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. 

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/

...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.

...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.

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.

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.

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.