I've just been working VHF / UHF and am getting a little tired of those two bands, so it's time to go to HF.
I'm not one of the hard core preppers you see on TV, just someone who is more ready to take care of my family than most.
I have been wanting to get on the HF bands, just bought a used Yaesu 10 watt, 6meter because I like the challange of the band as well as QRP.
I also have a good mountain for "Mountaintopping" Should be fun for contacts.
My question is this. If all goes south, what band is going to give me the best chance of making the most contacts throughout the USA. I will be getting a MFJ QRP radio, it only uses 3 amps on transmit. Power conservation would be very important if the grid went down. Antennas will be quick up and down, no towers.
At this time I'm leaning towards 20 meters and a variety of homemade antennas as well as a commercial or two.
What does the group think would be the best band for what I'm looking to do. Night might be a good time as an antenna can be put up easier without being seen, so maybe 40 meters.
I will be only buying one more QRP at this time then will be looking for a 6 Meter to 160 Meter, but power conservation and maxium number of contacts is what I would be after for my "Prepper Radio", Fast up and down of antenna, quick contacts in different parts of the country is what I'm after.
I also like the idea of a lower power signal, might be a little harder to track down, most transmitting will not be done from my home anyway, no sense in making yourself a target, transmit and run.
I just pray all holds togather and I can use all my radios and antennas and just enjoy the hobby with my family safe. Hope for the best, prepare for the worst. I think we will be fine, but if not, my family and myself might just have a chance. Living fairly rural can be a good thing.
Thanks to all, John
I'm not one of the hard core preppers you see on TV, just someone who is more ready to take care of my family than most.
I have been wanting to get on the HF bands, just bought a used Yaesu 10 watt, 6meter because I like the challange of the band as well as QRP.
I also have a good mountain for "Mountaintopping" Should be fun for contacts.
My question is this. If all goes south, what band is going to give me the best chance of making the most contacts throughout the USA. I will be getting a MFJ QRP radio, it only uses 3 amps on transmit. Power conservation would be very important if the grid went down. Antennas will be quick up and down, no towers.
At this time I'm leaning towards 20 meters and a variety of homemade antennas as well as a commercial or two.
What does the group think would be the best band for what I'm looking to do. Night might be a good time as an antenna can be put up easier without being seen, so maybe 40 meters.
I will be only buying one more QRP at this time then will be looking for a 6 Meter to 160 Meter, but power conservation and maxium number of contacts is what I would be after for my "Prepper Radio", Fast up and down of antenna, quick contacts in different parts of the country is what I'm after.
I also like the idea of a lower power signal, might be a little harder to track down, most transmitting will not be done from my home anyway, no sense in making yourself a target, transmit and run.
I just pray all holds togather and I can use all my radios and antennas and just enjoy the hobby with my family safe. Hope for the best, prepare for the worst. I think we will be fine, but if not, my family and myself might just have a chance. Living fairly rural can be a good thing.
Thanks to all, John
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