The power grid will certainly be destroyed in the coming months,
due to what the National Academy of Science and N.A.S.A. say
will be damaging solar blasts. When the power grid goes down, it
will stay down, because of the inability to repair such massive damage
soon, and because civilization's technology will be undergoing countless
other damaging strikes from earthquakes, floods, super wind storms,
super hail storms, etc. In short, our civilization will be thrown back to
a pre-modern way of life. So, it's easy to foresee that shortwave radio,
citizens' band radio, and walkie-talkie communications will become
much more popular.
a description of the coming worldwide solar storms:
http://www.solarstormwarning.com/
a description of shortwave radio listening:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shortwave_listening
a description of walkie-talkie communications
Replies
can i just come in here, briefly. whilst walkie talkies are useful in the right situation, should we not be looking more to listening to shortwave stations still broadcasting, and ham radio as well, so we get news of what is happening vis. the state of communities, weather reports, sun behavior and availability of supplies. plus law enforcement issues.
Can you post a link describing your particular walkie-talkie, Kim?
I have walkie talkies that go out about 2 miles.
Yes, your recommendations are good, Nick. Solar panels produce DC voltage,
and wind generators produce low-level AC voltage (which can be rectified
to produce pulsating DC voltage), both of which can be applied to charge up
lead-acid batteries. Lead-acid batteries are the most powerful type of battery
that I know of, although I have not checked into the latest high-power battery
technology, yet. Batteries are a good choice for energy storage, because their
energy can be dispensed without much waste, whereas propane gas, natural
gas, and gasoline generators waste more fuel, emit deadly waste gases, and
are noisy (when we want to remain silent and inconspicuous). DC voltage from
these charged batteries can directly power radios, LED lights, and other devices.
This DC voltage can also be applied to a quasi-sinusoidal inverter to produce
120 volt AC electrical energy to power other appliances which require that type
of voltage in order to operate. Please do Internet searches on these technical
terms to learn about them. This will encourage you to employ these items.
I do think, John we need to think of a backup power supply, alkaline batteries won't last forever. rechargeable can be used, but we need a power supply.
can a simple solar panel be made to work? I suggest a bank of acid batteries, rechargeable, maybe a small wind generator. a solar panel as well. use these specifically for the radio, as communication is vital when all services are lost. information is vital.
TruTV documentary on the coming failure of our power grids:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fOWWIDT910I