Ed Switalski <E.Switalski@bnr.co.uk>:
*** use Meteorscatter links: A low power, fairly covert, burst transmission medium.
dwomack@runner.jpl.utsa.edu (David L Womack):
Why worry about unliscensed? I believe I've seen a laser (low power Helium/Neon), possibly in the Edmund Scientific catalog, that you can modulate. You'd have a nearly impenetrable, highly directional signal.
True... But a simple radio transciever is much cheaper and easier to build than a laser system or sophisticated meteor bounce hardware. It might be possible to use a highly focused beam from a LED instead of a laser. Unfortunantly, there is still the problem with the beam getting blocked...
Failing that, stick to 250mw or less; unless I'm mistaken, that's almost completely unregulated, and certainly doesn't require a license. Lots of hand held CB units, and the Maxon headsets fall in this category.
About how far can one transmit with 250mw?
For higher powers, you might consider getting a Ham license, probably at the technician grade. It's true that you aren't permitted to send encrypted messages...
Now, how many cypherpunks do you know that would send unencrypted data over the aitwaves??? Not many. I know there isn't much respect for the law, but I don't want to make an obvious ass of myself.
but did you know that many hams use SSTV (Slow scan Television) to send still photographs around the *_World_* on long wave (i.e. 10 meter) bands? Of course, only a shamefully irresponsible person would think of violating their duties as a Citizen-Unit (per Mr. May) and use Stegonography to include an encrypted message...
Seems like more trouble than it's worth... certainly not a convienient e-mail system.