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When the SHTF what would be the point to point communications routine. I am going to assume HAM. Won't be able to rely on cellular phones, Dial up, or internet. @ cans and a string won't go very far, so....
Assuming it is HAM, I have a few questions.


I assume that's a good assumption.

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Eliminate repeaters that are currently in existance as batterries will eventually go dead. What band is going to be best?


Most of the repeaters in my area have diesel generator back up that's _supposed_ to be good for three days. shrug. Who knows. In my area, most hams have 2M/70cm handhelds and many have mobile radios that use one of those bands. Most hams here are techs who can't use HF frenquencies. I'd suggest talking to local hams and seeing what they use.

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What radio manufacturer seems to make the best equipment?


You won't go wrong with a radio from Icom, Kenwood, or Yaesu. Alinco makes cheaper radios, and you could consider one of them as a 'loseable' radio.

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Are there models that are fairly portable that cover more than one band, or is a seperate unit required for each band?


The three makers I mention above all make dual and tri-band handheld radios. Whether you get any benefit from whatever the third band is depends on what hams are doing in your area. My suggestion is to stick with a dual band 2M/70cm handheld, and be sure you can use it with AAs.

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Since someone will eventually setup a repeater in the aftermath what would the most likely choice of bands be?


Same: 2M/70cm.

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What band in the most portabel size unit allows for the longest distance communictions?


That's too dependent on local geography. _Generally_, 2 meters will carry further than 70cm, but you don't want to count on my generalization. Check with hams in your area.

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I have noticed that marine band radios usually have higher wattage output, is this a fair alternative?

My first question is, who would be listening? Not many people in my neighborhood, I fear. My next question is, in a handheld? Generally, handhelds have a maximum of 5 or 6 watts. It's a question of battery life.

Phil