Looking for some direction

[tepin]

Hello everyone.
I have a need to communicate between Dallas, TX, Minneapolis, MN and Sonoma, CA during periods where normal methods of communication are not available (cell, landline, internet etc…). Based on what I have been reading on the internet, it seems that the first mode of communication to come online after the SHTF is amateur radio, generally (partly my assumption too). I am also looking for a new hobby.

Can any of you point me in the direction I need to go with regard to equipment and documentation for using repeaters or satellite for long distant COM? I know I need to get a license and need to learn a lot but I would like to get a rig to at least start listening and learning on.

Additional thoughts:
1. I am looking to purchase new equipment from a reliable reseller
2. Yaesu, ICOM and Kenwood seem to be top & common brands. I gravitate to Yaesu (but am open) based on what I read on other boards & in reviews of various models
3. I am looking for a rig that will accommodate as many bands as possible so I am not limited. Satellite is of great interest to me
4. I would like either a handheld unit or a unit that is portable in a backpack or can be installed in a vehicle with the potential to be used as a base in the home.
5. My budget is flexible but I would wince at a package over $1K.

I have been doing some of my own research but I feel that analysis-paralysis is setting in and it is making it difficult for me to make a decision so I am looking here for a little direction.

Thanks in advance.

 

[C2]

Who do you need to talk to? They will need to be compatible with your communication system as well.

Otherwise, if you have a good repeater system and just want to play, a decent dual band (HT or mobile) is a good way to start.

HF is also fun, but requires more of an installation (big antenna or long wires).

I like the Icom IC-7000 for a good coverage transceiver

 

[gamegetter]

Hello everyone.
I have a need to communicate between Dallas, TX, Minneapolis, MN and Sonoma, CA during periods where normal methods of communication are not available (cell, landline, internet etc…). Based on what I have been reading on the internet, it seems that the first mode of communication to come online after the SHTF is amateur radio, generally (partly my assumption too). I am also looking for a new hobby.

Can any of you point me in the direction I need to go with regard to equipment and documentation for using repeaters or satellite for long distant COM? I know I need to get a license and need to learn a lot but I would like to get a rig to at least start listening and learning on.

Additional thoughts:
1. I am looking to purchase new equipment from a reliable reseller
2. Yaesu, ICOM and Kenwood seem to be top & common brands. I gravitate to Yaesu (but am open) based on what I read on other boards & in reviews of various models
3. I am looking for a rig that will accommodate as many bands as possible so I am not limited. Satellite is of great interest to me
4. I would like either a handheld unit or a unit that is portable in a backpack or can be installed in a vehicle with the potential to be used as a base in the home.
5. My budget is flexible but I would wince at a package over $1K.

I have been doing some of my own research but I feel that analysis-paralysis is setting in and it is making it difficult for me to make a decision so I am looking here for a little direction.

Thanks in advance.

If it gets that bad, i guarantee there won't be many of us standing around.!
:mellow:

 

[tepin]

Who do you need to talk to? They will need to be compatible with your communication system as well....

Thanks for the reply. My wife took a job transfer to CA and due to the economy and circumstance I am stuck in MN for a bit (year or so). The rest of the family is in TX. I'll take a look at the IC-7000. Thanks again.

 

[kd-5-bgt]

The Yaesu FT 857 would be a nice rig to look at,covers all bands 160 meters to 440mhz...it is a mobile radio (12 volt dc ) that will make a nice base rig as well and small enough to put it and a dipole antenna in a backpack if you like

And take a look at the used radio market....sometimes you will find a nice radio at good price

 

[Moleculo]

Are your wife and other family members willing to get the technician license also?

Just a basic VHF/UHF radio that can hit some IRLP or Echolink systems will do the trick.

 

[tepin]

Yes. They would be willing. Thanks for your reply.

 

[GLR]

If you are going to use echolink, why not just use skype or aim or some video messenger.

All require the internets.

 

[mackmobile43]

paltalk

 

[GLR]

paltalk

I wouldn't know, those pole smokers still force you to use the express thing if you aren't on windows.

 

[mackmobile43]

I wouldn't know, those pole smokers still force you to use the express thing if you aren't on windows.

Don't worry, windows is just a fad and will fade away soon.

 

[kd0fx]

Are your wife and other family members willing to get the technician license also?

Just a basic VHF/UHF radio that can hit some IRLP or Echolink systems will do the trick.

One of the stipulations was comms when internet was down. I think it's HF or nothing in his case.
But, as you said, everyone will have to get the licesne and shell out for the rigs in each location. Will get expensive to outfit everybody.