Category: Communications & Receivers

Letter Re: The Value and Practice of Journaling

Dear Editor: That was an excellent article of journaling, but I would like to emphasize the importance of using a notebook made with quality paper. After my father passed away last year at the age of 95, we found his journal that he kept during World War II. He wrote down his thoughts as the plans for the invasion of Japan drew near, as they entered Tokyo Harbor for the surrender, his visits to his Japanese counterparts and their families, the worry about whether they would be attacked as they went ashore, and countless other glimpses into that time. Much …


Letter Re: Post Disaster Wi-Fi Commo Networks

James: What M.B. is describing in his letter “Post Disaster Wi-Fi Commo Networks” is ideally served by a mesh network. I’d suggest starting at the Open Mesh web site. Click the Support link for tutorials and frequently asked questions (FAQs). If you want to link up a neighborhood this can work fairly well. Mounting the radios outside helps considerably and will often be required as the 2.4 GHz signal doesn’t penetrate obstructions very well. Existing wireless routers, old 2.4 GHz cordless phones, etc may interfere. If radio links are more than a few hundred feet apart you’ll need to get …


David In Israel on Secure Personal Computers

The recent article: “Built-in Obsolescence, by Margaret G.” prompted me to comment on personal computers. I am a die-hard anti-Windows guy. The troubles caused by the easy subversion of your own computer by bad people combined with terrible permissions allowing user space programs to affect and jump to your whole network makes it a no-go operating system for people wanting reasonable network security unless you are a computer scientist working for the NSA or other governmental agency with a contract which allows you to review and customize the actual source code. While most windows boxes die a slow slide to …


Letter Re: Post Disaster Wi-Fi Commo Networks

Sir: One thing not mentioned in the survival groups web sites is the use of ad-hoc wireless wireless fidelity (wi-fi) networks. When me and several others put together a group plan, we came up with the idea of using wi-fi as a short range method of communication, information sharing and news distribution. We found several Wikipedia pages devoted to getting maximum range from a wi-fi router. Many of these methods can cover entire small towns. Enabling the password encryption features built into these devices can while far from perfect provide a super secure text and voice communication service when used …


Constructing a Backpack VHF Field Radio, by Ed S.

Constructing a Backpack VHF Field Radio, by Ed S. Much has been written about life after TEOTWAWKI. Looking at all the different scenarios leaves one thinking that,with so many things that could happen, how can you prepare for all of them? Obviously, you cannot. However, many of the preparations we make can be used across the spectrum of possibilities. One thing that groups need to be able to do is keep in contact with each other. Small hand-held radios, or “walkie-talkies” work for most needs but are limited by range and crowded bandwidth. Both the GMRS and FRS systems are …


Letter Re: Finding Affordable Ham Radio Gear

Sir, Dave’s observations are quite true. There are some really good deals on older radio gear. I have a great fondness for these “Boat Anchor” radios. (Real radios glow in the dark and keep your shack warm in the winter.) That being said, there is a very real caution for the use of the old tube radios. My Kenwood TS-520 is mostly solid state with tubes for the output section to give more power than was available from the transistors of the day. The problem for the unaware is that these tubes have 800 volt power supplies with enough amperage …


Letter Re: Finding Affordable Ham Radio Gear

Hello Jim and Readers, Last weekend I attended a Ham radio swap meet near Salem, Oregon. I have attended swaps for over 40 years now, and I am noticing an interesting trend in equipment sales. especially in 1970s and early 1980s ham gear. Kenwood, and Yaesu gear that was very popular during that period of time is becoming very affordable. Most of the Kenwood TS-520, and TS-820 gear is now selling on average for around $150 to $350 price range. likewise, the Yaesu FT-101 and FT-901 series are in the similar price ranges. Most of these older radios work quite …


The Threat of Cyber Terrorism and Cyber Warfare, by Jeff M.

Cyber warfare sounds like something out of a Hollywood action movie, but it’s something we need to take very seriously. There has been some speculation of possible cyber attacks in the past, power outages in Brazil in 2005 and 2007 could have possibly been caused intentionally. The United States was affected by a power outage in 2003 that blacked out the entire northeastern region and was widely publicized. The truth of what happened in these instances may never be known for national security reasons. Power outages are only the tip of the iceberg though, we have yet to see the …


Cross-Training for TEOTWAWKI Preparedness, by Beau F.

I’ve been preparing for a number of years now and found a great way to prepare others in your group as well. I realized a long time ago that I could not survive alone. Now that I have a family, and close like minded friends, I realize that I don’t have to. A couple of years ago I really started stockpiling my “tactical” gear. I would buy a lot of ammo, good mags, the right tactical clothing, and so on. I started reading up on certain things that would be helpful in a TEOTWAWKI situation and would start to practice …


Johnny Carson TP Syndrome–This Time, The Rush Begins at Midnight

On December 19, 1973, American late night talk show host Johnny Carson made a joke that had some far-reaching unintended consequences. In his opening monologue, he quipped: “You know what’s disappearing from the supermarket shelves? Toilet paper. There’s an acute shortage of toilet paper in the United States.” The next morning tens of millions of his viewers went out and each bought dozens of rolls. This buying created a shortage, which lasted several weeks. More than just a bit of trivia, the 1973 toilet paper shortage illustrates the herd-like instincts of consumers, and just how easy it is to create …


Letter Re: What Your Cell Phone Could Be Telling the Government

James Wesley: Regarding the recent article at the Time magazine web site that has been forwarded far and wide: What Your Cell Phone Could Be Telling the Government. Remember, this is America. While there is no better place on earth to live, you are never any more free than They allow you to believe you are at any given moment. All you can do is live out your life, raise your family, eke out some happiness, and try to affect the change that is important to you in the short time you are here. It is certainly worthwhile (and patriotic) …


Getting Myself Home to Bug Out, by H. Billy

If the Schumer hits the fan (SHTF) and you’re at work miles away from your home and/or Bug Out Location (BOL) what will you do?  Have you planned your route to get home?  What if it’s not possible to use your route?  Do you have alternate routes?  Getting home to or to your BOL should a SHTF scenario arise will be trying, slow going and stressful enough unless you plan for it properly.  I’m not talking only about physically planning but mentally planning as well.  Giving yourself more options should you need them will hopefully lessen the stress and get …


EMP Attack and Solar Storms: A Guide, by Kevin Hayden

An Electromagnetic Pulse (EMP), is generated from the detonation of a nuclear device. A similar waveform is created by extreme solar activity, such as that which was experienced in 1859, 1921, 1989 and as recent as 1994. The US Government and military have studied these phenomenon extensively and several reports have been issued regarding EMP effects on vehicles, computer networks, critical infrastructure and more. In this report, we’ll briefly cover many of the topics discussed and researched in regards to geomagnetic anomalies, solar storm activity and the effects of an electromagnetic pulse. It should be noted, however, that Congress has …


Letter Re: DC to DC Converters

Hi Jim and Readers, Some of our TEOTWAWKI preparations tend to lean toward running electronic equipment off charged DC battery sources. I work in electronics, and have built several radio stations for ministries around the world, I have found that DC to AC inverters especially the cheaper models are very inefficient to run higher powered equipment. I have gone another direction when powering equipment off of 12 or 24 volt DC power systems. Many people will purchase a DC to AC inverter to run a laptop through the supplied AC to DC converter. The newer switching supplies are very compact …


Cell Phone Outage-Induced Chaos Illustrates an Over-Dependence on Technology

James, The cause of the recent cell phone outage in Kentucky isn’t being stated, but they are appearing to distance themselves from an CME or EMP event. Nevertheless, how much preparedness do most of these AT&T users demonstrate? (This could of course happen with any carrier.) One of my employees who has an AT&T phone said the only number her school age son has to reach her is her cell number, as an example. Why her son can’t have her work number I have no idea. An embedded terrorist cell springing into action and striking a school during such an …