Introduction - RoFree/DisasterPi GitHub Wiki

Since the Internet Revolution, we have begun to rely more and more on a fragile communications infrastructure. We use WIFI when at home to connect to the Internet, and when away we rely on Cellular Data Signals. We use GPS to travel, and Aircraft uses ADS-B to avoid collisions. Police, Fire, Hospitals rely on outdated Amplitude Modulated (AM) voice communications for dispatching lifesaving instructions. On your person, your smartphone carries at least 2 radio’s, and newer models have multiple models. At your home you have radio based WIFI routers, TV antennas, and wireless security cameras are all members of this fragile ecosystem. To arrive here at this Science Fair, you certainly depended on this vast communications network. This ecosystem, even when functioning as intended, is prone to error. Microwaves frequencies overlap with WIFI, and cellular radio bands lack penetration.

The intention of DisasterPI is to enable a low-cost, accessible open source radio for disaster situations. It will enable civilians to utilize a Rx only radio system listening to Police and Fire coordinating Search and Rescue. DisasterPI will enable civilians to listen to hospital communications to find availability. The ability to listen to Aircraft and Marine, along with local ham radio bands to gain as much knowledge as possible. Chaos ensues in a disaster when people do not know what will happen. DisasterPI aims to solve this uncertainty dilemma enabling victims of disasters to decide courses of action based upon educated and well-informed thought processes. In a disaster, it is essential to understand what is happening to prevent uninformed decisions from costing lives. Disasters place the burden of decision on the victim. Why then are the victims the least informed of all?