Communications
Five Things You Can Do Now
- Purchase a basic emergency radio that has one or more alternative power sources.
- Learn more about shortwave radio and consider it a survival skill to develop.
- Learn more about ham radios and the requirements for a license.
- Read about and investigate the American Radio Relay League. Evaluate whether ham radio would be a good survival skill to develop.
- Make sure you have two or more ways to charge your cell phone.
The availability of communications before, during, and after a crisis is vital. Communication prior to a crisis keeps you up to date and warns of dangerous situations as they develop. Good communication keeps family and friends informed and allows for more personal control over a situation.
With good interpersonal communication, you can learn about events that may be ignored or suppressed by the media or government officials. During a crisis, it may be the only way to stay in contact, coordinate activities, know what the present situation is, and call for help. After a crisis has passed, it allows for quick assessment and reorientation.
The main types of communication are radio receivers, including AM/FM and shortwave radios, two-way radios, mobile devices like cell phones, and the internet.
Radio Receivers in a Crisis
AM/FM Emergency Radios
An emergency radio should be durable, compact, and lightweight. Select a portable radio that can be charged with several power sources—a combination of regular AC, regular or rechargeable batteries, solar, or hand-crank. Many radios are capable of recharging small electronics, like your cell phone, and may come with a built-in flashlight. A USB port will help you connect to electronic devices.
Look for a radio receiver that has clear reception and a wide range of AM and FM frequencies. Also look for one with the NOAA weather band (WB) frequencies and Emergency Alert System messaging.
Satellite Radio
Satellite radio is subscription-based and uses satellites to broadcast its content. The value in a crisis is that the radio signals are broadcast over a large geographic area and the programming is the same coast to coast. You may still get news and information even if local stations are disrupted. Satellite radios are more expensive than conventional radios and require monthly service contracts. New cars are often equipped with them.
Scanners
You can use a multichannel, programmable AC/DC scanner to listen to local police, fire, ambulance, public safety, aviation, marine, and local, state, and federal government transmissions. However, to listen in on the many agencies that use trunk tracking (frequency hopping), you’ll need a scanner with that capability.
You can also listen to scanners online or using smartphone apps. Broadcastify is a popular radio communications platform that streams public safety live audio over the internet.
Shortwave Radio
Shortwave broadcasts use the radio band lengths above the AM radio band. which are those higher (shorter) than 1,500 kHz. In the past, general-coverage receivers capable of picking up the basic shortwave (World Band) spectrum have been useful if you wanted to know what was going on outside the country or if you were looking for perspectives and interpretations of current events from a broader viewpoint.
But the popularity of shortwave has diminished significantly in recent years because of internet availability. There are fewer government and commercial international broadcasts in North America, Europe, and Australia than in the past. Those that remain offer fewer programming hours, and the program content is primarily religious or political. Shortwave broadcasts are more common in Africa, the Middle East, Asia, and South America, where internet service is not as widely available.
Shortwave Community
Despite its loss in popularity, shortwave radio is still used by amateur stations worldwide, and shortwave and amateur radio enthusiasts could be a powerful voice in a time of crisis and a legitimate source for broadcasting up-to-date news and information. The SWLing Post blog (www.swling.com) is dedicated to teaching about shortwave-radio communication and offers a forum for the shortwave community. In the SWLing blog post “Does Shortwave Radio Have a Future?”, Thomas Witherspoon argues for the benefits of shortwave radio in the internet age. The reasons are summarized in the chart “Reasons to Consider a Shortwave Radio.”
Selecting a Shortwave Radio
If a shortwave radio is an important part of your preparedness objectives, begin by choosing a radio that has the reception range for the broadcasts you desire to listen to. The farther you are from the places you want to listen to, the better your radio and antenna should be.
You’ll also need to decide whether you want a small radio for portability or a larger, permanent radio with better sound and receiving capabilities. In-dash car radios that receive shortwave are also available, as well as radios that can be adapted to run off a car battery.
The receiver should have digital tuning, a good signal strength, and an illuminated display, unless you want to avoid detection. It should include jacks for headphones and external antennas and allow for both AC and DC power sources. Make sure to store fresh batteries and the chargers you need to power whatever equipment you choose.
Multiple or double conversion is a necessity, and synchronous selectable sideband increases adjacent-channel rejection while reducing fading distortion. Direct-access tuning via keypad and preset memories is a convenient feature. Single sideband (SSB) capabilities will also expand your listening options.
As models change and specific recommendations soon become dated, refer to the SWLing Post blog for reviews and recommendations for the latest on shortwave equipment. No longer published, the Passport to World Band Radio was the primary reference for shortwave communication. Past issues are still in print and may be found online.
Reception
Long-distance reception is best at night and in the winter, when radio waves travel better. Higher frequencies work better than lower ones during the day and in the summer, but they are also most affected by sunspot activity.
Radio Antennas
The antenna may be even more important than the radio. Since the built-in antennas in portable radios may not be adequate, you may want to add a separate one. An outdoor antenna works better than an indoor one. Effective outdoor antennas can be made from fifty to a hundred feet of sixteen- to eighteen-gauge insulated copper wire. String the wire between the highest point possible, with insulators at each end. Directional dipole antennas and active antennas are also possibilities.
Radio Storage
Radios should not be stored with their batteries in place and should be protected from moisture, sunlight, and freezing temperatures.
Protecting against Electromagnetic Pulse Charges
Although there is some controversy about the extent of damage that can be caused from an EMP, it is good practice to take precautions. Radios can be protected by leaving them disconnected from electrical outlets and removing antennas over ten inches long. If possible, shield them by placing them inside metal, aluminum foil, or in boxes that have been electrically grounded and are covered with metal window screening. Small battery-operated radios that use only built-in short-loop antennas will not be affected by EMP.
Two-Way Radios
An effective way to communicate, there are several options of two-way radios with varying power and transmission capabilities. See table 40.1 for a comparison of the range for two-way radios.
Table 40.1
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Type of Radio |
Power |
Base to Base |
Vehicle to Vehicle |
Person to Person |
|
Ham HF SSB |
100 watts |
30+ miles |
15+ miles |
xxx |
|
Ham HF SSB Pack |
20 watts |
xxx |
xxx |
10+ miles |
|
Ham VHF FM |
20 watts |
17 miles |
7 miles |
6+ miles |
|
5 watts |
15 miles |
5 miles |
2 miles |
|
|
CB SSB |
100 watts |
20 miles |
11 miles |
5 mile |
|
12 watts |
15 miles |
8 miles |
3 miles |
|
|
CB AM |
5 watts |
10 miles |
4 miles |
1 mile |
|
MURS VHF FM |
2 watts |
12 miles |
4 miles |
1 mile |
|
GMRS UHF FM |
5 watts |
9 miles |
2 miles |
1/2 mile |
|
FRS HT |
1/2 watts |
2 miles |
1 mile |
1/4 mile |
|
Based on information from HFLINK at hflink.com/hfpack/radiorange |
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GMRS, FRS, and MURS Radio
Family Radio Service (FRS) and General Mobile Radio Service (GMRS) are private, short-distance, two-way voice and data transmission services. FRS has 22 channels and uses frequencies around 462 MHz. GMRS has 30 channels and uses frequencies around 462MHz, which it shares with FRS and 467MHz. GMRS can expand its capability by using repeater channels that allow it to transmit up to 100 miles. MURS (Multi-Use Radio Service) radios have 5 dedicated frequencies and channels around 151MHz and154 MHz. The radios are typically functional and rugged and can be useful in a crisis.
GMRS requires a license from the FCC and can be operated using up to fifty watts of power, but they usually function in the one-to-five-watt range. FRS and GMRS radios are allowed specifically for personal and business communication, operate with fewer than 2.0 watts, and do not require a license. Note that communication over these dedicated radio frequencies is not private and the lines may become overloaded during a crisis. In an urban setting, GMRS and FRS as well as CBs, would become swamped and practically useless.
CB Radios
The most common two-way radios are citizen band (CB). They operate on forty different channels within the 27MHz (11m) band. Channel 9 is the emergency channel. They have a legal maximum four-watt output and a normal range limit of a few miles. They are good for communicating at close range or in a caravan. They are another option to the phone system and can be used to report road and traffic conditions, pileups, roadblocks, washouts, and other problems.
Cobra, Uniden, and Midland make excellent models for less than $100. Small 100-milliwatt, handheld CB units with up to a one-mile line-of-sight range are less expensive. Mobile CB units are the most versatile, but base stations, which are normally not portable, have a wider range. Single sideband (SSB) units are more static free, with less interference, and have two to three times the power and range of the normal four-watt output.
Although modification is currently illegal, in an extreme crisis, modifications could be useful. With proper knowledge, the power of CB radios can be boosted up to four hundred times using linear amplifiers. Illegal frequency “sliders” also allow operating outside normal CB frequencies.
Amateur (Ham) Radio
The best long-distance, two-way communication method is the amateur, or ham radio. These radios have the longest range and, with proper backup power, are not dependent on the electrical grid. The argument can be made that they will be the only viable communication in a worst-case crisis.
Amateur Radio Licensing
To operate ham radios legally, you’ll need an Amateur license from the FCC. You will also need knowledge about basic electronics and radio communications to pass the thirty-five-question entry-level test for the Technician license. Proficiency in Morse code is no longer required to get advanced radio licenses, but you’ll need additional knowledge for advanced General or Extra Class licenses.
These advanced licenses will not only give you credibility with other ham operators, you’ll be able to practice and develop a useful survival skill. You may want to join a club and learn the skills of operating and maintaining a ham radio.
American Radio Relay League
The American Radio Relay League (ARRL) is the United States’ amateur radio organization. They publish a reference handbook each year with current information in radio technology, principles, and practices. They have an online presence at www.arrl.org and offer great information about preparing for the licensing tests.
Ham Equipment
Ham equipment is available in hand-held, mobile, and base units. As there are many variables in selecting amateur radio equipment, be sure to educate yourself to determine what is best for you. You can often get used equipment through ham radio organizations such as ARRL. It is also important to have a reliable power-backup plan. This could include a battery bank, solar energy, or a portable generator. You will also need a proper antenna, replacement parts, and a repair manual.
Mobile Devices and the Internet
Benefits of a Smartphone
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Cell Phones
Cell phones and smartphones are essentially two-way radios that use local repeaters or cell towers to transmit their signals. Cell phones are convenient and can be used almost anywhere and with anyone in the world. Other devices, such as tablets, may use WIFI or a direct internet connection and allow you to download and store data.
However, this interconnected system can easily be disrupted, and some locations have limited access. During disasters, cell phone towers may be damaged or without power and unable to transmit. They are also susceptible to network gridlock when everyone is trying to use their cell phone during a crisis.
Regardless of their shortcomings, mobile phones are helpful in many crises. They can also dramatically increase your safety in situations as you can call for immediate help. Smartphones offer many useful features and applications. A few of the apps specific to emergencies and survival include GPS, Smart Compass, Emergency Radio Application, Boot Print-Pocket Survival, US Topo Maps, Weather Bug, Home Food Storage Tracker, SAS Survival Guide, American Red Cross Emergency, and American Red Cross First Aid.
Personally Speaking
One of my sons was hiking with a friend in a remote area in the Badlands of South Dakota. They became disoriented and were not sure where they were or how to get back to where they started. They did not have a map or a GPS device, and they could not figure out their location. Luckily, he had cell-phone coverage, so he called his brother. His brother found a GPS track in their vicinity on a hiking forum. The lost son was able to describe some of the geographic features nearby. Using Google Earth, his brother helped him pinpoint where they were. They then figured out which way to go to get back to an area they recognized and found a good route to take them back to the highway. There are several lessons to be learned from this story, but the one I would like to emphasize is that technology can be very useful in many different types of emergencies.
Cell Phone Chargers
Another big downside to cell phones is that they need to be charged frequently. A backup charger for emergencies is essential when the power grid is down. One option is a conventional portable charger that will recharge your device four to six times before it needs a new charge. Also, make sure you have all the connecting cords you need.
You might consider an emergency charger that runs off solar power or hand-cranking. Solar chargers come in an array of sizes and shapes and charge reasonably well if sunlight is available. Look for hand-crank models that have a low ratio of time spent cranking to charging ability. Do not expect either alternative energy to charge as well as a wall plug, but you get enough of a charge to make emergency calls.
The Internet
The internet is the communication medium of choice for sending information and getting the latest news from just about anywhere in the world. It was designed to work in times of major disaster by routing traffic around malfunctioning sections. You can access it with a variety of devices and connections, but it can become quickly overloaded during emergencies, and, of course, devices require some form of power to operate. It is also subject to hackers and cyber terrorists and can be critically damaged by destroying only a few key locations.
Security
If secure text and phone messages are important to you, consider mobile apps that encrypt your phone and text messages. If you desire secure or protected computer files, use encryption software for your programs. Signal and Silent Phone are examples of mobile apps that will encrypt phone and text messages. To encrypt emails and other files, use an encryption program such as PGP (Pretty Good Privacy). The open-source version is GPG (Gnu Privacy Guard).