Communications

What is the best option for off-grid communication. There is only one answer to this question that makes sense to me and that is the wonderful world of amateur radio or ham radio.

The reason is quite simple—ham radio is the only legal form of two-way radio that you can get involved in that will provide you with all levels of communication ability. If local communications are all you are interested in, ham radio has it. If you want to expand your capability to a more regional level, ham radio provides that as well. But if you would also like to open the entire world to your communications ability, then ham radio is your only answer for reliable off-grid communications.

You can use amateur radio to send email, receive weather faxes, send messages via digital modes and Morse Code.

No other radio service can provide all of this to you, and it’s very simple to get involved in ham radio today. There have been many books published on this subject and I am not going to try to re-invent the wheel here. I am simply going to share some ways for you to consider beginning your journey into the wonderful world of ham radio. Ham radio has something to offer everyone and it takes a big book to cover all the different modes that ham radio operators can use. What we are going to focus on is reliable off-grid communications and how you can get started on the path to reach whatever goal you set for yourself.

You can contact me for ways to get started or find Local Ham Radio Clubs. Most offer testing monthly or quarterly so you can get a license. You can study on-line with the actual test questions they will use on the exam. In Hawaii you can go to EARC HI Ham Radio Club Website to get testing information.

There is no longer a requirement to know Morse Code to pass the exam. 

Be Prepared, Be Ready!