It’s safe to say if you’re reading this you already know it’s good to be prepared. Here’s some things you should carry in your kit to make your field expedient operations easier. These items are small, cheap and off the shelf. Continue reading
Field operations are not always sexy but……
You use what’s available. Sometimes, practical beats tactical…..
As the above shows, sometimes you needs to get it going fast. Long wire/end fed antennas can make it happen! With this set up I was able to make a few contacts on 40 meters. It’s nice when things work, but even when they don’t you should be learning something every time you go out. Maybe you forgot something or need to re-think how you set things up. What ever it is, learn every time. Sometimes you feel like you have to plan a big outing to operate, that’s not ture. Just remember, 30 minutes playing radio is better then no minutes playing radio!
Have you done a band search latey? When was the last time you surveyed your local RF spectrum…..better get to it! Don’t forget to take notes!
Field Day 2016: Hopefully you where able to get out and operate. This exercise was a great chance to test your kit. With that being said, don’t think you need a contest to get in the field! Practice as much as you can, even if it is just listening. For those of you with no HF privileges, or if you can’t get a HF transmitting antenna up, just listen and log what you hear. You need to understand, listening and understanding is so much more important then transmitting.
If you set up your HF radio and tune around, log the stations you hear. This will help you develop your “ear”. The average person can not understand SSB transmissions, you need to be able to pull out weak signals. Some day we may all be weak signals. ……. Don’t wait til its to late to develop your listening skills. And remember, if you don’t have a fancy HF rig then use you modest AM broadcast receiver. There are plenty of signals on the AM band at night just waiting to be intercepted. Run night ops from your bed side, just do it.
My favorite night ops bed side radio. AM broadcast…..night time is the right time. ……
DIALTONE OUT
FREDERICK MARYLAND GRID DOWN COMMUNICATIONS COURSE
You need these skills. You have all your other skills squared away, don’t forget comms, intelligence wins the war! This course will fast track you to getting the most out of your gear and sharpening your skills. Day one is a comprehensive class room session covering all things you read about here (and much more). Day two is a hands on field training exercise where the student will learn and practice field expedient skills. Come join us and get your comms up!
This course will cover communication techniques in a grid down scenario.
DATE: AUGUST 20TH AND 21ST 2016 TWO DAY COURSE
LOCATION: FREDERICK COUNTY MARYLAND
CONTACT: dialtoneblog@gmail.com
This course is designed for individuals with a novice to intermediate level of commo experience, who might have a Technician or General Class Amateur Radio License. Personal equipment is required for those who would like to participate in the field training exercise (bring your own commo gear). Individuals without an amateur radio license can practice operation on license-free communications bands or engage in communications monitoring activities.
The class revolves around the following topics:
Considerations for Survivalist/3% and prepper communications.
Communications gear and test equipment.
Basic communications monitoring focused for 3% VHF/UHF COMINT. (how to get the most out of your scanner radio)
Services available for use – advantages and disadvantages of each. (HAM, CB, FRS, MURS, etc…)
Field expedient techniques.
The class consists of a one-day classroom instruction period and a one-day field training exercise (FTX). The FTX is held rain or shine. Dress and prepare yourself appropriately.
Registration cost for this course is $200. Course fees are non refundable. If I cancel, the class you will receive a full refund. If you can not make it, someone else can come in your place. Hotel, travel, and meal arrangements/expenses are the responsibility of the course attendee. Preferred payment method is a USPS Money Order. You can also pay using Paypal. Contact me via email for payment address (dialtoneblog@gmail.com) and Paypal information. Please include in the email what method you want to use. Pre-registration and prepayment are required.
CONTACT: dialtoneblog@gmail.com
COMING SOON: GRID DOWN COMMUNICATIONS CLASS
WHERE: FREDERICK MARYLAND
WHEN: AUGUST 20TH AND 21ST
COST: $200
MORE INFO TO FOLLOW. IF YOU HAVE QUESTIONS BEFORE I POST, EMAIL ME HERE :
Dialtone OUT
