this post was submitted on 14 Sep 2024
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In case phones are down and stuff during a disaster, what would be the best way to communicate? Ham radio? Satellite phone? I need options guys.

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[–] [email protected] 6 points 1 month ago* (last edited 1 month ago) (2 children)

I have a few 2 way radios, ham radio, emergency satellite communicator for search and rescue.

Lots of people have been getting into such as the lilygo t-deck, I might get a few of them some day.

I also have a cell phone booster and a digital TV tuner, just in case.

[–] [email protected] 3 points 1 month ago (1 children)

Avoid the T-Echo model, at least currently. Lots of problems with recurring firmware corruption right now with that specific model.

[–] [email protected] 1 points 1 month ago

Good to know. I have been waiting for a more complete device to come out eventually. Figure I will wait a few years and see how these devices advance.

[–] [email protected] 2 points 1 month ago (2 children)

My main issue with 2 way and ham radio is they don't go that far. Say I'm like 50 miles away. A whole state away or something. What's the best form of emergency communication? Emergency satellite communicator I recall you have to pay some subscription fee right? Additionally, if phone lines are down, you can't expect the other person to receive that message on their phone.

[–] [email protected] 2 points 1 month ago

HAM can do 50 miles, under the right conditions.

GMRS can using repeaters or a repeater network (which is essentially what cell phones do).

[–] [email protected] 2 points 1 month ago* (last edited 1 month ago) (1 children)

The satellite one I have is a one time fee, you push a button then search and rescue come to your GPS coordinates. It’s mainly if I get stranded and it’s life and death situation.

Sadly now a days almost everything is internet based, and can be shut off remotely by governments or hackers. Wish there were more options for communication.

As for long distance, I think you would need an expensive ham radio and a huge antenna.

[–] [email protected] 1 points 1 month ago (1 children)

I thought it was a subscription. I think the garmin ones you need to pay a fee to be able to use. Which I find kinda dumb

[–] [email protected] 1 points 1 month ago* (last edited 1 month ago)

The garmin ones allow you to use a phone and send txt using the satellites and they have agents that help with things. That’s why they have a monthly fee. Mine only calls emergency rescue.