Developing a COMMS Plan for a Prepper Commuinity

COMMS expert, Nick Meacher, talks about developing a full-blown communication plan for your survival preps.

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Survival Dispatch:

[jackpinesavage]

I've gotten back into using citizens band radios again. My base antenna is 54 feet high. At night, after most of the skip has faded away, I have been able to talk with friends and other stations. I keep a portable citizens band radio in my truck. I use a President McKinley SSB/AM radio for my base station. I have a GMRS license but I haven't set up the station yet. I'd like to study for a HAM license and get a technician license eventually.

[billryland]

You said very little about HF.That is the only way for long distance comms in grid down. Every ham needs 20, 40, & 80 meter SSB and digital capability. In poor propagation conditions or if only low power is available ( battery power), digital modes are best. I like PSK-31 but many like JS8Call. JS8 has advantages but is VERY slow. Join AMRRON and check into the weekly nets. Set up designated frequencies, modes, and times with your group. I am net control on weekly 6 meter and 80 meter nets.

[tunnelrabbit]

Glad to see this issue being addressed here. Comms is the weakest link only after medicine. I've written a few articles on radio over at survivalblog.com and will post a link to this video there. Use the search engine there to find article on all topics. Excellent presentation, yet I would skip the fancy stuff that most Hams do not even use. It is tough enough, just to get them to key a mic! To benefit the average prepper, I try to keep it as simple and inexpensive as possible.
In addition to the inexpensive Boafeng type radios, I would also recommend at least 2 mobile radios. These higher powered radios on good antennas will reduce the need to use repeaters that should be avoided if possible. I was hoping to keep 220mhz a secret.... 6 meter would also be off the beaten path and have greater range.
For radios that do not require programming, you might discuss CB with SSB (single side band), and the use of low power with scrambler in the FRS/GMRS radios (look at GTX radios from Midland, ) and the 50 watt GMRS mobiles, as convenient and easy options for the technically challenged. I could recommend Marine band and hand held and mobile radios, in emergency roles only. The Marine band radios are rugged as well.

[PreparednessVeteran]

A good start to formulate a plan. For the end-user, I would keep it real simple.

[akrealestatebroker]

Thanks for sharing your knowledge. Very helpful. Blessings!

[zacharyking]

Where can I download a copy of that flow chart you are using in order to prioritize my comm plan?

[soctnights]

Protect your devices from the elements. A hard water tight case or multiple baggies if out in the rain or trekking thru flood waters will help prevent damage.

[pfknob]

Great video! Do you have that flow chart for download?

[georgespeck]

You can make up your own codes and signals for communicating,
So others can not decode it.

[mikemcdonald]

do you have that flow chart for download?

[ghostrider]

Let me guess with cell you had AT&T and went to Verizon?? Lol