Point to Point Comm when Things Go Bad

[Bravo25]

I need some help trying to decide on a point to point communications system in an emergency. All out emergency that may invovle such things as sun spot, ionosphere break down, whether man made or HARP produced. Perhaps even nuclear fall out.
I have considered something like Icom, say 5 watts in UHF, or would a couple of handheld HAM radio's be better. An ideal choice would be a rechargeable battery, with a pack that would accept regular cells as well. Is a higher or low frequency going to be better for all terrains? Building penetration would also be a plus.
Any help appreciated.

 

[sithjedi333]

Great topic, I would be interested in knowing too.

 

[KDC]

It would be helpful to know whether your points are fixed (as in building to building)
or mobile (as in person to person) and how far apart they might be. Also, whether
there is likely to be mountains, buildings, trees etc. between them.

Small battery powered hand-held radios are best at shorter distances, up to a
few miles, and with few obsticals between. However, it is possible to buy or build
Amateur transceivers which can communicate great distances using small battery
power and a "suitable antenna". For inter-contenintal distances this would mean
using CW (radiotelegraph code) and deploying a long wire antenna, but it CAN be
done. However in the event of ionospheric disturbance, some pre-arranged change of
frequencies would be necessary. For short distances, the ionosphere and other such
problems would not be a factor; mostly whether something is in the way such as a
large hill or building. If your two points are fixed, they can have esterior
antennas which would greatly improve the communications.

 

[Brock]

I use VHF handhelds for Marine use and have those in mind for communication just in case. I bought them with rechargeable, 12v and regular 8AA cells packs. They transmit clearly about 15-25 miles out on the water; on land they seem to do about 10 miles clear around here with about 20 with quite a bit of noise. It was the only thing I could get without a license and had a second use as well so I know they work and get used.

Having been in not so good situations, communications is very, very important. And as you know you can't rely on land lines, cell or internet. Maybe satellite phones? Then again about 1/2 the things will knock those out as well.

 

[Bravo25]

[ QUOTE ]
KDC said:
It would be helpful to know whether your points are fixed (as in building to building)
or mobile (as in person to person) and how far apart they might be. Also, whether
there is likely to be mountains, buildings, trees etc. between them.


[/ QUOTE ]

It would be mostly handheld to handheld. While where I am at it is fairly flat, but with lots of buildings, I would most likely move out of the city. However this might mean relocating to an area that has some pretty tall hills. As scavenging for food, and supplies might become neccessary I would want something that would work in a building. Once situated elsewhere a base station, or external antenna might be an option.