Ham Radio was Never Designed for Anonymity

Ham Radio was never designed for anonymity

A person transmitting on amateur (ham) radio can often be tracked and, in principle, targeted. This is a well-established technical and regulatory reality, not speculation.


How tracking works


Radio direction finding (RDF), also called foxhunting or transmitter hunting, is a standard technique used by hams, the FCC, search-and-rescue teams, and others. With directional antennas (such as Yagis), signal-strength measurements, and triangulation from multiple points, the source of a transmission can be located—sometimes to within tens of meters on VHF/UHF frequencies under good conditions.


  • VHF/UHF (common for local repeaters, simplex, and handhelds) is relatively easy to direction-find because signals are mostly line-of-sight.


  • HF (longer-range skywave) is harder due to ionospheric propagation, but still possible with more advanced equipment and multiple stations.


  • Higher power, fixed antennas, and continuous transmissions make locating easier; low power, brief transmissions, or mobile operation make it harder.


Amateurs routinely practice this skill recreationally (“fox hunts”) and use it practically to find interference sources or stuck transmitters. Historical examples include wartime efforts to locate clandestine transmitters.


Identification is built in


U.S. (and most international) rules require operators to identify with their assigned call sign at regular intervals. Call signs are public records. In the United States, anyone can look them up in the FCC’s Universal Licensing System (ULS) database and see the licensee’s name and mailing address (operators can use a P.O. box for some privacy, but the association still exists).


Once you hear a call sign, you already have a strong lead on identity and a starting location. Combining that with RDF on the actual transmitter often pins down the operator or station more precisely. Systems like APRS go further by deliberately broadcasting GPS position reports.


“Targeted”


“Tracked” is technical and routine. “Targeted” depends on context and intent:


•  Lawful monitoring, enforcement against illegal operation, or finding interference is common and expected.


•  In adversarial situations (hostile actors, wartime, or criminal interference), radio emitters have long been located and acted against.


•  For ordinary, legal, licensed operation, physical targeting is rare—most hams operate openly and the hobby is self-policing—but the technical capability exists for anyone with the equipment, skill, and motive.


Ham radio was never designed for anonymity. Transmissions are inherently detectable, direction-finding is a core skill of the hobby, and license data is public. That combination makes tracking (and potential targeting) feasible in ways that differ from more private communication methods.


Preparedness is only the beginning. The Ridge Plan explores what happens when stored supplies are no longer enough—and ordinary neighbors must turn preparation into decisions, trust, and survival.

Mountain House Beef Potato Hash

Mountain House Beef Potato Hash

By R.T. Fagan • September 6, 2026
Serves 2 · ≈1,000 cal each Ingredients 2 servings Mountain House diced beef, rehydrated 3 cups rehydrated Augason Farms potato shreds or slices 4 Tbsp vegetable oil or olive oil ½ cup rehydrated Augason Farms spinach flakes ½ cup rehydrated diced carrots 5 garlic cloves, minced Smoked paprika, cumin, salt, black pepper Method Heat oil in a cast-iron skillet over the coals. Add potatoes in a single layer. Let them crisp before stirring. Add garlic, beef, carrots, and spices. Cook 5–6 minutes. Fold in spinach at the end so it wilts into the hash. Nutrition (full meal / per person) Calories: ≈2,010 / 1,005 Protein: ≈66 g / 33 g Carbs: ≈160 g / 80 g Fiber: ≈14 g / 7 g Significant vitamins/minerals: Protein, iron and zinc (beef), potassium (potatoes), vitamin A and C (carrots/spinach), calorie-dense oil More recipes and additional bonus material can be found at https://www.griddownfiction.com/bonus-material
Fire-Pot Ramen with Chicken, Egg & Broccoli

Fire-Pot Ramen with Chicken, Egg & Broccoli

By R.T. Fagan • September 5, 2026
Serves 2 · ≈1,000 cal each Ingredients 6 bricks Top Ramen (seasoning packets optional / use sparingly) 2 cans canned chicken, drained 2 servings powdered eggs, rehydrated and scrambled 4 Tbsp vegetable oil 1 cup rehydrated Augason Farms broccoli florets 4 garlic cloves, minced Broth if available, chili flakes, black pepper, optional soy sauce Method Cook ramen in a pot over the fire until just tender. Drain most of the water, leave a little. In a skillet, heat oil. Sauté garlic, then scramble the powdered eggs and set aside. Add chicken and broccoli to the oil. Heat through. Combine noodles, eggs, chicken, and broccoli. Toss with remaining oil. Season. Nutrition (full meal / per person) Calories: ≈2,030 / 1,015 Protein: ≈68 g / 34 g Carbs: ≈195 g / 98 g Fiber: ≈10 g / 5 g Significant vitamins/minerals: Protein from chicken and eggs, vitamin C and K (broccoli), B-vitamins (noodles), fats from oil for calorie density More recipes and additional bonus material can be found at Https://www.griddownfiction.com/bonus-material
Creamed Corn Chicken & Rice Skillet

Creamed Corn Chicken & Rice Skillet

By R.T. Fagan • September 4, 2026
Serves 2 · ≈1,000 cal each Ingredients 2 cans canned chicken, drained 3 cups cooked brown or white rice 1 can cream corn 4 Tbsp extra-virgin olive oil or vegetable oil ½ cup rehydrated Augason Farms broccoli florets 4 garlic cloves, minced Salt, black pepper, paprika, dried thyme Method Heat oil in a large skillet over the fire. Sauté garlic 30 seconds. Add chicken and broccoli. Cook 2 minutes. Stir in cream corn and rice. Simmer until thick, creamy, and hot. Adjust seasoning. Nutrition (full meal / per person) Calories: ≈2,000 / 1,000 Protein: ≈70 g / 35 g Carbs: ≈180 g / 90 g Fiber: ≈12 g / 6 g Significant vitamins/minerals: High protein and niacin (chicken), vitamin C (broccoli), B-vitamins (rice), vitamin A (corn), calorie-dense oil 
Black Bean Burger Skillet with Corn & Potatoes

Black Bean Burger Skillet with Corn & Potatoes

By R.T. Fagan • September 3, 2026
Serves 2 · ≈1,000 cal each Ingredients 2 servings Augason Farms black bean burger (prepared per package) 2 cups cooked or rehydrated Augason Farms potato slices or shreds 1 cup kernel corn or cream corn 4 Tbsp extra-virgin olive oil or vegetable oil ¼ cup Augason Farms cheese blend powder ½ cup rehydrated spinach flakes (optional) 4 garlic cloves, cumin, smoked paprika, chili powder, salt Method Heat oil in a cast-iron skillet over medium coals. Brown the black bean burger mix, breaking it into crumbles. Add garlic, spices, potatoes, and corn. Cook 6–8 minutes, stirring so the potatoes crisp on the edges. Sprinkle cheese powder and fold in spinach. Heat until the cheese melts into the skillet. Nutrition (full meal / per person) Calories: ≈2,000 / 1,000 Protein: ≈58 g / 29 g Carbs: ≈200 g / 100 g Fiber: ≈28 g / 14 g Significant vitamins/minerals: High fiber and folate (black beans), potassium (potatoes), vitamin A (corn/spinach), calcium (cheese powder), healthy fats from oil More recipes and additional bonus material can be found at https://www.griddownfiction.com/bonus-material
Baked Bean, Green Bean & Chicken Garlic Skillet

Baked Bean, Green Bean & Chicken Garlic Skillet

By R.T. Fagan • September 1, 2026
Serves 2 · ≈1,000 cal each Ingredients 2 cans baked beans 1–2 cans canned chicken, drained 1 can cut green beans, drained 4 Tbsp extra-virgin olive oil 5 garlic cloves, minced 1 cup cooked rice (optional stretcher if you want extra bulk) Smoked paprika, black pepper, chili flakes, salt Method Heat olive oil in a deep skillet or Dutch oven over the fire. Sauté garlic 30 seconds. Add chicken and green beans. Heat 2 minutes. Stir in baked beans. Simmer until thick and bubbling. Fold in rice if using. Taste and add heat.  Nutrition (full meal / per person) Calories: ≈2,000 / 1,000 Protein: ≈72 g / 36 g Carbs: ≈175 g / 88 g Fiber: ≈24 g / 12 g Significant vitamins/minerals: High fiber (baked beans), protein (chicken + beans), vitamin K and C (green beans), lycopene if sauce is tomato-based, healthy fats from olive oil More recipes and additional bonus material can be found at https://www.griddownfiction.com/bonus-material
minced Clam Garlic Tomato Pasta

Minced Clam Garlic Tomato Pasta

By R.T. Fagan • September 1, 2026
Serves 2 · ≈1,000 cal each Ingredients 12 oz dry pasta 2 cans minced clams, drained (reserve a little liquid) 1½ cups tomato sauce or tomato chunks & garlic 5 Tbsp extra-virgin olive oil 1 cup rehydrated Augason Farms spinach flakes or broccoli 6 garlic cloves, minced Salt, black pepper, red pepper flakes, dried oregano Method Boil pasta in salted water over the fire. Drain, save ½ cup pasta water. In a skillet, heat olive oil. Sauté garlic 30 seconds. Add tomato sauce, clams, reserved clam liquid, and greens. Simmer 3–4 minutes. Toss in pasta and a splash of pasta water until glossy. Season well. Nutrition (full meal / per person) Calories: ≈2,010 / 1,005 Protein: ≈64 g / 32 g Carbs: ≈185 g / 92 g Fiber: ≈16 g / 8 g Significant vitamins/minerals: Iron, B12 and selenium (clams), lycopene and vitamin A (tomato), vitamin K/C (greens), monounsaturated fats and vitamin E (olive oil) More recipes and additional bonus material can be found at https://www.griddownfiction.com/bonus-material
Pulled Pork Pineapple Fried Rice

Pulled Pork Pineapple Fried Rice

By R.T. Fagan • September 1, 2026
Serves 2 · ≈1,000 cal each Ingredients 2 cans pulled pork, drained 4 cups cooked jasmine or long-grain rice (day-old best) 1 can pineapple chunks, drained (reserve 2 Tbsp juice) 5 Tbsp coconut oil or vegetable oil 1 cup rehydrated Augason Farms diced carrots or veg medley 6 garlic cloves, minced Salt, black pepper, chili flakes, optional soy sauce Method Heat 3 Tbsp oil in a wok or cast-iron skillet over the open fire. Add garlic and flash-fry 20 seconds. Add rice and break up clumps. Fry 3–4 minutes until it picks up color. Stir in pulled pork, pineapple, reserved juice, and vegetables. Add remaining oil. Cook until hot and slightly caramelized. Season hard. Nutrition (full meal / per person) Calories: ≈2,020 / 1,010 Protein: ≈62 g / 31 g Carbs: ≈190 g / 95 g Fiber: ≈12 g / 6 g Significant vitamins/minerals: Vitamin C (pineapple/carrots), B-vitamins and iron (pork + rice), vitamin A (carrots), calorie-dense fats from oil More recipes and additional bonus material can be found at https://www.griddownfiction.com/bonus-material
Black cast-iron pot of bubbling stew over an open flame with a golden crust on top

Cornbread-Topped Chili with Olive Oil & Garlic

By R.T. Fagan • August 21, 2026
Serves 2 · ≈1,000 cal each Ingredients 2 cans chili con carne with beans 1 box or package corn bread mix (prepared with water + 2 Tbsp vegetable or olive oil) 3 Tbsp extra-virgin olive oil 1 cup rehydrated kernel corn 4 garlic cloves, extra chili powder, cumin, salt Method Heat olive oil in a Dutch oven or deep cast-iron skillet over the open fire. Sauté garlic. Add chili + corn; simmer 5 minutes. Prepare cornbread batter (add oil for richness). Pour batter over the chili. Cover tightly and cook over low coals or with coals on the lid until the cornbread is set and golden.  Nutrition (full meal / per person) Calories: ≈2,020 / 1,010 Protein: ≈55 g / 27 g Carbs: ≈230 g / 115 g Fiber: ≈25 g / 12 g Significant vitamins/minerals: High fiber & protein (chili/beans), vitamin A & lycopene, healthy fats (olive + vegetable oil), iron
A pot of bubbling fruit dessert cooking over an open campfire, with steam rising and flames below.

Peanut Butter Coconut Oatmeal with Mixed Fruit & Raisins

By R.T. Fagan • August 21, 2026
Serves 2 · ≈1,000 cal each Ingredients 3 cups dry oatmeal 4 Tbsp peanut butter 3 Tbsp coconut oil ½ cup raisins + ½ cup rehydrated Augason Farms mixed fruit / blueberries / sliced apples 2 Tbsp honey or maple syrup Pinch salt, cinnamon, optional powdered milk for creaminess Method Cook oatmeal in water (or reconstituted milk) in a pot over the open fire until thick. Stir in coconut oil and peanut butter until melted and creamy. Fold in fruit and raisins. Sweeten and spice. Serve hot from the fire.  Nutrition (full meal / per person) Calories: ≈2,000 / 1,000 Protein: ≈50 g / 25 g Carbs: ≈220 g / 110 g Fiber: ≈28 g / 14 g Significant vitamins/minerals: High healthy fats & vitamin E (peanut butter + coconut), potassium & antioxidants (fruit/raisins), sustained energy from complex carbs + soluble fiber
Black cast-iron pot simmering over flames, filled with dark stew and chunks of vegetables.

Black Bean & Lentil Stew with Coconut Oil & Diced Beef

By R.T. Fagan • August 21, 2026
Serves 2 · ≈1,000 cal each Ingredients 1 cup dry Clear Creek red lentils 1 can (or 2 cups) black beans 1–2 servings Mountain House diced beef (rehydrated) 4 Tbsp coconut oil 1 cup rehydrated Augason Farms potato shreds or slices ½ cup rehydrated spinach or veg medley 5 garlic cloves, cumin, smoked paprika, bay leaf, salt, chili Method Simmer lentils in water/broth over the fire until soft (15–20 min). In the same pot melt coconut oil; add garlic + spices. Stir in beef, black beans, potatoes, and greens. Simmer 5 more minutes until thick and bubbling over the flames.  Nutrition (full meal / per person) Calories: ≈2,010 / 1,005 Protein: ≈78 g / 39 g Carbs: ≈175 g / 87 g Fiber: ≈35 g / 17 g Significant vitamins/minerals: Extremely high fiber & iron (lentils + beans), vitamin A & C (greens), MCTs (coconut oil), zinc & B-vitamins