We use Nextel i355's on Direct Talk (off network mode). No contract is required and the phone doesn't have to be "activated". All you need is a SIM installed. Direct Talk uses 900Mhz frequency hopping spread spectrum and is digital (VSELP) so no scanners can pick them up. You can also do private call so no other users could possibly pick them up. I also keep a CB and FRS radios, shortwave receivers, and scanners.
Nextel Direct Talk (local, off network) provides about 1.5 - 5 miles of range depending on terrain. i355's can be had on EBAY for cheap. All you need is the phone, a good battery, a charger and a SIM card. Turn the phone on, open the menu and select Direct Talk mode. There are 10 channels and 15 codes per channel. You can also make private calls.
Not many people know about this means of private communication.
@shaved1nh, it is very easy. And, as I mention in a response to another commentor, you can use one in an emergency regardless of being licensed. So, I would suggest having one for use regardless of being licensed. As far as survival preparations go. Most people get one and listen for a while before getting license. Important thing would be knowing how to use it so one would be prepared. Hard to get practice making contacts on it without license. 73
Ham radio operators are not licensed by local clubs....ONLY by the FCC. Ham radio equipment is not that expensive, I just built an antenna for less then $5 and it works well.
I agree with Jerry, don't knock ham radio because it's the best method of communicating in the event of an emergency because typcially your local EOC will have a Ham Radio operator on staff.
Please do some research before talking about something.
Thanks for the feed back and I know it can be done on the cheap. I do agree that it may be the best method for communication after something happens. The point I was trying to make is that it would be a challenge for most to get into Ham radio without some background in it or help from others.
@GoingRogueSurvival You have to remember that they got rid of a morse code test for Hams now and the questions and answers are all published. You don't need to have a Masters degree in Electronics to become a Ham. I know an 11 year old that has taken the test as well as an 84 year old lady. Forget CB's because thats not going to help you unless the local PD has CB as well, which most don't have anymore.
If you don't have a background in radio communications don't try and teach others please . Sounds like your just reading info off the internet does this make you a radio expert NO.
And for survival HAM Radio would be your best method of communication . For i now this. i have a background in military communication and have a Amateur Radio License . Please Do your research next time.
Thanks for the feed back. I do think that it may be the best method for communication after something happens. The point I was trying to make is that it would be a challenge for most to get into Ham radio without some background in it or help from others. I am not trying to be an expert and don't have the back ground in Ham radio as you do. This is why I made the comment that I can't recommend them for use. Please note that the comments I made where only my opinion.
@Floridaprepper, most hams don't have such an attitude. Hams love to explain things and appreciate anyone that would do what GoingRogue is doing, just sharing info, to help. Although most people wouldn't care too much about the FCC laws if they were in the middle of an emergency, anyone can legally use a ham radio in an emergency, when life or property is endangered. One just can't get proficient at using it, likely, without being licensed and thus experienced.
@Floridaprepper i agree. i am a ham radio operator and most of them are snobby dicks. they have chased alot of good people away from the hobby here in colorado springs co.
What about a marine VHF radio?
GradyWhite2007 4 months ago
I love being a ham, but I don't like that alot of the older hams treat us younger hams like we know nothing...like we didn't study for the test...
jdailey19811 10 months ago
We use Nextel i355's on Direct Talk (off network mode). No contract is required and the phone doesn't have to be "activated". All you need is a SIM installed. Direct Talk uses 900Mhz frequency hopping spread spectrum and is digital (VSELP) so no scanners can pick them up. You can also do private call so no other users could possibly pick them up. I also keep a CB and FRS radios, shortwave receivers, and scanners.
RayAir1 1 year ago
@RayAir1
Nextel Direct Talk (local, off network) provides about 1.5 - 5 miles of range depending on terrain. i355's can be had on EBAY for cheap. All you need is the phone, a good battery, a charger and a SIM card. Turn the phone on, open the menu and select Direct Talk mode. There are 10 channels and 15 codes per channel. You can also make private calls.
Not many people know about this means of private communication.
RayAir1 1 year ago
Ham radio is easy to get into. the licensing is easy for the entry level 'Technician' license.
shaved1nh 1 year ago
@shaved1nh, it is very easy. And, as I mention in a response to another commentor, you can use one in an emergency regardless of being licensed. So, I would suggest having one for use regardless of being licensed. As far as survival preparations go. Most people get one and listen for a while before getting license. Important thing would be knowing how to use it so one would be prepared. Hard to get practice making contacts on it without license. 73
kd5gua 1 year ago
Ham radio operators are not licensed by local clubs....ONLY by the FCC. Ham radio equipment is not that expensive, I just built an antenna for less then $5 and it works well.
I agree with Jerry, don't knock ham radio because it's the best method of communicating in the event of an emergency because typcially your local EOC will have a Ham Radio operator on staff.
Please do some research before talking about something.
othrower74 2 years ago
Thanks for the feed back and I know it can be done on the cheap. I do agree that it may be the best method for communication after something happens. The point I was trying to make is that it would be a challenge for most to get into Ham radio without some background in it or help from others.
GoingRogueSurvival 2 years ago
@GoingRogueSurvival You have to remember that they got rid of a morse code test for Hams now and the questions and answers are all published. You don't need to have a Masters degree in Electronics to become a Ham. I know an 11 year old that has taken the test as well as an 84 year old lady. Forget CB's because thats not going to help you unless the local PD has CB as well, which most don't have anymore.
othrower74 2 years ago
If you don't have a background in radio communications don't try and teach others please . Sounds like your just reading info off the internet does this make you a radio expert NO.
And for survival HAM Radio would be your best method of communication . For i now this. i have a background in military communication and have a Amateur Radio License . Please Do your research next time.
jerrywrules 2 years ago
Thanks for the feed back. I do think that it may be the best method for communication after something happens. The point I was trying to make is that it would be a challenge for most to get into Ham radio without some background in it or help from others. I am not trying to be an expert and don't have the back ground in Ham radio as you do. This is why I made the comment that I can't recommend them for use. Please note that the comments I made where only my opinion.
GoingRogueSurvival 2 years ago
@jerrywrules This is exactly the snarky attitude that so many, and I, absolutely hate about HAM operators.
Floridaprepper 1 year ago
@Floridaprepper, most hams don't have such an attitude. Hams love to explain things and appreciate anyone that would do what GoingRogue is doing, just sharing info, to help. Although most people wouldn't care too much about the FCC laws if they were in the middle of an emergency, anyone can legally use a ham radio in an emergency, when life or property is endangered. One just can't get proficient at using it, likely, without being licensed and thus experienced.
kd5gua 1 year ago
@Floridaprepper i agree. i am a ham radio operator and most of them are snobby dicks. they have chased alot of good people away from the hobby here in colorado springs co.
tonytonytee 1 year ago