In the wake of Helene, recent CA fires, recent cellphone outages, etc., I was asked about establishing communications plans for families and groups using radios. IMHO, one should start with GMRS with the expectation of getting a technician class amateur radio license. These two licenses will ensure an ability to communicate in the event of disaster or cellphone breakdown/overload.
Before I start, you may want to take a look at a blog by Kevin Macaraeg of ICOM America on the differences between VHF/UHF. The characteristics of these frequency ranges should be considered when building a solution. Link: https://blog.icomamerica.com/2021/11/17/differences-between-vhf-and-uhf/
There are "free" and no license spaces in these radio spectrums. Information on these can be found as follows:
Multi-Use Radio Service (MURS) is a channelized VHF service: https://www.fcc.gov/wireless/bureau-divisions/mobility-division/multi-use-radio-service-murs
Family Radio Service (FRS) is a channelized (low power) UHF service: https://www.fcc.gov/wireless/bureau-divisions/mobility-division/family-radio-service-frs
Whether you choose to (or not) pursue an amateur radio license, I would encourage you to get a General Mobile Radio Service (GMRS) license [Link: https://www.fcc.gov/wireless/bureau-divisions/mobility-division/general-mobile-radio-service-gmrs]. This is a channelized UHF service allowing more power, detachable antennas, and repeater functions. It does share channels with FRS which allows a GRMS operator to communicate with users of blister pack FRS radios when needed.
I would strongly encourage pursuing at technician class amateur radio license at a minimum. Here's the FCC site: https://www.fcc.gov/wireless/bureau-divisions/mobility-division/amateur-radio-service.
Study links and walking through the process:
https://www.rars.org/HowToBecomeAHam.php
https://hamstudy.org/
https://hamradioprep.com/ham-radio-study-guide/
There a number of apps to aid in studying. Once you consistently pass the practice tests, start studying the next higher class until you go to testing. If you pass the technician class test, take the general. If you pass the general (even if you have not studied for it), take the extra exam.
Meanwhile, here’s Don Jr. worshipping at the feet of another demon god in India.
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The village of Piddington has voted for independence from the United Kingdom and to become a self governing village in a landslide vote.
91% Voting Leave
This comes after news that over 3,000 illegal migrants are to be dumped in their village.
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Ukraine looking to seize assets of UOC’s Family Affairs Department
https://orthochristian.com/180404.html
The Sixth Administrative Court of Appeal opened proceedings on September 22 in the case, which was filed by the state service against the religious organization known as the Synodal Department Mission of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church for Family Affairs. The agency wants the department liquidated and all its property, funds, and other assets—except for liturgical items—transferred to state ownership.
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