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 33 of 88 curated videos · runtime Under 5 min
Top picks in Comms
Curated by topic, not commissionAll curated · 95 videos· primary topic only
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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!
Overview of Meshtastic off-grid communication hardware and solar power systems for bugging in and bugging out scenarios.
The Secret Ham Radio Travel Hack
Learn to use APRS.fi heat maps to verify radio coverage before traveling, ensuring reliable amateur radio connectivity on the road.
Ham Nation #625: Prepare For Field Day NOW!
Preparation tips for ARRL Field Day, the largest annual amateur radio emergency preparedness exercise, including gear setup and last-minute logistics.
Satellite Operating for Amateur Radio – New Book from ARRL
Introduction to ARRL's satellite communications guide: basics of ham radio satellites, station building, making contacts, and digital modes for emergency connectivity.
The Hidden MPAD Feature Most Hams Never Use
Learn how to send complete position reports via email using APRS and MPAD, with no internet required—useful for emergency communications and remote operations.
Why This Radio Is Illegal: Signal Purity and FCC Compliance
Fifty-four seconds on unwanted radio signals (spurs), FCC enforcement risk, and how a diplexer cleans up transmission—essential for legal off-grid communications.
Second Parks on the Air (POTA) Activation: CW Hunting and Field Deployment
Field demonstration of portable CW radio operation using a Xiegu G90 go-box, antenna deployment, and park-to-park contact techniques for off-grid communications.
Digital Radio Off-Grid: DMR Running Without Power Grid
Live demonstration of DMR digital radio operating completely off-grid using car power, Raspberry Pi WiFi hotspot, and Starlink backhaul—showing how communications infrastructure persists when grid power fails.
Portable Ham Radio Anywhere Anytime
Fourteen-minute field demonstration of portable amateur radio setup and QRP operation from a remote Finnish location, covering equipment positioning and off-grid communications.
First Parks on the Air Activation: QRP SSB Contacts with Xiegu G90
Live walkthrough of a Parks on the Air radio activation using 20 watts on 20 meters, gear setup, and successful contact-making with low-power operators.
My First Parks on the Air Activation: QRP Station Field Demonstration
Field walkthrough of low-power ham radio operation using a portable Go Box setup, antenna deployment, and live contact-making on 20 meters.
My First Parks on the Air Activation (POTA), Part 2
First-hand account of a portable ham radio activation using a go box: equipment setup, antenna deployment, and making 15 contacts on 20 meters with 20 watts.
Portable Ham Radio Setup: QRP Station with Off-Center Fed Dipole
Forty-four-second walkthrough of a portable ham radio station: QRP radio, carbon-fiber mast, and multi-band dipole antenna deployable in five minutes.
Washington Governor Highlights Amateur Radio Volunteers Ahead of ARRL Field Day
Governor Ferguson endorses amateur radio's role in emergency communications, previewing ARRL Field Day 2026 and advocacy for residential antenna installation rights.
![My First Parks on the Air Activation (POTA), First Contact Canada [Part 1]](https://i.ytimg.com/vi/xtM1kvKjqCA/mqdefault.jpg)
My First Parks on the Air Activation (POTA), First Contact Canada [Part 1]
First Parks on the Air field activation: 15 contacts in 55 minutes using a portable Xiegu G90 radio, battery, and wire antenna on 20 meters in a national historic trail location.
Simple Gear, Real Results
Field test of Winlink packet radio from roadside using a handheld transceiver and smartphone over Bluetooth.
Inside the New ARRL QST Product Review Comparison Database
Walkthrough of the ARRL's new searchable database of lab-tested ham radio transceivers, receivers, and amplifiers—how to filter by performance metrics and find gear for your station.
Senator Ted Cruz Praises Amateur Radio Volunteers for Emergency Preparedness
Senator Cruz highlights ham radio operators' essential role in disaster communications when cellular networks fail, citing Hurricane Harvey and recent flood responses.
Still Using Stock HT Batteries? Watch This First
Kevin W0AEZ demonstrates his extended-capacity HT battery packs with USB-C fast charging, user-serviceable design, and ASA construction for thermal durability.
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 Magic and Importance of HAM Radio
Two-minute overview of HAM radio capabilities and why communications infrastructure matters for household emergency preparedness.
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.