Pages: [1]   Go Down

Author Topic: Which Software would be useful for emergencies  (Read 395 times)

N3GSB

  • Posts: 34
    • HomeURL
Which Software would be useful for emergencies
« on: April 02, 2020, 09:05:06 AM »

I am updating and in some cases acquiring emergency ham software that will be contained on
One or more stick drives for access in an emergency by downloading
To whatever windows 10 computer is at hand.  I plan to have a set of
Stick drives in my vehicles and my personal go bag.  I have the digitized manuals for all of my radios tuners antennas generator power supplies etc.  what I am requesting from the forum members
Is their recommendation and source of any software that would be useful in an emergency communications scenario including software relating to repeater locations -I already have the dstar repeater list-
I also need software useful in extreme weather events   The area I’m located in has a history of flooding and severe tornados.
Additionally I am looking for a downloadable emergency first aid manual.  I have the wilderness medicine book in all my first aid kits but I would like something more comprehensive
I have the downloadable public access fema and Arrl/ares information
Please include any other kinds of software you believe would be useful.   I am trying to be well prepared just in case.
Thanking the forum members in advance for all of your assistance

N3GSB
Logged

KG7LEA

  • Member
  • Posts: 100
Re: Which Software would be useful for emergencies
« Reply #1 on: April 02, 2020, 09:24:02 AM »

What is your mission in the event of an emergency? Your mission will drive your communications needs. 

For software Winlink and supporting sound card software (Soundmodem, VARA, Ardop) is the standard, but will depend on what gateways are in your area. If all the local VHF/UHF gateways are down you might have to rely upon HF Winlink, etc. I'm in the Pacific Northwest and if we get trashed by Cascadia we might have to use gateways in Utah or Alberta to get messages out, even to local addresses. One laptop can handle several radios.

Winlink requires training and more training. Use it and all the likely gateways every week.
Logged

K7LZR

  • Posts: 395
    • HomeURL
Re: Which Software would be useful for emergencies
« Reply #2 on: April 02, 2020, 11:42:51 AM »

In addition to digital mode capability, you may also want to be proficient in CW. Even in this age of digital everything, it is still the only mode which requires absolute minimal equipment if using radio or flashing lights and can even be done with nearly no equipment under certain circumstances. And the software is in your head! How cool is that?

 
Logged

N4UM

  • Member
  • Posts: 655
Re: Which Software would be useful for emergencies
« Reply #3 on: April 02, 2020, 11:58:26 AM »

Having FLDIGI would be a good idea.
Logged

N7JDM

  • Member
  • Posts: 5
Re: Which Software would be useful for emergencies
« Reply #4 on: April 02, 2020, 12:56:29 PM »

As noted above, you didn't provide information on what you expect to be doing during an emergency so I can't make specific software recommendations.  I would suggest you install the software of your choice so you can get it configured and up and running.  That may be difficult down the road if the internet is down.  And, you need to be familiar with the operation of said software before you need it. 

John
N7JDM

Logged

NA4IT

  • Member
  • Posts: 363
    • HomeURL
Re: Which Software would be useful for emergencies
« Reply #5 on: April 04, 2020, 04:36:33 AM »

Thumb drive with some version of a portable Linux operating system and FLDigi, and a Signalink USB. Plug in to the computer, reboot it, and your on.
Logged

W9IQ

  • Member
  • Posts: 8866
Re: Which Software would be useful for emergencies
« Reply #6 on: April 04, 2020, 05:20:59 AM »

Thumb drive with some version of a portable Linux operating system and FLDigi, and a Signalink USB. Plug in to the computer, reboot it, and your [SIC] on.

That is an interesting idea but may not be widely usable. It is now common practice to lock down USB ports in order to eliminate another attack surface. Since it sounded like the OP is looking for a "use anywhere" solution, the bootable USB stick may not be practical.

Many organizations also do not allow installation of non-approved software. This is enforced through Windows policies and operator privileges.

This will become even more common place after Covid-19 lessons are processed. Hackers are currently heavily targeting medical facilities and suppliers. They know the stakes are high so they are looking to cash in. Sad (sick) but true.

The most reliable approach is to carry a notebook or tablet computer that is completely preconfigured for the task along with associated interface cables, chargers, etc. Also make certain that you have recently downloaded or updated all certificate chain of trusts and updated your anti-virus software. There will likely be limited Internet bandwith or availability if you deployed. Also be prepared for the reality that you may not be allowed to connect your computer to the site network due to security policies. Hopefully, in that case, they can offer you a "guest" connection for external access purposes. An internal or external SIM modem or a satellite data service may be viable extensions to your go box.

- Glenn W9IQ
« Last Edit: April 04, 2020, 05:32:54 AM by W9IQ »
Logged
- Glenn W9IQ

God runs electromagnetics on Monday, Wednesday and Friday by the wave theory and the devil runs it on Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday by the Quantum theory.

W1VT

  • Member
  • Posts: 6071
Re: Which Software would be useful for emergencies
« Reply #7 on: April 04, 2020, 05:32:47 AM »

I would make visual or picture cheat sheets on how to operate my radios.  I've done this when I lent out portable 10GHz stations to my friends.
A lot of info can fit on one sheet of paper.  Perhaps the most important info may be how to reset the radio.

Zak W1VT
Logged

K7MPZ

  • Member
  • Posts: 129
Re: Which Software would be useful for emergencies
« Reply #8 on: April 12, 2020, 08:13:56 AM »

There are some excellent posts here, many important aspects of disaster communications were touched on. It sounds as though you mean to access other comm facilities, are they aware and receptive to that?  Are you a solo remote operator, then what traffic would you be passing? Are you a member of every responsible agency in your area? Knowing the assets of your community are vital, and where you in particular can contribute your skills.  Any ham on the West Coast should be very aware of the Cascadia Rising event, which is considered to be the second biggest threat to our country. Many government comm services require the use of ICS forms, can you handle them, on a strange radio, with a dozen different radios blaring, and just as many important people rushing you with priority messages? Train train train.  If you can be really good at repairing Winlink and TNC's, then you will be in demand.  73, & gd lk
Logged
Dale Fiorillo
Sequim, Wa
K7MPZ
Pages: [1]   Go Up