{"id":15180,"date":"2015-10-19T15:53:54","date_gmt":"2015-10-19T19:53:54","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/swling.com\/blog\/?p=15180"},"modified":"2015-12-09T15:05:19","modified_gmt":"2015-12-09T19:05:19","slug":"virtual-radio-challenge-iv-emergency-radio-and-a-chance-to-win-a-prepper-radio-package","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/swling.com\/blog\/2015\/10\/virtual-radio-challenge-iv-emergency-radio-and-a-chance-to-win-a-prepper-radio-package\/","title":{"rendered":"Virtual Radio Challenge IV: Emergency radio and a chance to win a prepper radio package"},"content":{"rendered":"
\"GP5SSB-Front\"<\/a>

The CountyComm GP5\/SSB portable SW\/AM\/FM radio is just one of many items in this prize package!<\/p><\/div>\n

UPDATE:<\/strong> This challenge is now closed. \u00a0Click here to read about the winning entries.<\/a><\/em><\/p>\n

The SWLing Post<\/em> attracts readers and enthusiasts from all walks of life. In the past, we’ve put together Reader Challenges<\/a> based on actual questions we receive from readers, usually\u00a0looking for the best radio kit for a unique situation or location. Our first challenge sought gear for the most remotely inhabited island on the planet<\/a>;\u00a0the second, for a village in the Himalayas<\/a>;\u00a0and the third, for an Appalachian Trail thru-hiker<\/a>.<\/p>\n

This time we’re taking a slightly different angle, but nonetheless representative of a quite significant (and growing!)\u00a0number of\u00a0reader queries: What is the best radio for use\u00a0in an emergency?<\/em>\u00a0Or, as we’re\u00a0often asked,”What is the best prepper radio?”<\/p>\n

There are many ways to answer this question based upon the scenario a reader is confronting. To help define a scenario for this challenge\u2013perhaps the first in a few similar radio challenges\u2013I enlisted the help of my good friend, David Cripe (NM0S). Dave, an engineer and radio\/kit designer<\/a>, is\u00a0something of a modern day\u00a0MacGyver<\/a>\u00a0and preparedness expert. Not to mention,\u00a0a very cool guy.<\/p>\n

Dave agreed not only to help author\u00a0an emergency scenario (below), but has also agreed to judge the reader challenge responses. \u00a0Dave will\u00a0select his favorite from among the best \u00a0entries.<\/p>\n

But there’s more:\u00a0CountyComm Government Products Group<\/a>\u00a0has generously offered a comprehensive prize package for the winning entry!<\/strong><\/p>\n

Interested? Keep reading…<\/strong><\/p>\n

The scenario<\/h1>\n

\"ivan-hurricane\"As is often said, stuff happens.\u00a0<\/em>Indeed, our modern communication infrastructure is a fragile thing. Let’s imagine that\u00a0your area suddenly loses power\u2013as well as cell phone and internet service\u2013for an indeterminate period. Home and personal electronics remain\u00a0unaffected, but must be powered off-grid (without mains power). \u00a0Moreover,\u00a0you may be required\u00a0to evacuate your home…perhaps even on foot.<\/p>\n

\"Electricity-Pylon-Tower\"<\/a>Does the above scenario seem far-fetched? \u00a0Actually, this is just the sort of scenario we often see occur in regions throughout the world as the result of natural disasters<\/a> (and occasionally human sabotage<\/a>), and it’s\u00a0the scenario we’ll mentally prepare for in this exercise.<\/p>\n

In preparation for this event, what portable radio kit would you assemble? \u00a0<\/strong><\/em>In particular, you’ll want to look for an optimal combination of features and portability for price, ($400 US for all your kit).\u00a0And it isn’t just the radio we’re interested in, but also how you intend to use<\/em> it.<\/p>\n

Therefore, how do you intend to:<\/p>\n

    \n
  1. obtain information about local and world events?<\/li>\n
  2. communicate within your local region to assist emergency services?<\/li>\n
  3. pass messages to friends and family over\u00a0long distances?<\/li>\n
  4. power your\u00a0kit for an indeterminate amount of time?<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

    Limitations<\/h2>\n

    Rather than making this virtual challenge restrictive<\/em>, the following limitations are designed to make the challenge more fun and create\u00a0a level playing field for all\u00a0participants.<\/p>\n

      \n
    1. Once again, you\u2019re limited to a (virtual) budget of $400 US<\/strong> to procure your supplies; ideally, this will include the shipping costs of all\u00a0purchase(s) you make.<\/li>\n
    2. You may\u00a0select new, used, or homebrew gear<\/strong>, but you must base your choices\u00a0on reality (i.e.,\u00a0actually find item(s) online and document the price and time of\u00a0availability). If you \u201cshop\u201d\u00a0eBay, for example, make sure you\u2019re using the final purchase price, not the current or opening bid. If you do\u00a0locate something used on\u00a0eBay<\/a>,\u00a0QTH.com<\/a>,\u00a0QRZ.com<\/a>, or\u00a0at Universal Radio<\/a>, for example, do include the link to the item (just to\u00a0add to the fun). If you enter a homebrew radio, it should be based on something you\u2019ve either built or used, and must include a photo. Of course, you can use multiple radios, but keep in mind the amount of space and weight these will consume in your evacuation or “bug-out” bag.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

      The prize package<\/h1>\n
      \"Click<\/a>

      Click to enlarge<\/p><\/div>\n

      CountyComm is generously offering the selected entrant\u00a0of this contest a prize package that includes the following items,\u00a0useful\u00a0whether there’s an emergency or not:<\/strong><\/p>\n