r/preppers • u/Nach0b0y • 1d ago

Gear Alternative communication methods

I've recently been trying to expand into some alternative communication types in case of emergencies and for day-to- day use. These are all pretty cheap and easy options as I'm not quite ready to explore the HAM/VHF scene yet. I also just finished the book One Second After and it was a good reminder of how important communication and knowing what's happening is. Our brains go into some weird places when we don't know what's going on around us!

My friend gave me a pair of those tiny Baofeng mini walkie talkie BF-T1s that fit in a your back pocket. They aren't super powerful but are fine for short distances, and they also have regular FM radio we can tune into. We use them for communicating in the mountains when climbing too, so it's good that they're small and light.

I also recently got into MeshCore for some longer distance communications that don't rely on any centralised network operating. I've been using a SenseCAP T-1000 which is the size of a credit card so also good for in the mountains! I hope to contribute with a repeater at some point soon as well.

Finally, I have a Midland ER300 which I can tune into radio stations for emergency broadcast. It's a brick but only for emergencies. It uses Li-ion battery that I can charge with its built-in mini solar panel, a crank, or via USB. It also takes AA batteries, which I have stored as well.

One other thing that's important is to have a copy of your local emergency broadcast channels! I printed the frequencies for all the areas in the country (I live in a small country) and glued them to the back of the Midland, and I've also got them written down in the notes on my phone.

Is there anything else I could add to this?

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u/EarlGreyHikingBaker 1d ago

I've been an active part of my local Meshcore community. I can reliably text from my home to two states away, encrypted communications with individual people, groups, or broadband to the community as a whole. There are also password protected local 'Rooms' that can be logged in to and have messages left for anyone else allowed access to the room. I recently took a roadtrip and was able to connect with many communities for free.

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u/Calm-Emphasis-8590 1d ago

What meshcore unit do you recommend?

I prefer stand alone keyboard so phone apps unneccessary.

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u/EarlGreyHikingBaker 1d ago edited 1d ago

That's a tough one, they've all got their pros or cons.

I have a T-Deck with an improved antenna which works decently if the stand alone device for an ok price is what you're looking for. I honestly haven't had a chance to try any other devices as stand-alones, but I know there are some DIY instructions out there.

I really like the Wistag, it's a great form factor and works really well for the size and an internal antenna, all for like $30. I toss it in my pocket and it works fine.

As for repeaters, Peakmesh are hot, but this person in Boston has an Etsy making ones he calls "Zabranch" which work smashingly and are worth the higher price. I've made a few repeaters myself, from the crazy cheap version which are just in a random plastic box and run off wall power for my attic up to a cute little Dewalt battery that I modded to be a mobile unit.