Communication with daughter

[user 7704]

My daughter lives about 15 miles away and am considering ways to stay in communication in the case of an employee and phones are out. I'm thinking of portable ham radios kept in a Faraday box until needed. Any other suggestions? Thanks

 

[user 7704]

In case of an emp not employee. Auto Correct

 

[diluted]

ham radio or Sat Phones

 

[user 7704]

ham radio or Sat Phones

Been reading up on both. Confused... I know I would only use the ham in an emergency and can't see getting a license if I'm not going to use it. The satellite phones are more expensive.

 

[jimLE]

if i remember right.there's certain frequencies that dont require a ham license..and im thinking,that'll be the lower frequencies..

 

[diluted]

Been reading up on both. Confused... I know I would only use the ham in an emergency and can't see getting a license if I'm not going to use it. The satellite phones are more expensive.

Well in my opinion you'd want to get your license prior to needing to use the radios as you'll want to make sure you understand how they work, and all the other intricacies of how radios work over long distances.

 

[Roninsensei]

Satellites may be down with an EMP..

 

[user 7704]

Satellites may be down with an EMP..

Good point

 

[Mountain trapper]

My daughter lives about 15 miles away and am considering ways to stay in communication in the case of an employee and phones are out. I'm thinking of portable ham radios kept in a Faraday box until needed. Any other suggestions? Thanks

If you're only 15 miles apart, wouldn't a CB, or CB with SSB (Single Side Band) work? I'm far from a communications expert, and I'm also trying to figure out communications with family that's 30 miles away. Where I live there is no chance of getting a landline and cell phone only works about 20 miles from home.

 

[user 7704]

If you're only 15 miles apart, wouldn't a CB, or CB with SSB (Single Side Band) work? I'm far from a communications expert, and I'm also trying to figure out communications with family that's 30 miles away. Where I live there is no chance of getting a landline and cell phone only works about 20 miles from home.

I was researching cbs last night and the average range is 4 miles. I really was hoping it would be further.

 

[Mountain trapper]

I was researching cbs last night and the average range is 4 miles. I really was hoping it would be further.

Yeah and it's line of sight too. I remember years ago that people with SSB had a much greater range. I'm hoping that someone here with more knowledge will confirm this.

 

[jontte]

Friends! we have here comm knowledge alot;send a p.m to Clyde and browse through the comms thread too,but Clyde and CommoFreq know a greatdeal about these things.

 

[Liv4today55]

SSB CB radios will reach out as far as 40 miles; all depends on conditions and equipment set up. Talk to local radio experts for what works best in your area and for for your specific needs

 

[Warriorhealer22]

The license for operating ham radios is very affordable, then again, in an emergency, are you going to let lack of a license stop you?

 

[user 7704]

I

The license for operating ham radios is very affordable, then again, in an emergency, are you going to let lack of a license stop you?

I've been thinking about that alot today. I had math. Some of the questions I know will never be useful to me in any situation. Hz Mhz..........

 

[Clyde]

My daughter lives about 15 miles away and am considering ways to stay in communication in the case of an employee and phones are out. I'm thinking of portable ham radios kept in a Faraday box until needed. Any other suggestions? Thanks

I do like your idea of placing a couple of radios in a faraday cage. I too have been looking at doing the same thing. But even in Ham radio world, small handheld (HT's) will only go so far as they are usually only 5 watts.

However for only $159.95 (when not on sale) you can get the Yaesu FT-2900R, 2 meter radio that has up to 75 watts of power. This is one of the best radios out there for the price.

You can buy very inexpensive handhelds through Amazon called Baofeng UV-5RE. These aren't the best radios, but for $35.00 they are good radios. My kids use them so they have been tested.
I do recommend having both types of radios, handheld and a base/mobile rig.
Hope this helps out.

 

[user 7704]

My neighbor was telling me of "modified cbs " that reach very long distance. Not sure if that's legal though.

 

[Mountain trapper]

My neighbor was telling me of "modified cbs " that reach very long distance. Not sure if that's legal though.

Here some information on the range of SSB radios. Range depends a lot on antenna and it looks like 30 miles should be easy to reach.

http://www.rightchannelradios.com/blogs/selection-guides/18150035-cb-antenna-range-approximations

 

[user 7704]

Great

Here some information on the range of SSB radios. Range depends a lot on antenna and it looks like 30 miles should be easy to reach.

http://www.rightchannelradios.com/blogs/selection-guides/18150035-cb-antenna-range-approximations

Article. Now I have more research to do. Thank you so much.

 

[Gazrok]

Both of you should have base ham radios (and handhelds). Who cares about a license in an emergency? But, you'd be better off knowing how it all works, so still advised. Not really a large investment.

 

[user 7704]

Both of you should have base ham radios (and handhelds). Who cares about a license in an emergency? But, you'd be better off knowing how it all works, so still advised. Not really a large investment.

Thanks

 

[user 7704]

Okay. Here's what I've decided to purchase: baofeng BF-F8HP 8 watt Dual Band 136-174 Mhz VHF & 400-520 Mhz UHF. Includes full kit with large battery $59.75. Also getting Ham Radio for Dummies Book. Speak now if I'm making a mistake. Ordering this afternoon

 

[Mountain trapper]

Okay. Here's what I've decided to purchase: baofeng BF-F8HP 8 watt Dual Band 136-174 Mhz VHF & 400-520 Mhz UHF. Includes full kit with large battery $59.75. Also getting Ham Radio for Dummies Book. Speak now if I'm making a mistake. Ordering this afternoon

I'd be interested to hear from you how well these preform. Form some of the reviews that I've read on this unit they claimed about a 10-12 mile range. I've decided to go with a SSB radio, not sure what model yet. We'll be able to compare.

 

[eireguy]

Most cb guys get their range by adding amps to their rigs . Ssb , ham etc. will vary according to propagation . I live in Ky & have reached Ca. with a ssb cb putting out 8 watts . Others have reached Europe from coastal cities here in the U.S.A . It varies day to day .If you are planning to use in your bf's in a vehicle an external roof antenna is almost a must .

 

[user 7704]

T

Most cb guys get their range by adding amps to their rigs . Ssb , ham etc. will vary according to propagation . I live in Ky & have reached Ca. with a ssb cb putting out 8 watts . Others have reached Europe from coastal cities here in the U.S.A . It varies day to day .If you are planning to use in your bf's in a vehicle an external roof antenna is almost a must .

thank you for the info

 

[lonewolf]

what about carrier pigeons? if the S dosent hit the fan you can always bake a pigeon pie!!!

 

[jimLE]

that is.if no one else does first

 

[Gazrok]

Eventually, the goal for me is to get my ham license, and get a few different units.
Long range home-based one in the garage, with a large antenna
Long range, but mobile one in the truck (with external antenna)
A few handhelds, for communicating throughout the ranch (and post shtf, from horses).

 

[jules4500]

I've got two PCI Race Radios ... 50w ... they are programmed to each other. They work very well ... you can buy and inverter and plug it into a wall socket ...the go directly to a battery if need be. I used one of them as a base station when my daughter stayed at the cabin when while we rode the mountains... 25 miles no problem. Much more in some places. They stay plugged up at home .. I take them everywhere


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[user 7704]

I've got two PCI Race Radios ... 50w ... they are programmed to each other. They work very well ... you can buy and inverter and plug it into a wall socket ...the go directly to a battery if need be. I used one of them as a base station when my daughter stayed at the cabin when while we rode the mountains... 25 miles no problem. Much more in some places. They stay plugged up at home .. I take them everywhere


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Dang 25 miles. I don't know what a PCI radio is, but I'm going to google

I've got two PCI Race Radios ... 50w ... they are programmed to each other. They work very well ... you can buy and inverter and plug it into a wall socket ...the go directly to a battery if need be. I used one of them as a base station when my daughter stayed at the cabin when while we rode the mountains... 25 miles no problem. Much more in some places. They stay plugged up at home .. I take them everywhere


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk