Best Way to Get Internet on the Road When Full Time

The Best Carrier and Fastest Devices where you Can Get Unlimited Data (Internet) connections explained.

For those who want or need to live the full-time RV Lifestyle, the most asked question is how do I have a continuous cell phone and internet connections no matter where you are? This link/video below, by Bob Wells, answers that question in a simple and understandable how to do it a discussion.

Video link:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O8AOAluCFlg

Two Way Radios, (FRS/GMRS) Buying Tips

Below is my backup set of two-way radios, their purpose is to be backup radios or to loan to others/neighbors during an event when there’s no grid-power and their cell phone batteries are depleted. Dead cell phone batteries are a common occurrence during an event because many people are heavy phone or tablet users must re-charge their phones every day. For those with dead batteries, some simple form of communication with others is reassuring during the power outage event. Two-Way radios are also good when used for neighborhood patrol/security communicating.

I purchased the simplest (cheapest) radios possible. Because to let some new user use a two-way radio loaded with many extra features is confusing. And if the new user starts blindly pushing buttons it will probably lead to a locked-up radio, so there goes the communication. 

The extra set of radio’s I have, shown below, are missing two important features. When buying two-way radios here’s what you may want to look for:

1.   Single on/off/volume control rotary knob.

There’s hardly a person who doesn’t understand how to use a rotary control knob. All they have to do is rotate the knob to turn on and adjust the volume, then press the “Talk” button. The common channel to use is pre-set. The rest of the radio functions are also preset and needs no adjusting etc. Simple!

2.   Back-lit channel display and buttons.

When it’s night time, you cannot read the display or buttons. You will need a flashlight and for most unprepared people, it will be a problem finding the only flashlight they have when needed!

C Crane, Skywave Portable Radio

Two weeks ago I purchased this radio and used it for the first time during Hurricane IRMA. It is a very good, very small radio that does just about everything you could ask of a small pocket radio. Naturally, it has AM/FM, Weather, important to me at that time and Shortwave.

The most impressive feature of this radio is the battery life of 60-70 hours on two “AA” batteries and its simple intuitive controls. Don’t need a manual every time you want to use it!

During the Hurricane, I used the radio because the power went out at the motel shortly after we arrived. All the hallway emergency lights came on as they should and apparently the Wi-Fi system ran on a backup battery also. The Wi-Fi connection became weaker and weaker until there was no signal available, so the radio was our connection to the outside events. This also meant no internet, no way to charge the laptops, i-pads or phones.

Link and more information:

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00QMTI6YK/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o03_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

 Small Lightweight Portable AM/FM/Shortwave/Weather/Airband Travel Clock Radio With Alarm

• Lighted LCD Display, Rotary Volume Knob, Stereo Headphone Jack, Sleep Timer
• 400 Memory Presets, Direct Entry Keypad, Autoscan Tuning, Signal Meter
• Runs approx. 60-70 hrs. at moderate volume on (2) AA batteries (not included) or can be powered by an optional AC adapter
• Includes Earbuds, Carry Case and Fold-out Backstand.
• 1 Year Warranty.

Listen To Police/Fire/EMS Without A Scanner On Your PC!

(Note: Using your computer to listen to these broadcasts only works if your internet connection is alive and healthy. With all the possible disasters we could face your computer may become useless!)

It may be useful for you to know what your emergency and police are up to. Especially useful for areas away from your location so you can actually hear what’s going on in neighboring towns and what may be coming your way.

Link: Broadcastify.com 

Browse the site to see what it offers and how to use it. It is simple to understand.

Click on your state then click on your county.

It may take a minute or two to start hearing the chatter, be patient.

CB Radio, 40 Channel Handheld with NOAA Weather

Lately, I have been fine tuning all my emergency preparations, selling off some of the old prior to Y2K electronics with current technology. I’ve already downsized my 4kw generator with a new, much quieter and fuel efficient Honda 2000i.

When it comes to radio communications I feel the CB will still be used by many in a grid down or other emergency where all normal everyday communication methods are out for an extended amount time. For my own radios, I feel the FMRS, CB, 2-Meter and Marine handheld radios plus a small portable Shortwave AM/FM radio for shortwave listening should be sufficient for my needs at this time. Last week I purchased a new CB handheld radio, a Midland 75-822 to replace my very old and twice as physically large one.

The features that sold me on this unit were its small size, the mobile adapter that has a 12v plug to plug into the cars or any power port and a antenna connection for a taller roof top antenna. Also uses my favorite size ‘AA’ batteries. It comes with two battery pack/holders, one for ‘AA’ alkaline and the other for Rechargeable NiCad batteries with a charger.

Radio Features:

• Ultra-Portable CB and Weather Radio
• 40-Channel CB Radio
• The 75-822 offers 40 separate communication channels, delivering the maximum CB communication range with 4 watts of output power.
• Channel scan can automatically check all channels for activity, stopping on any active channel for five seconds. You can also store and instantly access up to five of your favorite channels in memory. When you flip on the device, a last channel memory feature will turn on the last channel you selected before powering off.
• While communicating, a built in ANL (automatic noise limiter) improves reception for weak signals, and squelch control further eliminates background noise.
• Weather Radio/Emergency Channel Convenience
• The 75-822 features instant access to NOAA Weather Radio, for weather/hazard information in your area 24/7.
• Immediate access to emergency channel 9 and informational channel 19 is also provided.
• The Dual Watch feature lets you monitor channel 9 and another channel of your choice simultaneously.
• Power With AA Batteries or Vehicle Power Port
• You can power this unit with six AA batteries, complete with a battery life extender feature. To get even more from your batteries, high/low transmit power settings are provided (4 watts and 1 watt, respectively).
• A mobile adapter is also included for powering directly from your vehicle's "cigarette lighter" power port.
• Easy to Use
• The 75-822 boasts a large, backlit multifunction LCD display that's easy to read, day or night. A keypad lock feature "locks in" your preferred settings, so they aren't accidentally changed. The flexible antenna with BNC connector is easily removed for transport, and an external headset jack is provided for hands-free use.

The new CB radio.

Radio with the mobile set-up attached. Remove the battery pack and snap on the mobile set-up to use vehicle power and the antenna lead to attach to my stainless steel whip antenna.

Upper Left; Radio.

Upper Right; mobile set-up.

Lower Left; ‘AA’ NiCad battery pack with wall bug charger.

Lower Right; ‘AA’ battery pack.

Box front.

Summary:

It is a good radio, lots of volume, backlit display, the option of alkaline or rechargeable NiCad ‘AA’ batteries or 12v vehicle battery, a small size and important to me because of hurricanes is the ten NOAA weather reception stations.

Midland 75-822 40 Channel CB-Way Radio   $76.83

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00000K2YR?psc=1&redirect=true&ref_=oh_aui_detailpage_o00_s00

Hustler MBM CB Radio Antenna Magnet Mount   $24.25

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00TFYX9S2?psc=1&redirect=true&ref_=oh_aui_detailpage_o01_s00

The magnet is strong at 5 inches in diameter with 100 lbs. of pull. When I’m parked or camped it holds my full length stainless steel whip to the van roof very securely.

I added three Velcro self-stick loop pads to the bottom because it’s so hard to pull off the roof. It makes it easy to slide the magnetic base without scratching the paint to a curved part of the roof then pull it off.

Stainless steel whip antenna on the van.

Shortwave Listening Global Station List

(This is the best list I have ever come across. It is maintained and updated on a regular basis and complied in very friendly formats (English Speaking Stations Only Listed) sorted by UTC time or sorted by country)

In times of large country wide disasters getting the real news is paramount to understanding what is actually going on around you. A government or terrorist act could shut down the internet, cell phones and local TV and Broadcast news. Your only link to the outside world is going to be a Shortwave Radio. This can be a low cost simple everyday portable house radio that has 'digital' shortwave band tuning/reception or a Shortwave HF Transceiver that also allows not only listening but the ability to speak to others on a chosen frequency.

Small samples of the actual listings look like below:

Sorted by Country (Looks like this):

Country, Station ID, UTC Broadcast Times and Station Frequency. (Place a decimal point before the last 3 digits for the band and frequency number)

U. S. A.        WWCR4             0000-0300 NA, Tu-Sa  7520

U. S. A.        WWCR4             0300-0400 NA, Tu-Sa  5890

U. S. A.        WWCR4             2100-2200 NA, M-F    9980

U. S. A.        WWRB              0000-0200 NA         3215, 5050

U. S. A.        WWRB              0200-0500 NA         3195, 5050

U. S. A.        WWRB              2200-2400 NA         3215

United Kingdom  BBC               0000-0100 As         5970om, 6195si, 9410th,

                                                       9740si, 11750si, 11955si

United Kingdom  BBC               0000-0100 As         12095si, 13725th,

                                                       15335si, 15755th

United Kingdom  BBC               0100-0200 As         9740si, 11750si, 11955si,

                                                       13725th, 15310th,

                                                       15335si, 15755th

United Kingdom  BBC               0200-0300 As         12095om, 15310th

United Kingdom  BBC               0300-0400 ME         6195om, 9410om

United Kingdom  BBC               0400-0500 Af         9460za, 12095ae

United Kingdom  BBC               0400-0500 ME         9410om, 12035om

United Kingdom  BBC               0500-0600 Af         3255za, 5875as, 6005as,

Sorted by UTC Time (Looks like this):

UTC Broadcast Times, Country, Station ID and Station Frequency. (Place a decimal point before the last 3 digits for the band and frequency number)

0100-0200 NA         Romania         R. Romania Int'l  6145, 7325

0100-0200 As,ME,Eu   Tajikistan      V. of Tajik       7245

0100-0200 Am, Sa-M   U. S. A.        WBCQ              5110

0100-0200 Am, Tu-Su  U. S. A.        WBCQ              7490

0100-0200 Am, Sa     U. S. A.        WBCQ              9330

0100-0200 NA         U. S. A.        WHRI              7385

0100-0200 LA, Su-M   U. S. A.        WHRI              7315

0100-0200 NA, Tu-Sa  U. S. A.        WHRI              5920

0100-0200 LA         U. S. A.        WRMI              5950

0100-0300 As, Su     Palau           T8WH              17725

0100-0400 LA         U. S. A.        Overcomer Ministry5985wr

0100-0500 NA         Cuba            R. Havana Cuba    6000, 6165

0100-1300 Af         U. S. A.        Wld Univ Network  5935

0130-0200 NA, Tu-Th  Slovakia        R. Slovakia (G24) 9395wr

0130-0200 As         Myanmar         Thazin R.         6030

0140-0159 As         Vatican City    Vatican R.        7410uz, 9560

0200-0215 NA, M      U. S. A.        Eternal Good News 7385wh

0200-0230 NA         Thailand        R. Thailand       13745

0200-0300 As         United Kingdom  BBC               12095om, 15310th

0200-0300 As         China           China R. Int'l    9610, 11770

0200-0300 LA         South Korea     KBS World R.      9580

0200-0300 As         South Korea     KBS World R.      9690

0200-0300 As, Oc     Australia       R. Australia      9660, 12080, 15150,

                                                       15240, 15415, 17750,

                                                       17795, 17840

0200-0300 NA,Tu-Sa   Argentina       RAE               11710

The website for these listings and much more:

PRIME TIME SHORTWAVE - http://www.primetimeshortwave.com

I recommend you copy and paste the lists you want into a Word Document and save it on your computer and on a flash drive. Each list is large at 17 pages.

Make it a point to search for 6 or 10 stations you like and your radio and antenna receive best today. Keep a record of them rather than searching for one after a communications blackout.

For me it's a great help to have a digital 24 hour clock dedicated to showing UTC Time. It's helpful because when I'm searching for stations like at 10:pm my time I can search for stations that are on the air converted UTC time. Now I can search for stations matching the time I'm listening. Saves a lot of time.

Here's where I purchased my clock:

http://www.mfjenterprises.com/Product.php?productid=MFJ-108B