All resources
Starter Kits
Opinionated equipment lists for common starting points. Prices are approximate — verify before purchasing.
The Basics
Two-way voice communication with neighbors, independent of cellular and internet. No license required.
~$100
| Item | Purpose | Cost |
|---|---|---|
| 2× Midland GXT1000VP4 GMRS radios | Voice communication | $50 |
| GMRS license (FCC) | Legal authority to transmit | $35 |
| 20,000 mAh USB battery bank | Power backup | $25 |
| Laminated frequency card | Quick reference | $2 |
Gets you: Voice comms up to 1–3 km, works immediately with minimal training.
Doesn't get you: No text messaging, no long range, no community network integration.
The Communicator
Voice on ham repeaters plus text messaging via Meshtastic, with solar charging.
~$300
License required
| Item | Purpose | Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Yaesu FT-60R handheld radio | Reliable VHF/UHF voice | $150 |
| Ham Technician license (exam fee) | Legal authority for ham bands | $15 |
| 2× LILYGO T-Beam Meshtastic nodes | Text messaging mesh | $70 |
| BigBlue 28W foldable solar panel | Solar charging | $50 |
| Spare 18650 batteries (4-pack) | Extended radio operation | $20 |
Gets you: Extended-range voice via repeaters, text mesh without cellular, solar charging capability.
Doesn't get you: No satellite comms, no HF long range.
The Prepared Household
Multi-mode household resilience: voice, text, satellite, and multi-day power.
~$600
License required
| Item | Purpose | Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Yaesu FT-60R handheld (×2) | Primary voice radios | $300 |
| Ham Technician license | VHF/UHF ham operation | $15 |
| 4× LILYGO T-Beam nodes | Meshtastic mesh (home + neighbors) | $140 |
| Garmin inReach Mini 2 | Satellite two-way messaging + SOS | $350 |
| EcoFlow RIVER 2 power station | Extended backup power (256 Wh) | $250 |
| 100W foldable solar panel | Solar charging for power station | $120 |
Gets you: Voice, text, and satellite comms; multi-day power independence; SOS anywhere in the world.
Doesn't get you: No HF long range; no community hub capability.
Garmin inReach requires a monthly service plan ($15–$65/month).
The Community Hub
Full-capability anchor point for a fire station, community centre, or EOC.
~$1,500
License required
| Item | Purpose | Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Icom IC-2300H mobile VHF radio | High-power base/mobile station | $180 |
| Diamond X-50A base antenna | Improved range over handheld | $80 |
| Ham General class license | HF operation capability | $15 |
| Icom IC-7300 HF transceiver | Long-range HF communication | $1,000 |
| Signalink USB interface | Digital modes (Winlink, JS8Call) | $120 |
| Ubiquiti NanoStation M5 (×2) | AREDN mesh node | $100 |
| 200W solar + 100Ah LiFePO4 battery | Extended backup power | $400 |
Gets you: Local VHF voice, global HF voice + digital modes (Winlink, JS8Call), AREDN mesh, multi-day solar power.
Doesn't get you: No satellite redundancy; significant technical expertise required to operate.