Looking for emergency communications suggestions

This is not the type of question that we would normally keep in the Ask the Elmers section but I think it’s important because of its foundational aspect. Laying out the guidelines for people who are ‘attracted’ to amateur radio, often because of emergency communications, is important.

Now to some answers.

It’s wonderful to hear that you and your daughter are exploring amateur radio as a means of staying connected, especially given the unpredictable nature of the world. Establishing reliable communication between New Mexico and New York is entirely feasible, even with the limitation of an indoor antenna on your daughter’s end. Let me provide some guidance on how you can achieve this.

Firstly, both of you will need to obtain at least a General Class amateur radio license to operate on the High Frequency (HF) bands suitable for long-distance communication. Preparing for the exams can be facilitated by resources like the ARRL Ham Radio License Manual, and local amateur radio clubs often offer support and testing sessions. Note that you will first have to get your Technician’s license. Depending on your degree of technical knowledge, expect anywhere from 25 to 250 hours of studying to make it to General. I know that’s a wide swath, but it really does depend on you and your daughter’s capabilities and affinities.

For cross-country communication, HF bands are your best option due to their ionospheric propagation characteristics. The 20-meter band (around 14 MHz) is excellent for daytime communication, while the 40-meter band (around 7 MHz) is effective during both day and night. The 80-meter band (around 3.5 MHz) works best at night but requires larger antennas, which might not be practical for indoor setups.

Given your daughter’s limitation to an indoor antenna, there are still viable options. Magnetic loop antennas (our own Andy WA3LTJ is an expert) are compact and suitable for indoor use, though they require precise tuning due to their narrow bandwidth. An example is the AlexLoop HamPack Portable Magnetic Loop Antenna. Another option is an end-fed half-wave antenna that can be installed along walls or in attics; while they may pick up more noise and require a good antenna tuner, models like the MyAntennas EFHW-8010 are effective. Indoor dipole antennas, such as the G5RV Dipole Antenna, can be configured in limited spaces by arranging them in an inverted V or zig-zag pattern, though they may be less efficient.

Investing in quality equipment will significantly enhance your communication capabilities. Though I am not a major fan, many are fans of transceivers like the Icom IC-7300 that offer SDR technology with a touchscreen interface and a built-in antenna tuner, making them user-friendly and efficient. The Yaesu FT-991A provides all-band capabilities (HF/VHF/UHF) and supports C4FM digital modes, offering versatility. For portability, the Elecraft KX3 is a high-performance option ideal for low-power operations. Accompanying your transceiver with a reliable antenna tuner, such as the LDG AT-100ProII, will help manage a wide range of antenna impedances. Don’t forget essential accessories like quality coaxial cables to minimize signal loss and grounding equipment for safety and noise reduction. Note that I like my radios small, so my HF rig is a Yaesu FT-891.

Utilizing digital modes can significantly enhance communication reliability, especially when dealing with compromised antennas. Modes like FT8 and JS8Call are excellent for low-power and weak-signal conditions. You’ll need a computer interface with your transceiver and software like WSJT-X to operate these modes. This setup allows for more consistent communication, even when signal conditions aren’t ideal. At this point this might be TMI, but it’s good to get you thinking about digital options.

Addressing the challenges of an indoor antenna involves strategic placement and noise reduction. Installing the antenna as high as possible within the space and keeping it away from large metal objects and electrical wiring can improve performance. Using ferrite chokes on cables can help reduce radio frequency interference. Be mindful of legal and safety considerations by ensuring compliance with FCC regulations and local building codes, and pay attention to RF exposure limits, especially in living spaces.

There are alternative communication methods you might consider as well. Winlink Global Radio Email allows you to send emails over HF radio, which can be invaluable in emergencies. EchoLink and the Internet Radio Linking Project (IRLP) use VoIP technology to connect radios via the internet, providing additional avenues for communication. Amateur radio satellites offer another option for long-distance communication, though they require tracking and precise timing. Again, maybe TMI for now, but a good reminder that amateur radio is more than just voice and morse.

As for next steps, I recommend planning your licensing path by scheduling your exams and beginning your studies. Assessing antenna options at your daughter’s location is important, so visiting her to evaluate the space and potential setups would be beneficial. If you feel underqualified, connect with a local ham radio club; you will find us to be very helpful types. Note that when allocating your budget, prioritize funds for high-quality antennas and transceivers, as these will have the most significant impact on your communication capabilities. It won’t be cheap, I can’t give you a budget, but a ballpark for two good HF stations, with all the requisite accessories, will range in the $1500 to $3000 range. Go used and it will be cheaper. More money? Not necessary at this stage.

I hope this is helpful and perhaps some of the other elmers will weigh in.

Jim