Very timely and interesting topic - I think this is the way I wish to go - question: I agree that we either need to build-up our WLK2 networks, or we need to find ways to maintain communication without relying on others - if we were to look at something like RMS Express or the other - what additional equipment would be needed?

This is a very interesting topic - my interest immediately turns to other digital modes in the field?

If I wanted to have a robust prepp network - say one radio set-up for emergency digital communication, in 3 houses, spread out across 10 miles - utilizing CW readers in two houses that have never had Morse training (and don't intend to)...could we still operate that system on minuscule amounts of power?

I'll hang up and listen....

The Walkers - read a couple of books about them - they gave so much away, for so little.

Quote from: KC9TNH on June 17, 2013, 12:46:24 PM
For when the tsms have made you unplug, or if you're non-CW and the band is in the toilet...
Pretty interesting read for history buffs.  (I like one of the author's amateur calls:  W3DF.)

Link here:

http://users.isp.com/danflan/sterling/ridhist.pdf

Quote from: KC9TNH on June 17, 2013, 12:46:24 PM
Also, I found a pic of RadioRay as a young prodigy taking his pre-Army aptitude test.

If that's Ray taking his pre-Army aptitude test...then WA4STO must be the one administering said test...

Quote from: WA4STO on June 16, 2013, 12:55:29 PMThen again, I didn't need a magnifying glass to see my callsign THREE times on P. 103.  Imagine that.

73

Luck, WA4STO

Lookee there - our friend Luck, WA4STO made the Public Service Honor Roll, and Brass Pounders League!

Congratulations you 'ol fox!

They're capturing it anyway...might as well invite them...

...besides, how could evil be wrapped in such furry fun...

Long ago - Luck, WA4STO hooked me with an idea of setting up a low power, off-grid, HF security monitoring system utilizing a camera and a radio for a means of maintaining OPSEC at the BOL when you are away (and vice-versa)...but it was one of many very investing topics that Luck is well versed in...and my ADD kicked in and we moved on to another more pressing target (Luck's pretty good at sorting through the noise of conversations to find out what you really need to prioritize first)...and although it's been niggling at the back of my brain - I figured it was waaayy past my skill level...

...until yesterday, when I pulled my latest QST magazine from the 'ol mailbox and low-and-behold, there is an article entitled: Using a PIC to Control a Miniature Slow Scan TV Camera..." ...pictures of the board, the components, electrical diagram, etc.,!

You know, this may just be the first radio thing I build...

Luck, great topic - does the chemical "shake-up" of the crystals that form on the cells - help to get deeper charge?

Also - do you know the size of your future solar set-up and the cost?

Sorry, I left that out - they are both 6v - would wire them in series to get the benefit of the 12v, deep cycle, 232ah.

Quote from: Frosty on June 15, 2013, 07:22:22 AMThe Optima's get great reviews, just don't expect to get more than a couple phaser shots before recharging.

I hear you - it's the most Ah for the money I had at the time - this is what is on my long range scanners:

Both are 232ah rated - but by the time I'm ready to get those...it will be time to either get serious about upgrading my solar panel system - or buy a NG generator...

Given the behavior they know has worked to this point - creating a panic that forces natural market effects to achieve the same ends as legislation - I am wondering if they aren't trying to also drive up the cost of equipment (similar to the way they have managed to make food, guns & ammo hard to get and expensive when you can get them...)?

They have stocked various COG (Continuity of Government) locations within the US with long-term storage food - and due to a massive buy that both initially denied - The largest producer of freeze dried & dehydrated food; Oregon Freeze Dry, Inc. owners of Mountain House - was given such a large government contract that Mountain House put buyers on a 2 year waiting list...creating even more panicked buying from folks when they eventually could buy - from Mountain House and elsewhere...

Like the way the many departments of government have been buying billions of rounds of 9mm, .40 and .45 cal - then when congress demands to know what they plan to do with all of this - they decide to "give" much of this to various African militaries...

These are the same folks that sought to get into the gun-running business with Mexican Drug gangs - basically giving one gang some exclusive territory in the US to sell drugs unmolested in several US cities - we know it as fast & furious - the plan was to secretly smuggle the guns in, then allege that US Gun Shops were to blame...when that failed they seized opportunities presented them by mass shootings in gun restricted areas - to attempt a legislative confiscation/restriction - failing that - they simply caused panic buying of all "assault" style weapons...

It's no big stretch to see that they have followed the same path many of us have followed - lock-up food & security - but for different reasons...

Quote from: RadioRay on June 13, 2013, 01:01:09 PM
"...snorkel..."

Somehow I picture Geek in the Suburban with snorkel kit while driving in his own personal diving gear and snorkel . . .   nyuk nyuk, nyuk !

It beats the OTHER guy who forgot to read the !!! CAUTION !!!part of the manual, after buying it used from Ted Kennedy's car . . .




de RadioRay ..._ ._

Ray...you really need to warn us before you post pictures like this - I just blew a mouthful of eggs all over the kitchen counter....

Quote from: Geek on June 13, 2013, 12:41:03 PM
Speaking of snorkels, I was browsing around regarding Suburbans and found a guy trying to turn a Suburban into a replica of the one used in the movie Dante's Peak.  It had a snorkel and multiple antennas for radios.  I doubt I will bother with the snorkel.  :-)

...yeah...but maybe the snorkel assisted in driving though LAVA!!

Just bought this Optima Yellow Top:

Microwave frequency interrupters...?