short wave commuincation

Hello.

Because I tend to travel around  the country when the bad things happen, keeping in touch w/ my family is becoming more important. So I am interested in finding out info on short wave radios.  I want to buy 2 complete sets. Specifically,  "complete" kits for the car, w/ the max range  available. I did the usual internet search and I became dazed and confused. I tried communicating with a Ham but I apparently wasn't cool enough to get real answers. I kept on getting the take the "test first" line. Everyone motovates differently and getting a license is not a problem but I want the radio in hand (or car) first.  Any Ideas will help me. -Thanks -K

Hi. Rick,

Thanks for the info. I've several. I got one for everyone. mine has the sw feature. I got them so that I don't get bugged while tring to listen to the news. Sears had em on sale for under 20.00 after the official hurricaine season here in Fl.  Appreciate your reply! -K

SW may be free but it's hard to use, requires expertise and gear.  Sat phones are simple, straight forward to use and have high reliability.  Cost isn't that great, and I'd rather have the assurance things will work.

Critical evaluation of your wants and needs should dictate what you get, unless you're willing to setup a schedule and work the waves, SW isn't all that great.

SW is a great hobby, I've been in it for years, but when I want guarenteed communications with family the sat phone is unbeatable.  With two good operaters and top of the line gear you might have a 60/40 chance of contact.  With a sat phone it's been 100% everytime I've wanted to use it.

SurvivalAcres,

Hello.

 Thanks for the heads up on the ham radio world, sort fo sounds like EMS land.

On your advice,   I will get the "Now Your Talking" book, soon. I will also begin to search the Ham Radio Outlet  and gather more information before deciding on the course of action which best fits my needs.  Any additional brand info  from any source will be helpful. Thanks for the reply. -K

stormriderfla-

I've got a Yaesu FT-80 (80W) that I bought on Ebay for $100 and an LDG AT-11mp AutoTuner - also bought on Ebay for $125.  Both are 12V.  I have them hooked up on a sailboat with a backstay antenna.   You can get a SSB license just by applying.  The neat thing about the Yaesu (at least the Ft-80 and I also think the Ft-100) is that with a slight mod. (can find on the net) you can Xmit on any ham freq. I believe the law allows xmitting on any freq. if you have a legitimate emergency.  I am not experienced atall using these rigs as about all I do is listen.  Great reception by the way.  I have talked to a couple of people but that was really just to test the xmitter.  Please note -SW radios suck up lots of power when they xmit.  so just a simple 120/12v power supply will not work.  Must run through some beefy batteries.  I intend to take the unit off the sailboat and bring it home and try to rig it up as a base/mobile station.  Am researching antennas current time frame.  I will get some gel batteries with app. charger to use for unit.

This is the tuner - (no longer available but can probably get on ebay) 

http://www.ldgelectronics.com/at-11mp_description.html

But- I probably agree with corky 52 that unless both ends are experienced a sat phone would probably be the way to go.  I think you can get some that you only pay for the minutes when you use them.  otherwise there is no monthlys.  Lots & Lots of sailers have swithced to sat phones due to the realiability factor.  Their SSB's are collecting dust.