We have two projects here at Zombie Squad. First, we will be making a camping stove out of a simple aluminum coke can, that will run on a variety of fuels but is designed for denatured alcohol. The tools are simple, a utility knife, scissors, a marker, a thumbtack, and of course an aluminum can. This design will support a pot directly on top, and offer a medium heat. If high heat is desired, simply raise the pot to allow a larger flame. Second, because we believe radio communication is important in any emergency scenario, we will be building a dipole wire antenna. The length of the antenna is inversely proportional to the desired operating frequency for your radio. Ham Radio operators are welcome to make any antenna they desire, but this is not restricted to just licensed amateur radio. CB Radio is still free for anyone to use, and can be made very effective if you use the right antenna. Now, for this project, we will be soldering to an SO-239 rf connector, cutting spare speaker wire to length, and bringing it all together with strain relief on a wooden block in the center. The most complex tool we will be using is MATH. To get the proper length of wire, you need to take 468 divided by the desired frequency in MHz (in this case 27.185MHz, aka CB Ch.19), which gives you the approximate length of wire in feet. We can then multiply that answer by 12 to get the length in inches, which comes out to 103.29″. It will be a good idea to cut a few inches longer and trim down when testing, as this formula is a rough approximation and something as simple as the metal alloy in your wire can change resonance. After assembly, we will test the antennas on an MFJ-259B antenna analyzer, and trim as needed. Once complete, makers can actually use their antenna on a CB Radio and talk to the truckers on nearby I-285, if desired. We will also be handing out literature on being prepared, how to get involved with Ham Radio, and how to be a part of Zombie Squad.
http://www.zombiehunters.org
