Radio and its levels of use

[pkveazey]

First, I'll note that not all of us Preppers are Radio Geeks. That doesn't mean that you get to run around without any form of communications equipment. There are license free bands such as FAMILY RADIO SERVICE(FRS) MULTIUSE RADIO SERVICE (MURS) and even the MARINE band. Now, let's put things into perspective. Every Ham Radio Operator already knows what signals will and will not get through when radio conditions suck. Let's work backwards because you know damn good and well that is exactly what everyone will be doing when the SHTF. DMR will be king until the internet goes down and then VHF and UHF repeaters will be king. Then when the repeaters go down, VHF and UHF simplex will be king. Next in line to rule the airways will be HF Digital and Side Band. Yep, CW will eventually be king but it will never stop being a pain in the ass. The order that I have just laid out is exactly what I expect to see happen. I certainly expect to have no choice but to utilize CW but I do not and will not look forward to it. I will suggest that any Prepper at least get a Technician's License. Why? Because Technicians get a whole lot of CW bandwidth on a whole lot of bands when using CW Ham Bands. Now, none of us have to like it, but that's just the way it is.

[cooter]

All hail the once and future king!
I agree with your assessment. However, I like the code.  Even though I'm not all that good yet.  It's getting better, slowly.  I need to practice more.  I learned in the Army 45+ years ago but didn't keep up with it.
The guys with the big amplifiers and fancy computer-controller rigs will be hurting it the grid goes down. Unless they had the foresight to set up some low(er) tech options.

[pkveazey]

CW was how it all began and the first Trans-Atlantic transmission was at very low power but was on a huge wire antenna. I have found that CW can be fun even when its difficult. I always seemed to like it but it puts me to sleep. I once had a Ham friend who had been a Ham for more than 50 years and he said that he has never spoken into a microphone. There was something about CW that just grabbed him when he started out and every time he bought a newer and bigger and better radio, he just never connected the mike. Also, he was a Straight Key man. You have to be impressed by a guy like that. People like him are like virtuoso Violinists. But, but, but.... I want to play the Guitar. I would never slam CW but I just know that most Hams are as lazy as I am and we will go to CW last. The trick that makes CW signals always get through is the Beat Frequency Oscilator that's built into the receiver. Once that carrier arrives, the BFO produces that clean tone.

[cooter]

PKV, I agree with you on all counts. I didn't think you were slamming the cw.  Heck, it lulled me into oblivion in radio school a couple times.
 I check in to several phone nets in FL and GA on nvis.  Mostly qro  but sometimes I set the power to 10W.  It often requires a relay with qrp, but I think it is more realistic.
Mike

[Obh]

Disagree to an extent. Digital hf is going to become your news reports. That's how information will be passed from area to area. It'll be up to the locals to relay that info via vhf simplex.

[pkveazey]

With the world situation being what it is, I'm concerned that we will get caught up in the same BS that happened during WW2. Ham Radio might be shut down. If that happens, I'm afraid that all radio coms will have to be low power VHF or UHF and done under the table. That would require hundreds of relays per message. That would suck, big time. This Ukraine thing and the Taiwan thing could escalate to WW status. Don't forget that India is looking for an opportunity to kick China in the balls and the Muslims are not to be overlooked either.