Catholic Info
Traditional Catholic Faith => The Catholic Bunker => Topic started by: Mark 79 on January 26, 2022, 12:09:27 AM
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https://youtu.be/apLxePngNlM
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This was such an excellent video summary. Going to check out more on that channel. (pressed upvote button but it didn't work)
Re: Geolocation avoidance - it seems he was speaking in the context of VHF/UHF point-to-point comms. However, it should be added that local/regional comms - while mitigating geolocation potential - can be had on HF frequencies as well, particularly with a NVIS antenna set-up. Noisier, but still OK. Moreover, working mainly data (especially one of the many obscure, mostly unused modes, e.g. Clover, AMTOR), instead of voice, helps in "encrypting" transmissions.
There are so many things that be done to prevent outsiders from monitoring the comms of your group. Did an experiment last year: used an old AEA PK-232 TNC connected to a CB (27 MHz) to transmit packets, received on a old MFJ TNC connected to a Commodore 64 running a terminal program. Who would think that Packet would be used on Channel 19, the trucker's channel?! I really believe that older radio technology and methods (ca. 1970s-80s) will help in securing group/local communications in the years to come.
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If the balloon goes up -- the crap hits the fan -- all hams will have to do is start encrypting stuff. Using code words, and wantonly obfuscating their communication in various ways. Which is currently illegal.
Non-hams, however, have a bigger problem. Yes, they have the same blank check to do whatever they want due to collapse of law & order. But the problem is -- being able to set aside LAWS is one thing. Knowing how to do stuff, having the right equipment, is another.
Basically, in a collapse scenario, you'll be able to DO WHATEVER YOU WANT. But there's a catch -- you have to actually be capable of "what you want to do". For example, I can't run a 6 minute mile even though I might want to, because I'm not physically in that kind of good shape.
Likewise, those with ZERO experience in radio won't suddenly become wizards of the airwaves, just because the government stopped breathing down their neck with laws. Let go of a helium balloon, it will head for the clouds. Let go of a chunk of rock, and it will go precisely nowhere.
It's not just experience either -- it's equipment and supplies. How many ferrite toroids does the average person have? How much 50 ohm coax? Heck, forget exotic stuff, how about something as simple as WIRE? How many $13 metal poles, or long 2x4s that could be used to make a basic antenna mast? I shake my head internally at how poorly some people are prepared. Their homes are USELESS for anything but sleeping at night, watching TV, and sitting around to eat their takeout fast-food.
P.S. It reminds me of various jokes: a doctor tells his patient "you will have to wear this cast for 2 months, to help set your broken arm." Patient: "Will I be able to play the piano?" The doctor: "I don't see why not." Patient: "Awesome! I always wanted to be able to play the piano."
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This was such an excellent video summary. Going to check out more on that channel. (pressed upvote button but it didn't work)
Re: Geolocation avoidance - it seems he was speaking in the context of VHF/UHF point-to-point comms. However, it should be added that local/regional comms - while mitigating geolocation potential - can be had on HF frequencies as well, particularly with a NVIS antenna set-up. Noisier, but still OK. Moreover, working mainly data (especially one of the many obscure, mostly unused modes, e.g. Clover, AMTOR), instead of voice, helps in "encrypting" transmissions.
There are so many things that be done to prevent outsiders from monitoring the comms of your group. Did an experiment last year: used an old AEA PK-232 TNC connected to a CB (27 MHz) to transmit packets, received on a old MFJ TNC connected to a Commodore 64 running a terminal program. Who would think that Packet would be used on Channel 19, the trucker's channel?! I really believe that older radio technology and methods (ca. 1970s-80s) will help in securing group/local communications in the years to come.
You may find some affinity here: https://amrron.com/
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If the balloon goes up -- the crap hits the fan -- all hams will have to do is start encrypting stuff.
AND defend against geolocation for any transmissions.
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...Basically, in a collapse scenario, you'll be able to DO WHATEVER YOU WANT. But there's a catch -- you have to actually be capable of "what you want to do".
Yes, exactly... whatever you want, and whatever you want to do will be dependent on operator capability, needs and radio gear on hand. Still think that you need not be an expert in high level encryption (which am am not) and "get around", so to speak, with simpler approaches, lessening the probability of your communications being monitored.
Also, yes, there will be the issue with non-hams, in terms of capability or even interest. Once encouraged my brother to get his license. His response: "Why? I have a cell phone". One solution I have come up with, and it is very simple, is for the ham operator himself (taking the lead) to make ready-to-go kits for use if the time requires. Using plastic ammo boxes, one has a couple of FRS/GMRS radios, with extra batteries chargers, earpiece - even with a couple of old smartphones - because these radios have texting capabilities (bluetooth link to radios). It's just a matter of including with the kit a page of simple instructions of how to operate, of what is contained in the kit etc. I have another one with a couple of handheld CBs, with appropriate coax, connectors, extendible antennas, and so on. Not the best, but it's better than nothing. For just receiving - and one does not necessarily have to TX all the time, in fact it is better to RX much much more than doing TX - I have another small radio with shortwave, VHF/UHF receive, AM/FM/SSB, with long wire for antenna, USB power bar, etc. Again, it isn't the best or most secure, but it is a start.
In this situation it is the duty of the hammy to prep family/friends. Work with what you got, try a couple of practice runs.
...You may find some affinity here: https://amrron.com/
Yes, checked them out before. Very good info over there. But I would like your opinion on these questions: Is it a good idea for such a large, geographically widespread prepper-type organization to be as such, especially in the times which we live... and broadcast widely over the internet? Would not such a group be better to be more local and discrete, so to speak? Perhaps it is a honey trap? The man who leads it is ex-military if I recall correctly. These thoughts have crossed my mind. Or maybe I'm just sounding like a crazy conspiracy theorist.
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While I enjoy the international reach of D-STAR, the necessary internet link won't outlast the coming time of troubles.
For HT's I prefer our Yaesu VX8DR "all band" radios. They are now discontinued and I know of no comparable product.
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...You may find some affinity here: https://amrron.com/
Yes, checked them out before. Very good info over there. But I would like your opinion on these questions: Is it a good idea for such a large, geographically widespread prepper-type organization to be as such, especially in the times which we live... and broadcast widely over the internet? Would not such a group be better to be more local and discrete, so to speak? Perhaps it is a honey trap? The man who leads it is ex-military if I recall correctly. These thoughts have crossed my mind. Or maybe I'm just sounding like a crazy conspiracy theorist.
Good questions. JJS is known, even travels openly, visited us here. Though a Protestant, JJS has been vetted as trustworthy by a trad I'd trust with my life or the lives of any of my family.
Because he is known and every call sign is known there is indeed heightened visibility [risk] to being affiliated. I took that risk because I think his project is worthy. He stimulated many, myself included, to push the learning curve. With the ease of voice, likely I would not have explored digital modes, but for the AMRRON digital nets that follow the voice nets. I would not have explored One Time Pads or met some good local folks.
The relationships and network are established. The skills have been transmitted [pun intended]. SOI have been established "just in case." Certainly there will eventually be a transition… 'nuff said.
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While I enjoy the international reach of D-STAR, the necessary internet link won't outlast the coming time of troubles.
For HT's I prefer our Yaesu VX8DR "all band" radios. They are now discontinued and I know of no comparable product.
You're killing me with that talk of fine radios! All I have is a cheap little Baofeng HT. Better than nothing.
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You're killing me with that talk of fine radios! All I have is a cheap little Baofeng HT. Better than nothing.
The older Baofengs have an advantage that the Yaesu does not. The older Baofengs are already jailbroken to transmit on non-ham bands (the newer Baofengs are not).
Our Yaesus can be jailbroken, but removing the diode also loses some really convenient features like automatic duplex offsets.
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The older Baofengs have an advantage that the Yaesu does not. The older Baofengs are already jailbroken to transmit on non-ham bands (the newer Baofengs are not).
Our Yaesus can be jailbroken, but removing the diode also loses some really convenient features like automatic duplex offsets.
How old is old regarding “the older” Baofengs?
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Good to know that info about AMRRON. Thanks. Only a few members up here in the Northern Wastes.
Was thinking of eventually trying D-STAR. Using DMR.
Baofengs are fine and good. Mark makes a valid point. Any radio with transmit capability, not dependent on Government/Big Tech infrastructure, is an advantage. I have a CB in my truck.
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Biggest problem with modding Yaesus is hurting your waterproofing. Fantastic company though, although I have some Baofengs I own more Yaesu :)
Using Raspberry Pis or Android phones is fine for encryption stuff, there's apps on the F-Droid repository for CW and you can just drag and drop encrypted comms to that and it just uses your headphone jack to interface with your radio. You can even use other messengers like Smoke and set up peer to peer filesharing etc. Smoke is great because it requires 0 infrastructure, it is designed to be used without internet so it's good for radio. I think a lot of preppers underthink how much p2p filesharing is going to change the game in any kind of situation where encrypted radio comms are normalized.
I can highly recommend HackRF with PortaPacks, this SDR setup is a gamechanger is affordable and has some great programs built in :)
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The FCC advisory was issued September 24, 2018, but sales of "non-compliant" (jailbroken) radios continued for quite a while. I think the first "compliant" Baofeng I saw personally was in 2020.
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The FCC advisory was issued September 24, 2018, but sales of "non-compliant" (jailborken) radios continued for quite a while. I think the first "compliant" Baofeng I saw personally was in 2020.
HackRF PortaPack with the Chaos/Mayhem firmware is still sold on ebay too.
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Good to know that info about AMRRON. Thanks. Only a few members up here in the Northern Wastes.
Was thinking of eventually trying D-STAR. Using DMR.
Baofengs are fine and good. Mark makes a valid point. Any radio with transmit capability, not dependent on Government/Big Tech infrastructure, is an advantage. I have a CB in my truck.
D-STAR (for as long as we have it) is really spectacular. Using ICOMs I've talked to hams in Japan, Greece, and Australia and it's like talking face-to-face, far better than cell reception.
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Biggest problem with modding Yaesus is hurting your waterproofing. Fantastic company though, although I have some Baofengs I own more Yaesu :)
Using Raspberry Pis or Android phones is fine for encryption stuff, there's apps on the F-Droid repository for CW and you can just drag and drop encrypted comms to that and it just uses your headphone jack to interface with your radio. You can even use other messengers like Smoke and set up peer to peer filesharing etc. Smoke is great because it requires 0 infrastructure, it is designed to be used without internet so it's good for radio. I think a lot of preppers underthink how much p2p filesharing is going to change the game in any kind of situation where encrypted radio comms are normalized.
I can highly recommend HackRF with PortaPacks, this SDR setup is a gamechanger is affordable and has some great programs built in :)
With what kind of throughput? It is an agony waiting for even small files or low res images by digital modes… and then error correction demands a re-send… pretty frustrating when band conditions are unfavorable.
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HackRF PortaPack with the Chaos/Mayhem firmware is still sold on ebay too.
I'm not at all familiar with the product. Please elaborate.
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I'm not at all familiar with the product. Please elaborate.
It's a very high portability SDR. It also has logging abilities, some basic apps like replay capture/attack etc. I have very big hands but it fits comfortably in my hands and easily can be stashed in a pack. It has a "play dead" function in case it is confiscated and requires a specific button sequence you set to unlock then :)
https://www.ebay.com/itm/284505179326
Is an example of a preassembled kit.
It's been made infamous by...
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CytINxrUQPk
I love how the news says they cost 20k USD to discourage you :)
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With what kind of throughput? It is an agony waiting for even small files or low res images by digital modes… and then error correction demands a re-send… pretty frustrating when band conditions are unfavorable.
True. Images/graphics problematic on noisy HF, but that is why I think focus should be on transmitting simple text/numbers, i.e. much smaller files, or simple one-line messages. Make transmissions short and to the point, especially where everything is surveilled, in the prepping context. 300 baud data modes on HF is then not so bad after all.
Radio today is more so visual than audible, panadapters with flashy GUIs vs. knobs with a small frequency displays. Personally, I'm not so much enamored with a rich multi-media experience when it comes to radio. With recent marriage of radio and the internet, the medium of transmission is more so "artificial" underground cables and not the "natural" atmosphere. We've come full circle so to speak, from the early days of telegraphic wires. When radio was first invented, was it not called the "Wireless"....
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With what kind of throughput? It is an agony waiting for even small files or low res images by digital modes… and then error correction demands a re-send… pretty frustrating when band conditions are unfavorable.
HF I agree, it's near impossible to send anything of a reasonable size. Small BW images like simple maps in particular I am thinking of.
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It's a very high portability SDR.
Thank you.
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…panadapters with flashy GUIs vs. knobs with a small frequency displays…
Yes. My ICOM 7300's waterfall display ruined me.
I waited for the ICOM 9700 only to be disappointed. It cannot be jailbroken because it doesn't even have sections for non-ham bands :-(
In view of the microchip supply problems I won't hold my breath that any manufacturer will bring a suitable unit to market.
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...In view of the microchip supply problems I won't hold my breath that any manufacturer will bring a suitable unit to market.
Without microchips, it could be that we will be forced to go back to using boat anchor's like this:
https://youtu.be/j1S6-FDRmlA?t=79
Built like tanks...Was listening to two American hams rag chewing on HF a few years ago: One said his son was in the military, and he told his father that the military was searching and collecting such radios for a possible WROL/SHTF future scenario. Quite sure he was serious. But who knows?
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When I see such radios at swap meets, the prices commanded are astonishing.
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The FCC advisory was issued September 24, 2018, but sales of "non-compliant" (jailbroken) radios continued for quite a while. I think the first "compliant" Baofeng I saw personally was in 2020.
Thank you.
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Thank you.
You are always welcome.
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If you find a used Baofeng at a hamfest swap meet, it is easy to check whether or not it is compliant.
Tune to any of the FRS or GMRS frequencies (see linked chart (http://www.cert-la.com/downloads/radio/FRS-GMRS-Frequency-Chart.pdf)).
Set it to the lowest legal power (see linked chart (http://www.cert-la.com/downloads/radio/FRS-GMRS-Frequency-Chart.pdf)).
Click the PTT (Press To Talk) button.
If you see that you can transmit, it is jailbroken.
If you cannot transmit, it is FCC compliant).
If it is an online sale, you don't have the test option. You'd have to trust the seller.