Comms: Need to Know what you Know

[rbeau30]

mylar works as a faraday cage??

The ESD bags you get with electronic components? Those are Mylar. If you think about it... Mylar is metallized plastic bags. That is why they are air tight, because just plastic alone is not. In theory, any electro-static discharge would travel along the bag protecting any electronics inside if sealed properly.

I was planning on putting them in sealed mylar ESD bags with a layer of foam protecting them from touching the inside of something like an ammo can that has been properly sealed (metal tape and grounded. Should be sufficient to protect them from any solar produced EMP. EMP in Denver area means I am already dead as I am sure most of the first-strike targets are all within 100 miles of here.

[streetglideok]

The ESD bags you get with electronic components? Those are Mylar. If you think about it... Mylar is metallized plastic bags. That is why they are air tight, because just plastic alone is not. In theory, any electro-static discharge would travel along the bag protecting any electronics inside if sealed properly.

I was planning on putting them in sealed mylar ESD bags with a layer of foam protecting them from touching the inside of something like an ammo can that has been properly sealed (metal tape and grounded. Should be sufficient to protect them from any solar produced EMP. EMP in Denver area means I am already dead as I am sure most of the first-strike targets are all within 100 miles of here.

Not necessarily. EMP devices can be detonated, and have the effect of the emp of a nuke. They can be made with crude materials as well, something terrorists could make. We are also vulnerable from the sun. In fact we just missed a major EME that crossed our orbit that was comparable to the Carrington event. Look that up if you are unfamiliar with the Carrington event, and keep that in mind.

[SuperiorDG]

So I got my Baofeng UV-5R now only if I can figure out how to work it.

[rbeau30]

So I got my Baofeng UV-5R now only if I can figure out how to work it.

LOTS of you tube vids on how to program a repeater and various operations of it. That is how I learned, I got into the hobby without knowing any licensed folks.

There are several of us on the boards who have em. Any Questions? post em... Perhaps a BaoFeng Thread is in order?

[tactical_2012]

Just picked up a a pair of Realistic HTX-202 hand helds at a garage sale for $3 for the pair that still work. Do I need a HAM license to use these?

[asmo]

So I have had a Wouxun 6D and I picked up a Baofeng 5R the other night. After playing with it I have come to one easy conclusion: Wouxun > Baofeng.

The 5R works, but its all the little things that make the Wouxun better. One simple one - I want a damn knob to change/roll-through the programmed channels. Doesn't exist on the Baofeng (or I cant find it), on the Wouxun there is a knob and a little asian voice tells me what channel I am on when I change it. I do not want to have to look at the face of my radio to dick with things. Not saying the Wouxun is a great radio - they both pale in comparison to a nice Motorola or Yaesu - but if your looking at cheap HTs for 2m go with the Wouxun.

[Singlestack]

I have two, and I want more to keep ready to go in some mylar for emp. It is also how I decided to get my HAM License. These little handhelds are awesome. The FIRST upgrade I would suggest is a 14" antenna for <10 bucks.

Then larger battery
Then battery case that you can put AA's in.
Then external mic.

I agree with this. Given a little bit if study time and passing the technician ham exam for $15, this is the way to go for "cheap and effective" comms that are a step up from FRS/GMRS/MURS. The big advantage is really all of the repeaters that enable comms over a much broader area - especially near the population centers. Also, if you choose to go with a UV-5R variant, there is a very helpful Yahoo group specifically for the UV-5R. This is especially helpful for new users and can help get you going in no time. I have the basic UV-5R, which works with all of the accessories. Some of the variants, for example, won't work with the AA/AAA battery cases that are available - since the main difference between models is the case size and arrangement.

[hatidua]

Well, I broke down and bought the study flashcards for the technicians test along with a Yaesu ft-60R. This should prove interesting....I've not studied for a test since college and that was a LONG time ago!

[streetglideok]

The ft60 is a good handheld, though I suggest a longer antenna to go with it too. The AA battery conversion is also a good investment. Singlestack, have you looked into aprs, or have I bugged you about that already? I'm lacking the gps but still can send and receive messages with it.

[rbeau30]

Just picked up a a pair of Realistic HTX-202 hand helds at a garage sale for $3 for the pair that still work. Do I need a HAM license to use these?

Those operate 2M if I am not mistaken so yeah.

Well, I broke down and bought the study flashcards for the technicians test along with a Yaesu ft-60R. This should prove interesting....I've not studied for a test since college and that was a LONG time ago!

Good Luck! Once you get one question down pat, set that flashcard aside and keep going through the ones you don't remember. Remember! The questions don't change, so focus on the right answer, it may not be a or b or c or d, but the wording is exact.