HAM really is a good thing for independent communication. Some modern transceivers are small enough to be EDC.
As I understand it the RockMite is a CW transceiver which means youŽll have to learn Morse to use it. IIRC you also need some periphery (e. g. antenna) which would not fit into the Altoids tin. The concept seems appealing anyway. IŽm considering to build one as a DIY project in the wintertime.
On this side of the pond government people seem to be interested in having HAM operators around (they can be recruited to help in disasters). I made my license this year for 2m and 70cm. A recent change of regulation brought more options. They increased the permitted transmitted power and permited limited access to short wave.
I recommend to participate in contests and special activities. It helps to build experience and shows the limits of your equippment.
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If it isnŽt broken, it doesnŽt have enough features yet.