After hearing quite a bit about Meshtastic, I picked up a few different inexpensive devices to experiment with and see how well they work for off-grid texting.
As we are approaching the height of the current solar cycle 25, 6-meters has had quite a few openings recently.
Adding a fan to keep an older mobile transceiver cool is easy to do with ready made parts.
I have Verizon FiOS internet which requires an ONT (optical network terminal) box, usually mounted near the point of entry
WSPR is an interesting mode and offers some unexpected spotter locations. With as little as 200 milliwatts of power, you can reach half way across the globe.
There may be some dependencies on the grid needed to use your favourite radio communication mode(s).
I have never had an outdoor HF antenna until now, and what a difference with the same antenna outdoors versus indoors. I managed to hang an OCFD antenna for 40, 20, 10 and 6 meters in a very small crowded lot.
You do not need a DMR radio to get into a DMR network such as BrandMeister or TGIF. You can use C4FM, D-STAR, and others with some simple configuration on Pi-Star.
I upgraded the Kenwood SP-230 speaker using the Phits K95A and Phits GPH-X80 kits. The new speaker and foam made quite an improvement in detail and sound quality over the original speaker.