Comms
Radios, mesh networks, EMP-hardened electronics, secure phones, and how to stay reachable when the grid stalls. The category most preppers underestimate until they need it.
Top picks in Comms
Curated by topic, not commissionAll curated
The Best Antenna You Can Buy - N9TAX
N9TAX describes his handmade dual-band J-pole antennas, explaining construction details, connector options, cable lengths, and why he uses different twin-lead sizes for UHF versus dual-band models.
The ONE THING about DATA CENTERS no one is talking about
Analyzes the disparity between U.S. data center buildout and population compared to China and India, questions motives behind widespread construction despite local opposition, and discusses health strategies including EMF mitigation and natural remedies.
Survival AI When There's No Internet
Structured test of USB-based offline AI against ChatGPT using 100 survival questions; results show major accuracy gaps.
Dayton Hamvention Floor Walk 2026
Two operators walk the Dayton Hamvention vendor floor, stopping at booths for digital HF modems, mesh networking gear, mobile antennas, and QRP kits.
WSPR Watch & HamAlert: Two Free iPhone Apps for Ham Radio Operators
Eight-minute walkthrough of two free iPhone apps for amateur radio operators: WSPR Watch for real-time spot visualization and HamAlert for DX alerts via push notifications, with setup tips and real-world demos.
Kospet Tank M4C Review: The Rugged Watch That Challenges Garmin Again
Detailed walkthrough of the Kospet Tank M4C's workout tracking, side-mounted flashlight, menu persistence, and pause timer features based on two years of field use.
Testing FreeDV on HF (Real World Demo)
19-minute walkthrough of FreeDV digital voice mode for amateur radio: how it works, what gear you need, and how it fits into grid-down communications planning.
Meshtastic with Voice: Unboxing and Building the Muzi Works Base Uno and Duo
Unboxing and assembly of Meshtastic mesh radio hardware with emerging voice-over-mesh capability for off-grid emergency communications networks.
Grid Down? Build This Solar Meshtastic Node (Full DIY Guide)
Step-by-step build of a solar-powered Meshtastic mesh radio node for off-grid emergency communications, covering power system, radio, antenna, and weatherproofing.
The Magic and Importance of HAM Radio
Two-minute overview of HAM radio capabilities and why communications infrastructure matters for household emergency preparedness.
Ham Radio Tech: New Presentation & Cool Technology
46-second overview of emerging ham radio technology and amateur radio gear shared with local clubs.
I Passed the Test! Now What? Getting Started with Amateur Radio
Seven-part guide for newly licensed ham radio operators: choosing your first radio, using repeaters, finding a local club, and connecting with experienced mentors.
How to Use AI Narrow Intelligence in Improving Your Ham Radio Knowledge & Skills
Using ChatGPT, Claude, and Perplexity to accelerate ham radio learning: when AI supplements (not replaces) traditional Elmer mentorship for operators building emergency comms skills.
CW Morse Code Activation on Modified Budget Handhelds
Three operators activate a remote summit using modified $20 Quansheng handhelds for CW Morse code transmission—hands-on demo of portable radio setup and field comms.
The Basics of HF Antennas
37-minute primer on HF antenna design principles: what distinguishes antenna types, how they operate differently, and what to consider when selecting one.
My Yaesu FT-891 Go Box
Building a portable ham radio station with a Yaesu FT-891 transceiver and FC-50 tuner for off-grid communications capability.
7 Fldigi Settings For Advanced Users
Twenty-five minute walkthrough of seven advanced Fldigi settings for ham radio digital mode operation, with links to foundational setup and troubleshooting guides.
5 Days in Yosemite with Starlink Mini - WaveTalkers LIVE 127
Field test of Starlink Mini satellite internet in Yosemite: coverage, performance, setup, and practical lessons for grid-down and remote-area communications.
Spooltenna EFHW Antenna Review and Performance Test
Twenty-five-minute hands-on review of an end-fed half-wave antenna: setup, tuning, performance testing, and practical assessment for emergency communications.
Activity Log: Shared ICS-214 - WaveTalkers LIVE 126
Step-by-step guide to building a shared activity log using Google Forms and URL shorteners for emergency communications teams and exercises.
Mapping Winlink - WaveTalkers LIVE 125
Live training on Winlink packet radio system: setup, mapping, and field deployment for grid-down emergency communications.
Event Support: Ham Radio & Modern Wireless Tech - WaveTalkers LIVE 124
Hour-long walkthrough of amateur radio and wireless technologies for emergency event support, covering FM simplex/repeater, APRS, AREDN mesh, bonded networks, and real-world deployment at a Boston Marathon qualifier.
Protect Yourself From Government Tracking & Identity Theft
Thirteen-minute evaluation of Go Dark Faraday bags for shielding devices from tracking and electronic surveillance.
Ten Great Prepper Gift Ideas for Christmas
A curated selection of EDC and preparedness items across categories from pepper spray to watches to emergency radios.
Wouxun KG-S88G PLUS GMRS Radio - Review Of The New GMRS Radio From Wouxun With Bluetooth Audio
Comparison review of the upgraded KG-S88G PLUS GMRS handheld, focusing on its Bluetooth compatibility with wireless headsets.
Scanning GMRS Channels - What Can You Hear On GMRS? I Scan All GMRS Frequencies
Real-world scan of all 22 GMRS channels to assess actual radio traffic and compare activity levels against CB radio claims.
Best GMRS & Ham Radios - My Top 3 Ham Radio GMRS Radio List For 2024
Reviews three affordable handheld radios for emergency communications, comparing features and capabilities of GMRS and ham options.
GMRS & HAM Radio CTCSS Tones Can Be Dangerous! Why You Should Not Use Tones Or Privacy Codes
Learn why enabling privacy tones on your radio can block critical emergency transmissions and potentially endanger lives.
Ham Radio Crash Course Podcast - I Talk With Josh About Everything
Wide-ranging discussion with Josh from Ham Radio Crash Course covering FCC enforcement, licensing, and the current state of amateur radio.
Replacing IC-7300 Failing Encoder Knob
Step-by-step repair of a worn encoder knob on the Icom IC-7300 transceiver—practical maintenance for long-term radio reliability.
Grid Down Phones That Work
Testing which phones can still make calls, send texts, and access information when the grid goes down during natural disasters or outages.
The Best Radio Frequency for Local Communications
Twenty-one minutes on selecting amateur radio bands for disaster scenarios, with licensing guidance and practical frequency recommendations for preppers.
Meshtastic at Sophia Hack Lab
85-minute technical presentation on Meshtastic mesh radio platform: hardware options, configuration, field deployment, and community use cases for decentralized communications.
Marco F4TXR Articulated Mast Mount and Xiegu VG4 Antenna
Hands-on walkthrough of a DIY articulated mast support and VHF/UHF antenna setup for portable emergency radio communications.
GhostNet Livestream: Emergency Radio and Mesh Networking Discussion
Live interview with S2 Underground on GhostNet, an open-source emergency radio communication system for disaster and off-grid scenarios.
My Daughter's First 2 Meter Ham Radio Experience
Step-by-step walkthrough of a first ham radio contact using a Kenwood handheld and repeater, with antenna and equipment details.
K6ARK Adam's Ever-Smaller Inventions
Interview with a search-and-rescue veteran and electronics engineer on designing pocket-sized transceivers, portable antennas, and failing forward in radio equipment projects.
Dishing out Pi with KM4ACK Jason
53-minute interview with ham radio operator Jason KM4ACK on building Raspberry Pi-based field stations for portable digital modes, emergency communications, and Parks on the Air operations.
Baofeng UV-9R Pro - Survival Prepper
Eight-minute review of the Baofeng UV-9R Pro handheld radio for survival and emergency communications.
Solar Flares, Carrington Events, and EMPs: How Solar Storms Affect Ham Radio
Twelve minutes on solar flare risks, Carrington Event history, EMP mechanics, and protective precautions for ham radio operators and household communications resilience.
How to Connect Your Mobile Ham Radio to Power — Various Options
Eight-minute walkthrough of power-supply options for mobile ham radio installations, with practical setup examples for truck-mounted equipment.
Variable EFHW Antenna - X-Tenna's 3-in-1 EFHW Setup, Test & Review
Thirteen-minute review and field test of a switchable end-fed half-wave antenna for ham radio emergency communications, with live tuning demonstrations.
DX Commander Signature 9 Build
36-minute walkthrough building and installing the DX Commander Signature 9 vertical antenna, including ground radials and mounting techniques for off-grid ham radio operation.
Halifax Amateur Radio Club Field Day 2023
Short-form documentation of the Halifax Amateur Radio Club's annual Field Day emergency communications exercise at a fire station, highlighting operator coordination and radio network resilience under technical constraints.
Top Prepper HF Ham Radio Antenna
34-minute walkthrough of HF antenna options for amateur radio operators, comparing types and deployment for off-grid communication resilience.
Changing Your Ham Radio Call Sign Using the FCC Vanity Call Sign Process
Step-by-step walkthrough of the FCC vanity call sign application process for amateur radio operators seeking a personalized call sign.
Chameleon Antenna CHA LRT (Loop Remote Tuner)
3:45 gear walkthrough of the Chameleon CHA LRT remote-tunable loop antenna system for portable ham radio communications.
Is Short Wave Radio Relevant For Preppers Today?
29-minute examination of shortwave radio capabilities, limitations, and practical use cases for preppers in grid-down and communication-loss scenarios.