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.
Showing 175 videos · runtime 5–15 min
Top picks in Comms
Curated by topic, not commissionAll curated
Col de Vence | PRC-351 | 6m FM
Field test of a PRC-351 portable radio on the 6-meter FM band for local emergency communications, with discussion of why 6m FM is underutilized for disaster scenarios.
The Comment Section Was Right
Step-by-step walkthrough of flashing a Seeed Solar node with MeshR firmware, configuring repeater settings, and troubleshooting initial deployment.
Starlink Mini Powered Tripod: Off-Grid Field Test
Real-world field test of the Orbynexa PM166S battery and tripod for powering Starlink Mini in portable off-grid and emergency communications scenarios.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Flex 6300 and Maestro in Action
Five-minute hands-on walkthrough of a Flex 6300 software-defined radio and SmartSDR software after relocating the station and reinstalling the full setup.
Chameleon Antenna CHA-PORTA-MAST and Starlink Dish
Six-minute walkthrough mounting Chameleon's portable antenna mast with a Starlink dish for off-grid internet during RV camping.
ARRL Field Day 2022
Five-minute overview of ARRL Field Day: amateur radio operators setting up temporary emergency communication stations to practice disaster response and community coordination skills.
Retevis R29
14-minute walkthrough and evaluation of the Retevis RT29 two-way radio: features, build quality, range, and practical use cases for household communications.
Starlink Internet
Five-minute personal review of Starlink satellite internet service as an off-grid connectivity option for household preparedness.
Long Wire Antenna Raise
Seven-minute walkthrough of raising and installing a long wire antenna for emergency ham radio communications after storm damage.
EMP Survival: What You Need to Survive an EMP Attack
Five-minute overview of EMP risks and gear to protect electronics and communications in a grid-down scenario.
New Radio from Stone Mountain Hamfest
A 9-minute walkthrough of what's available at a hamfest and what equipment the creator selected for their station.
VHF Propagation: Point-to-Point Analysis Tool for Ham Radio Communication
Eleven-minute walkthrough of the RF Line-of-Sight tool: how to use Google Maps and topography data to plan and troubleshoot long-distance radio paths for emergency communications.
Retivis RT47 FRS Review for Preppers and Ham Radio Ops
13-minute hands-on review of the Retivis RT47 FRS radio, covering features, performance, and suitability for preppers and amateur radio operators.
Programming a Baofeng UV-5R with Chirp and a Programming Cable
Step-by-step walkthrough: using Chirp software and a USB cable to program frequencies and settings on a Baofeng UV-5R handheld radio.