Internet: satellite, ham radio

[Marie]

Everybody probably knows this stuff already, but no harm in posting it anyway. I don't know how to do a link, but this was on
diehardsurvivor.com

4) Internet via Ham Radio
Although not really practical for large downloads or streaming large files, it is possible to build a repeater network that allows you to access the internet through a ham radio. In fact, during emergency situations ham radios can be used quite successfully to send email, data, and documents when all other forms of communication have gone down.

3) Satellite Internet
For travelers and people who have decided to live in remote areas of the world, satellite internet is now a real possibility. Companies like HughesNet and WildBlue now provide fast, affordable service to almost anywhere in the country.

 

[gcal]

Everybody probably knows this stuff already, but no harm in posting it anyway. I don't know how to do a link, but this was on
diehardsurvivor.com

4) Internet via Ham Radio
Although not really practical for large downloads or streaming large files, it is possible to build a repeater network that allows you to access the internet through a ham radio. In fact, during emergency situations ham radios can be used quite successfully to send email, data, and documents when all other forms of communication have gone down.

3) Satellite Internet
For travelers and people who have decided to live in remote areas of the world, satellite internet is now a real possibility. Companies like HughesNet and WildBlue now provide fast, affordable service to almost anywhere in the country.

Last time we looked at satellite internet, we could not scamper around the country with it. I don't know why. Our satellite tv works everywhere (not where we are under the trees in the woods, now, of course, but it is too pretty  to move). But the satellite internet was very locallized.

 

[highdesertranger]

the gov has put a tight lid on mobile satellite internet transmissions. you need a special license to transmit. I have heard of the email via ham radio but I figure to get my license first. then I will look into it after I have so time on air under my belt. highdesertranger

 

[wayne49]

darn terrists!

 

[NickTheoBennett]

I spent a couple of years installing satellite internet for WildBlue (I worked for Dish Network and at the time in my area some of the same techs did both). I can tell you that those dishes are a PITA to align correctly, so that might be why not many people carry them. On a typical TV install it's really not hard to get it "close enough" to have a strong signal. For WildBlue it had to be precise or the signal would be pretty much nonexistent. They are also quite a bit heavier than a standard TV satellite dish and need a better mounting surface. If you were using a tripod you'd need to make sure it was staked down thoroughly or buried before even attempting to point it.

 

[blars]

Most satellite internet now uses "spot beam" so the same rf frequency can be reused in multiple areas. (TV satellites use it for local channels.) While it would be possible to change channels when you move, the satellite companies don't consider mobile users worth the hassle.

 

[DrJean]

Ham radio being the back up communication for even government communications, including the space lab which just went to the Russian Ham network for communication because US lost it's connections, is limiting it's scope by using internet.  What I mean, if I didn't say that well, is that it is ham radio that we use when things like the internet is down so while it might be fun or good to use the ham rig to access internet, odds are it won't be there in a real communications emergency (the internet.)

BTW the internet has just been given to the UN for control.  POTUS Obama gave away our control of it, along with our 1st Amendment rights to free speech upon the internet.  Some censoring has already occurred so I wouldn't be thinking of using the internet as a real means of important communication in the future...ham radio is a perfect back up!  Get your license folks

 

[Charlotte's Web]

...so I wouldn't be thinking of using the internet as a real means of important communication in the future...ham radio is a perfect back up!    Get your license folks! !

Who among us is *currently* a ham radio operator?  
Anyone traveling with a ham set up? 
Who is seriously looking into it?

Seems to me a good idea to have plenty of "hams" among the nomad community.  

I am giving it serious consideration.  And tho morse code is no longer a legal requirement,
knowing some is a good idea, even if only a few important signals/messages.

Any "ham" gatherings as part of the RTR?  Officially or unofficially?

Charlotte's Web

 

[highdesertranger]

there are a few hams here. I am going to get my license. I already have the radio but haven't installed it yet. for me I am out of cell range a lot, so I want an emergency back up. in many rural counties the Sheriff Departments monitor the Ham frequencies. highdesertranger

 

[Charlotte's Web]

in many rural counties the Sheriff Departments monitor the Ham frequencies.  highdesertranger

So, does that cut both ways? 
Can hams also monitor the Sheriff Deptartments frequencies as well?

 

[highdesertranger]

well yes it is legal to LISTEN to any radio broadcast except cell phones. highdesertranger

 

[Goshawk]

Actually you can listen to anything. You can't unencrypt signals without a license. Think pirate radio stations and foreign radio stations. You are allowed the listen to anything you want, as long as it is sent in the clear. All ham radio signals are sent in the clear, and may just need to be demodulated or unencoded. 50 years ago people used to watch satellite TV for free as the signal was not encrypted on the downlink. Not any more.

N1KTJ


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[speedhighway46]

I have been a ham since 1986 and have several radios installed in my motorhome. I use ham radio to communicate daily with my ham friends. On hf, 75 and 40 meters can be very useful. "Midcars" is a daily net where hams can call each other in a controlled setting; very handy, especially for those on the road.

VHF is useful for local communications, especially using repeaters. For boondockers, there is the Wilderness Protocol for safety and emergency communications.

For those of you who may be interested in ham radio, go to arrl.org for all there is to know about this great hobby.

 

[DuneElliot]

I have a Ham license...only a Technician as I got it more for emergencies and such and can't afford a $1000 HF radio. I listen more than I talk but where I am currently doesn't receive many transmissions because of the mountains and the trees.

 

[Optimistic Paranoid]

I got my ham ticket about a year ago.  I'm finally getting around to mounting a 2 meter rig in my vehicle now.  I recommend HamTestOnline for the test prep.  I settled in about 3 weeks before the test was scheduled and spent an hour or so a day reviewing their online questions.  I used to do a little sound work for local rock bands, so I had a little basic electronics knowledge, but that was long ago and didn't deal with radio frequencies at all. 

Came the day of the test, I got only one wrong on the Technician's exam and then took the General Exam and got a perfect score.

https://www.hamradiolicenseexam.com/

 

[Optimistic Paranoid]

For boondockers, there is the Wilderness Protocol for safety and emergency communications.

The little research I did on the Wilderness Protocol suggests that it really doesn't work very well.  Example:

http://www.n5fdl.com/davids-blog/20...wilderness-protocol-or-just-do-away-with.html

 

[speedhighway46]

It only works as well as people are willing to support it; like many other "volunteer" supported activities.

 

[vtwinkicker]

I have my General ticket since I think 2009. Haven't taken HF on the road yet but it is on the list to set up.

I think it's a good idea to have at least a Technician license and a 2 meter radio. Nice clear communication. If enough vandwellers got licensed it would be a great communication device. Have a designated frequency to monitor for vandweller traffic!

 

[Charlotte's Web]

... but where I am currently doesn't receive many transmissions because of the mountains and the trees.

So, you're talking line of sight?
If I had a mobile set up where I live now,  *tall forest*,  but could drive 10 minutes to ridge top 1000 ft.
elevation, would that do it?

I'd like to get up to speed on ham radio.

 

[Charlotte's Web]

"Midcars" is a daily net where hams can call each other in a controlled setting; very handy, especially for those on the road.

Hi & thanks,
You sound like you might be a "go to" guy as I get past the basics & require more advanced info/advice.
BTW:  What do you mean by a "controlled setting"?

Charlotte