what.

Unless you surround your digital unit in a Faraday cage...and then it would be protected from EMP.

ETA: And, obviously, keep it unplugged and disconnected to the antenna until needed.

Well of course, but how many people have their own Faraday cage?

All it takes is the cost of copper screen from a hardware store, and solder.

originally posted by: Krakatoa

originally posted by: HalWesten

originally posted by: Krakatoa

originally posted by: HalWesten
Tube-powered units that can withstand EMPs. There are many out there, I have tubes that can be used in some of them just because my collection is so large. A buddy is a long-time ham guy, I've only ever had (and still do) CBs. The ham world is alive and well, you shouldn't have any trouble finding out what's what.

Unless you surround your digital unit in a Faraday cage...and then it would be protected from EMP.

ETA: And, obviously, keep it unplugged and disconnected to the antenna until needed.

Well of course, but how many people have their own Faraday cage?

All it takes is the cost of copper screen from a hardware store, and solder.

I know what it takes, that didn't answer my question.

originally posted by: HalWesten

originally posted by: Krakatoa

originally posted by: HalWesten
Tube-powered units that can withstand EMPs. There are many out there, I have tubes that can be used in some of them just because my collection is so large. A buddy is a long-time ham guy, I've only ever had (and still do) CBs. The ham world is alive and well, you shouldn't have any trouble finding out what's what.

Unless you surround your digital unit in a Faraday cage...and then it would be protected from EMP.

ETA: And, obviously, keep it unplugged and disconnected to the antenna until needed.

Well of course, but how many people have their own Faraday cage?

Ok, to directly answer your question, MOST people have one in their home and do not even know it.

It is commonly known as a Microwave Oven.

Pick up a scrap one that has the magneto burned out and use it as a storage container.

BAZINGA...instant faraday cage for free.

PS: Oh, and multiple layers of heavy duty aluminum foil (common in most kitchens) also works.

originally posted by: HalWesten

originally posted by: Krakatoa

originally posted by: HalWesten

originally posted by: Krakatoa

originally posted by: HalWesten
Tube-powered units that can withstand EMPs. There are many out there, I have tubes that can be used in some of them just because my collection is so large. A buddy is a long-time ham guy, I've only ever had (and still do) CBs. The ham world is alive and well, you shouldn't have any trouble finding out what's what.

Unless you surround your digital unit in a Faraday cage...and then it would be protected from EMP.

ETA: And, obviously, keep it unplugged and disconnected to the antenna until needed.

Well of course, but how many people have their own Faraday cage?

All it takes is the cost of copper screen from a hardware store, and solder.

I know what it takes, that didn't answer my question.

'

I think the point was that you could easily build one yourself. It's not rocket science.

originally posted by: THeGreaTZoiD

originally posted by: MRuss
What’s a good radio to have when the SHTF? Ham? All weather? Any other communication tools or devices you recommend? How about The Telegram App? What’s the buzz on staying in touch under communism?! 😊

Ham is for sandwich...

its called A.M radio it stand for Amplitude modulation.

Just saying

What???? HAM radio is also known as amateur radio. It is regulated by the Federal government (not the states) and requires special licenses and passing specific tests to operate. HAM radio bands can be found all over the spectrum and some can transmit globally. Though not as popular as it once was, it was the "internet" of its day. There are currently about 3 million HAM radio operators worldwide. Check out AARL for more information.

If you're going to be that ignorant, just STFU.

Just sayin'

originally posted by: schuyler

originally posted by: HalWesten

originally posted by: Krakatoa

originally posted by: HalWesten

originally posted by: Krakatoa

originally posted by: HalWesten
Tube-powered units that can withstand EMPs. There are many out there, I have tubes that can be used in some of them just because my collection is so large. A buddy is a long-time ham guy, I've only ever had (and still do) CBs. The ham world is alive and well, you shouldn't have any trouble finding out what's what.

Unless you surround your digital unit in a Faraday cage...and then it would be protected from EMP.

ETA: And, obviously, keep it unplugged and disconnected to the antenna until needed.

Well of course, but how many people have their own Faraday cage?

All it takes is the cost of copper screen from a hardware store, and solder.

I know what it takes, that didn't answer my question.

'

I think the point was that you could easily build one yourself. It's not rocket science.

I get that. Most people that aren't into things like this won't have a clue. We're a very small percent of the population.

A friend and I just got our technician licenses and call signs for HAM. I disliked the idea of having to pay for the license but it beats the fines of transmitting without one. We use them when we're at deer camp or off road camping with out families. As far as SHTF goes..I dont have a real plan to deal with anything other than a few months of food, water, and shelter.

originally posted by: HalWesten
Tube-powered units that can withstand EMPs. There are many out there, I have tubes that can be used in some of them just because my collection is so large. A buddy is a long-time ham guy, I've only ever had (and still do) CBs. The ham world is alive and well, you shouldn't have any trouble finding out what's what.

Tubes you say

I'm a tube guy!! big triodes, 211s, 845s, 805s, mercury rectifiers..etc, I know there are much bigger

a reply to: Anathros

I highly recommend you learn Morse (i.e. CW) too. It's a good backup and carries better than voice in the event of low power long distance, or interference.

originally posted by: Krakatoa
a reply to: Anathros

I highly recommend you learn Morse (i.e. CW) too. It's a good backup and carries better than voice in the event of low power long distance, or interference.

.... . .-.. .-.. --- / ..-. . .-.. .-.. --- .-- / .... ..- -- .- -. ... .-.-.- / -.-- --- ..- .-. / -... . .-.. --- ...- . -.. / .... .- -- / .-. .- -.. .. --- / .-- .. .-.. .-.. / -. --- - / ... ..- .-. ...- .. ...- . / .- / --. .-.. --- .-. .. --- ..- ... / . -- .--. / .- - - .- -.-. -.- / .. -. / .- / .-.. . .- -.. / -... --- -..- .-.-.- / .. / -.. --- / -. --- - / .-.. .. -.- . / --. .-. . . -. / . --. --. ... / .- -. -.. / .... .- -- .-.-.- 😁

Best I learn because an EMP would not let me translate after the facts. morsecode.world...