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Communication in an emergency
Posted on 9/30/24 at 2:31 pm
Posted on 9/30/24 at 2:31 pm
Educate me. Are satellite phones affordable and reliable? What other methods could be used in a catastrophic event ? Without cell towers
12
Posted on 9/30/24 at 2:34 pm to Picayuner
We prefer Ham radio, but that's not for most as it requires effort and a little planning.
Posted on 9/30/24 at 2:48 pm to Picayuner
quote:T-Mobile / SpaceX are supposed to be launching their direct-to-cell service this year. It might be text messages only at first, with voice and data to follow next year. Once that rolls out it will be the next game-changer.
Are satellite phones affordable and reliable?
The thing changing the game currently is Starlink Mini running on a battery pack. You can carry it in a backpack wherever, then just turn it on and connect all your devices to the wifi and use them like normal. This includes wifi calling and texting, and of course data/internet service. Lots of people from all over the country are in Helene's path of destruction right now sharing their starlink service.
Posted on 9/30/24 at 2:55 pm to Korkstand
That's really cool, because traditional satellite phone service seems pretty expensive.
Posted on 9/30/24 at 4:43 pm to Picayuner
Posted on 9/30/24 at 5:04 pm to Picayuner
Check out Garmin InReach
Posted on 9/30/24 at 7:53 pm to Picayuner
Amazing how the majority of us on here survived without the comforts we have today but we did…
Posted on 9/30/24 at 10:21 pm to Picayuner
Spot X messenger.
Posted on 9/30/24 at 11:03 pm to Picayuner
Baofeng UV-5R Two Way Radio Dual Band 144-148/420-450Mhz Walkie Talkie 1800mAh Li-ion Battery(Black)
You can use repeaters (if they have power) to go longer distances, and they're cheap ($18 ea).
Now, nobody is going to study an hour or two on how to use them except for the other preppers in your hood, if that.
You can use repeaters (if they have power) to go longer distances, and they're cheap ($18 ea).
Now, nobody is going to study an hour or two on how to use them except for the other preppers in your hood, if that.
Posted on 10/1/24 at 6:53 am to Picayuner
Posted on 10/1/24 at 7:01 am to Lonnie Utah
Damn I miss my BlackBerry Passport Silver
Posted on 10/1/24 at 8:01 am to DemonKA3268
quote:
Amazing how the majority of us on here survived without the comforts we have today but we did…
Yeah today's technology improves survivability over the tech of 50 years ago just like the tech of 50 years ago improved survivability over the tech of 100 years ago.
Posted on 10/1/24 at 8:55 am to mooseofterror
quote:
Check out Rapid Radios, can only communicate with devices programmed together, but we've tested form BR to San Antonio and its crystal clear with no delay.
These rely on cell networks being up no?
Posted on 10/1/24 at 10:11 am to mooseofterror
quote:
we've tested form BR to San Antonio and its crystal clear with no delay.
Now what is the difference between BR to San Antonio and the NC mountains????
On top of that they operate on a LTE network. That's basically the same as cellular, just not as fast. In a disaster, if your cell phone doesn't work, these wouldn't work either. Have you tested them with the cellular network down?
This post was edited on 10/1/24 at 10:14 am
Posted on 10/1/24 at 10:37 am to Lonnie Utah
Rapid Radios does have that "unlimited range" LTE model which is basically push to talk with cheap service ($50/year). But they also have a VHF/UHF model which I believe that poster is referring to. I don't see where RR specifies a range, but if BR->SA works that's nearly 500 miles. Pretty good if true.
That said I still think full internet access via Starlink is much more useful than direct one-to-one comms in these catastrophic events.
That said I still think full internet access via Starlink is much more useful than direct one-to-one comms in these catastrophic events.
Posted on 10/1/24 at 10:45 am to Korkstand
quote:
VHF/UHF
UHF/VHF radios are typically line of sight.
Posted on 10/1/24 at 10:51 am to Picayuner
I stumbled across the Meshtastic subreddit the other day and went down that rabbit hole. It's definitely more DIY than an off the shelf satellite phone. But, it looks interesting.
https://meshtastic.org/
https://meshtastic.org/
Posted on 10/1/24 at 11:27 am to mooseofterror
You are correct, I should've done my homework. My buddy gave me a unit when he heard I was heading on a trip and we tested it there and back. It appears it does use LTE. Even the Emergency version can be programmed for LTE it appears... Be careful if that a requirement for your use.
Posted on 10/1/24 at 11:35 am to mooseofterror
That's why I posted the spot beacon. It allows you to send text messages via satellite that includes your geo-location. IHMO, the advantage of txt vs a sat-phone is bandwidth. The folks I'm sending messages to may not have great reception either. I can get about 200 hours out of mine if I conserve the batteries. I got mine because I frequently travel and camp in areas with no cell receptions (much of the desert SW). The only downside is the subscription cost.
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