When prepping redundancy comes along at a significant discount, grab it with both hands, ASAP!
When I run across a really good prepping deal, it gets my attention, but when I find two in the same day....
I bought them both;
I have enough radios to set up the network we need out on Keystone lake, but as with all prepping, I'm looking for redundancy. These are Kenwood transceivers, which is the Cadillac of ham radios. I found the first one at 20% of what it is worth, and when I looked, the other one was 33% of it's used value. These are 60 watt units, while the ones I now have are 5 watt units. Both will reach where we need, but these will offer full quieting...solid communications, all the time! I'm buying new microphones for both, as that is where the wear damage concentrates.
I will be able to make some home made J pole antennas, that will give about double the reach. I can make them for about $20 each location.
This is why I recommend getting a ham radio license, it will allow you to get the systems fully running and tested before the SHTF in case you need to buy parts!
Once the SHTF occurs, anyone can use a ham radio in emergency conditions; but it's damn hard to scratch build one with no parts!
I tried to help a Lady in Nicaragua get a radio online after the SHTF down there. I got her the diagram for a radio, and helped her scrounge some parts; but the government shut down their internet before she could finish the transmitter! I never heard from her again...
I don't intend to be in that same bind here! Our local area network will allow our 5 homesteads to help one another, linked by water with 2 sailboats. We should be able to keep all homesteads safe and supplied, and in full communications!
The smaller 5 watt radios can be used for remote communications at each homestead, possibly at a sentry position.
Lucky you with the radios. I've got not a single one. If I had the spare cash for it, I think I might get one too. Yet, I've gotta focus on paying off some debts and bills for now, sadly.
Yes, debt removal is the first priority! They can come in and take your prepping stuff if you still owe them.
So keep after it! One step at a time....
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Thanks, glad you liked it!
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Communications are so important, and probably one of the most neglected aspects when it comes to prepping. I think you got a couple good ones here mate, well done.
Communications is what everyone thinks will remain permanently; but is, in fact the most fragile thing the have!
I have forced the issue with my family out on these homesteads, but most people will be blind sided by this when the SHTF happens!
The other item is transportation, and it needs to be redundant also.
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I agreed with you, and whilst communication can be a little complicated it is possible to sort it. The same with transportation.
I plan on 2 primary alternate power sources for transportation use. Water fuel (HHO); and magnetic gates to harvest electricity. I've bench tested both, now need to finish building the larger generators.
I will have stored gasoline with stabile, and I'm thinking about a deep backup with a steam engine. The last because I've always wanted to build one, LOL!
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Here's you just minding your own business.
I'm An engineer, but they're smart enough to Not let me drive the train, ROFLOL! That cord would be too tempting....
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Haha!
With steam power, and an Arduino controller; I could send Morse code! Warn them to get out of the way....
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Hi there Toby!! I noticed you are into the prepper stuff for real and wanted to let you know that we just launched a campaign on Waivio(which works on the Hive blockchain) with a "bugoutbag" consisting of 49 items that you can get $8 for reviewing. (https://www.waivio.com/object/sqo-bug-out-bag)
Also, if you would like to review any other item that you find interesting and is not included in the list yet, let us know and we will consider adding it. Thank you for your time and for your passion.
Sorry, I don't review websites. I would recommend the addition of a throw net for speed of use.
Good luck.
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Just to be clear, the campaign doesnt consist in you reviewing any website, it consists in the following: if you review any of the items on the list with two pictures and a minimal opinion of the product you get $8 for each review, which in most cases equates to a 30% discount. Regarding the throw net, thats interesting, maybe I can find one that can also be used as a bug screen.
Inva true bug out situation, time is also an important commodity. If you need to stop for hours to fish, you may not reach your destination; bit you do need freash food....
The other thing you need to be ready for, is eating your catch raw. Cooking attracts others who are hungry by the smell and smoke. Additionally, raw fish is a good source for extra water.
Once you get where you're going, cooking late at night is a good safety step; especially on a windy day! Using a Dakota hole fire or a rocket stove, will minimize smoke and make you harder to find!
The fishing yoyos on your site are a good prepping supply but they need to be set right. Following the directions is actually wrong. They need to be set low enough that if a fish triggers the reel recovery, the bait is still in the water. That gives the fish a second chance, and also hides your equipment. Rubbing dirt into the tie string, will also help hide it.
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Nice commentary right there! I try to curate the bug out bag list to contemplate different bug out situations, including different conspicuity levels or signatures, in some situations it could be wise to hold in place say in the middle of the trip, in some you are really bugging in, etc. I try to make the list as comprehensive as possible while still using the "bug out" name just for communication purposes. Which throw net would you choose ?
I'd look at a 12 foot dia for me. For the ladies a 10 foot would be a better match, and a lower weight. Get the finest mesh, for bait; you may need too actually stop and fish.
Buying an assortment of hooks, and line is a good prep too. Buy up what's cheap today, that can't be built by hand later; you won't regret it
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Hi Toby I added this one to the list: https://www.waivio.com/object/fqf-basicgear-3ft-radius-freshwater-and-saltwater-cast-net-with-3-8-inch-mesh
since the 6ft radius version was out of stock, and considering the weight of even this one is already 3.31 pounds (on the edge of the value/weight ratio for a bug out bag I would say).It seems to be a quality net and nobody has anything bad to say about it apparently. Maybe you, your son or someone in your family would like to give it a try, review it and get the $8 in rewards, which amounts to 36% of its price.
I was also thinking in the context of a bag you have to carry with one of these nets, how could one bypass the bulk of the weight(the sinkers), by using some alternative material that one can acquire on site.
Any ideas?
You loose the time saving gain, if you need to look for something heavy to add to make it work. It could be used to cover a rough lean to; to allow leaves to be added on top, for roofing.
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You say that because you dont plan on carrying the bag on your back, sometimes time is of the essence and sometimes time doesnt matter, and pounds do. Do you like that net I showed you?
If you are living out of the backpack, weight is important. If it is intended to get you to another selected location quickly, weight becomes a secondary issue, behind speed!
I like a larger net myself! But I'm larger than most others, so bigger makes sense for me.
My true bug out bag, is a 27 foot long trailer.
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BTW, since she bee in the hospital for over 6 weeks, I've been carrying a pack everyday, and it's between 35, and 45 pounds. Weight is a consideration, but not the holy grail. I've hiked over the top of a 12,500 foot mountain with an 80 pound pack on my back, and had a great time!
I have pre-placed caches along my bug out route, minimizing what I need to carry. This is to increase speed. I have 52 miles to go to get there, and have a bicycle with a motor and trailer stashed in case the roads are jammed. I hope to be moved before any real ugliness occurs, but prudence demands a backup plan.
Every bug out in entirely different by necessity, so every bug out bag must be different to match! My wife is in a wheelchair, so my bug out plans are more involved that most people.
I try to minimize weight, but we look at items that will directly help US. I would use a 12 foot diameter net, although your net selection would be better for someone traveling long distances alone.
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