SHTF neighborhood tac comms

[Weetabix]

I've seen the Motorola DTR550's recommended for that use.

[Weetabix]

If considering a "nasty" shtf situation, a set of the chinee MURS radios that allow tuning anywhere in the Frequency Range 136-174MHz & 400-470MHz would allow maximum flexibility if not concerned about legal issues. Two units at each side of the conversation provides duplex comm and denies easy eavesdropping.

The Baofeng UV-5R's fit that description. About $40. I have two that I'm playing with. I'm thinking you could set one unit up at each side of the conversation as if they were using repeaters but one with positive and the other with negative offset. Nothing says the offset has to be 600kHz, either, I'd think. Wouldn't a decent scanner pick up both sides, though? I have to admit I don't have a scanner, so I don't know how they work.

ETA: Obviously, it the S hasn't HTF, you should obey all legal restrictions. /candyass

[Weetabix]

Also, I recently stumbled across a blog that discussed this: http://danmorgan76.wordpress.com/2013/0 ... al-radios/. Don't know anything about him, but it seemed level-headed.

[Rumpshot]

I am sure Randy will offer his thoughts on this.

Secure comms work well on a limited basis. In a true SHTF situation the first casualties are comms. The more complex, the worse they fare. KISS comes into play. Simple two-way comm is most important, security can be developed. Privacy is another matter, but can be dealt with too.

[Termite]

Marine and aviation band radios are fairly affordable, and effective.

[Weetabix]

Marine and aviation band radios are fairly affordable, and effective.

Are you allowed to use Marine band radios on land?

[Termite]

Are you allowed to use Marine band radios on land?

Stay off of Ch 16.

And define "land". Even bass boats use them in rivers to talk to the lock masters on the Red, Arkansas, etc.

BTW, during fairly serious SHTF scenerios, who gives a crap?

[Weetabix]

BTW, during fairly serious SHTF scenerios, who gives a crap?

Oh, right. My mindset lately has been "learn how to use it all now (staying legal, of course) so that if the shtf, I'll know how."

[Yogimus]

SHTF COMM:

1. Pre-plan with your neighbors. You need a 10% cooperation rate to keep the other 90% safe/in line, on your side.
2. HAM is worthless for local area. Why? Because no one you will want to talk to will have one. The one guy that will have one? He'll have nothing you need, and vice versa. A single operator per mile is plenty.
3. Arrange alternate means of comm, visual based. Runners, flags, lights.

[randy]

2. HAM is worthless for local area. Why? Because no one you will want to talk to will have one. The one guy that will have one? He'll have nothing you need, and vice versa. A single operator per mile is plenty.

This will vary depending on your situation. My entire family is licensed, and so are the majority of people that I trust enough to operate with in a SHTF situation. So amateur is our go to mode of communication for local comms.

Other than that I agree with Yogi's post.