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
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.
Xiegu G90: From Unboxing to First HF Contact
Seventeen-minute unboxing and setup of the Xiegu G90 HF radio, from power connection through first successful contact.
Field Day Setup Party With W6TRW
Live coverage of amateur radio Field Day setup: portable station assembly, equipment demonstrations, antenna rigging, and emergency communication readiness in a remote location.
Portable Ham Radio FT8 Adventure in KP34XT Finland
Three-minute field demonstration of portable QRP ham radio setup (Icom IC-705, Chameleon antenna) operating FT8 digital mode in remote Finnish backcountry.
Ham Radio Field Day on Solar Power
Solar-powered ham radio field deployment techniques and equipment for off-grid communications and emergency preparedness.
Live QRP Field Day at 8283 Feet With The W6TRW Radio Club
Live portable ham radio demonstration at high elevation: QRP techniques, field-deployable gear, antenna setup, and power management for emergency communications.
How to Communicate with Someone Many Miles Away After SHTF
Explanation of handheld radio capabilities and limitations for long-distance communication when the grid is down and standard networks are unavailable.
Most HTs Cannot Do This
Review of two Retevis handheld radios with emphasis on the amateur model's standout feature and practical portable radio capabilities.
Why Amateur Radio Matters When Cell Service Fails
Discussion of ham radio's role in emergency communications when cellular infrastructure goes down, with political backing for amateur radio operators.
I've been using this $30 for years: Honest review
Six-minute long-term durability review of the Baofeng UV-82X handheld dual-band radio, covering real-world performance, 220 MHz reception, battery life, and practical tips for budget-conscious preppers.
Portable Ham Radio Anytime Anywhere
Field test of a 5-watt portable ham radio setup (Icom IC-705, Chameleon antenna) demonstrating effective communication from a remote location without a tuner.
I Powered a 20W HF Radio With What!
Learn to measure actual power draw and battery runtime of portable ham radios using an inexpensive USB tester.
Ham Radio Everywhere: 3D Printed Base Loaded Vertical Antenna & QRP Labs QMX
17-minute walkthrough of a portable ham radio station setup using 3D-printed antenna and compact QRP transceiver, with honest assessment of performance trade-offs.
The Reason Your USB Device Won't Connect
Learn to identify which USB cables support data transfer versus charging only, a critical troubleshooting skill for radio programming and digital interfaces.
Serious Prime Day Deals
Curated Amazon deals on flashlights, radios, mesh networking nodes, power banks, and test equipment for preppers.
The USB C Trick That Powers My Radio
Build a self-sustaining field radio setup using a power station, solar panel, and USB C trigger cable for portable communications.
Introduction to Digital Modes
ARRL technical editor explains digital modes in amateur radio: what they are, why preppers should learn them, and how to get started.
Smart Device Privacy Risks: How Hackers Can Spy Inside Your Home
Nine minutes on three smart-device security vulnerabilities, how they expose your network and routines to hackers, and practical steps to lock down phones, Wi-Fi, and personal data.
The 5 Things You Need for Emergency Communications
Seven-minute breakdown of the five system components every emergency communication setup requires: operator skill, device selection, power, antenna, and planning.
Retevis RB48 Quick Start
Six-minute walkthrough: powering on, adjusting volume and channels, using PTT, menu navigation, and accessing NOAA weather on the Retevis RB48 FRS radio.
How to Make a Faraday Cage—and the Easy Way
Two-minute walkthrough: building a DIY Faraday cage to protect emergency radios and electronics, plus commercial Faraday bag options.
Top Tips For Portable Ham Radio Success
Portable ham radio setup tips, gear recommendations, and Field Day preparation for emergency communication readiness.
How & Why to Log Ham Radio Contacts | QRZ Logbook vs Logbook of The World Explained
Twenty-minute walkthrough of ham radio contact logging: why operators keep records, QRZ Logbook and ARRL LoTW systems compared, and practical workflow for tracking your QSOs.
Tidradio TD-H9 Ham Radio Review
Side-by-side comparison of the Tidradio TD-H9 and Baofeng UV-5R handheld ham radios, covering features and power output.
A 30 Foot Mast Solves Field Day Coverage
Plan portable mesh repeater deployments using height testing to ensure reliable emergency communications coverage across a site.
Mayhemic Thursday - Gear Up! Bug-In and Bug-Out Gear
Overview of gear for staying put or evacuating: Meshtastic off-grid communications, solar power nodes, tracking devices, backup power systems, ham radio training, and emergency medical supplies.
MAYHEMIC Thursday - Gear Up!
Overview of Meshtastic off-grid communication hardware and solar power systems for bugging in and bugging out scenarios.
Ham Radio Antenna Citation: Regulations, Legal Resources, and Solutions
How one ham operator resolved a municipal citation on radio antennas, with guidance on ARRL legal resources and regulatory compliance for home station setup.
Retevis RB48 4-Pack Unboxing and First Impressions
Unboxing and hands-on first look at the Retevis RB48 heavy-duty waterproof walkie-talkies, covering build quality, features, battery life, and initial performance notes.