I am trying to figure out the best way to prepare for communicating in the event of an emergency. I am considering getting a Ham radio Technician class license. I need to be able to communicate over a distance of 600-700 miles. Is this the best option? How much should I plan on spending? Are there better alternatives?

-- Mark Preston (finance0@aol.com), February 24, 1998

Answers

I am working along the same lines, as are many others. I expect a network to form of Y2K'ers using ham systems and alternative energy.

As for myself, I am equiping with CB/SSB, 2 meter, and soon a multiband base.

Give a thought to keeping a low profile till the strife relents a bit. An Antenna farm in your backyard is the equivalent of a big 'come and get me' sign.

Check in at y2k.entrewave.com and look for the thread on 'Papa Bill'.

-- Art Welling (artw@lancnews.infi.net), February 26, 1998.

For local communications, a CB radio is sufficient. You should arrange to have a CB radio in your car, and a base station at home.

The police monitor channel 9, so you have an effective 911 service unless the channel is congested. This could be valuable if the phone service is disrupted.

-- David Wallace (DavidCWallace@Hotmail.com), March 21, 1998.

Regarding utilizing some form of radio communication in the event of severe Y2K disruptions... we're in for "attacks from all sides I guess. Remember Ed's comment on page 71 of his "TimeBomb 2000" book?

He points the reader to a couple of government sites warning of intense solar flare activity occuring between 2000 and 2005. The site suggests that 2000 could provide a higher level of activity than previously recorded.

Anyone who has ever tried to use a CB or Ham radio during these disruptions has experienced the frustration of incapacitating static. There's not much one can do to alleviate this, just be aware that it probably will be a problem.

As for myself, I have owned a CB for many years and will be acquiring another portable for my second vehicle as well as a base station and generator well before the prices start to go up.

"Hope for the best, but prepare for the worst."

-- Timothy L. Miles (tmiles@netcarrier.com), April 09, 1998.

Mark, for communications over a 600-700 mile range, you will need something more than you can get with the VHF/UHF frequencies that you will be able to access with a Technician class license. You would be better off gritting your teeth and learning morse code for a higher class license. I know that it seems like an outdated mode of communications, but is a reqirement at this time. One method that seems to be working well is the Koch Method. Anyone interested in more information can go to http://www.qsl.net/k7on/cw/cw.htm .

Also, consider that CB radios operate in the 11 meter band, which is adjacent to the 10 meter ham band. With a decent single sideband rig and antenna, you should be able to work close to 600 miles with few problems. I know this because I regularly hear CB'ers from my location in Albuquerque calling stations all through the south. As a plus, you do not need a license to operate a CB radio.

Lastly, licensing may be null and void come 1/1/2000 if the FCC doesn't make the cut for compliance. Just something else to consider.

Just a few thoughts for the discussion.

Good luck to all...

-- Kevin Beverage (KB5VIA) (corwyn@thuntek.net), August 20, 1998.