Emergency Radio...

sdkid

sdkid

IPCT+ Member
Dec 6, 2014
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21,034
South Dakota
Who has a recommendation for an emergency radio? AM/FM/NOAA/SW

There seem to be a million of them out there, and a lot of cheap junk. Lots have small solar panels or hand cranks-- but it seems you could crank forever and never fully charge the internal battery.
What about old-style analog tuning KNOBS versus digital up-down tuning buttons?

What is a good one? There are LOTS that look like this one--- but a good price on garbage is never a good price.

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I purchased a Midland with NOAA S.A.M.E alert messaging since ATSC 3.0 emergency alerts are never going to work now that broadcasters are DRM encrypting ATSC 3.0 broadcasts to force us all into paid TV service where they rake in $100's of millions in re-transmission fees. Current end date for ATSC 1.0 broadcasts is July 17, 2027.


 
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elvisimprsntr said:
I purchased a Midland with NOAA S.A.M.E alert messaging since ATSC 3.0 emergency alerts are never going to work now that broadcasters are DRM encrypting ATSC 3.0 broadcasts to force us all into paid TV service where they rake in $100's of millions in re-transmission fees. Current end date for ATSC 1.0 broadcasts is July 17, 2027.


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God forbid the public airwaves remain FREE for anything.... Wow.
 
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I used a SDR USB device to track planes in the area about 15 years ago, with a Pi, FlightAware software, and shared the local flights information with their network. Was fun for awhile, but moved on to other things. Note that there are many Chinese-built small Ham receivers using SDR modules. Not familiar with using it as a AM/FM, etc. receiver. I suppose if you can find the right user-friendly software with quick learning curve, connected to laptop, ipad, etc. it could work. Note the warnings about getting heated in comments.
 
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I have a few SDRs scattered across the state. They all receive ADS-B data from aircraft and send the data to flightaware.com.

i.php


The open area in central Nebraska has a large thunderstorm cell causing the flight patterns to shift to the south.
 
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elvisimprsntr said:
I purchased a Midland with NOAA S.A.M.E alert messaging since ATSC 3.0 emergency alerts are never going to work now that broadcasters are DRM encrypting ATSC 3.0 broadcasts to force us all into paid TV service where they rake in $100's of millions in re-transmission fees. Current end date for ATSC 1.0 broadcasts is July 17, 2027.


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DRM is for dvr/nvr users. No more recording.
If you just have an ATSC 3.0 tuner, you will be fine.
 
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vandyman said:
DRM is for dvr/nvr users. No more recording.
If you just have an ATSC 3.0 tuner, you will be fine.
Click to expand...

I think you might be confusing DMCA copy protection vs DRM encryption. Not when all the broadcasts are DRM encrypted to force consumers to subscribe to a paid service where they make millions in retransmission fees.
 
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elvisimprsntr said:
Not when all the broadcasts are DRM encrypted to force consumers to subscribe to a paid service where they make millions in retransmission fees.
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All atsc 3.0 channels are encrypted.
You can receive all of these channels with a stand alone tuner.
Example: A 3.0 tuner that is built in to your TV.
You CAN NOT receive the 3.0 channels with a tuner that has DVR capabilities.

I have a Hdhomerun tuner with dvr functions and it will not work.

Goto Silicone Dust forums to learn about ATSC 3.0

Hisense U8 TV has a ATSC 3.0 Tuner built in and it works. No issues.
 
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vandyman said:
All atsc 3.0 channels are encrypted.
You can receive all of these channels with a stand alone tuner.
Example: A 3.0 tuner that is built in to your TV.
You CAN NOT receive the 3.0 channels with a tuner that has DVR capabilities.

I have a Hdhomerun tuner with dvr functions and it will not work.

Goto Silicone Dust forums to learn about ATSC 3.0
Click to expand...

There are a couple ATSC 3.0 tuners that support DRM decryption and have DVR capability. I suggest you do a bit a reading yourself to understand the difference between ATSC 3.0 and DRM encryption which is governed by the A3SA which is controlled by the broadcasters.
 
I have an Emerson Research CWK2000 which I don't think they make anymore. It might be a repackage of the Alert Works EAR-10. It seems to work just fine and when the alert goes off (full volume) you just about pee your pants.

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elvisimprsntr said:
There are a couple ATSC 3.0 tuners that support DRM decryption and have DVR capability. I suggest you do a bit a reading yourself to understand the difference between ATSC 3.0 and DRM encryption which is governed by the A3SA which is controlled by the broadcasters.
Click to expand...
Post the link.

I am not the expert on this subject.
Just letting you know what I have been using for the last 15 years.
Silicon Dust is the number one tv, cable card tuners around here in the US.

 
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I also have one of these. I bought it some time ago and threw it into the gun safe with the thinking it's better than nothing in case of a SHTF event. I don't have a GMRS license but figure if SHTF the FCC ain't gonna be around to fine me for getting on the GMRS bands. The NOAA weather alert capability doesn't include S.A.M.E. at least not to my knowledge. My understanding is that the GMRS is capable of 5W in "high" transmit mode and 2W or less in "low" mode. High mode probably will get you 10 miles and YMMV of course.

Midland XT511 GMRS Base Camp | 22-Channel GMRS Radio

Stay connected and safe with the Midland XT511 GMRS Base Camp Radio. This 22-channel GMRS radio is ideal for outdoor activities and emergencies.
midlandusa.com midlandusa.com
 
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