I love the new technologies allowing what once was considered impossible, like long range bidirectional data links using milliwatts, however keep in mind that m

I love the new technologies allowing what once was considered impossible, like long range bidirectional data links using milliwatts, however keep in mind that most of those ready made modules use closed sources protocols, and it's very hard if not impossible replicating their functionality using non proprietary parts. Does it mean they're of inferior quality compared to open source solutions? Absolutely not, but if the manufacturer decides to push another technology, all your beloved swarm of data transceivers sending sensor data back and forth becomes instantly obsolete. Also, give youngsters some access to old tech as well. I don't have a ham license, but by experience could possibly repair a damaged analog radio after an accident, then send a distress SOS call by using a screwdriver to close two contacts. It's forgotten practice, still there's one probability over a billion times that it could turn out useful.