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When you think about who is best-suited to survive the end of the world or other major disaster, you might imagine the big burly preppers with their massive zombie-destroying caches of weapons, or the families with huge boxes of shelf-stable food and 55 gallon drums of water.
As it turns out, the tech geeks will also have an advantage during the apocalypse as they have an inherent knowledge of gadgets and how a disaster will impact crucial needs like the ability to communicate.
In fact, in addition to focusing on firearms, food, and first aid kits, preppers should channel their inner technophile and determine how they will stay connected when the proverbial you-know-what hits the fan. The following 3 devices will help people communicate through the apocalypse:
1. Satellite Phone
Many of us have become so dependent on our cell phones, it can be hard to imagine life without them. But in the event of a major catastrophe, chances are good that cell phone towers will be destroyed and no longer work. To prepare yourself for the worst-case scenario, you may wish to get ready for off-the-grid forms of communication with a satellite phone. For example, Roadpost sells a variety of makes and models, including Iridium satellite phones. The Iridium Extreme is the world’s first military-grade phone. Rather than cell towers, it connects directly to satellites–and zombies will have to be pretty savvy to knock out satellites. The Extreme is also ultra tough and rugged as well as waterproof and dustproof.
2. Shortwave Radio
As the world is coming to an end, a shortwave radio can also be an effective way to stay in touch with others. For example, the Grundig S450DLX Field Radio features three frequency tuning steps, low background noise and interference and an MW/SW IF wide/narrow bandwidth selection that helps to minimize noise while boosting the audio fidelity. By using shortwave frequencies, the radios can broadcast transmissions through either skip propagation or skywave. Shortwave radios are ideal for long-distance communication, and they have historically been used during emergency situations. To learn how to use a shortwave radio, Google local classes or see if there is a club nearby that you can join. This way, once the disaster happens you’ll be trained and ready to communicate with a handy device.
3. GMRS/FRS Radios
Survival radios are ideal for short-distance communications of around 35 miles over relatively flat lands. So while you won’t be able to stay in touch with your family in another state, they can help you talk to your friends and family members in what is left of your neighborhood. The radios are small and easy to tote around in a pocket or bug out bag, and they are affordable and convenient. Although their range is lesser and their batteries tend to drain quickly, they are still a reliable way to communicate. Radio Shack sells a variety of GMRS/FRS radios, as well as accessories like headphones and cases; for example, the Midland GXT895VP4 42-Channel GMRS/FRS Radio is priced at $89.99 for two, and offers 42 channels, 142 privacy codes and a 36-mile range over either water or open rural land.
It’s great to see radios getting some attention, but beware of the crappy blister-pack hybrid GMRS/FRS radios you get at the superstore. They are mostly junk. Get a solid commercial-grade radio for not that much more and you’ll thank yourself when it really matters.
Agree completely with N7LB about the limited range of FRS and GMRS radios. Most of the range is marketing hype. You will be lucky to get a block or two in the cities, and with everyone else trying to
probably use them for the same reason, the frequencies will be useless unless you are really close.
Even if the frequency is clear, the low power and inefficient antenna make them toys at best, but
that could possibly be used as an advantage for very short range tactical comms if needed.
It’s good to know that a satellite phone can be used, even if there is a large scale disaster. My husband and I have been trying to be better about being prepared for stuff like this, and we realized we didn’t have any form of long distance communication besides our cell phones! I think that we’ll invest in a satellite phone so that we can communicate over long distances.
What about good old fashioned cb radio for short distance comms as not everyone has a ham radio licence?
The best option is ham radio. I have my station running HF and VHF on solar power as part of my permanent set up. All other options are helpful too.
Unless you live on the edge of a mountain and the folks you want to communicate with live on another tall mountain (with nothing between you but air or water), there is simply NO WAY you’ll ever get 35 miles of range with either FRS or GMRS radios. NEVER GOING TO HAPPEN.
Most folks involved with the communication field will tell you that 1 watt equals approximately 1 mile of range (in the VHF/UHF world), so 1/2 watt FRS radios are good for approximately 1/2 mile. Some GMRS radios are 1 watt, some 2 watts, and still others 5 watts, but nothing like 35 watts, so you do the math. The only way hams (like myself) get mondo range is by using repeaters (on VHF/UHF) – which non-licensed folks do not have access to, or by using a number of HF bands.
I’m willing to bet $5,000 to any radio company making FRS radios that they can’t cover 20 miles, let alone the even more ridiculous claim of 35 to 50 miles. Counting on FRS/GMRS radios to cover anything over 5 miles (at best) is simply foolish.
Motorola TLKR 80 one stationed at 9000ft other @900ft with direct view, distance 45 miles…But it was more lucky shot than any real means of communication.wouldnt count on long range communications with GMRS though.
I’m going with “Morse code” as a backup. it can be used by light, flag or whistle or a variety of methods.
Heck, they fell back on it in “Independence Day” after all 😉
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