7 watt PMR 446 rigs ( I think) £35

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NR

Equally I see no change in the attitude among the prepper / survivalist community to seek some commonality on radios so I'm not bothering with radio systems any more. If we cannot achieve any commonality between forums and groups even when we have major experts like TL and LS helping us along I dont think we ever will make progress on this issue. We are just flagilating a deceased equine.
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I think you are over stating the situation a bit. I think thatthere is consensus that long range communications will be desirable after a SHTF event, its just that various people have gone about looking for solutions in different ways.

The single device idea that you are talking about is a nice idea, and exists if you are prepared to pay for it. But its a red herring. having separate radios for long range and close range tactical uses isn't such a difficult thing for me, and the cost saving and reduction in complexity are compelling.

Please don't give up on the comms network idea NR, its a good one. We just need to discuss across our community what we want and agree a standard that is achievable and affordable for all of us.