SHTF Communication...

Originally posted by Anuubis
reply to post by Jkd Up

 

Keeping it short and sweet is a good idea no matter what. You got any ideas on a code? Or anyone else reading this?

I don't. Wasn't really thinking it would add up to much, but I assume we can make one up. Wouldn't be to hard to take an exsisting code and screw it all up

Originally posted by citizen smith

Originally posted by Northern Raider
...
Dead letter drop = pre arranged and agreed location where you can leave messages and letter for others to pick up as and when needed, A physical notice board for want of a better description, often found at RZ's

A stealthy noticeboard system could be easily created using BoB-portable gear such as this..



..A handheld UV blacklight (preferrably LED) and UV marker pens.

I'd look at using public phone boxes as the bulletin board, as they're found all over the UK in the most rural location, and should still work during any sit-x as they are linked to a secured public communications network.

]

You would surprised by the amount of information than can be scribed onto road traffic signs at junctions with UV marker pens, hint hint.

Gone in 60 seconds style!!!

This is not a one liner. A one liner would be: My girl is ugly, how ugly? Well at Christmas they hang her and kiss the misletoe!

We need to come up with some random numerical code with a preset character modulation. Or something that uses symbols for specific items, locations, or events.

reply to post by Anuubis


I agree. However, that should only get us to the area where other info is. That way, if you are overheard or the code is broken, you still only have half of the puzzle. Hmmm... I'm thinking this is gettinng like the first Mission Imposible movie...

"That's going to be very difficult."
"This is Mission Imposible... Very difficult should be no problem at all."

Fascinating, It appears that this forums prime choice of a bare bones reliable communication system for the post apoc world relies on electricty and generating systems, Transcievers, multiple encryption systems, a skill in aerial engineering. Nothing like keeping the system as simple as possible eh ?

reply to post by Northern Raider


Hey buddy... I don't know... We've talked about smoke signals and secret tattoos...

Does anyone know where I can get about 10 MYLARS military radios so I can give one to everyone I wanna communicate with?

Originally posted by Northern Raider
Fascinating, It appears that this forums prime choice of a bare bones reliable communication system for the post apoc world relies on electricty and generating systems, Transcievers, multiple encryption systems, a skill in aerial engineering. Nothing like keeping the system as simple as possible eh ?

Very well stated. That is the very problem. We are just used to long distance communication. Gone are the days of runners and news traveling as fast as horseback.

Until a person really decides how far does communication really, really needs to be seen or heard; it's speculation.

Depending upon the nature of the post SHTF world there will likely be a role for all sorts of communication. The benfit of HF based communication is that it allows us to develop systems to relay information from great distances. That could be quite helpful in relaying weather information (assuming the commercial outlets are gone), condition and passability of routes and bridges, movement of large numbers of people, etc.

Originally posted by hinky

Originally posted by Northern Raider
Fascinating, It appears that this forums prime choice of a bare bones reliable communication system for the post apoc world relies on electricty and generating systems, Transcievers, multiple encryption systems, a skill in aerial engineering. Nothing like keeping the system as simple as possible eh ?

Very well stated. That is the very problem. We are just used to long distance communication. Gone are the days of runners and news traveling as fast as horseback.

Until a person really decides how far does communication really, really needs to be seen or heard; it's speculation.

Why can we not learn a simple lesson taught to us by the 1800s americans? IE If you can not take Mohamed to the mountain, take the mountain to Mohamed. The highly innovative mountain men did not prat about with sending messages that could get lost or intercepted, they took themselves to regular meeting points where they could exchange info, barter, socialise, resupply and communicate with others, all at a neutral location.

Originally posted by Northern Raider
Fascinating, It appears that this forums prime choice of a bare bones reliable communication system for the post apoc world relies on electricty and generating systems, Transcievers, multiple encryption systems, a skill in aerial engineering. Nothing like keeping the system as simple as possible eh ?

When i said we need to come up with something that uses symbols i was working off of your road sign idea. Not much power used there.
And you don't have to have a bachelors degree in Quantum Physics to use it

If you are using a code like morse, then you can use tactical lasers for communicating. In clear weather the beam travels great distances, and you have to be almost perfectly in line of sight to see them.
And a handful of batteries only weighs a couple of ounces.

[edit on 17-12-2008 by Anuubis]

Any and all forms of communication can be intercepted with the proper equipment and technique. My strategy, if I had one, would be to quiet and listen (receive only). Submarines use passive radar these days meaning that they don't make noise they listen for it. This increases their survivability.

Obsidience

reply to post by Jkd Up


Why communicate and take this risk just listen periodically. I did some research and a short wave receiver is the best thing to have on hand. The sony Model Number: ICF-SW7600GRFM Stereo Multi-Band World Band Receiver™ Radio seems to be the most cost effective at about 150.00. I will be able to hear the Ham operators and get news around the world with it. This one runs on 3 AAA batteries for about 14 hours. Go to youtube and type in short wave to see them work. They are small so you can carry them anywhere. I dont know about them being tracked- I am sure they can be but I fiqure its like a phone trace location they need time to locate you, so I will only listen a short time then remove the batteries as they may be like cell phones. Remember to ditch your cell phones do not take them to your safe location.

Originally posted by Northern Raider
You would surprised by the amount of information than can be scribed onto road traffic signs at junctions with UV marker pens, hint hint.

What kind of range/distance/max. driving speed would be needed to see a UV scribed message? Could you get/make a UV spotlight torch with a beam that would enable you to read at 10mtr in low light/night?

Originally posted by citizen smith

Originally posted by Northern Raider
You would surprised by the amount of information than can be scribed onto road traffic signs at junctions with UV marker pens, hint hint.

What kind of range/distance/max. driving speed would be needed to see a UV scribed message? Could you get/make a UV spotlight torch with a beam that would enable you to read at 10mtr in low light/night?

Smithy you misunderstand, the road signs are meant to be used after SITx or TEOTWAWKI has happened, you would be expect to stop to read the messages. IE bugging out from say South Yorks to Northumberland you would be able to leave a message for those following you on the back side of for example the 100 meter countdown to a junction signs and junction 33/34/35 etc all the way up to whereever. It works especially well where there are junctions like the A1M to A66 West then four miles further on the A1M to A66 East. It does not have to be that type of sign your own people may decide to use the ones that say " SERVICES XXX Miles" or whatever suits your choice of route.

Have you guys thought about using one-time pads? You'd still have to come up with the code, but by having an advanced distribution of the code to your potential contacts, that eliminates a big security flaw. During the cold war, that was one of the preferred ways of having secure communication. The caveat with using these is each page MUST only be used once and needs to be destroyed after use.

There are some one time pad generators out there that would allow you to make up the pad now. That way if the SHTF, the pad was already distributed.

One-time pad
One-time pad generator

reply to post by fritzM
A one use item is good, but won't work in the long run. We need to think of something can can be used more than once, and doesn't require power. Batteries will get very scarce very fast. So the blacklight markers will only work for a while. It has to be something simple, even if it's just a pattern of rocks on the side of the trail or road.

Learn how to make "Ranger arrows" and other hidden markers. Most of the Ranger training is available in book form.

Yes, all communication can be intercepted and translated, but if you use it only to get to a meeting point, then go from there to your secure area, it should work.

I can't think of too many people leading trails right to their safe place... Or... Maybe they will. I for one, more than likely will be forgoing that.