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 484 videos
Top picks in Comms
Curated by topic, not commissionAll curated· primary topic only
Welcome KJ5QXM Brandon to Ham Radio: My Take on the 2018 ARRL Tech HF Proposal
Ham radio licensing, legal operating privileges, and how new operators build credibility on the air—with analysis of a proposed FCC expansion for Technician Class HF access.
Unlimited Weather Satellite Images for $220.00 (NOAA GOES)
How to build a weather satellite receiver using a software-defined radio kit, parabolic dish, and low-noise amplifier for around $220.
My Complete RV Ham Radio Setup Explained
Walk through a fully mobile ham radio station: power generation, HF/VHF radios, APRS, and real-world mesh networking tests from an RV.
Ham Radio Protection and Organization: Gear Setup for Portable Operation
Eight-minute walkthrough of padded organizer bags and portable ham radio gear setup, including handhelds, cables, and accessories for field deployment.
Digital Modes, APRS & Field Ops with Craig KM6LYW
Two operators discuss portable ham radio data modes in the field: APRS for safety, Winlink for off-grid email, DigiPi builds, solar power setups, and radio selection for backpack deployments.
Think Hamfests Are Dead Think Again
Tour a regional ham radio hamfest to discover used equipment deals, vendor networks, and how these gatherings sustain amateur radio communities.
Real NOAA Alerts Confirmed on Baofeng UV-5RH Pro | False Positives Still a Problem
Testing the Baofeng UV-5RH Pro's NOAA weather alert feature: configuration settings that work, real alert detection on camera, and remaining sensitivity issues.
DL2MAN Android ARDOP HF Winlink App: Setup and Operation
Twenty-minute walkthrough setting up and operating an Android HF Winlink client for off-grid email and messaging via ham radio.
A Passion for POTA: Parks on the Air Operating for Emergency Preparedness
Amateur radio operator Evan McPartland discusses Parks on the Air (POTA), a program for setting up temporary emergency radio stations in designated parks, and how to get started.
Welcome KJ5RCY Robert to Ham Radio—Repeater Etiquette and Best Practices
Fifteen minutes on amateur radio repeater etiquette: how to welcome new operators, best practices for checking in, and why community courtesy strengthens the hobby for emergency communication.
Ham Nation #627: The Repeater Has an AI Assistant?
Episode covering ham radio repeater technology, an AI-assisted repeater concept, ionospheric propagation, amateur radio news, and gear evaluations.
Your Emergency Communications Plan Needs A Backup
Six-minute walkthrough of low-tech analog communication backups (paper maps, written plans, signaling tools) to complement electronic systems when batteries fail or technology isn't available.
Battery Hacks: Extend Your Phone's Runtime
36-second walkthrough of smartphone battery-saving tweaks—screen brightness, low-power mode—to extend device uptime in emergencies.
BTech GMRS-V2 Unboxing — Dual PTT Buttons and Feature Walkthrough
13-minute hands-on review of the BTech GMRS-V2 handheld radio: dual PTT buttons, USB-C charging, NOAA weather alerts, IP54 weatherproofing, and programming setup.
Phone Battery Management During Power Outages
37-second walkthrough: enable low-power mode, dim your screen, and prepare your phone to receive critical weather alerts and emergency info when the grid goes down.
Send Email Over HF Radio When Cell and Internet Are Down
How to set up an HF radio email gateway at home to send and receive emails from the field during infrastructure outages using amateur radio.
Best Ham Radio Power Supplies & RG-8X Coax Explained
How to select the right power supply for HF radios, plus coax cable selection and installation tips from 30+ years of operating experience.
Mobility as a HAM Radio Emergency Communications Enabler
How vehicle mobility and positioning enhance ham radio effectiveness during emergencies and grid-down scenarios, with practical equipment context.
Activating a POTA Park With a Simple Kit and QRP Radios
24-minute walkthrough of a portable ham radio kit for Parks on the Air activation: transceiver, antenna, mast setup, and practical field deployment.
4 Rugged Handhelds Every Ham Should Own
Comparison of four weather-resistant ham radios for emergency communications, field operations, and portable backup use.
The Ultimate Field Radio Build for Under $100
23-minute walkthrough assembling a functional two-way radio setup using a Baofeng UV-5R and accessories, with startup guide and programming tips.
Off-Grid Mesh Network Review: Meshtastic Devices and Solar Node Installation
Hands-on review of three Meshtastic LoRa mesh devices: SenseCAP Card Tracker, Wio Tracker, and SenseCAP Solar Node, with real-world range testing, specs, and cost breakdown for off-grid communications.
In the Middle of Nowhere With Ham Radio, Fishing & K6ARK
Field demonstration of portable ham radio equipment and operation in remote backcountry, featuring gear recommendations and 44Net mesh networking introduction.
60-Hour Battery Life on the RB48 — Field Test Results
Five-minute field test of the Retevis RB48 GMRS radio: measured 60-hour standby battery life and clarification of the difference between NOAA weather receive and true NOAA alert capability.
Young People Have a Huge Advantage in Ham Radio | Air Force MARS, FT8 & Modern Radios
Why younger operators may have an edge learning amateur radio today, plus practical setup tips for FT8 digital modes and modern menu-driven equipment.
DIY Mobile MeshCore or Meshtastic 3D Printed Node or Repeater
Build a budget mobile mesh repeater using 3D printing, a Heltec transceiver, solar panel, and off-the-shelf components for off-grid communication.
Which Ham Radio HT is Right For You?
Fifty-one-second overview of handheld transceiver options, from budget starter rigs to feature-rich digital models, for emergency communications.
The Shortcut Nobody Uses
Use APRS beacon position and APRSLink to automatically locate the nearest Winlink packet gateway for off-grid messaging.
QRP Portable JS8Call on Android
Testing JS8Call data communications on Android for portable, energy-efficient emergency radio deployment without laptops.
Ailunce/Retevis HA1G: Weather Alert Function
Two-minute walkthrough of the weather-alert feature on the Ailunce HA1G GMRS radio, demonstrating how to select local NOAA frequencies for emergency notifications.
Mesh Networking Live: Meshtastic and MeshCore Firmware Setup
Real-time walkthrough of setting up Meshtastic and MeshCore mesh networking firmware for off-grid emergency communications.
How To Build An Emergency Communications Plan
Ten-minute walkthrough on creating a family communication plan for emergencies: identifying priorities, choosing primary and backup methods, scheduling check-ins, and handling failures.
Ham Radio Communication: Distress, Urgency & Safety Signals Explained
Seven-minute walkthrough of five critical radio signals—MAYDAY, SOS, PAN PAN, SECURITE, VVV—and when to use each in emergency and disaster communication.
Ask Dave, August 2026: More About AM
Technical walkthrough of AM carrier signals using oscilloscope and spectrum analyzer, for radio operators building emergency comms skills.
Antenna Adapters Every Radio Operator Should Own
Eight-minute walkthrough of RF connectors (SMA, BNC, PL-259, SO-239) with practical guidance on building a field-ready adapter kit to solve antenna-to-radio mismatches.
Ham Exam Preparation
Overview of amateur radio licensing, station rules, and communication procedures for emergency messaging during natural disasters and grid-down scenarios.
Why Ham Radio Never Fails During Disasters
Overview of ham radio as an independent emergency communication system: how it functions when cell towers and internet fail, propagation mechanics during severe weather, and licensing/educational value.
Four Decades of Service: One Mission: Keep Amateur Radio Alive
40-year ham radio operator recounts his journey from 1984 licensing through disaster response work and founding the Academy of Ham Radio to train emergency communicators.
What Is The Deal With All These AI Ham Radio Applications?
Overview of AI-generated ham radio applications: what they are, how they work, and their practical utility for emergency communicators.
Cell Towers Down? Do This to Stay Connected
19-minute walkthrough of Starlink Mini setup, mounting, and power solutions for grid-down emergency communications, plus why satellite belongs as top layer of a layered backup plan.
The Radio Wouldn't Stop Transmitting — Here's Why
Diagnose and fix radio transmission lock-up caused by poorly shielded USB cables in digital mode operations.
Retevis RB48 Review: Great Radio, Disappointing Weather Alerts
Early field test of the Retevis RB48 GMRS radio, including a real-world weather alert reception failure and what impressed the reviewer about audio, siren, and battery life.
Ham Nation #626: All About The Big E!
One-hour discussion of Sporadic E propagation, amateur radio news, and listener Q&A with Gordon West and other ham radio instructors.
Build Your Own Off-Grid Network Right Now With MeshCore
Fourteen-minute walkthrough of setting up a local mesh network for emergency communications using MeshCore repeaters and field-tested gear.
Complete Portable HF Station in One Pouch for Field Day 2026
Walkthrough of a complete portable HF communications setup (transceiver, antenna, power) that fits in a single pouch for field-tested independent comms.
Emergency Communications Starter Kit
Six-minute walkthrough of a practical emergency comms setup for beginners: radio selection, power, antenna, planning, and training without expensive tactical gear.
Scanners and Walkie Talkies are NOT the Same Thing
Seven-minute breakdown of how scanner receivers differ from two-way radios, with real-world monitoring uses and a hands-on review of the GRE PSR-300.
Field Day 2026: Hustler Vertical Antenna Performance in a Portable Setup
14-minute walkthrough of portable amateur radio station setup for Field Day, covering antenna placement, equipment choices, and power management for outdoor operation.