QuoteThis is because if TSHTF and there are MZBs (Mutant Zombie Bikers) that can do RDF (Radio Direction Finding which isn't hard) on HF they very will may not even try a distant call area.

I'd say that is extremely unlikely...

Gil.

QuoteWe've got to find a way to make contact Gil, we've tried several times and apparently the propagation gods are not looking favorably upon us. Maybe early evening 20 meters would be good between us?

Sure, we could try that. There were a few mean solar flares recently, and I am sure that didn't help.. Even with Ray this morning, it was hard to copy. The Ionosphere hasn't recovered quite yet... Usually we have no trouble... So, I am hopeful that we will make contact, since I have heard you faintly before...

Gil.

Sure! You're on a roll! LOL.

Gil.

Hi Guys,

Ray, I could barely copy you... Heard someone else very faintly, but could not copy. I still have some RF/keyer trouble... I think the recent solar flares did mess-up propagation these last few days... I was using my K1, 5W out into my PAR end-fed.

Gil.

QuoteMy Water Storage

Hi, is this an actual book?

You guys are going to make me spend money again!  ::)

Gil.

QuoteI still don't see what all the fuss is about over winding toroids, if you can count 1.....2......3......4..... you can wind a toroid, they're dirt simple.

I never understood the stress some people seem to experience when talking about winding toroids either. For me, it seems super-easy and actually relaxing... Weird...

Gil.

A 50 gallon plastic barrel is also good to have to collect rain water...

I had nothing but rain water left on my last camping day, and it was more than welcome!
I would make sure mosquitoes can't lay eggs in it though...

Gil.

Joe, we can try a RM-to-RM contact if you'd like..?

Gil.

Quotelearn Morse code, it's not difficult and it definitely works!

Amen to that!

Gil.

Nice pics! Makes me want to go camping again..

Gil.

Quotegood tap water

Isn't that an oxymoron?

Gil.

I have a katadyn but did not take it with me on my trip. I wish I had... I wanted to keep it in my bugout bag for emergencies only, so I carried water. Way too heavy... There was a pump on site, but the water tasted aweful (sulfur), even though I used it to make tea.

I might try this: http://www.amazon.com/Vestergaard-Frandsen-LifeStraw-Personal-Water-Filter/dp/B006QF3TW4/ref=wl_it_dp_o_pC_nS_nC?ie=UTF8&colid=1CAFHH32NJC08&coliid=I1OV6JWO75Y2Z9.

Gil.

I would suggest anyone to wait until a few of those are actually being delivered before ordering...

Gil.

QuoteI had a good, solid contact with Chris today at noon Eastern.

Unfortunately I never heard a peep. I suspect that had I been away from town and electrical noise, I would have heard him fine, as he reportedly heard me 229. We once had a faint contact on 40m before his trip, but I suspect he is just on the edge of my skip zone. That said, I could barely hear Ray, and he usually comes in strong here, even QRP. The band just wasn't cooperating.

An annual radiopreppers camping meetup would be great indeed, even if some would only be on the air. I see how hard it is to get three people on the air together at any scheduled time though, so organizing something like that may prove difficult. Suggestions are welcome. Maybe we need a new thread on this, not to steal this one...

Ya'll have a great day  :)

Gil.

Hello Joe,

I use 25' of coax (RG-174) with mine, no problem. My wire is 26AWG from http://thewireman.com/antennap.html #534. You don't need something as thick as 18AWG. That wire is thin but being copper-clad steel has a break strength of 25Lbs. Good thing is, it is hard to see... I used to buy the 18AWG (#532) but decided it was too thick.

Gil.