As an FCC-licensed, Amateur Radio Operator, I am keenly aware of the importance of having alternative communications methods available in the event that the normal infrastructure is down for an extended period of time. Such outages may be caused by a variety of circumstances (disasters, civil unrest, sabotage, equipment failures, etc.)
In addition to being prepared, Amateur Radio is a fun-filled, lifelong hobby.
My Amateur Radio Callsign is AK4ZX (Amateur Extra Class).
While I own a variety of radio gear, my favorites are:
Icom IC-7100 HF/VHF/UHF Transceiver
This is a D-STAR-Ready radio.
Flex Radio Maestro
This is a remote control/display device for use with the Flex Radio product line.
Flex Radio Model 6700
This is a software-defined radio (SDR) with highly advanced capabilities.
Icom ID-51a Plus
This is a D-STAR-Ready HT.
MMDVM Hotspot
A hotspot is a radio-to-Internet digital interface. MMDVM permits use of D-STAR, DMR, Yaesu Fusion, and P-25.
Jim Goodrich of the ARRL (Amateur Radio Relay League) presents an Elmer Award to me.