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 174 videos · runtime 5–15 min
Top picks in Comms
Curated by topic, not commissionAll curated
I Can Hand This to Anyone
Review of the ThinkNode M9, a standalone mesh communicator with physical keyboard that requires no smartphone app or Bluetooth pairing.
User Review of the Baofeng 25th Anniversary Edition UV-5R Dual Band Handheld Transceiver
Ten-minute hands-on review of the Baofeng UV-5R 25th anniversary edition dual-band handheld radio, with links to purchase.
No Holes Drilled Here's How: Icom ID5200
Install a dual-band D-STAR mobile radio in your truck without drilling dash holes, using a vehicle-specific mount.
Ham Radio Preparedness: The Mission Defines the Gear
How to choose ham radio equipment for emergency communications: start with your mission (who, where, range), then select radios, bands, and antennas that match the task.
Internet Blackout, Police Down, Fax Services Activated
Overview of communication system failures and contingency infrastructure activation during widespread outages.
How Hackers Can Access Your Phone Without a Single Click
Eight-minute explanation of zero-click spyware attacks on smartphones, how Pegasus-style exploits work, and why iPhones remain vulnerable even without user interaction.
K5ACP Molle Antenna Clip with Quick-Connect Counterpoise: Updated Review
Eight-minute review of an upgraded modular antenna mount for portable ham radio, now with quick-connect counterpoise for field operation.
The City of Cerritos vs My Ham Radio Antenna – A Small Update
Follow-up on zoning and PRB-1 antenna regulations after community pushback; practical walkthrough of navigating municipal restrictions for ham radio emergency communications.
The Truth About Cheap CB Radios for Off-Grid Travel
Comparison of budget CB radios for overlanding and trail communications, with performance assessments and guidance on choosing between CB and GMRS systems.
The Ultimate Local Comms Setup? NVIS Field Test
Hands-on field test of Near Vertical Incidence Skywave (NVIS) antenna configuration for local and regional radio communication using the Alpha Antenna Hex and real-world contact data from the Texas QSO Party.
Hamstick as a Counterpoise: Does It Actually Work?
Field test of using a mobile hamstick antenna as a ground system for a vertical antenna, measured with SWR analysis to evaluate portable station optimization.
Tidradio TD-H9 Ham Radio Review
10-minute walkthrough of the Tidradio TD-H9 dual-mode (GMRS/ham) handheld radio, covering out-of-box readiness, range, and use cases for outdoor coordination and emergency backup comms.
Testing the Link500MP: Digital Modes Anywhere You Go
14-minute hands-on walkthrough of the Link500MP digital radio module: capabilities, setup, and real-world performance for portable amateur radio communication.
HamClock App for Amazon Fire TV: Setup and Overview
Five-minute walkthrough of installing and configuring the HamClock app on Fire TV for amateur radio timekeeping and coordination without a dedicated computer.
Kenwood TM-D750 vs ICOM ID-5200: Mobile Radio Comparison
Side-by-side comparison of two dual-band mobile transceivers: hardware, build quality, interfaces, and practical usability for ham radio stations.
This Free App Replaces Half My Ham Software
Tour of HTCommander, a free open-source app that integrates APRS messaging, Winlink email, packet radio, and satellite tracking for amateur radio operators.
$20 Mod Fixes Kenwood TM-D750 Clicking Issue and Panel Cable Problem
Step-by-step fix for audio clicking and panel connectivity issues on the Kenwood TM-D750 transceiver using standard CAT6 cables and adapters.
Stop Reprogramming Your Kenwood D750 - PM (Programmable Memory)
Configure your Kenwood TM-D750 mobile radio once, then switch between complete operational profiles with a single button press.
First Aid Kit Setup for Portable Ham Radio Operations
Building and organizing first aid kits for portable ham radio gear and camping—what to include, 3D-printed storage solutions, and maintenance considerations.
Copper Wire vs Electric Fence String—Resonant Length Comparison for 20m Dipole Antennas
Eight-minute experiment comparing resonant lengths and SWR performance of copper wire versus conductive electric fence string in half-wave dipole configurations for the 20-meter amateur radio band.
Building a GMRS Manpack for Off-Grid Communications
12-minute build and field-test of a portable GMRS radio setup with statewide Texas codeplug configuration and practical gear selection.
Setting Up an M17 Hotspot - Implementation Guide for 2026
Fourteen-minute walkthrough of configuring an M17 digital radio hotspot using the CS 7000 transceiver and open-source firmware for emergency communications.
The Elecrow ThinkNode M5 Meshtastic & Meshcore Node
Eight-minute walkthrough of three LoRa mesh radio nodes: the M5 (ESP32-S3, E-ink display), M1 (nRF52840, MeshCore), and M3 Tracker, comparing power efficiency, form factor, and ecosystem fit.
Amazon Big Deal Prime Days
Survey of radios, test equipment, power banks, tools, and lights suitable for amateur radio and emergency preparedness.
The 1964 Alaska Earthquake: Ham Radio's 70-Hour Emergency Response
Historical account of how a single ham radio operator maintained emergency communications for 70 hours after the 1964 Alaska earthquake when all other infrastructure failed.
ICOM ID-5200 Mobile Radio: Features and Setup Walkthrough
Thirteen-minute walkthrough of the ICOM ID-5200 dual-band transceiver—menu layout, specs, what's included, and practical use cases for off-grid communications.
Real-World POTA Antenna Test: Dipole vs Vertical vs End-Fed
Field comparison of three portable antenna systems for amateur radio, testing signal reach and radiation patterns across 30-minute on-air sessions.
Ask Dave: Difficult Grounding—Alternative Techniques for Dry and Rocky Areas
Ham radio grounding solutions for operators in dry, rocky, or desert terrain where standard methods won't work.
If the Grid Fails, Do You Have a Comm Plan?
Seven-minute walkthrough of building a family communication strategy for grid-down scenarios, covering GMRS radio equipment selection, the PACE framework, and range/repeater considerations.
What is the BKG (Brass Knuckle Gang)?
Introduction to the Brass Knuckle Gang ham radio community: membership, required gear, antenna building, and practicing morse code on local repeaters and satellites.
Receiving Emergency Alerts Over Your Mesh Network With MeshWX Pro
Step-by-step setup of MeshWX Pro to receive official weather and emergency alerts across Meshtastic or MeshCore networks when conventional comms fail.
Spec5 Raider 1-Watt Meshtastic Node: Unboxing and Setup
Unboxing and field-ready setup walkthrough for the Spec5 Raider, a 1-watt Meshtastic mesh radio node designed for off-grid decentralized communications without carriers or towers.
What Happens If Cell Phones & Internet Go Down for a Week?
Walkthrough of cascading failures across banking, retail, emergency services, and supply chains during a week-long communications outage, plus household preparation steps.
User Review of the Comet SBB7 VHF/UHF Mobile Antenna, and Repeater Vandals Strike Freedom Link
Hands-on review of the Comet SBB7 dual-band mobile antenna, plus discussion of local repeater infrastructure vandalism and community support.
Off-Road Communication Made Easy: GMRS vs CB
Fourteen-minute comparison of GMRS and CB radios for trail communication: power output, signal quality, range, and repeater access for group coordination without carriers or permission.
The Prepper Mindset - Why You Should Get Your License
Why obtaining an amateur radio license before an emergency—rather than operating unlicensed when one occurs—represents better long-term preparedness strategy.
The Kenwood TM-D750 Microphone Cable Clicking Problem
Troubleshooting audible clicking on Kenwood TM-D750 transmissions when using extended CAT6/CAT8 microphone cables, and proper shielding techniques.
Can This AliExpress Bag Replace My Gigaparts Bag
Side-by-side comparison of a budget AliExpress radio gear bag against a premium Gigaparts Explorer model to assess durability, functionality, and value for portable ham radio setups.
FRS Radio Review: TG FR-1 Performance, Charging, and Real-World Testing
Eight-minute breakdown of the TG FR-1 two-way radio: charging, build quality, ease of use, and real-world communication range for emergency preparedness.
QO-100 Amateur Satellite Radio Transmission: First Contact Demo
First contact demonstration using the QO-100 geostationary satellite for amateur radio transmission, with equipment list and setup details for portable operations.
Atlanta TX Ham Expo 10/10/26, Meshcore Weather Alert Update, Coax Splicing Tips for New Hams
Introduction to coax splicing techniques for ham radio operators, plus local repeater information and announcement of the Freedom Link ham radio expo in Atlanta, Texas.
Find and Program Repeaters with RepeaterBook Connect
12-minute walkthrough: using RepeaterBook Connect software to wirelessly discover and program ICOM ham radio repeaters for emergency communications.
How a Blind Ham Radio Operator Saved Two Lives in Hurricane Katrina
True story of a ham radio operator who coordinated a Coast Guard rescue during Hurricane Katrina when conventional emergency systems failed, demonstrating ham radio's value in grid-down scenarios.
Antenna Super Cheap Easy DIY 2 Meter Antenna
Thirteen-minute walkthrough building a jungle antenna for 2-meter ham radio in under five minutes from basic materials.
Building a GoHam Manpack Kit for the BTECH UV-50Pro
Step-by-step assembly of a portable amateur radio manpack using the BTECH UV-50Pro radio, battery, and support gear for off-grid field operations.
Elecrow Thinknode M9 Security Advisory: Malware Risk on TF Cards
Warning about a worm virus found on some Thinknode M9 SD cards that can infect Windows systems and spread to connected storage devices.
I Almost Set Myself Up To Fail
Real-world test of a 350Wh portable power station charging three devices simultaneously over 30 days using solar panels and variable weather.
QMX+ Rugged Field Case by CQ Homestead Supply – Under 7 Minute Swap
Hands-on walkthrough of installing a USA-made heavy-duty field case for the QMX+ portable radio transceiver, with focus on field deployment speed.