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About eHam.net
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eHam.net Survey
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Survey Question
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Because of the recent hurricane disasters, are you thinking about or have you started, upgrades to your equipment and capabilities for use
in an emergency?
Posted: Sep 28, 2005
(1571 votes, 48 comments)
by VK5LA
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Survey Results
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Yes.
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35% (548)
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No.
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19% (304)
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Already well equipped...
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37% (585)
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Just starting to get stuff together...
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6% (92)
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No capability yet....
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3% (42)
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Survey Comments
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Wake Up Call
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We have had three Hurricane Eyewalls pass over our QTH in 15 months. It really makes you sit up and take notice and re-arrange your radio priorities, especially during the 120MPH sustained winds along with days/weeks with no power.
I have purchased a generator and erected a hurricane proof (if there is such a thing) antenna. NOW, I'm ready for the next one!!!!
Posted by
W3WW
on November 29, 2005
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Wake Up Call
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We have had three Hurricane Eyewalls pass over our QTH in 15 months. It really makes you sit up and take notice and re-arrange your radio priorities, especially during the 120MPH sustained winds along with days/weeks with no power.
I have purchased a generator and erected a hurricane proof (if there is such a thing) antenna. NOW, I'm ready for the next one!!!!
Posted by
W3WW
on November 29, 2005
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dehydrated water?
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I hope you got a good deal on your 3000 gallons of dehydrated water :-)
Just unscrew the cap of the (empty) container and add water, shake (optional), and you have a bottle of water.
I'm sure it was a type, I just couldn't resist :-)
Posted by
KE3HO
on November 3, 2005
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EM-COMM
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I lived 5 miles away from the Pentagon on Sept 11th.Noone went outside because everyone was glued to the TV!!!!! The point I learned is, if your family is not safe, and you are not home, you are not safe either. Did you stock up on food and water for at least 3 days???
Remember, we live in "Terror" here every day
in DC area(ie:DHS) so we hear stuff here most of the country doesn't. Poor Florida and Miss. and NYC. The reason I say that is Florida, Miss,
and other parts of the south are destroyed by the hurricanes, and NYC is terrorised with Terror alerts every once in a while, which disrupt life there.
I agree with the notion that esp. in the country, one must be armed, but here in the city, if someone comes at you from road rage, just point a "replica" in their direction, and I guarantee you they will retreat. The only problem I see is the other party getting a digital camera and getting your tag #.
What can we really do is "Protect Ourselves"
from the crush of humanity, if we have to evacuate, plan alternate routes away from our fellow man.It is getting scary out there-mass insanity is the norm...
Be aware-don't be scared...
73,
Bob, KG4RRN
Posted by
KG4RRN
on October 27, 2005
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I'm ready
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I got gear and antennas to cover from 160M to 70cm, both mobile and fixed. We have food, provision and best of all, I got 3000 gallons of pure distilled dehydrated water.
This stuff is really great. Comes in small aluminum MRE style pouchs and all you have to do is tear off the corner, pour in water to re-hydrate, shake it up and enjoy a fresh cool drink.
Gene KI6LO
Posted by
KI6LO
on October 27, 2005
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government
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WB4QNG,
saying whut?
sorry om; but i believe, you need to slacking up on the sauce. >;)
Posted by
AG4HY
on October 27, 2005
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Prepared
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I have always been prepared since the 1989 earthquake in Northern Ca. I'm new to this site and am enjoying the spirited comments. Glad to see the passion for the Second Amendment. It's an important one and helps to guarantee the others.
Posted by
KE6KSK
on October 23, 2005
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Any Time, Any Place
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From Colonial times on up our legal notices would say, "We the people of the state of (name of state), by the Grace of God free and independent, do hereby ....." Well, in ham radio as in everything else we do, we should try to stay that way. So, as I see it, being able to get on the air any time, any place is just a natural part of being a ham. It does not have to be fancy. Simple will do it. This is what I do.
Posted by
AI2IA
on October 23, 2005
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government
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I do not have any emegency equipment. Nor do I feel the need for it. I do not have any plans for any emergency and do not see the need for any of it. My government will take care of me. I do not believe the news reports. I believe the people they interviewed were paid actors and the pictures were computers images. The same with crime. There is no crime the news media makes most of it up. The government takes care of its people.
Terry
WB4QNG
Posted by
WB4QNG
on October 23, 2005
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coolness
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I have 2 meters + HF, two spare antennas, genset with premade cable and plugs ready-to-go at the panel for the house. I test it regularly. I keep plenty of fresh water around, and stores of gasoline for the genset. Plus I have mobile and portable HF/2 meters for emergencies. And of course, I have my 30.06 with a mauser magazine, 9mm, 22, and 12ga., with plenty of ammo...In short, I'm ready for bear, and have been long before Katina...
Posted by
KT3K
on October 22, 2005
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small lot in city
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k7vo.
your concluding statement.....
watching the news out of louisana, i think you are right, "Especially" all these " bug- eyed, retarded, imbocelic, idiots, with badges, and the gustopo like, work by the nastional guard". How would you like a loaded AR-15 stuck in your face?by a bugeyed imboselic idiot, i just bet you would really appreciate it, and feel really good about your anti- gun crap.......
Posted by
AG4HY
on October 22, 2005
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Make guns legal
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.
Washington, DC, where no guns are allowed is the highest crime in the nation, these United States. In New Hampshire and Vermont where there is no gun control, there is the least number of crime in the nation.
Police don't protect anyone, they come to use after the crime is committed.
Yes, prepare ham radio for the worse.
.:
Posted by
W6TH
on October 21, 2005
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Emergency readiness
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Got a generator, batteries, lots of wire and antenna supports. No guns.
Posted by
GM0IIO
on October 21, 2005
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2 Cents
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K7VO
Nice sentiment....but if guns were illegal...only the criminals would have them and citizens would have no way to protect themselves. Any place where guns have been made illegal violent crime has gone way up. Cities that have laws allowing people to carry firearms have seen dramatic deceases in crime.
If I were a crook, I would go someplace where the chances of getting shot while I robbed, murdered or raped would be far less likely.
Best wishes!
Greg - AB7R
proud owner of a S/W 686 .357
Posted by
AB7R
on October 20, 2005
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Being prepared
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Having communications equipment in times of emegency is good, also, one MUST have weapons to protect themselves when the police cannot.
Realty check.............
Posted by
WB4DX
on October 18, 2005
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I live in a small lot in the middle of a large city...
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I live in a small lot in the middle of a large city and I am still well equipped. I have a vertical on the deck for HF/VHF/UHF (a Maldol HVU-8) that I can break down and pack into a bag in minutes. I have another HF vertical (Mini-Multi HT-3) that sits broken down in a 3' box. I can put it up in minutes as well. I also have horizontal omni loops up for 6m, 2m, 222, and 432 and a small 7 el. beam mounted horizontally for 222. All could be taken down and put back up very quickly. All of this on a tiny city lot. Why can't someone in a city work HF all they want? I don't get it.
I wish it were illegal to have guns here (and everywhere else).
73,
Caity
K7VO
Posted by
K7VO
on October 18, 2005
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VX-7800
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Sold it all for other non-radio toys.
Posted by
N8JUQ
on October 17, 2005
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Convincing my wife to get her ticket
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I am working to add the most important component to my station -- another operator!
I have a highly automated "contest" grade station that runs on a full UPS and a generator. I also have HF/VHF/UHF mobile.
However, I frequently travel by car for my business, and in a "communications" emergency I would not be able to contact my wife as she does not have her license and she doesn't know how to operate the equipment.
I am working to convince her that the effort to get her license would be worthwhile in case of an emergency.
I am making progress. Especially, given 9/11 (I provided backup communications on a firetruck in NY) and the recent hurricanes.
I think that getting my wife licensed and trained would be a great way to improve my emergency preparedness.
..Eugene..
Posted by
AE2F
on October 15, 2005
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Plenty
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Must be rough living in a city that doesn't allow you to own guns, HF radios (not even mobiles), or camping gear.
If I lived in a big city, I'd have a bugout bag built around a good heavy-duty rucksack that I could carry with the bare essentials for survival, and would figure out how many action-packers I could load in my vehicle and load them up as well with other stuff. If TSHTF, I would throw my stuff in the truck and haul taters; if I couldn't drive, I'd still have my rucksack. Either way, I wouldn't sit around wondering what's happening or who would take care of me next.
Posted by
AI4KK
on October 12, 2005
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Not much
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Not much you can do if you live in the city. Can't have funs, can't even have a woodstove or fireplace. Sure, you can have some food, some spare batteries, and an HT..but beyond that?
Posted by
N1YRK
on October 12, 2005
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Ready to go
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Most of my stuff at home is pretty straight up. I've been in the immediate aftermath of several major hurricanes including Charley, Ivan, and Katrina, so have a pretty good idea o what to expect. The heck with a 110V generator, just one more thing to break down. I have a 12V one built from a lawnmower engine and an alternator that can charge batteries much more efficiently than a car can, plus plenty of water and non-perishable food. Mainly working now on getting my jumpteam equipment upgraded since our next-to-last deployment was by helicopter into New Orleans (look up tulane hospital evacuation ham radio) and we had to do a major repack an hour or so before leaving (my gear was built around my vehicle like most folks); realized just how bulky a standard HF rig and deep-cycle battery is. Knowing what I know now about the tactical situation, I could have left the battery and gotten one from an abandoned vehicle on-site.
Working now on building a self-contained box for a VHF/UFH (saw a lot of cross-band repeating going on in MS so that folks weren't tied to their radios) and an ICOM IC-703 with a broadband amplifier (more versatile and easier to break down if I have to go pedestrian-portable on our SAR team) with room for antennas/cables, NiMH batteries and a small laptop w/ TNC. Would be totally self-contained and able to run on 12V or 110V (with 12V sockets for powering other 12V items), the idea being to be able to carry a complete station in the box and my camping gear on my back.
Posted by
AI4KK
on October 12, 2005
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What the heck?
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Stop it all ready. Amateur radio is first a service. You are given a GRANT from the good old USA. I got my ticket in 77, prior to moving to South Florida in 78. I have had a generator for 10 years, always have battery backup for my HF, and dipole in the attic. Time to get back to what we can and should do as Amateur Radio Operators and quit the bickering and finger pointing. I had over 100mph winds on top of my home last year during Frances and Jeanne. When everything (and I mean everything) was down, I got into
the SATERN NET with out any difficulty and the rest of my family knew we were all right.
Us Old guys help the new guys; and new guys
keep your ears open and mouths closed and maybe we can get some things done. tnx ex 73 de Bob K3YT (exWD8PLA)
Posted by
K3YT
on October 11, 2005
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Anti Americans
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WA7PKA
Why don't you just admit it, you are a LIBERAL. Your irrationality and spewing of baseless facts are a giveaway. You hate America as it's not your Socialist Utopia (and never will be). Amateur Radio and the rantings of the Irrational Left seem to be a perfect match
Posted by
BHARDIMON
on October 11, 2005
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BE PREPARED
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I agree with WB4TJH. The bottom line is for everyone to be prepared to take care of themselves. Since when was it the Federal governments "duty" to take care of all? I dont remember reading that part in the U.S. Constitution or the Bill of Rights.
Be like the Boy Scout. BE PREPARED.
Posted by
K9KJM
on October 10, 2005
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Don't waste your money!
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No need for any emergency communications equipment. According to our own eHam experts (NI0C, AE6IP and N0IU) we don’t provide emergency comms, we are only a hobby and nothing else. According to them we are dumb and an embarrassment and the worst thing we could do is try to assist in emergencies. They get all upset whenever there is a mention of a ham helping out in an emergency and cry about how they are just patting themselves on the back and they shouldn’t be there, this is only a hobby.
So, stop buying any equipment for emergency comms because “This is only a hobby.”
Posted by
OLDFART13
on October 10, 2005
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USA
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I wasn't going to comment on what i just read here, but you know it sounds like we have almost become what we are fighting over seas.
The most powerful weapon one has is the VOTE and I am sure that with all that has happened recently that I hope everyone goes and does the right thing.
It is unfortunate that our top dog had an agenda when he took office and now we have to pay the price, in lives, storm damage, lost jobs and a poor economy.
Yes, I am ready for what ever comes my way, but out here in the westcoast not much happens and that is why we feel a need to help those no matter how poor, what state of mind and so on these people are, they are still US Citizens. I bet if anyone became hungry enough, you would steal, beg and get below your status and live.
I am not a religious person if anything I am against it, but that doesn't mean I hate everyone as what I just read sounds, you may not be able to use your weapons, one would think family first then maybe guns, ammo, duct tape and so on.
Sorry for being long winded, but I as well have helped people who were in desire straights, dying, also been awarded for such concern, but property is only material it can be replaced, you can't.
Posted by
WA7PKA
on October 10, 2005
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On again.....off again.....
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It will be the same old cycle--something happens to galvanize the hams into getting the stuff they need for emergency ops, then the shock of the situation maybe happening where they are wears off, and the gear is broken up and used for other purposes.
It's happened before, is happening this time, and will happen in the future. It seems that only a few committed individuals have permanently dedicated equipment for emergency uses, most others are in the 'on again--off again' category.
Posted by
K1CJS
on October 10, 2005
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I have nothing. The federal Government, bleeding heart Lib's and the irrational Democrats will bail me out.
Posted by
BHARDIMON
on October 9, 2005
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What concerns me...
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I'm in the portable/emergency/low-power/Field Day/backpack/lunch bag/bug-out ham radio antenna and accessories biz. When I approach clubs, ARES-RACES groups and other amateur radio public service organizations on a promotional basis, I am amazed that most of these folks are totally unaware of how to set-up a ground zero communications station. It really isn't that hard or that costly. You don't need an old beat-up van, like K1MAN is trying to promote. Just some good, basic, low cost amateur gear that will get you up and running when your communications infrastructure fails. A suitcase with a Yaesu FT-840 and/or an Icom 718. Maybe a 2 meter mobile rig capable of running more than five watts. And how about adding a general coverage shortwave receiver and a little QRP CW transmitter, just for kicks. Add to that a small Honda generator, a few Sears Die-Hard marine batteries, a couple of gel cells, a solar charger or two, and a bunch o' portable antennae, and you're ready to roll!
I thought 911 would wake up some of these groups. Let's hope the one-two punch of Katrina and Rita rattles a few ARES/RACES groups, ham clubs and other public service organizations into emergency mode.
73, Bill - WA8MEA
HamRadioFun.com
Posted by
WA8MEA
on October 8, 2005
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What concerns me...
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I'm in the portable/emergency/low-power/Field Day/backpack/lunch bag/bug-out ham radio antenna and accessories biz. When I approach clubs, ARES-RACES groups and other amateur radio public service organizations on a promotional basis, I am amazed that most of these folks are totally unaware of how to set-up a ground zero communications station. It really isn't that hard or that costly. You don't need an old beat-up van, like K1MAN is trying to promote. Just some good, basic, low cost amateur gear that will get you up and running when your communications infrastructure fails. A suitcase with a Yaesu FT-840 and/or an Icom 718. Maybe a 2 meter mobile rig capable of running more than five watts. And how about adding a general coverage shortwave receiver and a little QRP CW transmitter, just for kicks. Add to that a small Honda generator, a few Sears Die-Hard marine batteries, a couple of gel cells, a solar charger or two, and a bunch o' portable antennae, and you're ready to roll!
I thought 911 would wake up some of these groups. Let's hope the one-two punch of Katrina and Rita rattles a few ARES/RACES groups, ham clubs and other public service organizations into emergency mode.
73, Bill - WA8MEA
HamRadioFun.com
Posted by
WA8MEA
on October 8, 2005
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kf4dss
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i live at franfort ky i,m try make contack on 2 meter side band all over the usa i have talk to about 40 state so for so gave me call darrell
Posted by
KE4MAE
on October 7, 2005
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Disaster accessories
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In view of the recent hurricane disaster on the Gulf coast, I added several new accessories to my emergency equipment. First one was a Tazer, followed by a nice .45 automatic with ample ammo, a surplus AK-47 now sits with emergency stuff. Still looking for a bit more fire power just in case the locals start looting and shooting at anything that moves !
Posted by
N9AVY
on October 5, 2005
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40M dipole,two 2M HT's, FT-847 rig, AR270 2m?70CM antenna, generator
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40M might be the only band that has both day and night propagation. The Yaesu FT-847 covers all bands HF-70CM. You will need 2M, forget the UHF stuff. The AR-270 is a small antenna that can take a punishment outside and work well inside. Place generator anywhere but north side of house. Have at least 40 gallons of gas for it. As for food rations/water, many churches have excellent suggestions. The best I have found is at LDS.ORG. We have three months worth to get through. Suggest MRE's at $80 a box for 12 meals. Expensive but better then flour. Leave amp in basement as you will kill fuel with it- The dipole will work wonders stateside. Don't sweat working DX-
Posted by
N0AH
on October 4, 2005
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Bring it on!!!!
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I wish I was so well prepared, but all that may not help if you're camped out on a primary target such as a military base..... one thing I considered when I bought on the south side of town.
Posted by
NN8Y
on October 4, 2005
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>>>what we really should have first is guaranteed by the Second Amendment? Or was that lost, too?<<<
Yeah, we are slowly but surely loosing our constitutional rights. You poor bastards in CA are getting it the worst.
Posted by
OLDFART13
on October 2, 2005
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on your own...
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I think the recent hurricanes just go to prove, that when the poop hits the fan, you are, in reality, ON YOUR OWN. I have taken steps to make sure my family is self contained with adequate food, water, batteries, mosquito netting, tarps, first aid supplies, firearms, ammunition, ect. I keep some big batteries fully charged and emergency HF wire antennas packed and ready for use. I have some low current draw HF and VHF/UHF equipment. Living in hurricane country in south Florida makes you realize what could happen. I don't want to leave my family's safety to others who may or may not come thru. I really belive in the old Boy Scout motto: "BE PREPARED".
Posted by
WB4TJH
on October 1, 2005
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on your own...
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I think the recent hurricanes just go to prove, that when the poop hits the fan, you are, in reality, ON YOUR OWN. I have taken steps to make sure my family is self contained with adequate food, water, batteries, mosquito netting, tarps, first aid supplies, firearms, ammunition, ect. I keep some big batteries fully charged and emergency HF wire antennas packed and ready for use. I have some low current draw HF and VHF/UHF equipment. Living in hurricane country in south Florida makes you realize what could happen. I don't want to leave my family's safety to others who may or may not come thru. I really belive in the old Boy Scout motto: "BE PREPARED".
Posted by
WB4TJH
on October 1, 2005
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...Bring it on!
I am well equipped to operate and survive for at least a good month under ANY and ALL adverse conditions you want to throw at me.
"A" generator? Ha! ...Yeah right! Very funny. What happens when that motor siezes up or when you run out of fuel? Yeah, thought so...
Let's try the idea of several sources of alternative energy sources at my disposal at any given time. Backups for backups if you will. I have Wind Power, Solar Power, Hybrid Dual Fuel Equipment, Inverters, A large bank of Marine Batteries always charged and ready. Everything is completely portable and can be moved to an alternate location and be setup anywhere at any given time.
"Powering" my equipment is the very least of my worries when all hell hits the fan.
In addition to this I have several boxes of MRE's in storage, (quite tasty actually) a 30 day stored water supply, a 30 day stored fuel supply, US ARMY grade mil spec portable sheltering, inflatable raft and backup raft, several alternative heat sources, several unlimited alternative sources of lighting equipment, a real first aid kit (A.K.A portable hospital in a box) complete with suture kit, portable airway management equipment, cardiac medications, and many other common emergency response related items etc, etc.
This does not include other usual equipment such as 200 gpm capacity trash pumps for fire fighting operations or flood pumping operations, chains, winches, or spare flashlight batteries.
So basically I am my own FEMA when it all hits the fan. When can we get started?
Posted by
KC8VWM
on October 1, 2005
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Priorities
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Kind of makes you wonder where all the money went with Home Land Security and FEMA these past years since 911. Certainly doesn’t appear that this nation is any more safe or secure. So why are we spending money on generators and emergency supplies when what we really should have first is guaranteed by the Second Amendment? Or was that lost, too?
Posted by
N9ESH
on September 30, 2005
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Priorities
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Kind of makes you wonder where all the money went with Home Land Security and FEMA these past years since 911. Certainly doesn’t appear that this nation is any more safe or secure. So why are we spending money on generators and emergency supplies when what we really should have first is guaranteed by the Second Amendment? Or was that lost, too?
Posted by
N9ESH
on September 30, 2005
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Supplies
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Remember...homeland security starts at home. Keep those non-electronic emergency supplies ready, including the duct tape - and in the event you don't have anything positive to say about emergency preparedness, the duct tape should be used to cover the mouth.
Posted by
N3EG
on September 30, 2005
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I'm Ready!!!!!!!
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Got the most important thing after watching our fine Police and Citizen's in New Orleans... Plenty of Fire Power and not all in the Antenna....
Posted by
K0PD
on September 30, 2005
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Public Service
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36 years of hamming and I've done MARS patches, tornado recovery comms, Skywarn, and done dx-peditions. How often received a "thanx" - - maybe twice (about as often as cops give a guy a break in a lifetime).
Why should I use my stuff, my resources, and my time to help folks that a week before virtually run ya down? I'm taking the risk yet it's my stuff that gets stolen never to be recovered. Even a Christian is to use discernment and wisdom in the real world.
Posted by
T32AI
on September 30, 2005
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Yes, getting ready.
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My radio equipment and emergency stores are ready. I did refill the Coleman lantern with fuel. The boat is ready and is big enough for the dog. I would like a M1 though!
Posted by
KB9CRY
on September 30, 2005
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Prepared?????
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Generator, and plenty of .223and .45 caliber ammo
..seems our government can be a little tardy to get things under control.
JohnB
KB3LXY
Posted by
WA3IRJ
on September 29, 2005
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added to station
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My first gun!
Posted by
KB4BJM
on September 29, 2005
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Always improving
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Well, we are pretty well equipped here if something happened. We have porable antennas and and generator to run our radio. Last wednesday we filled up our fuel cans, preparing for the worst. Lucky for us in our area there was no damage. Though we proved during field day that we could set uf an HF/VHF station here very quickly, they could run for hours (12 hours on each 5 gallons for fuel.. we keep about 20 gallons of fuel on hand).
Sure, there are improvments to me made. I would like to have a more compact HF set-up, and I would also like to have battery power so that when the generator fails (by lack of gas or if it is being used to power other things, then we will still have radio communication. We are the only in our general area here to be on the air. When I say general area, I mean in my part of the town. There are other hams, but kind of spread out. In a major emergency, we would be the ones getting traffic out for this area.
Another thing we are working on is a better mobile set-up in my dad's truck. Adding HF would be a good improvment.
So working on better mobile/portable solutions. Ham radio is a lot of fun, and we can invest thousands in big m/m contest stations, but I think it is always important to keep a portable set-up ready.
73
+Steve/KD5OWO
Posted by
KD5OWO
on September 29, 2005
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I am still improvig my station and EmCom capabilities.
Posted by
OLDFART13
on September 28, 2005
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