Quote from: cockpitbob on October 16, 2014, 11:20:27 AM

Quote from: Joe on October 16, 2014, 09:29:50 AMSo things I have focused on are... things to do to help eliminate cabin fever that don't require electricity.

Anyone know the shelf life of box wine?

I have never seen one last beyond a week!!  ;D

The fear of Ebola has not sent me on a spending spree to up the preps, but what could happen because of Ebola has me evaluating where I am at with preps.

I have played out scenarios, If people quite going out and spending money at the movies, malls, stores, sporting events, etc. there is no money going into the system. People are in quarantine then nobody is doing there job, be it restock store shelves, fill prescriptions, repairing utilities, or pushing the button on the computer to pay everyone. I also went a step further with recent events and being a firefighter as long as I have it wouldn't take long to have half the fire department, police department, and ambulance service to be under quarantine and the equipment they use.

Our economy as we know it will grind to a halt and cause a crash. The criminals will also take advantage of this scenario with limited law enforcement out, forcing you and your neighbors to fend for your selves. No medical services because the hospitals will be hot zones means minor issues you will have to take care of yourself.

So things I have focused on are food, water, security, medical supplies, shelter, barter items, communications, mental health items such as games, puzzle books, decks of cards, etc., things to do to help eliminate cabin fever that don't require electricity. For me these are my main prep items as it is. So I have just gone through everything looking for weak spots and prioritizing a list of things to buy.

73
Joe

I'm working on a similar set up, the system will live in the truck but if need be I will be able to take it out. I am going to run it as a 12 volt system.

Batteries: I'm going with a group 31 AGM, the group 31 is a common battery size around here. I plan on purchasing 2 Energizer AGM Commercial Batteries and mount them in the tool box.

Charge Controller: I purchased a Sunforce 30 AMP controller that I will run between the truck battery and the bank. To keep the bank maintained and charge bank when needed.

Inverters: I purchased a Cobra 1500 WATT, 800 WATT, and a 150 WATT. The 1500 and 800 will be wired to bank, the 150 has the cigarette lighter adapter I will keep that one separate to use inside truck or can plug into bank via 12V outlets. I also have a 4way cigarette lighter bank I will hard wire to bank to charge and run electronics.

Keeping the bank charged I can use the trucks charging system, or I can run a charger off my little 2 stroke generator. I have a Schumacher digital charger/maintainer.

Solar charging: I will use a Sunforce 10AMP charge controller between the bank and panel. And a Grape Solar 100 watt panel.

When putting this system together I first thought of what I needed to power. With this system I can recharge the HT's, cell phones, tablets, and flash lights. I can run small fans for summer time cooling, and electric blanket for warmth (the new kind, not the power hungry older types). I can run some LED lighting in the house. I can maintain the deep freezer until all meat is cured or used up. The list goes on.

So far this year planted and harvested corn, canned most of it, stuck some ears in the freezer for corn on the cob this winter. Wasn't the best harvest of corn this year but considering the drought can't complain.

Plums harvested and canned into jelly and jam.

Peaches harvested and canned into jelly and slices.

Tomatoes, still going I probable have 100 green tennis ball sized on the vine. I have canned 3 cases of sauce, 2 cases of juice, 1 case of stewed so far.

Walnuts will be ready in 2-3 weeks, I usually roast they can some ( canning jar with O2 absorber) and stick some in the freezer.

73
Joe

Imagine the repeater system you could set up.  ;)

I thought worrying about letting the magic smoke out was bad enough. Now I also have to worry about letting the magic kaka out to!!  :o

It came out great Richard !!!! Nice clean build.

Hello Gene, Welcome to the forum.

Congrats !!!!  :)

Good looking set up, looking forward to seeing it finished.

Good job KBM, keep it up !!! You will have no problems passing.

Welcome aboard RockHillWill !!!

CB basic set up Radio, SWR meter, Antenna, and Coax Cable to run from antenna to radio, you will need a small 1-2' piece of cable to run from radio to SWR meter. I would get a radio with SSB (single side band) this will open up more channels for you.

Power supply mobile radio's are a 12 volt DC, Base station's will usually have 12 volt DC or 110 volt AC some will have both.

Antenna, this is one area you don't want to go cheap on. Think of it like putting a scope on a rifle, if you put a low power scope on a high power rifle. Your rifle with out shoot the scope and you will be limiting your ability because of the scope.

Base Station setup: I am a fan of Galaxy CB radios, But Cobra, Uniden, Ranger are all good radios

Radio:Galaxy DX 2547 Base station, AM and SSB, AC and DC power supply.
http://www.claysradioshop.com/galaxy_2547.htm

Antenna: Firestik, Imax, Antron are all good base station antenna, you will need a antenna, ground plane kit, and coax cable to reach from antenna to radio. Mount antenna as high as possible, and away from power lines and trees.
http://www.claysradioshop.com/citizensband_solarcon-antennas.htm

SWR Meter: http://www.claysradioshop.com/meter-SWR-Watt.htm

Mobile Radio:
Galaxy DX 959
http://www.claysradioshop.com/galaxy_959ssb.htm

Mobile Antenna: I am running a K40 on my truck now, I have used Firestik and Wilson with great results. First thing is figure out where you want to mount the antenna on vehicle, and if you want to drill a hole in you vehicle. Good places to mount are the roof, trunk, and back sides of vehicle. Magnet mounts are a option also.
http://www.claysradioshop.com/antennas-roof_top.html
http://www.claysradioshop.com/antennas-magnetmount.htm

You can use the same SWR meter for Mobile and Base station.

You will also need wire and connectors to run power to your radio, the radios will come with a short pigtail harness. Make sure all connections are good, and the most important is to make sure you have a good ground.

I used Clays radio supply to give you links to the items, I have not ordered from them. You could do a search for your area and find a store to go to and see the items in person.

73
Joe

Happy Independence Day everyone!!!

Take time today and think about what you have and remember those who have paid the ultimate sacrifice to maintain what you have. Remember we have many VETS' that have returned home with PTSD and other health issues, keep this in mind during your celebration.

4th of July safety, keep a bucket of water nearby with a garden hose that is turned on if setting off fireworks, fire danger is extremely high this year in California. Our First Responders will be busy tonight taking care of all the stupid people, don't be one of them. ;)

For all of you that are dealing with Arthur on the east coast, take care and stay safe.

Hope everyone enjoys there time with family and friends Have a Happy and safe 4th. 8)

73
Joe

Stay safe Ray, glad your getting ahead of the storm.
Don't forget refills for any prescriptions you may have.

73
Joe



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Thanks Luigi I will take you up on that.


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