Countdown to Preparedness

Ham radio operators are a key component in survival communications. Quite often, they may be the only source of information during a disaster. Most ham operators are networked in with emergency responders and assist with communicating information between agencies and such.

Before we go any further, let’s talk briefly about licensing. It’s required by law that you have a license before you can broadcast on ham frequencies. There’s an argument that says that during and after a catastrophe, enforcement officers won’t be looking for unlicensed radio operators. While that may be true, proficiency with ham radio isn’t something you can really pick up on-the-fly. You need practice to truly understand how it all works and how to get the best use of your equipment. That practice entails actually using your gear, which requires the license.

And there’s another consideration. While most ham operators are exceedingly generous with their time and experience when it comes to helping someone new, they have little regard for unlicensed operators. Ham operators may be your single best link to reliable information during a major event, and you don’t want to get on their bad side by broadcasting without a proper license.

Getting your license costs very little and just requires you to pass a test. There are tons of books and websites to help you study for the test. It used to be that one of the requirements was to memorize Morse code, but that’s no longer necessary.

Shortwave consists of the radio frequencies between 1.8 and 30 MHz. This includes AM and FM voice transmissions as well as single side band (SSB), data, television, and several others, even including transmissions from other countries. Ham radio is another one of these subsets of shortwave. Think of it like this—shortwave radios allow you to gather information, whereas ham radios allow you to engage in two-way communication with other operators.

A ham setup, sometimes called a rig, consists of a receiver and a transmitter, which are sometimes all one unit called a transceiver. Ideally, this rig should be somewhat mobile, with the ability to power it using 12-volt DC, so it can be installed in a vehicle, and/or with a solar charge system. This way, you can take it with you should you need to vacate your home for some reason.

There are many inexpensive transceivers available, such as those sold under the BaoFeng brand. Configured properly, these will meet your basic needs. For a basic transceiver, you could pay as little as fifty bucks and be in business. Of course, the sky is the limit. You may find yourself with an exciting new hobby and end up investing thousands of dollars in high-end gear.

Given the high number of clubs in the country, a quick online search should find a ham operator group in your immediate area. Find out when and where they meet, then go there and introduce yourself. These are the folks you want to get to know well. Odds are very good they have their own repeater system in place. Basically, the way ham radio works is you transmit on a frequency, and this transmission will go to a repeater. This tower then sends the transmission on down the line, hitting other repeaters as needed, until it reaches the destination.

Ham radio is not as complicated as it seems. It doesn’t take long for the average person to get the hang of things. But, as with anything else, it’s better to learn the lessons now, when time isn’t a factor.

WEEK 29 ASSIGNMENTS

TASKS

1. Find a local ham radio club in your area. Search “[county name] ham radio” online and that should point you in the right direction. Contact the club and explain you’re interested in getting involved with ham radio. I think you’ll find members who will bend over backward to help you.

2. Begin shopping around for a starter rig. Ask members of your local club for recommendations.

3. Look for study materials online, and study for and pass the license exam (no, I don’t expect you to do that all in one week, but get it done ASAP).

SAVINGS

Add $10 to your Prepper Savings Account.

TOTAL PREPPER SAVINGS ACCOUNT:

WATER STORAGE

One gallon (or two 2-liter bottles) per person or a case of bottled water for the household.

TOTAL WATER STORAGE:

GROCERY LIST

3 cans vegetables, your choice

2 cans fruit, your choice, but stick with those packed in water or juice, rather than syrup

1 can chili or stew, your choice

1 package or jar gravy mix, your choice

1 box powdered milk

1 box (12 packages) ramen noodles

1 lb white rice