QRP Transceivers. Cody Wilson Thwarts Another Attempt To Stop Ghost Guns.

This weekly column is a collection of short snippets: responses to posted articles, practical self-sufficiency items, how-tos, lessons learned, tips and tricks, and news items — both from readers and from SurvivalBlog’s editors. We may select some long e-mails for posting as separate letters.

Cody Wilson Thwarts Another Attempt To Stop Ghost Guns.

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Reader Doug C. suggested this: Tucker Carlson on Elon Musk’s bid to buy out Twitter.

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Tim J. recommended this video from “southernprepper1”: Night Vision PVS14…Most important combat multiplier for the prepper.

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Bill Whittle: The ‘Great Reset’ Part One: TECHNOCRACY.

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Reader A.K. spotted this bit of marketing hype: John Deere’s new kind of swarm concept for agricultural machinery – A fully electric swarm. JWR’s Comment: Will the Geeks inherit the earth (and farms?)

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Tunnel Rabbit sent this suggestion on a QRP HF rig:

“Finding what engineers call a ‘work around’ is a creative process that finds a solution to a problem. These are all on my wish list as they are currently, for myself, ‘unobtainium’. My focus is primary on VHF/UHF as it the most practical for a community, and needed for defense work. And it is within my budget, and within the budget of the poor country folk I am associated with. HF is also outside their ability at this time. First, they need to master at least one transceiver, at least their Baofengs, yet none I know, have. However I can dream, and the Lord may provide. Yes, He does that. Of course, I’d rather go for the CTX-10 QRP-10W HF Transceiver. But I can attenuate my old school 100-watt set by dropping a NVIS antenna directly onto the ground. However, these old sets are power hogs in comparison, therefore making a commo window necessary if station B is beyond the range of VHF. We could also use a shortwave receiver with SSB to continuously monitor an HF frequency, but for a little more money, at the bottom of this barrel on this list is also a transceiver.

I can in no way endorse any of these transceivers, but usually one gets what they pay for. However, it could be better to go with something that is in the middle of the road, and have at least three of those, instead of only one each of the best we could afford. Always use P.A.C.E. in our planning. And consider that it takes two transceivers of similar capability so that they can have someone else to talk to. If we need at least two of something, 3 of whatever it is, is necessary, especially if the item is complex and is of questionable quality. Eventually, all things break.

I would also look at the power consumption on standby (receive). Both station A and B must be able to provide power for their transceiver, and power for any device will be in short supply. Few have PV systems, and adequately large enough storage batteries to continuously support commo throughout a winter. And water pumping will likely be the greatest demand on those systems when the sun is shining. Plan ahead, and develop a plan, and a ‘work around’ for your particular situation. Of course, we should first identify a potential problem ahead of time, and that will occur only if we are planning.”

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Speaking of radios, reader S.J. posed this question:

“I have a question for you or your readers about storing Baofeng radios. Some time back I took your advice and purchased a case of Baofeng handheld radios (probably the UV5Rs, but I don’t recall off hand). They have been sitting on a shelf in my shop in their original boxes unopened and unused for a couple years. I do have others of the same model with which I practice and use from time to time, but my question is about the batteries of the radios I’m storing. Should I leave them alone as they came from the factory (probably partial charge), or take them out and charge them fully before storing, or take them out and use them from time to time before re-storing? Or some other alternative? For what it is worth, the shop is unheated, and over the course of the year temps range from single digits to high 80s. Thanks for the insights and advice!”

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From Judicial Watch: Mexican Cartels Fly 9,000 Drone Flights into U.S. to Surveil Law Enforcement Operations.

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Reader C.B. spotted this: Highly pathogenic avian influenza confirmed in three Georgia bald eagles.

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Data collected from acquaintances and even strangers can predict your location.

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A recent interview, on Radio Contra: James Wesley, Rawles on Economics, Precious Metals, and Community Protection.