u/Sweendog2016

Just looking for some guidance or experience with running digital modes off-grid. Essentially what I’d like to do is build some sort of setup that could be 100% off-grid to use winlink, aprs, and possibly ft8 or some other digital mode to get communication in and out (I have zero experience with ft8 so I haven’t really looked into its usage much). Essentially this would be for redundancy of communication and a way to possibly receive and transmit information to family and others when phones aren’t available. Ideally this would also be able to use vhf/uhf or hf depending on the needs at the time, I’d be fine having to switch radios and connections if I don’t get a radio that’s capable of both.

Looking to build my first battle belt for range/general preparedness and maybe competition. I’m debating between these options and like qualities of all of them but need some opinions from those that have used them. I’m planning to source the medical components myself. I don’t necessarily see myself using any of them in vehicles unless I take some classes where that comes up. I’m open to any other suggestions not listed here.
Here are my general requirements:
-relatively low profile
- simple layout and easily identifiable to others
-good quality construction

View Poll

Curious if anyone has used snake eater tactical’s 2 or 3 piece belt? This would primarily be used for range use and classes, as well as maybe competition if I decide to get into it. I’m debating between that belt or a blue alpha which I know is highly regarded both on the internet and by those that use their gear professionally.

Maybe a noob question but for my cross eye dominant folks, where do you put your rifle mags on your battle belt? I shoot long guns lefty and pistol righty so my thought is to run a single pistol mag behind my pistol, with the pistol riding around 2 o’clock, rifle mag at whatever position wouldn’t interfere with the grip of the pistol. Any input is appreciated. For context this belt would mostly be for classes/range training

Looking to get better with pistol over the next year or so. I really don’t shoot as much as I know I should and want to change that, but don’t want to just shoot on a static range. I’d like to be able to shoot on the move and work on becoming more well rounded for defensive shooting. Does anyone have any classes or instructors/companies they recommend for that? I’ve looked at a few websites for local ranges but they seem to all say that they don’t have any classes scheduled aside from the regular concealed carry classes.

I’ve recently been doing some research into nvis antenna setups. I’m wondering how I can connect the 4 legs of the antenna to a mast and if I need a particular mast or top for the mast to work? My original thought was possibly running a zip tie or s style carabiner through the tip of the mast but I’m not sure that would work. I haven’t purchased any equipment yet as I want to pass my general first before I invest into hf.