When my previous ham group talked to a prepper group, we discovered they bought ham hand helds but never got their license. They thought it was more important to put them in faraday cages for shtf. Since they were gun focused, we asked if it was ok for us to buy guns and never learn to shoot them. This was the question that got their attention. Radio is no different than a gun, you need a target and know how to hit that target. Even without a government, hams will expect to communicate with other hams who know how to communicate on a radio with licenses, everyone else will just be noise and we won't have time to teach them.
Amen brother!! Great question to ask them. There is so much more to learn, test and practice in Ham Radio. Digital alone is a huge hill to climb. Thanks for posting and stating it in a way that makes total sense. Now if they will listen....
I guess it depends on who you’re talking about. You don’t necessarily need a license to understand how to utilize ham bands. I’ve got my gmrs license and radio, but I also have a ham HT I’ve programmed in repeaters, upgraded the antenna and generally understand how it all works. Digital is obv a hill to climb but I’ve got analog radios and not super worried about getting into digital or even mobiles just yet. Unlocking a uv5r and having multiple monoband antennas, programmed repeaters and even predesignated channels for “private” comms is a good idea. UA-cam is a great source and I’m a sponge for info. I may eventually get my ham license but for now I’m set up for comms if shtf.
What I’m getting at is, most of us (in your analogy) aren’t buying guns then locking them away hoping we’ll figure out how to use them if shtf. It’s more like buying a gun and the local govt demanding you get a license before using it, but we bought the gun, researched the gun, added some optics and foregrips to it, further research the gun, practice with guns we are licensed to use that are extremely similar and keep it at the ready but we never break the law in the sense of using that particular gun the way the govt demands we do
@@mdc21787 Absolutely!! The license allows me to PRACTICE and PERFECT my skills. The HF Digital side is a long learning curve along with antenna setup and placement. IF I did not take all this time to master it, I would be at 10% of where I am today. So nice to see someone understand the great principle you so eloquently laid out!!!!!!!!!! Thanks my friend!
@@hamradiomadesimple I appreciate the kind response! I’m new to it all, early feb is when I got my gmrs license and radio, had the idea “why aren’t there radios that can transmit on all bands?” And accidentally discovered the unlocking of the uv5r, so naturally I bought one (bc they’re so cheap) and unlocked it, programmed it and am upgrading the antenna BUT I don’t transmit on it. Illegal to do so and I’m not a ham guy (yet). But I’m sure I will keep going and get my ham license as well. But for now I’m focused on getting as good at the basics as possible. Videos like yours, and CHANNELS like yours help guys like me who want to keep learning and inspire us to get that ham license. No one wants to get a $10k fine from the FCC!
I have watched at least a dozen of your videos. They are so informative and helpful. Can't thank you enough for putting this information together and presenting it all in an easy to understand format. Great job and thanks again!!
You're very welcome! I was frustrated, trying to figure this stuff out and only getting pieces here and there. I decided others don't need to go through what I had to. Have fun and pass on what you learn to others.
The no 1 myth about ham radio prepping, is at best, you might be able to say goodbye to your radio amateur friends. Keeping in touch with an ageing population of local radio amateurs may offer some small possibility to help others less able than yourself, but I suspect one will have plenty to do looking after your walking distance community. The whole game of radio prepping thing is just an opportunity to have some fun building bug out radio boxes and playing radio in the woods. In the UK, If something kicks off, within 24 hours, chaos will reign. The power will be down, the phones will be dead, the shops will have no food, and in a few days society will break down and there will be gangs of bad people robbing whatever and whoever they can. This is not the 1950's , things have changed. I agree that it 'might' have some use for environmental disasters, but most people are screwed when the local shops run out of toilet paper, let alone food
We just had a hurricane come through eastern Canada. The power went out. The gasoline/petrol stations could not pump gas for people with generators or cars. So, if you have a generator, keep a store of fuel for it. When the grocery stores opened with generators, bottled water and toilet paper went flying out the door. But only for people with cash, because the debit machines were not working. So, hoard some cash too. The vhf radio in the car was helpful, because it told us which shops and gas stations were open. If you have a battery backup for the radios at home, you should get a way to charge the batteries. There are places in the maritimes where they do not have the electricity on yet, 14 days after the hurricane. So squirrel away your emergency food, fuel, cash, and drinking water.
I'm in rural Florida and we were absolutely hammered by Hurrican Michael. We're 25 miles from the next town in all directions. The timber industry was big here but the trees falls cut off the roads. It took four days for the national guard and highway department to clear the highway. Everyone including the local outlaws were well behaved. Why? Because an ad hoc vigilance committee was quickly formed and every house was well armed. Everyone was made aware that foolishness would not be tolerated.
As a survivor of Hurrican Michael and a grid down situation. Every tower including the transmission lines except Verizon and AT&T came down. I can testify that Verizon is not so good about refueling their generators. The whole town was quiet like it was 1880 and you could hear it run out of fuel.
WOW, thanks for posting this. With so many towers to maintain, your are spot on with your conclusion. They will run longer BUT without fuel they are going to shut down sooner than later. A few towers near the hospital or key governmental services will get priority on fuel. They too, can only last so long. As a prepper, I don't count on any repeater being up and running past a few days. I have back up solar power and batteries to last indefinitely. I have set up my AT-578 (55W 2M) to operate as a private digital repeater. I have multiple HT's (AT-878) that allow for my family to connect locally. As a first hand witness, I hope others will understand what you posted. Thanks again!!!!!!
This is one of those videos that you save and have to keep referring back to. You hit so many points that I myself have struggled with as a prepping, comms, YT creator. This is exactly why I use YT, to spread knowledge and learn everything I can. Honestly, great video. I'm subscribed.
My wife and I are both licensed HAM's in Canada. I agree that HAM radio is only part of a much larger preparedness plan. We've been prepping for roughly 10 years. I can tell you that the single most important preparation you can make, after the essentials for personal survival is to be part of a larger community. Moving information across a community is the core value of HAM radio, or any kind of extended communications system. This includes FRS/GMRS radios, CB's etc. HAM can dramatically extend the range of communications, but all emergencies are local, so local networks, even direct personal communications are essential. Messaging priorities and being part of a series of different networks, from local to national will be essential in a grid down situation.
I agree. I am licensed in Canada as well. I have no real interest in talking to people on a daily basis. I got my licence < Basic with honours > specifically in order to properly understand how the radios work and to set them up for the best effect. In most emergency situations it will be 100 times more important to be able to listen then to be able to broadcast. Cb shortwave ham GMRS and FRS police scanners will all be very useful for gathering helpful information
Don't forget MURS radio because in some areas it is like having a private radio service due to distance from businesses and the fact it has been the forgotten service until recently. It, amateur, GMRS and CB are the basics of my communications plan.
I am also a licensed Ham in Canada, and have been before Basic with Honors even existed. I currently hold Basic + Advanced, and have capabilities for UHF, VHF and HF. I'm located in a valley, so it makes VHF/UHF near impossible for any distance. I can hit the nearest VHF repeater using a handheld connected to a base antenna on 5W power. I will be relying on HF and CB if in a grid down situation.
Thank you for breaking through the commercial fakery and providing actual information. You are right. Watching YT videos only confuses the need for helpful direction.
If things go completely haywire, I don't need to talk to anyone, I need to listen to the world. Preferably some kind of AM/SW/SSB multiband 'crystal' kit, with headphones and an ability to derive power off the electromagnetic environment. Two way comunication is great, but if everything go south, I need at least to be able to listen to the world, so, thats my plan :)
Listening is a good 80% of what you need. Not talking much but listening to what you hear. However, I want to relay messages to friends and family not in my state so I'm building a digital "mess network of other ham preppers" to make sure we can pass messages anywhere in the USA. Using FSQ, we can send messages via "automation relay" to intended destinations. I'm glad you figured out what works for you and are ready to jump in. Thanks for taking the time to post a great comment!
Thanks for taking the time to let me know. I can't tell you how much it means to me, when I know these videos are helping others. Only way is for someone like you to post an encouraging comment. Greatly appreciated.
I understand the sentiment behind getting a general license, but I'm not sure it's applicable here. You can already access parts of the HF band with a technician license, and you can access the VHF and UHF ranges with it and people who can help you most effectively are likely going to be people in your area who were also affected and are in line of sight range for coordinating day to day goings on after a disaster from a distance without use of cellphones. what more can you meaningfully learn about HF radio usage outside of 28.300 - 28.500 besides simply having more strangers farther away to talk to and get more contacts? i'm sure it's more fun but is that going to help you get by better in an emergency? is rajesh in india who you make small talk with once or twice on a good day going to be able to help you survive after a disaster hits your area? I think there's plenty of practice that you can get in with just a technician if you want to stay there. In an emergency situation, you don't need a general license to access the parts of the HF range that the general license affords And even if it may be illegal, the FCC is not going to do anything about it, so there's no practical effect for that, it's just a formality. people break amateur radio rules all the time already and only the most egregious ones are ever confronted about it. You're looking at this from the perspective of a ham radio enthusiast. For you, this is a hobby, but the people that you're trying to talk to in this video are not seeing it as a hobby, they are seeing it as something they might need to use someday. They should absolutely still familiarize themselves with radio practices and there is a lot of learning that goes into getting proficient at it, and if they don't do that, the radio is going to be borderline worthless to them in a real emergency, but I think there is a reasonable middle ground between completely ignorant about radio, and active radio hobbyist / enthusiast And in my opinion, in this video you are not meeting them halfway and recognizing that that reasonable middle ground exists and that it's okay for somebody to get there and stop without having to make amateur radio a major aspect of their normal life in perpetuity. communication capabilities and knowledge and training about them can be incredibly useful in times of mass crisis but past a certain point there are severe diminishing returns where your time would be far better spent learning about other things. you can't drink or eat radio waves, you can't sleep under them, you can't fix a wound with them and they're not going to keep you warm at night. radio communication can help enormously with all of these things depending on the exact circumstances, but most of the work is going to be right in front of you and even if you know someone on the opposite side of the continent and you know how to talk to them and your radio is capable of it and the environmental conditions are right for it, what in the world is katie going to be able to do for colin when things are so busted that there isn't even a functional power grid where colin lives? depending on the scale of the crisis, katie might not have a power grid either and colin is in oregon and katie is in florida. i think colin can get more use out of talking to his friends and family who all live within driving distance of each other on either VHF or UHF or even GMRS, assuming they all have radios capable of this and they all know how to use them well enough. with that in mind i think GMRS would serve a lot of these hypothetical people very well as an alternative to ham. it's easier to practice because it's so much less formal and there's no exam to get a license, and one GMRS license covers all of the license holders family and it is probably a bit easier to simply hand a GMRS to someone who has never used one and give them a basic rundown on how to use it at a bare minimum functional level in shorter order than you can with a more complicated handheld ham radio. on the other hand, a ham radio has enough extra versatility that it could be useful and worth the trouble, but that should be up to the discretion of the individual. with that said though, i don't see any reason to try to turn people away from ham because you think it won't be useful to them. it doesn't come across as altruistically looking out for their best interests if. i'm sure with everyone it's a bit different, but the tone i get from ham people telling preppers that ham is probably useless for what they want it for has broadly struck me as them simply saying in so many words "we don't like you, we don't like the idea of our hobby being associated with people like you. go away".
You bring up some good points. If it is for hobby purposes, you can try 6M & 10M with a tech license. However, those bands are not the best to work with unless you have an ideal location and antenna to work with. Those bands are more closed the open. Can work at times but is very spotty and not much activity. Listening is FCC free of regulations, so that is always a great option too. GRMS is a very good option for LOCAL comms. Again, If you are looking to communicate when the power is not down, fun and very easy to jump in. My thesis is what do you do when the power is out for extended periods of time? Repeaters back up power setups, after 48 hours, is dependent (for the most part) on someone hauling fuel to the generator - to keep the power on. Even with HT in the ham radio world, you face the same issue. So, if you assume there is no power interruptions, great choice for LOCAL comms. Simplex is "line of sight" so topography dependent as well as the height of your antennas. If and when the FCC goes away, the wild, wild west of ham radio begins. More on the UHF/VHF side since the cost of HF equipment is at much higher threshold to entry. What I came to realize, HF is not as simple to operate as it seems. Yes, a longer learning curve and practice is key for TXing successfully. If you go to digital side of ham radio, no way will anyone without the learning the skills necessary to operate is going to use it. This the best option in the end but few will ever get to master and use this. Low power, longer distance with best outcomes. That is why many EMCOMM groups gravitate to this option. Like I said in the video, "something is better than nothing" so don't think I am a ham radio snob. Ham Radio It is the BEST way to go BUT NOT the ONLY way to approach this. As for me and my house, I took the harder more costly path in order to achieve the best outcomes. YOU choose what is best for you and your family base on your commitment, time and resources available to you. I wish you the best and thank you for posting.
How is your club able to access Verizon tower…. It seems like any commercial set up like that would not want “ham” interference at the site, do you have to go through a site administrator to coordinate any changes or antenna placement type of things?
Most ham clubs are partners with County Emergency Services. This allows them to use this partnership with private business who want to have a good relationship with they counties they are in. Also, before any antenna goes up an expensive site assessment is typically required. You have to pay someone to climb the tower at the chosen height and do an analysis. It takes time and money. Great post Steve!!
Have I videos on how to pass the License Exams along with the basics of Ham Radio. Let me know if you have any questions. Thanks for the kind words Ray!!
Don't let anyone tell that HF radio doesn't have high value in emergency communications. The most advanced governments and militaries still have HF communications as a last resort or special operations mode of communications that is being increasingly leveraged through blending with other digital platforms.
HF and the Hurricane Net was the only way to get any info in or out of Collier County FL for Hurricane Wilma 2005. My wife's family was visiting from Canada and had a flight out of Ft. Myers the next day. Via the Hurricane Net we confirmed their flights were still a go for the next day at the airport only 40 miles away, but no way to get that info locally. I worked VHF e-comm at a shelter during WIlma. Most people thought my 75 watt 2M Icom, homemade J-pole and battery setup was a joke... until the county sheriffs repeaters came down then the deputies on site were asking me for updates. When the county repeater crashed we worked simplex on the input freq.
The Prepping Series continues on. I did a lot on Digital HF since these apps can work with lower power, travel father than voice and don't need an high end antenna.
Thanks Hartmut for taking the time to let me know it was useful. Have fun and keep learning (like me as I research all this cool stuff for these videos)
I'm coming at this from the military perspective. While I was not 25 series MOS (I was 11Bravo) I remember enough that this is familiar to me. My goal is for information purposes. The US media cannot be counted on anymore for anything. I am currently studying for Tech and General. Maybe Extra later. My focus is on mobile equipment first, then maybe a base station later.
Many of us agree with your assessment! That is why I moved over to focus on Digital HF and work with like minded people to form a mesh network so we can pass info and help each other. It doesn't take a rocket scientist to see that stuff is breaking down faster due to intentional or unintentional neglect. We are taking down more power stations than adding. Rolling blackouts are already beginning to happen. They are now broadcasting for us to consider this "normal" going forward. Grid Failures are coming soon. Add the high solar activity going on and we are just one major X-Flare away from disaster. Time is short so focus on getting your General and IF you have time, Extra. I did a video on how to pass the test quickly. Just one way to approach this. Wish you the best but move quickly, big learning curve. That is why I am doing all these videos and document all the setups for HF Digital - soon I will have a VHF Digital version out.
I'm a HAM radio operator, and I'm adding to my list of "What if's" about prepping. I'm looking at technology and considering Starlink for internet service. If the grid goes down, then I'd fire up the Honda eu2200i generator converted to propane and run it to power everything in the house (fridge, lights, fans, charging needs, wifi and modems, etc...). I chose Icom radio's (ID-5100 in my Jeep, and an ID-51A HT) for their D-Star capability. With Honda generator power and Starlink internet, I would be able to connect to my OpenSpot3 and have global communication (along with local VHF/UHF 50 watt simplex comms). And, with Starlink powered by the Honda, I'd also have wifi to my cell phone for internet/messaging/email to everyone outside the outage. If weather concerns you, then add a travel trailer/5th wheel camper and boogie to cooler/warmer climates, while being self-sustained as mentioned above. Or, drive and car camp to the best of your abilities. And, when the "grid goes down", how far around you does that mean? One City, one County, one State? If you're mobile, you'll be pretty easily able to re-group so you can also help those in need. If you're stationary in your home, a Honda generator can keep you going for quite a while until normalcy is restored. Other factors are involved; water/food/sanitation, so stay stocked up and be ready. Peace and 73. Pete - KI7LIL
Great question and we all must use common sense and give our best guess on how it will play out. I'm leaning toward rolling black outs at first followed by grid down by region (multi-states). Eventually, grid down for most of the USA. With a looming energy shortages now growing globally (USA is sending a lot of our Natural Gas to Europe impacting us here), that is the first wave to hit. Add in "Hackers" trying hard NOW to take it down, it is only a matter of time before they become successful like they did with the Colonial Pipeline (gasoline) a few years ago. It was simple ransomware on their accounting system that knocked it off line. Next, natural disasters like a few major earthquakes and another domino falls (think New Madrid Fault -all pipelines in that area are toast). Already, some regional refineries are going offline permanently. Don't think of one thing but multiple factors happening over a short period of time. Russia will eventually attack us on our own land as we double down on stupid. The perfect storm is brewing and we can either deny it or prepare for it. I am so glad you are already coming up with plans based on what will eventually happen. Most of us have to use what we can afford and have access to. The perfect plan is out of reach based on cost for the majority of us. Keep being creative and think outside the box. Thanks for sharing and keep planning!
Is your hvac system hooked up to your generator? If so, test it out. I’m an hvac tech and had a customer running his off his generator and found his circuit board inside furnace wasn’t sending enough voltage to respective components (only between 59 and 70 volts when it needed 120) I figured it was the board but knew in the back of mind we should wait for power to come back to REALLY see. Ordered the board and a day or two later when he had power he cancelled because everything was working fine. His generator for whatever reason wasn’t allowing his furnace to receive and send the juice it needed to.
There is an excellent article about the California wildfires and how long several of the towers had backup power after the grid was turned off. Ill link it shortly. It was quite specific. Generally all towers have 2 to 7 days backup. Link on the way
Love to see it. I don't think most Ham Radio operators are aware of this. Once I found out, it changed my view of what role Repeaters will play in this type of event. Most will fail when the grid goes down. Like you said, by day 7 most won't be working UNLESS they have a solar backup system which few will have this in place. Again, THANK YOU!!
Yeah to all the go bag guys, as one of those people with property in the woods - yeah I may think it's cool that you have your ticket too, but if I find you camped out next to where my family lives we are going to have an uncomfortable discussion, and I'm far more reasonable than most. Real prepping is thorough planning and practice, including relevant destinations and terrains. "Bugging out" is not a plan.
I agree! Bugging out is going to someone else's place you already have an agreement with. Squatting on someone else's land is not safe nor the right thing to do. Last option UNLESS you live in an urban area and know the window to leave is closing fast. These places are ground zero for chaos and lawlessness. If preppers are still living in these cities, either they have their bug out location set or they are in trouble going forward.
New to Ham, but not to prepping. I am currently studing for my Tech License now and Im glad I found your site ... Im planning on getting the Radioddity 6666 for a few reason. 1 it can also do CB with some easy on the fly programming. 10 Meters will be great for the next few years do to sun activity.. Last by not lease, I old friend who lives in Oregon and Im in Florida, Im hopingb to surprise him one day. Hes big into field days and POTA. He also had a General License. Hes been a ham since H.S we are both in our 60's. Over 45 years. I guess better late then never. Thanks for all the tips.
Good for you. Time is running out to get ready. Expect supply chains to be hit hard now with the Panama Channel issues along with the Yemen shutting down shipping traffic. Remember, practice what you think you can do with Ham Radio. Outcomes vary depending on your (and the other operator's too) location, equipment, propagation as well as what the band and time of day. Go for it and let me know if you have questions.
I found QRP (multi-band & mode) w/solar & hand generation recharge, which is currently my best option. May add in an Amp (variable 50w or 100w) later on when I figure a power pack for the amp & trx combo.
Good for you. Most people are not thinking about "recharging their backup battery system." For random calls, QRP is a great option. The amp will help when you start doing more "directed calls." Like always, short TX, low SWR, lower power will save on the battery. The key is the ANTENNA! Kurt (kd9suv) has perfected his antenna for QRP and does better than most people using more power (35W) with the Digital Apps. He can drop calls pretty much where he wants. With good topography, it helps a lot too. Keep up the great work you are doing and thanks for sharing!!!
I appreciate this information and am sharing it with family. Subscribed. One thing that you and every other prep oriented site glosses over is the use of solar for backup power. Many of us live in zones where solar is not an option for 6-10 months of the year. This is most likely because there aren't a lot of alternatives and what there are have serious downsides. These include need for consumable fuel for a generator - gasoline, LP or natural gas. These also generate significant noise when operating and require venting of noxious exhaust streams. Human-powered generators, both hand crank and pedal crank are insufficient for anything beyond a few minutes to hours of small appliance time. Large battery banks are expensive, require some degree of knowledge and expertise and some way to recharge. Wind is really not an option. Micro-hydroelectric generators are an attractive option IF one has legal and defensible access to year-round flowing water, e.g. a decent sized stream on or near one's property. Most of us don't have that luxury. Aside from moving to the sunny side of the street (mountains) which has its own set of logistics, I'm fresh out of ideas. Thoughts?
I’m studying to get my ham license but 1st I got GMRS. In my area GMRS has become very popular and a lot more users switching over from ham. Someone on the net has logged over a 100 plus users.
Brilliant videos, best on youtube for a beginner such as myself! What I fail to understand is that you seem to imply a difference between HF and shortwave, but aren’t these virtually the same thing? It should not be lower cost than VHF/UHF as far as I’ve understood from other videos?
Shortwave radio is radio transmission using radio frequencies in the shortwave bands (SW). There is no official definition of the band range, but it always includes all of the high frequency band (HF), which extends from 3 to 30 MHz (100 to 10 meters); above the medium frequency band (MF), to the bottom of the VHF band. Does this help answer your question?
@@hamradiomadesimple Thank you for your answer sir, really appreciate it! Do you separate shortwave from HF in any way when it comes to operational cost or usefulness for prepping? Or do you use these terms mostly interchangeably? I’m really sorry if I misunderstood you in the video, but I gathered from your video (position 5:47 and 21:31)that you consider shortwave to be a budget alternative ? But isn’t HF equipment more expensive compared to VHF/UHF? And also: isn’t HF/shortwave basically the only way to reach regionally in a SHTF situation as you really cannot count on repeaters to be operational? If that is the case and you have say relatives living further away it seems almost non-negotiable for prepping? Again I’m a complete novice so might be totally of the reservation here… if so I very much apologize form taking your time and thank you again for your exceptional videos! Greetings from Sweden !
No, I use the simplex frequencies for my three HT radios and can talk with my local family members. Also, I have a list of emergency frequencies that I can use to monitor what is going on. YES, most will be off the air and maybe that is a good thing. Less crowding and my friends who are protected will be able to communicate. With my Anytone 578, I have it set up to operate as a digital repeater (tall antenna) for my family. It all comes down to know how to use this stuff with no repeaters working.
I was a healthcare IT software sales rep, that worked for startups. I had to take new concepts and break them down in simple terms for my audience to understand. That is how I am programed to think. Logical and sequential and focusing on best outcomes and best practices. My degree is in education though I never taught. So you were partially correct!!
I wish I would have heard all of this years before I bought a Baofeng tri band years ago . Its been in the closet ever since. I really enjoyed your video and it will be a great help to others who find it . I've always had nice ssb shortwave portable radios and multi longwire antennas . I have family band / fmrs radios and I went with 12v ssb cb radios from President. Mag mounts for cars and a base antenna at home . I bought solar kits . Solar batteries , aa / aaa etc . Small duel fuel generator, 100 gallons of propane. Currently have 6 to 9 months of everything and live in a good place . I did make contact with a local ham in town and if time allows ill try to start learning .
I used to live in rural Utah, where most people there store 1 year worth of food, and other supplies. communication is last item. I guess it depend on how bad disaster are. local or wide area.
Most people can't understand what it will be like when they don't have access to information. It is unimaginable today. Just ask those who lived in the path of hurricanes where power and comms were down for a long time. Not knowing what is coming next, where and when help maybe coming and finally, letting loved ones know you or they are ok. Hockey great Wayne Gretzki was once asked why he was so good. His reply has stuck with me in many areas of my life. His response "I don't play to where the puck is BUT to where it is going." Most play to where we are TODAY and not were we are going. Those who can understand what is coming down the pike are playing "ahead of the curve" and will be ready. Bottom line - you are either reactive or proactive to events, times and seasons. The reactive will line up in a long waiting line to hopefully get what they need. The proactive will not be waiting in line but in a position to provide for themselves and loved ones. Personally, I hate standing in line. Thanks for posting!!
YES, I did this at first in order to practice the UHF/VHF bands with my HT Radio. Like I say over and over through my videos "practice, practice, practice." Thanks for posting this!!
I am so glad that You are taking the time and EFFORT to make the videos. Hopefully there are a lot of people will benefit from the knowledge that Your dispersing. Unfortunately, I am not gifted with learning from vids. maybe NOT even from books. More like Monkey See/Monkey Do kind of person. STAY SAFE & WELL.
I have a video on how to take the test: ua-cam.com/video/sil8lMibS00/v-deo.html Just memorize the CORRECT answers. I learned all this stuff post test once I was able to get the equipment and figure it out.
@@hamradiomadesimple Thanks for Your response. Pretty SURE that Decent HAM GEAR is totally out of my budget and trying to put up ANY kind of antenna will be BEYOND my physical capability. Retired Senior Citizen with osteoarthritis, bone spurs AND a BAD BACK! BLESSED BE!
I don't know if you have considered other options such as FRS or GMRS which for many people is a much better choice than ham radio for the simple fact that there is no test to take for the license and the whole family can use one license as opposed to every member having to learn complicated theory and regulations. FRS of course is license free and has a range of up to two miles under good conditions and is a good way to keep in touch with a close group. Gmrs which requires a 35 dollar license for 10 years has much the same quality of signal and range as UHF ham radio does and repeaters can be used to extend the range of hand held and mobile radios out to as much as 100 miles. Not everybody needs ham radio Hf communications to the point of expensive and complecated equipment. Depending on the organization whether it be a family or organized group, one or two people with their general class licence can cover all bands needed. While I am still thinking about it, yes there are dead spots in skip zones but in many cases there are also ground waves that fill in those places sometimes and there are 9 amateur HF bands that can be used. Good video! Thanks for posting! 7 3 DE: EA4/KF0XO
To a certain degree, yes. Cuba and Russia has used jamming on certain frequencies. It does not appear that they jam all the frequencies. From recent experience, I found that I can use the HF digital modes (JS8Call) and have no issues with the jamming. Voice seems to me more effected by jamming
Same reason prepping. I always knew and had defensive tools but never realized and factored in that nobody else would pitch in and help or believe you or go sour so quickly. In the last 8 months tho I been playing catch up. It's been something else I can tell you.
@@hamradiomadesimple Yup. It could be anytime now and being in the end of this Earths 12000 year cycle and grand solar minimum doesn't help matters at all. Just compounding more to the problem at hand and what we face in the upcoming future. Remember fear is a danger...perhaps the greatest danger of them all. No Fear
You are still way ahead of the general public and should do just fine. The window is fast closing so I too keep checking what areas I need to focus on. I hope to have a new channel on Prepping Made Simple out soon. Until the banks close, we can still strive to achieve our goals...
@@hamradiomadesimple Yup. I been trying to warn family and friends about the banks and are enviable crash that's coming. Buying assets instead of holding on to the dollar. A lot of people are gonna be caught off guard because the refuse to accept something like can happen in the US(people have gotten to soft and comfortable because we have had it good for so long they think nothing like that can happen here we are invincible). I have gathered video information of things that I don't know if I am better of knowing or ignorance would be best...it's a different reality these days like we have been watching a world being presented on a stage. I got my Bioenno 160w power bank and Yaesu FTM-400XD. Tried to copy chirp from my previous HT saved frequencies on to a SD card but my FTM doesn't seem to recognize it, I formated it in the radio first as well. I could just buy the RT program $25-50 but might just punch them in manually all 400 tho so.....
Comms are very important because my children live 30 miles away so they are essentially in case it happens out of the blue one day get caught off guard.
If ham newbies are one of your intended audiences, it might be a good idea to edit in explanations of references and terms about which newbies are likely clueless (e.g., what in the heck is a "hex beam"?)
@@hamradiomadesimple No questions. Just advocating for newbies. Subject matter is great for those who want to prep for wide-spread disaster comms. N6MED
Ham Radio Operators are "preppers" because they prepare for mains down! Battery, solar, generator, and line power from their own hydroelectric dams are accomplished sources. Most sources are expensive, but done one piece at a time, all are affordable. Ham Radio for "preppers" is important because Ham Radio doesn't fail like the internet, cellphones, or TV does on occasion or during storms.
I would start by taking to your local repeater first then try CQ someone on simplex frequencies. you have calling frequencies then open frequencies. when atmosphere conditions are good try simplex long distance. in the meantime learn for your general class license then more lot more frequencies will be open. 6 meters is a good hit and miss in ham radio. 73
I love this video, it has really good information, however one thing that was missed is the fact that Tecnitions have access to a portion of the 10 meter (HF) band on voice and CW. Again this is great info for the unimformed. Thank you for mentioning AmmRon and PrepperNet. Subbed and liked. 73 de K0MRD
Good point! I will have to look at what equipment they can buy at a reasonable price for 10M. Most just have a UHF/ VHF HT. Also, I need to try out 10M and see how it works when it is not open. What distance one could expect to get out of it. Thanks for sharing and and the great words of encouragement.
10 meters is susceptible to the solar conditions. Right now we are about 3 1/2 years into solar cycle 25 and have another 2 years until we reach solar maximum. Right now 10 meters will reach around the world. I have talked to Argentina, Japan, Europe, and heard South Africa. During a solar minimum 10 meters barely works across town. There can be 4-5 years where 10 meters is completely useless.
Great point! I have found few tech class license operators have a rig to do 10M and a HF antenna setup. This is why I did not mention it along with the fact the band is either open or not. Most times not. BUT when, wow it rocks! Thanks for taking the time to post this and I hope those Tech's who do have the necessary tools get on and have fun!
Dying at some point is always a given. Living and dying comfortably are not. I’m not concerned about my comfort but I am concerned about my wife’s. So that’s MY motivation.
Great video. Bugging in is the best policy 90% of the time. The only exceptions would be military bombing and usually they tell you its about to happen. Think palistine. Then fires " maui" and then evacuation due to flooding/hurricane. Other than that it's best to fight as hard as you can to keep your home and stuff. Once you bug out its only a matter of time before you fail. Ive bugged out a couple times and its always been for fire. I wasn't living off the land either. I was comfortable in a hotel. In a wide spread emergency it's going to be hell anywhere out on the road or in the wild. Bugging out is an absolute last ditch effort to save your life.
Someone gave me a Baofen raidio for prepping , I have a CB , I will use that if shtf , and I will be buying a good short wave , the ham really wont help me .
Something is always better than nothing so I am glad to hear your doing the basics. If the power is off more than a week, the HT won't do much since it usually needs Repeaters to work. Their battery backup won't last much past a few days. Hopefully, someone will haul a generator to the Repeater as well as fuel to keep it running.
I've had a look into rtty psk31 and wefax as possible emcomms. There is some value there I think. For just pure shtf Comms a set of PMR radios that you know how to use and how they work will do most of what's needed. Someting like the ft8900 that can be setup as a repeater can help out in a real bad scenario. As far as HF is concerned, I'm not sure how useful it would be in an emergency. I've not found any news channels that transmit. I won't care about the other side of the planet in shtf. Just what's within travelling distance at the time. The only exception being possible reports of troop movements during war. I think VHF on a baofeng is the way to go for shtf Comms. Practicing with PMR is great to build awareness.
PSK31 (BPSK31) is a solid choice, very good low power mode to use. What ever works for you, go for it. VHF is great for local comms when SHTF. I plan on using 2M simplex. Thanks for posting..
A meshtastic/atak combo grid for local data transfers and analog voice transceiver would also be a working option. Setting up a grid and getting people on it would be realities easy. Solar can keep the meshtastic with power and it transmitting encoded over Murs makes recon and signet plausable.
@@dythshroomstamper if something is easy or not is a relative term, Where I am, just getting PMR used right would be tricky...... let alone trying other stuff. I have done some testing with pixsredder and rattlegram locally, and it seems to work reasonably well......... in the last six months I have found the value of android apps that you can get the .apk for....
With you 100%. In an extended crisis, the predators would be out, and those who cannot defend the fort will loose all the goods...and maybe their lives.
The number 1 myth about ham radio and prepping is that ham radio is for prepping. It’s really about science, fun, and learning. It’s limited in scope/reception to other hams, or about one in 300 people in the US. For simple communications, FRS radios are cheap, with a range up to a few miles, and require no license. You can buy them everywhere. CB radios require no license, with ranges of 5-10 miles, and are cheap. You don’t need a specialty VHF/UHF radio, you can’t rely on repeaters in disasters, and hf is useless. You don’t need two grand worth of radio gear with which you can speak with 0.3% of the population.
@@hamradiomadesimple Very good. I think we might agree that if you love ham radio for what it is outside of prepping (and like doing stuff like SOTA, POTA, satcom, and field day) it could be fun to mix the two. But, I would not advise anyone with no interest in radio to buy amateur radio gear.
@@hamradiomadesimple Respectfully disagree that ham radio is part of “prepping” in the sense that it will be any worthwhile use in a true doomsday scenario. I think that if we are talking about a society-crumbling disaster, banging your call sign on 40m to contact someone 1000 miles away is as useful as putting a message in a bottle and throwing it out to sea. Amateur radio is meaningless without the civilization that underpins it, and we’ve had civilization (including democracy, newspapers, telephones, even Wall Street) long before the first time anyone barked CQ into a microphone. Ham radio is a byproduct of civilization, not a foundation. In a real doomsday scenario, food, water, and safety is what you’re going to need. A personal radio station? Not really. If we’re talking about utility in a local disaster, there’s an argument there. Even so, more modern communication technologies, especially satellite internet and communication has already overtaken Ham radio. And I write this as a ham radio guy who operates qrp and portable. When I did my POTA activation a few weeks ago I had broad, powerful, amateur communication capabilities. But if I broke my ankle or got attacked by a bear and lived, I had a Garmin satellite communicator with an SOS button. That’s how little I trust ham radio in a real emergency situation. In the end, I have no desire to stop people from buying ham radio gear for whatever reason. You do you, I’ll do me. It’s a good philosophy. But, if you’re reading this and think you need VHF/UHF handitalkie or new Icom 7300 and one of those farcical, $500, Chameleon “tactical” antennas for your disaster dugout when the zombies come… I say stockpiling even more freeze-dried food makes better sense. At least you can eat it in a few years if the zombies no-show.
HF is useless? You prove that you understand little. Winlink over HF is one of the key methods that ill be used in an emergency. Radio, battery signal link and a small laptop are what is needed, oh and some skills.The guys who just buy baofengs wont have this. They will be in the dark fouling up the airwaves.
When TSHF no one will be paying attention to how they are using their radios, call signs or anything else. It will be a free for all just like CB radio has become with people south of the border with linears bleeding all over the spectrum. The FCC might as well get used to the fact that they won't have any control over the radio spectrum. There will be so many people misusing their radios, they won't be able to keep up. Expect this all to happen within the next 5 years.
Absolutely agree. However, if you don't know how to use your equipment and set it up for optimal conditions, you are not in a good position. I can't tell you how many people I have talked with who have HT radio and don't know how to set it up and use. I preach "PRACTICE" to every prepper who has ANY kind of equipment that plan on using when they need it the most. Also, you can now do 2M digital but how many do you think know how to do this or even what it is. The one advantage on getting your license today is you can practice all this. Do you go DMR or Analog? Which Simplex works better? What HT radios allows you to transmit outside the 2M or 70cm bands for more stealth operation? My point is not to buy the gear and then try and figure out how to use it when you most need it. Thanks for posting and I believe it is less than 12 months before everything breaks down.
"no one will be paying attention to how they are using their radios, call signs or anything else" Maybe; and very likely true in a complete national or global meltdown. However, in a regional situation much more common and likely perhaps an earthquake, if you operate in a ham band without callsign and training it will quickly become apparent to others. I'm not sure what you hope to accomplish. One of the purposes of ham radio is message traffic passing, the American Radio RELAY League formed just for that purpose.
@@hamradiomadesimple We live 90 miles away from Sioux Falls SD and 150 miles away from the Twin Cities. My worry is the exodus that will happen and keeping my rural homestead secure.
I hear you. You don't have to just worry about thieves, you also have squatters fleeing the cities. However, you are fortunate to live in a Red State and the cold weather will make those fleeing go south to a warmer state. Have you considered buying a drone to monitor what is happening around you? The mini drones are a great solution to monitor what is happening in real-time with out being spotted. They can travel out 6 miles or more. I also have night vision monocular that works great up to 500'. I recently added several solar motion detectors that can be mounted anywhere. Finally, I would use trip wires on common paths with empty aluminum cans to make noise when they trip them. The goal is to make them move to another location that is less protected. Stay safe and thanks for posting!!
@@hamradiomadesimple I live in the western red section of Minnesota which is held hostage by voters in five counties around the Twin Cities and the iron range. You have some really good ideas for rural homestead owners. Thanks!
Another interesting video. Thanks! Just one comment the use of the word Simplex. In your context it is used as opposed to Repeater. The maybe more relevant to use Direct as opposed to the Indirect for Repeater. Simplex/Duplex; see en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Duplex_(telecommunications)#Simplex 73 de SA5QED
Good point. There are designated simplex frequencies (national calling frequencies and some by state) which people can openly look for QSO's. Some use them for directed calls. Others will look to use what frequencies are not being used by a local repeater and use them. So, good point!!
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When my previous ham group talked to a prepper group, we discovered they bought ham hand helds but never got their license. They thought it was more important to put them in faraday cages for shtf. Since they were gun focused, we asked if it was ok for us to buy guns and never learn to shoot them. This was the question that got their attention. Radio is no different than a gun, you need a target and know how to hit that target. Even without a government, hams will expect to communicate with other hams who know how to communicate on a radio with licenses, everyone else will just be noise and we won't have time to teach them.
Amen brother!! Great question to ask them. There is so much more to learn, test and practice in Ham Radio. Digital alone is a huge hill to climb. Thanks for posting and stating it in a way that makes total sense. Now if they will listen....
I guess it depends on who you’re talking about. You don’t necessarily need a license to understand how to utilize ham bands. I’ve got my gmrs license and radio, but I also have a ham HT I’ve programmed in repeaters, upgraded the antenna and generally understand how it all works. Digital is obv a hill to climb but I’ve got analog radios and not super worried about getting into digital or even mobiles just yet. Unlocking a uv5r and having multiple monoband antennas, programmed repeaters and even predesignated channels for “private” comms is a good idea. UA-cam is a great source and I’m a sponge for info. I may eventually get my ham license but for now I’m set up for comms if shtf.
What I’m getting at is, most of us (in your analogy) aren’t buying guns then locking them away hoping we’ll figure out how to use them if shtf. It’s more like buying a gun and the local govt demanding you get a license before using it, but we bought the gun, researched the gun, added some optics and foregrips to it, further research the gun, practice with guns we are licensed to use that are extremely similar and keep it at the ready but we never break the law in the sense of using that particular gun the way the govt demands we do
@@mdc21787 Absolutely!! The license allows me to PRACTICE and PERFECT my skills. The HF Digital side is a long learning curve along with antenna setup and placement. IF I did not take all this time to master it, I would be at 10% of where I am today. So nice to see someone understand the great principle you so eloquently laid out!!!!!!!!!! Thanks my friend!
@@hamradiomadesimple I appreciate the kind response! I’m new to it all, early feb is when I got my gmrs license and radio, had the idea “why aren’t there radios that can transmit on all bands?” And accidentally discovered the unlocking of the uv5r, so naturally I bought one (bc they’re so cheap) and unlocked it, programmed it and am upgrading the antenna BUT I don’t transmit on it. Illegal to do so and I’m not a ham guy (yet). But I’m sure I will keep going and get my ham license as well. But for now I’m focused on getting as good at the basics as possible. Videos like yours, and CHANNELS like yours help guys like me who want to keep learning and inspire us to get that ham license. No one wants to get a $10k fine from the FCC!
I have watched at least a dozen of your videos. They are so informative and helpful. Can't thank you enough for putting this information together and presenting it all in an easy to understand format. Great job and thanks again!!
You're very welcome! I was frustrated, trying to figure this stuff out and only getting pieces here and there. I decided others don't need to go through what I had to. Have fun and pass on what you learn to others.
The no 1 myth about ham radio prepping, is at best, you might be able to say goodbye to your radio amateur friends. Keeping in touch with an ageing population of local radio amateurs may offer some small possibility to help others less able than yourself, but I suspect one will have plenty to do looking after your walking distance community. The whole game of radio prepping thing is just an opportunity to have some fun building bug out radio boxes and playing radio in the woods. In the UK, If something kicks off, within 24 hours, chaos will reign. The power will be down, the phones will be dead, the shops will have no food, and in a few days society will break down and there will be gangs of bad people robbing whatever and whoever they can. This is not the 1950's , things have changed. I agree that it 'might' have some use for environmental disasters, but most people are screwed when the local shops run out of toilet paper, let alone food
We just had a hurricane come through eastern Canada. The power went out. The gasoline/petrol stations could not pump gas for people with generators or cars. So, if you have a generator, keep a store of fuel for it. When the grocery stores opened with generators, bottled water and toilet paper went flying out the door. But only for people with cash, because the debit machines were not working. So, hoard some cash too. The vhf radio in the car was helpful, because it told us which shops and gas stations were open. If you have a battery backup for the radios at home, you should get a way to charge the batteries. There are places in the maritimes where they do not have the electricity on yet, 14 days after the hurricane. So squirrel away your emergency food, fuel, cash, and drinking water.
just like in the Road Warrior. I plan to tool around the Wasteland in my V8 Interceptor, sawed-off, dog and CB radio.
I'm in rural Florida and we were absolutely hammered by Hurrican Michael. We're 25 miles from the next town in all directions. The timber industry was big here but the trees falls cut off the roads. It took four days for the national guard and highway department to clear the highway. Everyone including the local outlaws were well behaved. Why? Because an ad hoc vigilance committee was quickly formed and every house was well armed. Everyone was made aware that foolishness would not be tolerated.
As a survivor of Hurrican Michael and a grid down situation. Every tower including the transmission lines except Verizon and AT&T came down. I can testify that Verizon is not so good about refueling their generators. The whole town was quiet like it was 1880 and you could hear it run out of fuel.
WOW, thanks for posting this. With so many towers to maintain, your are spot on with your conclusion. They will run longer BUT without fuel they are going to shut down sooner than later. A few towers near the hospital or key governmental services will get priority on fuel. They too, can only last so long.
As a prepper, I don't count on any repeater being up and running past a few days. I have back up solar power and batteries to last indefinitely. I have set up my AT-578 (55W 2M) to operate as a private digital repeater. I have multiple HT's (AT-878) that allow for my family to connect locally.
As a first hand witness, I hope others will understand what you posted. Thanks again!!!!!!
Excellent!!! Looking forward to your other videos!!!
Awesome! Thank you!
This is one of those videos that you save and have to keep referring back to. You hit so many points that I myself have struggled with as a prepping, comms, YT creator. This is exactly why I use YT, to spread knowledge and learn everything I can. Honestly, great video. I'm subscribed.
Thanks for the encouraging and kind words. The time to move from planning to execution has arrived!!
@@hamradiomadesimple That's very true. Plans without a deadline are just hopes...
My wife and I are both licensed HAM's in Canada. I agree that HAM radio is only part of a much larger preparedness plan. We've been prepping for roughly 10 years. I can tell you that the single most important preparation you can make, after the essentials for personal survival is to be part of a larger community. Moving information across a community is the core value of HAM radio, or any kind of extended communications system. This includes FRS/GMRS radios, CB's etc. HAM can dramatically extend the range of communications, but all emergencies are local, so local networks, even direct personal communications are essential. Messaging priorities and being part of a series of different networks, from local to national will be essential in a grid down situation.
I agree. I am licensed in Canada as well. I have no real interest in talking to people on a daily basis. I got my licence < Basic with honours > specifically in order to properly understand how the radios work and to set them up for the best effect. In most emergency situations it will be 100 times more important to be able to listen then to be able to broadcast. Cb shortwave ham GMRS and FRS police scanners will all be very useful for gathering helpful information
Don't forget MURS radio because in some areas it is like having a private radio service due to distance from businesses and the fact it has been the forgotten service until recently.
It, amateur, GMRS and CB are the basics of my communications plan.
@@phillipnelson6076 Good point
I am also a licensed Ham in Canada, and have been before Basic with Honors even existed. I currently hold Basic + Advanced, and have capabilities for UHF, VHF and HF. I'm located in a valley, so it makes VHF/UHF near impossible for any distance. I can hit the nearest VHF repeater using a handheld connected to a base antenna on 5W power. I will be relying on HF and CB if in a grid down situation.
Very well said.
You sir, are a blessing! Thank you for all your effort. You have been a great help!
God Bless
I appreciate that!
This is just the information I was looking for as a new Ham, plus I enjoy how you present it. Thanks.
Glad it was helpful and thanks for taking the time to let me know. Keep learning :-)
Thank you for breaking through the commercial fakery and providing actual information.
You are right. Watching YT videos only confuses the need for helpful direction.
Thanks for the kind words Harry. Glad they are helping!!
Great information - will recommend to your channel to people thinking about getting into comms for prepping.
Thank you Gary, I hope others can benefit from my LONG learning curve LOL
@@hamradiomadesimple For sure, you're accelerating my learning curve - thanks!
Good info. Thank you.
Glad it was helpful! Let me know if you have any questions and thanks for taking the time to let me know.
A very good video! THANK YOU! I have to agree is is one video to save & review it from time to time!
Glad it was helpful!
👍 More great info. God bless 🇺🇸
Thanks, you too!
Communications are the first thing used in an emergency. Information is most valuable at the beginning of any emergency!
Absolutely and thanks for posting this!
I agree coms might be fourth asset priority but if you bug in or out coms will be the most important way to avoid the worst of it.
If things go completely haywire, I don't need to talk to anyone, I need to listen to the world. Preferably some kind of AM/SW/SSB multiband
'crystal' kit, with headphones and an ability to derive power off the electromagnetic environment.
Two way comunication is great, but if everything go south, I need at least to be able to listen to the world, so, thats my plan :)
Listening is a good 80% of what you need. Not talking much but listening to what you hear. However, I want to relay messages to friends and family not in my state so I'm building a digital "mess network of other ham preppers" to make sure we can pass messages anywhere in the USA. Using FSQ, we can send messages via "automation relay" to intended destinations. I'm glad you figured out what works for you and are ready to jump in. Thanks for taking the time to post a great comment!
@@hamradiomadesimple - "mess network" or "mesh network?" Thanks for the informative video presentation!
Great video, thanks!
Glad you liked it!
Great info. Thank you for your outline and viewpoints.
Thanks for taking the time to let me know. I can't tell you how much it means to me, when I know these videos are helping others. Only way is for someone like you to post an encouraging comment. Greatly appreciated.
Excellent video. You covered just about every point.
Thanks for letting me know it was helpful!!
I understand the sentiment behind getting a general license, but I'm not sure it's applicable here. You can already access parts of the HF band with a technician license, and you can access the VHF and UHF ranges with it and people who can help you most effectively are likely going to be people in your area who were also affected and are in line of sight range for coordinating day to day goings on after a disaster from a distance without use of cellphones. what more can you meaningfully learn about HF radio usage outside of 28.300 - 28.500 besides simply having more strangers farther away to talk to and get more contacts? i'm sure it's more fun but is that going to help you get by better in an emergency? is rajesh in india who you make small talk with once or twice on a good day going to be able to help you survive after a disaster hits your area? I think there's plenty of practice that you can get in with just a technician if you want to stay there. In an emergency situation, you don't need a general license to access the parts of the HF range that the general license affords And even if it may be illegal, the FCC is not going to do anything about it, so there's no practical effect for that, it's just a formality. people break amateur radio rules all the time already and only the most egregious ones are ever confronted about it.
You're looking at this from the perspective of a ham radio enthusiast. For you, this is a hobby, but the people that you're trying to talk to in this video are not seeing it as a hobby, they are seeing it as something they might need to use someday. They should absolutely still familiarize themselves with radio practices and there is a lot of learning that goes into getting proficient at it, and if they don't do that, the radio is going to be borderline worthless to them in a real emergency, but I think there is a reasonable middle ground between completely ignorant about radio, and active radio hobbyist / enthusiast And in my opinion, in this video you are not meeting them halfway and recognizing that that reasonable middle ground exists and that it's okay for somebody to get there and stop without having to make amateur radio a major aspect of their normal life in perpetuity. communication capabilities and knowledge and training about them can be incredibly useful in times of mass crisis but past a certain point there are severe diminishing returns where your time would be far better spent learning about other things. you can't drink or eat radio waves, you can't sleep under them, you can't fix a wound with them and they're not going to keep you warm at night. radio communication can help enormously with all of these things depending on the exact circumstances, but most of the work is going to be right in front of you and even if you know someone on the opposite side of the continent and you know how to talk to them and your radio is capable of it and the environmental conditions are right for it, what in the world is katie going to be able to do for colin when things are so busted that there isn't even a functional power grid where colin lives? depending on the scale of the crisis, katie might not have a power grid either and colin is in oregon and katie is in florida. i think colin can get more use out of talking to his friends and family who all live within driving distance of each other on either VHF or UHF or even GMRS, assuming they all have radios capable of this and they all know how to use them well enough.
with that in mind i think GMRS would serve a lot of these hypothetical people very well as an alternative to ham. it's easier to practice because it's so much less formal and there's no exam to get a license, and one GMRS license covers all of the license holders family and it is probably a bit easier to simply hand a GMRS to someone who has never used one and give them a basic rundown on how to use it at a bare minimum functional level in shorter order than you can with a more complicated handheld ham radio. on the other hand, a ham radio has enough extra versatility that it could be useful and worth the trouble, but that should be up to the discretion of the individual. with that said though, i don't see any reason to try to turn people away from ham because you think it won't be useful to them. it doesn't come across as altruistically looking out for their best interests if. i'm sure with everyone it's a bit different, but the tone i get from ham people telling preppers that ham is probably useless for what they want it for has broadly struck me as them simply saying in so many words "we don't like you, we don't like the idea of our hobby being associated with people like you. go away".
You bring up some good points. If it is for hobby purposes, you can try 6M & 10M with a tech license. However, those bands are not the best to work with unless you have an ideal location and antenna to work with. Those bands are more closed the open. Can work at times but is very spotty and not much activity.
Listening is FCC free of regulations, so that is always a great option too.
GRMS is a very good option for LOCAL comms. Again, If you are looking to communicate when the power is not down, fun and very easy to jump in. My thesis is what do you do when the power is out for extended periods of time? Repeaters back up power setups, after 48 hours, is dependent (for the most part) on someone hauling fuel to the generator - to keep the power on. Even with HT in the ham radio world, you face the same issue. So, if you assume there is no power interruptions, great choice for LOCAL comms. Simplex is "line of sight" so topography dependent as well as the height of your antennas.
If and when the FCC goes away, the wild, wild west of ham radio begins. More on the UHF/VHF side since the cost of HF equipment is at much higher threshold to entry. What I came to realize, HF is not as simple to operate as it seems. Yes, a longer learning curve and practice is key for TXing successfully. If you go to digital side of ham radio, no way will anyone without the learning the skills necessary to operate is going to use it. This the best option in the end but few will ever get to master and use this. Low power, longer distance with best outcomes. That is why many EMCOMM groups gravitate to this option.
Like I said in the video, "something is better than nothing" so don't think I am a ham radio snob. Ham Radio It is the BEST way to go BUT NOT the ONLY way to approach this. As for me and my house, I took the harder more costly path in order to achieve the best outcomes. YOU choose what is best for you and your family base on your commitment, time and resources available to you. I wish you the best and thank you for posting.
How is your club able to access Verizon tower…. It seems like any commercial set up like that would not want “ham” interference at the site, do you have to go through a site administrator to coordinate any changes or antenna placement type of things?
Most ham clubs are partners with County Emergency Services. This allows them to use this partnership with private business who want to have a good relationship with they counties they are in. Also, before any antenna goes up an expensive site assessment is typically required. You have to pay someone to climb the tower at the chosen height and do an analysis. It takes time and money. Great post Steve!!
Very helpful. Thanks!
So glad to hear this!!
Incredible presentation and information. Will definitely be in touch. Studying now for certification.
Have I videos on how to pass the License Exams along with the basics of Ham Radio. Let me know if you have any questions. Thanks for the kind words Ray!!
Don't let anyone tell that HF radio doesn't have high value in emergency communications. The most advanced governments and militaries still have HF communications as a last resort or special operations mode of communications that is being increasingly leveraged through blending with other digital platforms.
HF is Important all the worlds countries Goverment Embassies have Hf back up 73 from UK
HF and the Hurricane Net was the only way to get any info in or out of Collier County FL for Hurricane Wilma 2005. My wife's family was visiting from Canada and had a flight out of Ft. Myers the next day. Via the Hurricane Net we confirmed their flights were still a go for the next day at the airport only 40 miles away, but no way to get that info locally.
I worked VHF e-comm at a shelter during WIlma. Most people thought my 75 watt 2M Icom, homemade J-pole and battery setup was a joke... until the county sheriffs repeaters came down then the deputies on site were asking me for updates. When the county repeater crashed we worked simplex on the input freq.
Case in point, Antarctica. In many cases HF is the only way to communicate with anyone to get resources or assistance.
Thanks for what you do. I just upgraded to General last Saturday. 73! KE8TGA
Nice work and now enjoy the world of HF.
Did you ever complete this series? I don't see follow on videos
The Prepping Series continues on. I did a lot on Digital HF since these apps can work with lower power, travel father than voice and don't need an high end antenna.
Loved it. Great information. Love the links in the description box.
Thanks Hartmut for taking the time to let me know it was useful. Have fun and keep learning (like me as I research all this cool stuff for these videos)
I'm coming at this from the military perspective. While I was not 25 series MOS (I was 11Bravo) I remember enough that this is familiar to me. My goal is for information purposes. The US media cannot be counted on anymore for anything. I am currently studying for Tech and General. Maybe Extra later. My focus is on mobile equipment first, then maybe a base station later.
Many of us agree with your assessment! That is why I moved over to focus on Digital HF and work with like minded people to form a mesh network so we can pass info and help each other. It doesn't take a rocket scientist to see that stuff is breaking down faster due to intentional or unintentional neglect. We are taking down more power stations than adding. Rolling blackouts are already beginning to happen. They are now broadcasting for us to consider this "normal" going forward. Grid Failures are coming soon. Add the high solar activity going on and we are just one major X-Flare away from disaster.
Time is short so focus on getting your General and IF you have time, Extra. I did a video on how to pass the test quickly. Just one way to approach this. Wish you the best but move quickly, big learning curve. That is why I am doing all these videos and document all the setups for HF Digital - soon I will have a VHF Digital version out.
@@hamradiomadesimple Duly noted. I look forward to more of your videos.
@@hamradiomadesimple Do you have a fallback plan if the Internet goes down or is taken down?
@@raymondhollingsworth3643 Yes, email me at KW3KW@mail.com
Thanks
Welcome and glad to help.
I'm a HAM radio operator, and I'm adding to my list of "What if's" about prepping. I'm looking at technology and considering Starlink for internet service. If the grid goes down, then I'd fire up the Honda eu2200i generator converted to propane and run it to power everything in the house (fridge, lights, fans, charging needs, wifi and modems, etc...). I chose Icom radio's (ID-5100 in my Jeep, and an ID-51A HT) for their D-Star capability. With Honda generator power and Starlink internet, I would be able to connect to my OpenSpot3 and have global communication (along with local VHF/UHF 50 watt simplex comms). And, with Starlink powered by the Honda, I'd also have wifi to my cell phone for internet/messaging/email to everyone outside the outage. If weather concerns you, then add a travel trailer/5th wheel camper and boogie to cooler/warmer climates, while being self-sustained as mentioned above. Or, drive and car camp to the best of your abilities. And, when the "grid goes down", how far around you does that mean? One City, one County, one State? If you're mobile, you'll be pretty easily able to re-group so you can also help those in need. If you're stationary in your home, a Honda generator can keep you going for quite a while until normalcy is restored. Other factors are involved; water/food/sanitation, so stay stocked up and be ready. Peace and 73. Pete - KI7LIL
Great question and we all must use common sense and give our best guess on how it will play out. I'm leaning toward rolling black outs at first followed by grid down by region (multi-states). Eventually, grid down for most of the USA. With a looming energy shortages now growing globally (USA is sending a lot of our Natural Gas to Europe impacting us here), that is the first wave to hit. Add in "Hackers" trying hard NOW to take it down, it is only a matter of time before they become successful like they did with the Colonial Pipeline (gasoline) a few years ago. It was simple ransomware on their accounting system that knocked it off line. Next, natural disasters like a few major earthquakes and another domino falls (think New Madrid Fault -all pipelines in that area are toast).
Already, some regional refineries are going offline permanently. Don't think of one thing but multiple factors happening over a short period of time.
Russia will eventually attack us on our own land as we double down on stupid. The perfect storm is brewing and we can either deny it or prepare for it. I am so glad you are already coming up with plans based on what will eventually happen. Most of us have to use what we can afford and have access to. The perfect plan is out of reach based on cost for the majority of us. Keep being creative and think outside the box. Thanks for sharing and keep planning!
Is your hvac system hooked up to your generator? If so, test it out. I’m an hvac tech and had a customer running his off his generator and found his circuit board inside furnace wasn’t sending enough voltage to respective components (only between 59 and 70 volts when it needed 120) I figured it was the board but knew in the back of mind we should wait for power to come back to REALLY see. Ordered the board and a day or two later when he had power he cancelled because everything was working fine. His generator for whatever reason wasn’t allowing his furnace to receive and send the juice it needed to.
Check out WinCo PTO and diesel generators.
There is an excellent article about the California wildfires and how long several of the towers had backup power after the grid was turned off. Ill link it shortly. It was quite specific. Generally all towers have 2 to 7 days backup. Link on the way
Love to see it. I don't think most Ham Radio operators are aware of this. Once I found out, it changed my view of what role Repeaters will play in this type of event. Most will fail when the grid goes down. Like you said, by day 7 most won't be working UNLESS they have a solar backup system which few will have this in place. Again, THANK YOU!!
Yeah to all the go bag guys, as one of those people with property in the woods - yeah I may think it's cool that you have your ticket too, but if I find you camped out next to where my family lives we are going to have an uncomfortable discussion, and I'm far more reasonable than most. Real prepping is thorough planning and practice, including relevant destinations and terrains. "Bugging out" is not a plan.
I agree! Bugging out is going to someone else's place you already have an agreement with. Squatting on someone else's land is not safe nor the right thing to do. Last option UNLESS you live in an urban area and know the window to leave is closing fast. These places are ground zero for chaos and lawlessness. If preppers are still living in these cities, either they have their bug out location set or they are in trouble going forward.
hope your health improves. thank you for the videos
Thanks you my friend and for your prayers!
New to Ham, but not to prepping. I am currently studing for my Tech License now and Im glad I found your site ...
Im planning on getting the Radioddity 6666 for a few reason.
1 it can also do CB with some easy on the fly programming. 10 Meters will be great for the next few years do to sun activity.. Last by not lease, I old friend who lives in Oregon and Im in Florida, Im hopingb to surprise him one day. Hes big into field days and POTA. He also had a General License. Hes been a ham since H.S we are both in our 60's. Over 45 years. I guess better late then never.
Thanks for all the tips.
Good for you. Time is running out to get ready. Expect supply chains to be hit hard now with the Panama Channel issues along with the Yemen shutting down shipping traffic. Remember, practice what you think you can do with Ham Radio. Outcomes vary depending on your (and the other operator's too) location, equipment, propagation as well as what the band and time of day.
Go for it and let me know if you have questions.
I found QRP (multi-band & mode) w/solar & hand generation recharge, which is currently my best option. May add in an Amp (variable 50w or 100w) later on when I figure a power pack for the amp & trx combo.
Good for you. Most people are not thinking about "recharging their backup battery system." For random calls, QRP is a great option. The amp will help when you start doing more "directed calls." Like always, short TX, low SWR, lower power will save on the battery.
The key is the ANTENNA! Kurt (kd9suv) has perfected his antenna for QRP and does better than most people using more power (35W) with the Digital Apps. He can drop calls pretty much where he wants. With good topography, it helps a lot too.
Keep up the great work you are doing and thanks for sharing!!!
I appreciate this information and am sharing it with family. Subscribed.
One thing that you and every other prep oriented site glosses over is the use of solar for backup power. Many of us live in zones where solar is not an option for 6-10 months of the year.
This is most likely because there aren't a lot of alternatives and what there are have serious downsides. These include need for consumable fuel for a generator - gasoline, LP or natural gas. These also generate significant noise when operating and require venting of noxious exhaust streams.
Human-powered generators, both hand crank and pedal crank are insufficient for anything beyond a few minutes to hours of small appliance time.
Large battery banks are expensive, require some degree of knowledge and expertise and some way to recharge.
Wind is really not an option.
Micro-hydroelectric generators are an attractive option IF one has legal and defensible access to year-round flowing water, e.g. a decent sized stream on or near one's property. Most of us don't have that luxury.
Aside from moving to the sunny side of the street (mountains) which has its own set of logistics, I'm fresh out of ideas.
Thoughts?
@@hamradiomadesimple Thank you!.
Thank you and I hope to have a new channel out shortly called Prepping Made Simple to cover the basics from A to Z
I found a Amronn Veterinary, I found a amrron radio, Nationwide Emergency Communications Network for Preppers
Here is the website link for AmRONN amrron.com/
PrepperNet preppernet.com/
I’m studying to get my ham license but 1st I got GMRS. In my area GMRS has become very popular and a lot more users switching over from ham. Someone on the net has logged over a 100 plus users.
If GRMS works for you, go for it. Great tool to help those who don't have a ham license.
Brilliant videos, best on youtube for a beginner such as myself!
What I fail to understand is that you seem to imply a difference between HF and shortwave, but aren’t these virtually the same thing? It should not be lower cost than VHF/UHF as far as I’ve understood from other videos?
Shortwave radio is radio transmission using radio frequencies in the shortwave bands (SW). There is no official definition of the band range, but it always includes all of the high frequency band (HF), which extends from 3 to 30 MHz (100 to 10 meters); above the medium frequency band (MF), to the bottom of the VHF band. Does this help answer your question?
@@hamradiomadesimple Thank you for your answer sir, really appreciate it! Do you separate shortwave from HF in any way when it comes to operational cost or usefulness for prepping? Or do you use these terms mostly interchangeably?
I’m really sorry if I misunderstood you in the video, but I gathered from your video (position 5:47 and 21:31)that you consider shortwave to be a budget alternative ? But isn’t HF equipment more expensive compared to VHF/UHF? And also: isn’t HF/shortwave basically the only way to reach regionally in a SHTF situation as you really cannot count on repeaters to be operational? If that is the case and you have say relatives living further away it seems almost non-negotiable for prepping?
Again I’m a complete novice so might be totally of the reservation here… if so I very much apologize form taking your time and thank you again for your exceptional videos!
Greetings from Sweden !
Hams that do not know but join a local ARES GROUP for
EMERGENCY TRAINING you will not be able to help in a
Emergency Event with out it
Who ya gonna call? Ghostbusters LOL :) very good video explains a lot for preppers.
Thanks, that is one of my key goals!! Sharing what I am learning and how it fits into prepping/
Very helpful!
Thanks for taking the time to let me know. If you have any questions, feel free to ask.
in an EMP situation, if my ham radio has been protected, and the repeaters are down, would ham radio be totally useless?
No, I use the simplex frequencies for my three HT radios and can talk with my local family members. Also, I have a list of emergency frequencies that I can use to monitor what is going on. YES, most will be off the air and maybe that is a good thing. Less crowding and my friends who are protected will be able to communicate.
With my Anytone 578, I have it set up to operate as a digital repeater (tall antenna) for my family. It all comes down to know how to use this stuff with no repeaters working.
You have really good vides, you must have been a school teacher the way they are presented.
I was a healthcare IT software sales rep, that worked for startups. I had to take new concepts and break them down in simple terms for my audience to understand. That is how I am programed to think. Logical and sequential and focusing on best outcomes and best practices. My degree is in education though I never taught. So you were partially correct!!
I wish I would have heard all of this years before I bought a Baofeng tri band years ago . Its been in the closet ever since. I really enjoyed your video and it will be a great help to others who find it . I've always had nice ssb shortwave portable radios and multi longwire antennas . I have family band / fmrs radios and I went with 12v ssb cb radios from President. Mag mounts for cars and a base antenna at home . I bought solar kits . Solar batteries , aa / aaa etc . Small duel fuel generator, 100 gallons of propane. Currently have 6 to 9 months of everything and live in a good place . I did make contact with a local ham in town and if time allows ill try to start learning .
How is it going on learning more about Ham Radio?
I used to live in rural Utah, where most people there store 1 year worth of food, and other supplies. communication is last item. I guess it depend on how bad disaster are. local or wide area.
Most people can't understand what it will be like when they don't have access to information. It is unimaginable today. Just ask those who lived in the path of hurricanes where power and comms were down for a long time. Not knowing what is coming next, where and when help maybe coming and finally, letting loved ones know you or they are ok.
Hockey great Wayne Gretzki was once asked why he was so good. His reply has stuck with me in many areas of my life. His response "I don't play to where the puck is BUT to where it is going." Most play to where we are TODAY and not were we are going. Those who can understand what is coming down the pike are playing "ahead of the curve" and will be ready. Bottom line - you are either reactive or proactive to events, times and seasons. The reactive will line up in a long waiting line to hopefully get what they need. The proactive will not be waiting in line but in a position to provide for themselves and loved ones. Personally, I hate standing in line.
Thanks for posting!!
You could join a local ham club that has a public service nets and rag chew nets. Being able to command the air waves.
YES, I did this at first in order to practice the UHF/VHF bands with my HT Radio. Like I say over and over through my videos "practice, practice, practice." Thanks for posting this!!
I am so glad that You are taking the time and EFFORT to make the videos. Hopefully there are a lot of people will benefit from the knowledge that Your dispersing. Unfortunately, I am not gifted with learning from vids. maybe NOT even from books. More like Monkey See/Monkey Do kind of person. STAY SAFE & WELL.
I have a video on how to take the test: ua-cam.com/video/sil8lMibS00/v-deo.html
Just memorize the CORRECT answers. I learned all this stuff post test once I was able to get the equipment and figure it out.
@@hamradiomadesimple Thanks for Your response. Pretty SURE that Decent HAM GEAR is totally out of my budget and trying to put up ANY kind of antenna will be BEYOND my physical capability. Retired Senior Citizen with osteoarthritis, bone spurs AND a BAD BACK! BLESSED BE!
I don't know if you have considered other options such as FRS or GMRS which for many people is a much better choice than ham radio for the simple fact that there is no test to take for the license and the whole family can use one license as opposed to every member having to learn complicated theory and regulations. FRS of course is license free and has a range of up to two miles under good conditions and is a good way to keep in touch with a close group. Gmrs which requires a 35 dollar license for 10 years has much the same quality of signal and range as UHF ham radio does and repeaters can be used to extend the range of hand held and mobile radios out to as much as 100 miles. Not everybody needs ham radio Hf communications to the point of expensive and complecated equipment. Depending on the organization whether it be a family or organized group, one or two people with their general class licence can cover all bands needed. While I am still thinking about it, yes there are dead spots in skip zones but in many cases there are also ground waves that fill in those places sometimes and there are 9 amateur HF bands that can be used. Good video! Thanks for posting! 7 3 DE: EA4/KF0XO
Great post and thanks for sharing this.
Can HAM frequencies be made unusable by agencies?
To a certain degree, yes. Cuba and Russia has used jamming on certain frequencies. It does not appear that they jam all the frequencies. From recent experience, I found that I can use the HF digital modes (JS8Call) and have no issues with the jamming. Voice seems to me more effected by jamming
Good Video. I've been saying this for Years.
Same reason prepping. I always knew and had defensive tools but never realized and factored in that nobody else would pitch in and help or believe you or go sour so quickly. In the last 8 months tho I been playing catch up. It's been something else I can tell you.
@@hamradiomadesimple Yup. It could be anytime now and being in the end of this Earths 12000 year cycle and grand solar minimum doesn't help matters at all. Just compounding more to the problem at hand and what we face in the upcoming future. Remember fear is a danger...perhaps the greatest danger of them all. No Fear
You are still way ahead of the general public and should do just fine. The window is fast closing so I too keep checking what areas I need to focus on. I hope to have a new channel on Prepping Made Simple out soon. Until the banks close, we can still strive to achieve our goals...
@@hamradiomadesimple Yup. I been trying to warn family and friends about the banks and are enviable crash that's coming. Buying assets instead of holding on to the dollar. A lot of people are gonna be caught off guard because the refuse to accept something like can happen in the US(people have gotten to soft and comfortable because we have had it good for so long they think nothing like that can happen here we are invincible). I have gathered video information of things that I don't know if I am better of knowing or ignorance would be best...it's a different reality these days like we have been watching a world being presented on a stage. I got my Bioenno 160w power bank and Yaesu FTM-400XD. Tried to copy chirp from my previous HT saved frequencies on to a SD card but my FTM doesn't seem to recognize it, I formated it in the radio first as well. I could just buy the RT program $25-50 but might just punch them in manually all 400 tho so.....
Good stuff !
Thanks for taking the time to encourage me.
Comms are very important because my children live 30 miles away so they are essentially in case it happens out of the blue one day get caught off guard.
If ham newbies are one of your intended audiences, it might be a good idea to edit in explanations of references and terms about which newbies are likely clueless (e.g., what in the heck is a "hex beam"?)
@@hamradiomadesimple No questions. Just advocating for newbies. Subject matter is great for those who want to prep for wide-spread disaster comms.
N6MED
Jim, I did go over this in some of my other videos. I have so much info and I try to keep it to a reasonable level time wise. Thanks for reminding me.
Ham Radio Operators are "preppers" because they prepare for mains down! Battery, solar, generator, and line power from their own hydroelectric dams are accomplished sources. Most sources are expensive, but done one piece at a time, all are affordable. Ham Radio for "preppers" is important because Ham Radio doesn't fail like the internet, cellphones, or TV does on occasion or during storms.
A man after my own heart!! Great post and thank you.
Best case in point is if you can not budget your transmit power you will have too much wasted power to be an effective radio operator.
Nice point and especially if you are using batteries. We all need to learn how to use the least necessary power so when SHTF you stay online longer.
The radio itself may never help one in a shtf scenario but the things a person learns in the hobby may save them
YES, well stated. There is such a long learning curve that most people think they can skip. Thanks for posting this!!
I would start by taking to your local repeater first then try CQ someone on simplex frequencies. you have calling frequencies then open frequencies. when atmosphere conditions are good try simplex long distance. in the meantime learn for your general class license then more lot more frequencies will be open. 6 meters is a good hit and miss in ham radio. 73
I put comms at no. 5. No. 4, as I see it, is sanitation.
I love this video, it has really good information, however one thing that was missed is the fact that Tecnitions have access to a portion of the 10 meter (HF) band on voice and CW. Again this is great info for the unimformed. Thank you for mentioning AmmRon and PrepperNet. Subbed and liked. 73 de K0MRD
Good point! I will have to look at what equipment they can buy at a reasonable price for 10M. Most just have a UHF/ VHF HT. Also, I need to try out 10M and see how it works when it is not open. What distance one could expect to get out of it. Thanks for sharing and and the great words of encouragement.
10 meters is susceptible to the solar conditions. Right now we are about 3 1/2 years into solar cycle 25 and have another 2 years until we reach solar maximum. Right now 10 meters will reach around the world. I have talked to Argentina, Japan, Europe, and heard South Africa. During a solar minimum 10 meters barely works across town. There can be 4-5 years where 10 meters is completely useless.
Great point! I have found few tech class license operators have a rig to do 10M and a HF antenna setup. This is why I did not mention it along with the fact the band is either open or not. Most times not. BUT when, wow it rocks! Thanks for taking the time to post this and I hope those Tech's who do have the necessary tools get on and have fun!
@@Skullfocher OUTSTANDING POST. Great info and I hope others will read this!!
@@hamradiomadesimple With an open band, I in Wyoming, worked a guy in Delaware on 10 FM one day several years ago!
Just makes dying more drawn out
In my eyes, it is reducing the level of pain and suffering, I can avoid in the process of dying.
Dying at some point is always a given. Living and dying comfortably are not. I’m not concerned about my comfort but I am concerned about my wife’s. So that’s MY motivation.
Great video. Bugging in is the best policy 90% of the time. The only exceptions would be military bombing and usually they tell you its about to happen. Think palistine. Then fires " maui" and then evacuation due to flooding/hurricane. Other than that it's best to fight as hard as you can to keep your home and stuff. Once you bug out its only a matter of time before you fail. Ive bugged out a couple times and its always been for fire. I wasn't living off the land either. I was comfortable in a hotel. In a wide spread emergency it's going to be hell anywhere out on the road or in the wild. Bugging out is an absolute last ditch effort to save your life.
Absolutely agree with you statement! Thank you.
Cool that Verizon lets you guys have power. Loved the vid, can’t wait for more !
Amazing that Verizon let's anyone have anything for free...
Someone gave me a Baofen raidio for prepping , I have a CB , I will use that if shtf , and I will be buying a good short wave , the ham really wont help me .
Something is always better than nothing so I am glad to hear your doing the basics. If the power is off more than a week, the HT won't do much since it usually needs Repeaters to work. Their battery backup won't last much past a few days. Hopefully, someone will haul a generator to the Repeater as well as fuel to keep it running.
Not a joiner. Don't like people. I'll just stay out here doomed, thanks.
preach it
@@dtl5623 Yeah. Crazy. Right?
@@dtl5623 ok
Bug out is sexy, bug in is realistic
Bugging out just makes someone a refugee to all, a liability to most, and a loot box for some.
I've had a look into rtty psk31 and wefax as possible emcomms. There is some value there I think.
For just pure shtf Comms a set of PMR radios that you know how to use and how they work will do most of what's needed.
Someting like the ft8900 that can be setup as a repeater can help out in a real bad scenario.
As far as HF is concerned, I'm not sure how useful it would be in an emergency. I've not found any news channels that transmit. I won't care about the other side of the planet in shtf. Just what's within travelling distance at the time.
The only exception being possible reports of troop movements during war.
I think VHF on a baofeng is the way to go for shtf Comms. Practicing with PMR is great to build awareness.
PSK31 (BPSK31) is a solid choice, very good low power mode to use. What ever works for you, go for it. VHF is great for local comms when SHTF. I plan on using 2M simplex. Thanks for posting..
A meshtastic/atak combo grid for local data transfers and analog voice transceiver would also be a working option. Setting up a grid and getting people on it would be realities easy. Solar can keep the meshtastic with power and it transmitting encoded over Murs makes recon and signet plausable.
@@dythshroomstamper if something is easy or not is a relative term, Where I am, just getting PMR used right would be tricky...... let alone trying other stuff. I have done some testing with pixsredder and rattlegram locally, and it seems to work reasonably well......... in the last six months I have found the value of android apps that you can get the .apk for....
Exceptional video!!!
Weapons and ammo is 4th not comms
With you 100%. In an extended crisis, the predators would be out, and those who cannot defend the fort will loose all the goods...and maybe their lives.
The number 1 myth about ham radio and prepping is that ham radio is for prepping. It’s really about science, fun, and learning. It’s limited in scope/reception to other hams, or about one in 300 people in the US. For simple communications, FRS radios are cheap, with a range up to a few miles, and require no license. You can buy them everywhere. CB radios require no license, with ranges of 5-10 miles, and are cheap. You don’t need a specialty VHF/UHF radio, you can’t rely on repeaters in disasters, and hf is useless. You don’t need two grand worth of radio gear with which you can speak with 0.3% of the population.
@@hamradiomadesimple Very good. I think we might agree that if you love ham radio for what it is outside of prepping (and like doing stuff like SOTA, POTA, satcom, and field day) it could be fun to mix the two. But, I would not advise anyone with no interest in radio to buy amateur radio gear.
@@hamradiomadesimple Respectfully disagree that ham radio is part of “prepping” in the sense that it will be any worthwhile use in a true doomsday scenario. I think that if we are talking about a society-crumbling disaster, banging your call sign on 40m to contact someone 1000 miles away is as useful as putting a message in a bottle and throwing it out to sea. Amateur radio is meaningless without the civilization that underpins it, and we’ve had civilization (including democracy, newspapers, telephones, even Wall Street) long before the first time anyone barked CQ into a microphone. Ham radio is a byproduct of civilization, not a foundation. In a real doomsday scenario, food, water, and safety is what you’re going to need. A personal radio station? Not really.
If we’re talking about utility in a local disaster, there’s an argument there. Even so, more modern communication technologies, especially satellite internet and communication has already overtaken Ham radio. And I write this as a ham radio guy who operates qrp and portable. When I did my POTA activation a few weeks ago I had broad, powerful, amateur communication capabilities. But if I broke my ankle or got attacked by a bear and lived, I had a Garmin satellite communicator with an SOS button. That’s how little I trust ham radio in a real emergency situation.
In the end, I have no desire to stop people from buying ham radio gear for whatever reason. You do you, I’ll do me. It’s a good philosophy. But, if you’re reading this and think you need VHF/UHF handitalkie or new Icom 7300 and one of those farcical, $500, Chameleon “tactical” antennas for your disaster dugout when the zombies come… I say stockpiling even more freeze-dried food makes better sense. At least you can eat it in a few years if the zombies no-show.
@@hamradiomadesimple Ok, Tx for the discussion.
HF is useless? You prove that you understand little. Winlink over HF is one of the key methods that ill be used in an emergency. Radio, battery signal link and a small laptop are what is needed, oh and some skills.The guys who just buy baofengs wont have this. They will be in the dark fouling up the airwaves.
@@9999plato sure sure. Keep sending emails over your radio. Yup, that’s the future.
When TSHF no one will be paying attention to how they are using their radios, call signs or anything else. It will be a free for all just like CB radio has become with people south of the border with linears bleeding all over the spectrum. The FCC might as well get used to the fact that they won't have any control over the radio spectrum. There will be so many people misusing their radios, they won't be able to keep up. Expect this all to happen within the next 5 years.
Absolutely agree. However, if you don't know how to use your equipment and set it up for optimal conditions, you are not in a good position. I can't tell you how many people I have talked with who have HT radio and don't know how to set it up and use. I preach "PRACTICE" to every prepper who has ANY kind of equipment that plan on using when they need it the most. Also, you can now do 2M digital but how many do you think know how to do this or even what it is. The one advantage on getting your license today is you can practice all this.
Do you go DMR or Analog? Which Simplex works better? What HT radios allows you to transmit outside the 2M or 70cm bands for more stealth operation? My point is not to buy the gear and then try and figure out how to use it when you most need it. Thanks for posting and I believe it is less than 12 months before everything breaks down.
"no one will be paying attention to how they are using their radios, call signs or anything else"
Maybe; and very likely true in a complete national or global meltdown. However, in a regional situation much more common and likely perhaps an earthquake, if you operate in a ham band without callsign and training it will quickly become apparent to others. I'm not sure what you hope to accomplish.
One of the purposes of ham radio is message traffic passing, the American Radio RELAY League formed just for that purpose.
Practice is buy a beofong, program bubble pack freq for practice and training, then program for broader base for need.
This was an excellent video. Very well done.
KA0KAE
Thank you for letting me know. I pray you are getting ready for what is coming soon to a city near you....chaos!
@@hamradiomadesimple We live 90 miles away from Sioux Falls SD and 150 miles away from the Twin Cities. My worry is the exodus that will happen and keeping my rural homestead secure.
I hear you. You don't have to just worry about thieves, you also have squatters fleeing the cities. However, you are fortunate to live in a Red State and the cold weather will make those fleeing go south to a warmer state. Have you considered buying a drone to monitor what is happening around you? The mini drones are a great solution to monitor what is happening in real-time with out being spotted. They can travel out 6 miles or more. I also have night vision monocular that works great up to 500'. I recently added several solar motion detectors that can be mounted anywhere. Finally, I would use trip wires on common paths with empty aluminum cans to make noise when they trip them. The goal is to make them move to another location that is less protected. Stay safe and thanks for posting!!
@@hamradiomadesimple I live in the western red section of Minnesota which is held hostage by voters in five counties around the Twin Cities and the iron range. You have some really good ideas for rural homestead owners. Thanks!
11 meters SSB for preppers
Nice...
Excellent presentation. DE WA1KLI
Another interesting video. Thanks!
Just one comment the use of the word Simplex. In your context it is used as opposed to Repeater. The maybe more relevant to use Direct as opposed to the Indirect for Repeater.
Simplex/Duplex; see en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Duplex_(telecommunications)#Simplex
73 de SA5QED
Good point.
There are designated simplex frequencies (national calling frequencies and some by state) which people can openly look for QSO's. Some use them for directed calls. Others will look to use what frequencies are not being used by a local repeater and use them. So, good point!!