Hello my friend and welcome back! Today we have the final part of this 3 part series. The truth is that when SHTF hits, most people are going to be completely in the dark about what’s going on. By having a Good ECC (Emergency Communications Center) you can increase your odds of survival. Whether it’s just trying to figure out what has happened, or helping other members of you group avoid closed roads and hazards while getting to your bug out location, having one is critical to anyone’s survival. This is the topic at hand so grab a cup of coffee and have a seat while we visit.
Let’s start today by talking about power to run all of these radios and computers in your ECC. Fortunately, however, almost all Ham radios and scanners run off of 12 VDC, like comes out of a simple car battery. All you need is a couple of deep cycle batteries like most fisherman use in their boats, or even regular car batteries for that matter to operate your radios. You will find they use very little amperage and one battery can last a long time.
Now running your radios on 12 vdc is great only if you have a way to recharge them when they run down. This is why you will need a couple of solar panels and a voltage regulator connected to your batteries and you’re in good shape. I use a couple of 100 watt panels to run mine.
The next thing you need to think about is a way to run your computers and monitors on battery if the power is turned off. While there are computers and even some large monitors that will run off of 12 vdc, you will have to look for them. The other and most popular solution is to use an inverter to turn your 12 vdc into 120 vac that most computers and monitors run on. Just remember that these do put a hefty draw on batteries, so you need to be careful and be sure you have enough batteries to handle the load.
OK, you have your radios and computers and enough power to run them. You have a list of basic frequencies that most Preppers will be monitoring, so what web sites should you be monitoring to help you stay informed? Well, there are actually quite a few that provide needed information when you need it but you will need to be careful. There are a lot of fake news sites out there as well. Be selective, and take the time to think through your list as well.
Here are a few of the ones I will be monitoring, but there are a lot of other good ones out there. If any of you know of any good sites that provide up to the minute news, then please add them in the comments below.
- Fox News.com
- LightningMaps.org
- National Weather Service
- FaceBook Social media will have more information faster than anywhere else. Just be cautious.
- Twitter News breaks faster on twitter than anywhere else.
- QRZ.com With the ham radios on., you will want to know who is talking besides just their call sign. This site will help you find out who they are.
- Space weather. Com If the emergency is caused by a Coronal Mass Ejection, then this site will tell you, what you want to know.
- Radio Free Redoubt This website was created for just this type of thing. They receive live reports from people all over the country and around the world and pass it on to people like us. Let me tell you, this group really has their act together!
This is just a few websites that I would watch when SHTF hits. Now I’m sure there are many other good ones out there, but this should get you started on your way.
Well, I guess that is it for today and I hope you have enjoyed this series. Until next time, stay safe, stay strong and stay prepared. God Bless America!
-Sarge-
