It is difficult to imagine the vast size of Typhoon Haiyan, the largest storm ever recorded, which left a death toll over 10,000.
The human tragedy comes first, but support services are important in assisting, and we now wonder about the state of radio broadcasting in the Philippines. Power certainly has been lost, and likely towers are down.
We talk about providing emergency radio during dangerous events, and some Part 15 stations already have a track record of doing this. Backup power is found in some stations.
But we haven't said much about structural integrity, how durable is your antenna system?
It is a good time to begin thinking about reinforcing what we can as preparation for coming climate events. How much abuse can your antenna handle?
I would suppose a reasonable solution would be to have a spare antenna and mounting hardware in the bomb shelter.
A spare transmitter would be great also if you keep yours outside with the antenna.
How about a hard shell road case which contains transmitter, basic PC or laptop and mini-mixer for adding live announcements. Radio-station-in-a-box!
Jab in antenna, roll out two wire counterpoise, plug in and go. You're on the air.
Information Station Specialists markets the InfoSpot system based on the Talking House/I AM Radio system. It's basically a station in a box with the remote ATU/antenna.
Whoaaa, I quickly went from keeping a 10 foot piece of copper pipe and a coil in the bomb shelter to a very expensive but complete system. I guess you need a budget to decide just how prepared you want to be.
I never understood why anyone would want to shelter their bombs.
The backup transmitter pack is a very good plan.
Hey, can a neighborhood association qualify as a government entity to apply for a TIS license?
Back for an Edit Insertion -
The family is considered the smallest unit of government and should therefore qualify for a TIS license.
Hi Guys Good Idea you can make your own portable station and save money by using pelican casses!
Here is some ideas to help out!
Have TWO SETS and keep in two different places For Safety!
label each casses contents.
Test units once in awhile !
Have 2 AM & FM Transmitter With Cable Hook Up!
Have 2 Am Antenna Systems & 2 FM Antenna Systems With Transmission Line !
Have 2 Swr,Power & Field Strength meters!
Have 2 Transmission Line Cables For Fm For back Up!
Have 4 Ground Rods, Ground Wire, Ground Clamps Water Clamps For back up!
Have 2 Pushup Poles with Guide wires and Supports! ( Crank Up Poles ) OR (Crank Up Tower )!
Have 4 Clamps And Mounts For Transmitters On Poles!
Have Allot Extra of Audio Cables Note: To your Needs ! Example : RCA, XLR, Mic Balance Transformer, 1/8 , 1/4 inch jack ETC.
Have 2 Compressor/Limiters With Cables to Your Needs!
Have 2 Mics, Stands, And Extra Mic Cables to Your Needs ! With Balance Transfomer If Needed !
Have 2 Small Control Boards. Like the Tascam DP-008 For Example !
Have Portable Mp3 Players Note: As many as You need!
Have 2 Weather Alert Radios!
Have Spare Power Supply's, Battery's, Inverters, ETC. And cables For Hook Up's As Many As You Need ! Spare Electrical Connectors Plus Crimpers!
Have Portable Solder Gun, Flux, Solder, Solder wick, Cleaner, Desuck Tool, With All the Nessary Tool Kit As Much as You Need !
Have Portable Propane Torch With Solder And Flux And Cleaner As Much You Will Need For quick antenna Repairs!
Have Spare Antenna Parts And Plans laminated to make new antenna Just in Case!
Have Sets Of Plans Laminated For your Systems Set up and hook ups Etc!
Just some ideas for portable set up !
There is so many ways you can do it just set it up to your needs!
I hope this helps you have fun!
I like Carl's comment about sheltering
bombs. Carl, that is so you!
I don't know about any portable Part 15
AM set-ups, except for the guy in CT who
ran one out of his truck on weekends.
And because he was in a public area in the
center of town, he did have listeners. People
tuned his station in on their car radios.
Has anybody else out there rigged up a Part 15
AM portable operation and ran it?
I started to build one. But life got in the way.
Best Wishes,
Bruce, DOGRADIO
P.S. Thanks guys for all of the
ideas, and thanks station8 for
the big list. After thinking about
that gigantic storm in the Philippines,
I have to say, we are indeed fortunate.