What do you expect from prepper comms net?

[Lightspeed]

(2 July 2012, 13:47)Skvez Wrote: We're discussing a lot about equipment and networks. I see three "needs" from a communications network and wonder which you are all seeing and what you require from a prepper communicaions network.

A] Local communications to members of your local group.
Someone goes out hunting or even to the outhouse at the bottom of the garden you should have a better way of contacting them than opening a window and shouting. If they see someone approaching your position or vice-versa there is value in all members of your group being made aware of this.

B] Short distance communications to other preppers within a days walk of your group.
These are people that in an event you probably won't see very often you it's nice to know that they’re there. You can warn them of 'groups of interest' in your area and vice-versa. In the case of a serious trouble you may even call them for back-up but they probably won't arrive in time to be of any use except in a siege situation.

C] Long distance communications to other preppers may days travel away. Groups in different parts of the country keeping in touch with each other Such as a group in Cornwall communication with one in Wales communicating with one in Scotland and so on. There is little realistic chance of physical interaction between these groups but some advantage in terms of warning of national events (such as rioting that may spread or collapse of government infrastructure). Probably most use as an event unfolds assuming the media is censored or off the air.

They way I see it
PMR 446 is 'best' for A
CB is 'best' for B
Ham is 'best' for C

Skvez

I've selected B&C for Comms NETWORK requirement

I agree with your breakdown of the three ideal communications types and solution technologies.

I feel that close range communications will be an ad-hoc affair, and not strictly part of the core Network. Protocols to allow preppers to communicate safely between themselves on PMR446 will be useful, but the complexity of making a networks solution from such ad-hock groups is excessivs and probably un-realisable. However PMR446 could be a good way for closed local communities to get messages to and from the network via local network hubs.

Agreed with your fear of isolated circles of activity this is a very real possibility. The solution we need should have enough overlapping coverage and station redundancy to prevent this happening.