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Communications for When SHTF, by N.M.
Communications is a key element in our everyday lives. If you don’t believe me, try going a whole day with no cell phone, Internet, television, or any other means of communications (COMMS). So it stands to reason that having COMMS, when SHTF, is essential to gaining intelligence (COMINT), the safety and security of your family, keeping informed, and keeping at least one step ahead of anybody with bad intentions. Like any skill, it is essential to practice; that means practicing before SHTF, so that you have the necessary skills. While most of the communications methods discussed in this article are in plain language, rather than in code or encrypted, because the day-today rules do not allow the use of codes, there are some methods for disguising the meaning that can be practiced. This article will provide information on various means, methods, and devices for COMMS, as well as communications security (COMSEC), for SHTF scenarios. This article cites the various rules that apply to the different radio services. The application of the rules in normal times is strongly encouraged so that you do not draw attention to yourself from the authorities. Application of the rules when SHTF, well …
Frequencies
First, let’s understand a little about frequencies, their uses, and their availability to the average person. The use of frequencies in the U.S. is governed by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC). Some frequencies require a license, and some are licensed by rule, meaning that the rules provide the allowable use without an individual license, such as Citizens Band (CB) and Family Radio Service (FRS). Other services, such as Amateur Radio (HAM) and General Mobile Radio Service (GMRS), require an individual to have a license. Each licensed service has specific rules for use, and radios designed for use within a specific service have to be type accepted for use in that service. A channel is a “common” name for a frequency, or pair of frequencies, pre-assigned, such as CB channel 19, which is a single frequency. Where a single frequency is used, it is called simplex. When a pair of frequencies is used, one is used for transmitting and one for receiving; this is called duplex.
Bands
Radio frequencies cover a whole spectrum. They are broken down into bands, with each band having different characteristics. Low bands, (high frequency “HF”) are also known as short wave. They tend to bounce off the atmosphere and, therefore, are good for long transmissions around the world. Because they bounce, places between the transmission point and reception point cannot hear the transmissions very well, if at all. This has obvious advantages to COMSEC, but it can be a disadvantage when attempting to communicate locally. The time of day and even time of year change the characteristics of HF bands. The low bands, 160 meters (1.8-2khz) are good at night but are almost unusable during the day. This band is similar to the long distance AM stations and is better during the winter, with transmissions possible over thousands of miles.
Source: http://survivalblog.com/communications-for-when-shtf-by-n-m/
