Off-Grid Communications

This class provides a foundation to radio communications, from line-of-sight handhelds to over-the-horizon HF radio. Focus will be on compact, efficient, and portable operations out of a backpack or vehicle.

This class is offered as a live, in-person event as well as via remote video. We recommend being live, in-person so you will have the opportunity to participate in the workshop/demonstration down in the Beer Garden.

Learn what is needed to make contact throughout your neighborhood, neighboring states, neighboring countries, or even “across the pond” into Europe, Asia, and Africa.

Topics include:

• Licensing and when it is required
• Principles of radio propagation
• Handheld radios and their limits
• Repeaters
• HF radios and their requirements
• Required equipment
• Identifying radio signals
• Considerations for portable operations
• Battery types, performance, and specifications
• Calculating power consumption
• Battery charging and safety
• Practical exercises