Decentralized Radio Communications in SHTF | OH8STN

A decentralized radio communications plan may be critical to our survival. Join me as we discuss ham radio and various types of off grid comms for pragmatic survival and preparedness.
Hello Operators.
With ham radio suspended in Ukraine, we take a broader look at emergency survival radio preps & strategies for decentralized emergency communications. Disaster preparedness and prepping for a civilian emergency response should include group communications, tactical radio communications, your backup radios, strategies for radio monitoring & observation using an SDR (software defined radio), strategies for radio intelligence gathering, Data Comms like JS8Call, Winlink & VarAC, even meshtastic running on Lora hardware. Finally, and most often forgotten, is getting critical news and information with emergency shortwave radio broadcasts to the people. Our emergency communications plan should also cover HF, CB, VHF, UHF, business band and other bands taking advantage of the benefits, each one offers over the other.
Russias war in Ukraine as unfortunate as it is, has shown us the importance of our emergency communication preps. Normally we prepare for some sort of weather event. The conflict in Ukraine lets us with study the best doomsday strategies for the prepper interested in using comms for our ultimate survival under such conditions.
73
Julian oh8stn
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00:00 Introduction
01:40 Ukraine Russia War
03:50 Unconventional Communications
08:53 Group Communications
11:45 Do & Don't
14:00 Operating modes
16:33 Encryption
19:06 Spotting & Observations
20:43 Intelligence Gathering
23:19 Data Comms
25:20 Final thoughts
______________________________________________________________________________-
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[@OH8STN]

Hope everyone finds this video of value. I used the Canadian Truckers as an example of how our centralized tools can be blocked, as they were doing the Freedom Protest. I am not a Canadian Hater. Centralized anything is convenient, but also has its share of risks. Centralized communications infrastructure is being targeted in Ukraine. Whether it is a war or the consequences of protesting, the people need to continue communicating. Communicating with one another is how we survive and ultimately thrive. Follow-up videos are already in the works. Keep an eye on this playlist to stay informed. 73 Julian oh8stn Survival Radio & Emergency Communications Ukraine: kzbin.info/aero/PLKMrdrsNkFA7W6ZfAUxUqCasM6HYTATin

[@PERVISJAYFURLONG]

Love your work mate. Stay safe up there from Australia. Your bug out gear needs to survive crazy negative temperatures. Do you have a small family? I'm wondering how you would go with a wife and a newborn with your survival methods. Australia would be much easier than Finland. I recommend you write a survival book or manual with radio/data/comms included.

[@kawlreaper]

New to the channel and the hobby. I have always known information is worth its weight in gold and how to get it is through Communication. Just never knew how to exactly approach it. This hobby is very, I guess, intimidating - lack of a better term. Maybe daunting is a better word...

[@OH8STN]

The most intimidating or daunting aspect is figuring out what it is you're trying to achieve. Once you understand that, applying a communication strategy to that goal is much simpler.

[@kawlreaper]

@@OH8STN agreed. And sticking to it! Although adaptation to situations is extremely important..I find myself jumping between things/needs/strategies. That's why I'm holding back and making sure I have a good understanding and knowledge to make sure my strategy is sound. Watching a ton of your videos...

[@GordLamb]

Just FYI the Canadian fascist convoy is essentially a propaganda arm of the Russian government (though not all of them realize it). If you read Aleksandr Dugin's "Foundations of Geopolitics" you'll recognize the strategy. Canada needs to crush them (in the words of The Tragically Hip) fully, completely. There is no room for Russian autocracy in Canada. It is not welcome.

[@ChiefMiddleFinger]

This may be one of your most important videos so far. Most people want to know which radio to purchase, but rarely ask why or when (or when not to) or how.

[@OH8STN]

Thank you and agreed.

[@Kd4stt.]

I agree 💯 percent! Hope you have alternative platforms, like Rumble etc.

[@brandont4733]

You might not know it, but you have trained so many of us over the years. It was YOU that made most of this stuff, data modes, special equipment, add on cables, Bluetooth ect understandable for me. It was YOU that allowed me to become a next level operator. I cant thank you enough OH8STN. Your efforts will definitely save lives one day and probably have already I'm sure of it. Thank you for your continued service sir!

[@OH8STN]

You are too kind Brandon. Nevertheless, I will take it. Thanks for the wonderful comment and kindness. Very much appreciated. 73 Julian oh8stn

[@bradhansen4312]

Clear, concise and professional. Thanks Julian for your usual caliber of video. I truly hope people have paid attention to the reality surrounding us all, these days. Lots of folks would be so helpless without electricity, internet or cellular phones.

[@John-K6RXD]

The world is changing and once again hams are ahead of the curve and stepping up to provide desperately needed context and solutions. Thank you OH8STN de John, K6RXD, Los Angeles, CA.

[@survivalcomms]

Current events are a masters course in just how flawed the whole obsession with buying baofeng radios and putting them in a can for armageddon really is. Effective RF based comms in these situations require discipline, discretion, and a multilevel plan. DF/QRM systems are extremely advanced beyond what the armchair commandos espouse. Thanks for sharing !

[@OH8STN]

Well said! Unfortunately, it is almost impossible to counter the argument until one who has choked on the kool-aid has a total comms failure. The KZbin survival gear reviewers are often part of the problem. They often support this mistaken narrative, to fund their own agenda. Hopefully more people start doing real-life test until failure scenarios. Thanks for the awesome commment. 73 Julian oh8stn

[@survivalcomms]

@@OH8STN So true. The effectiveness of automated QRM that a nation- state can field at the drop of a hat requires really out of the box thinking.

[@edwardfletcher7790]

Russian military are using Baofeng UV-82's for "secure" comms in Ukraine ! This makes the Ukrainian military very happy 😆😂👍 #SlavaUkraine

[@user-vx5ru7gh7c]

Thank you, Julian, for another outstanding presentation. I've been wondering if/when you would face this topic, and I'm pleased that you have done so squarely, clearly, and without drama. The phrase "masterclass" is not at all hyperbole. Please know that much of what you have presented is being implemented in the field, as you have suggested. One commenter suggested that this presentation warranted multiple views, with which I agree: the sand is running ever faster through the hour glass. 73

[@OH8STN]

Thank you for this comment. This topic deserved objectivity which I haven't seen very much of lately. Helping to get my own friends out of Ukraine forced it to be taken seriously and realistically. Again thanks for this comment and especially for the kindness. It's very much appreciated.

[@KC5TGTRadiosNMore]

Hands down this is one of your best videos ever…. Thank you for the time and effort you put into producing it. Stay safe out there everyone and (like Julian does) let’s get out in the field and practice these theories with our ham friends.

[@OH8STN]

🙏👍

[@JohnDoe-zg6fn]

I watched whole video I found out how much I don't know. Thank you so much sir for sharing this info with us I appreciate it greatly.

[@billcosgrave6232]

This needs to be watched more than once!

[@BobSolimeno]

Awesome video Julian. Extremely well done, explaining the various facets of communications needs. This is timely and high value. Keep up the great work you are doing!

[@user-zo4ry2mf9y]

Thank you from Ukraine!

[@briantalley8415]

Thank you, Julian! This is one of your best videos and I know you're only lightly scratching the surface. This will be shared to spark discussion and action.

[@thuff3207]

Thank you for this video it’s to the point of what we all should do to protect ourselves, our families and out communities. I do not like digital modes for HF fun but for emergencies I agree they are badly need.

[@FreeStuffGuy916]

N6EF-Very excellent points and well-done presentation, Julian. You covered things I hadn't considered. Keep up the great work. As was said by others: This could be one of your most important videos and information so far. Straight information without any biased commentary. Thank you for all you do.

[@OH8STN]

Thank you Bill. This was a difficult one to make but very rewarding. I've got to clear the backlog now but I'll get back to this very soon.

[@nicolaihel9165]

One of the more important and timely vids you've ever posted. Thank you.

[@OH8STN]

Thank you 🙏

[@larrygrigar3793]

Excellent! Your effort to educate in these necessary comm's area's will not be waisted.

[@ki7mgc280]

you put so much thought into every video. This one is exceptional. Thank you

[@nvrumi]

This is an important contribution to the knowledge base, Julian. There is so much I need to do to get up to speed on these modes. I am close, but need to spend the time to stitch together the various parts and then spend the time required to become proficient.

[@mountaingator001]

THANKS FOR ALL YOU DO FOR EMERGENCY COMMS AND HAM RADIO IN GENERAL 👍73 FROM TENNESSEE

[@OH8STN]

You are very welcome. 73 Julian oh8stn

[@jh1812]

Thank you for making this video. It’s very informative, clear and concise. I’m currently exploring and studying for my amateur radio license, and we just finished the chapter on various digital modes of communication. It’s all very fascinating and a whole new world of communication possibilities.

[@OH8STN]

Happy it was helpful! In amateur radio we generally discuss emergency communications from a disaster relief perspective. On this channel I tend to focus on minimal equipment and pragmatic deployment strategies. Keep an open mind as you go don the rabbit hole. :) 73 Julian oh8stn

[@KeithCPerry]

Thanks for another great video Julian. In particular, thanks for driving home the necessity for HF. The way you explain SSB capabilities is brilliant and has always been the harder "discussion" I've had with people who think HT's are a silver bullet. HF requires a higher skill that needs to be practices just like anything else you want to get good at. The only additional thing I would add is practical / tactical / rapid antennas riggings for emergency stealth comms. Topics like NVIS, random wire or structure (obviously with a good tuner) are essential but would have made your presentation twice as long. Hopefully you got that many more people thinking 👍

[@phurla1]

HTs should be in everyones go pack. In a war-time scenario, they have thier limitations. Commo during a local crisis becomes critical and any and every means should be readily available.

[@maxs489]

Excellent as usual, Julian. Thank you. To those watching, do not forget the bits about personal safety and triangulation when considering your P2P data modes - particularly if you're considering being a relay station. Don't let yourself become a stationary target.

[@theknob1]

Yeah, it's not just "playing fox and hounds" and a prize. It's likely death by air strike.

[@Doug557]

Thanks for all you do to help the community and others!

[@neiltolman3182]

Excellent content! Thank you for your persistence and insight.

[@darrinpearce9780]

Well done Julian. Bit of advice I once received for emcomm, we need to have FRS, UHF CB etc to communicate with the majority non hams. Here in VK land that would mainly be UHF Citizens Band. On a side note, I have been seeing 27Mhz CB use of JS8Call recently on PSK Reporter. 73's

[@OH8STN]

Outstanding comment 👍

[@mountaingator001]

THANKS FOR THAT INFO 👍

[@flori3444]

I use js8call on my cb channel 25 Europe / Germany often and you get a got distance on average

[@brianclimbs1509]

I didn't think that digital modes were allowed on CB (in North America, anyway).

[@OH8STN]

Brian, it's allowed in other countries. In North America, I don't think anyone will care in a life or death scenario.

[@bodazaphfa]

Great video! Thank you. I learned A LOT!

[@OH8STN]

Glad it was helpful. We'll come back to this topic on the coming weeks. 73 Julian oh8stn

[@pauloost59]

Excellent!... All the "why's and when's" put in a context it very much needed to be put in, for once. And with supreme timing and clear intent... Bravo! 73

[@OH8STN]

You just made my day. Thanks for the comment and kindness. Appreciated more than yo know. 73 Julian oh8stn

[@pauloost59]

@@OH8STN More than welcome Julian. I wish I had time to go through your videos more often, and be in a position to undertake some of the awesome trips you make... But every time I do take the time to watch, I learn! Often confirming concepts I instinctively know or stuff I theorized about, but were yet to be tested or implemented... So thanks for all the hours of cold work and tedious editing! Especially for this one, it's gona help people and very likely save lives my friend... I'll keep an eye out for what's next.. 73

[@neal_laugman]

Good job, as usual. Thank you for your continued commitment to off-grid radio. I could have been you 30 years ago in Alaska - but alas all we had were DOS chat rooms, NNTP, and FTP and not even that in the Bush. Because of your hard work, you have a might long reach now. Proud to be Patreon supporter. Everyone who reads this should give Julien a few bucks every month to keep his research and perspective alive. Isn't his work and videos worth a cup of coffee every month?

[@OH8STN]

You are too kind, but your commets and support are very well received. I only wish there were more hours in a day to share more. Thanks for the kindness. 73 Julian oh8stn

[@jakep5121]

Your doing God's work Julian. Thank you. Top notch as usual.

[@that_tj_brute]

Keep doing what you are doing Julian. Folks that take heed, and listen to what you have been sharing here on your channel, may indeed thank you for saving their life

[@OH8STN]

Hoping it never comes to that but if it does and the situation requires it, I hope you're right. These days the boogeyman comes in all different shapes sizes and places. Kind of sad we even have to make videos like this. Thanks for watching though, and for the comment. Your kindness is very much appreciated.

[@t.m2933]

Thank you Julian for the content you provide . As always it is great.

[@bobbik4ary271]

Thank You!! I always learn so much from your videos! This video is well worth watching for anyone who needs to know information and how to relay information as well! Thanks again! 73

[@OH8STN]

Thanks for watching and reaching out. It is sometimes difficult to judge how far to go. If nothing else, I hope this video can become a point of discussion and clarity. 73 Julian oh8stn

[@Lync512]

Great video! Thank you for making this. Good to see you posting again!

[@OH8STN]

Thanks. Life gets int eh way sometimes, so I needed a break to work on this video and deal with family things. Seeing so much kindness on the return is very motivating. Hoping this message finds you well. 73 Julian oh8stn

[@astorp12345]

This one is a Masterclass. I really appreciate your time! Thank you OH8STN!

[@OH8STN]

Thanks for saying so. Sometimes it seems these videos are underappreciated. Still, very happy you enjoyed it. Thanks for watching, commenting and the kindness. 73 Julian oh8stn

[@COUREURSdesBOIS88]

Very happy to have found this channel. Recently just passed the Technician test and studying for the General test at the end of the month. I have learned a great deal so far by watching your content! Thank you for sharing your knowledge-it’s very much appreciated!

[@OH8STN]

Welcome to the family.🙏👍

[@davidefinland6886]

This is what we all have been waiting from Julian! Thanks a lot!

[@OH8STN]

You are very welcome. 🙏👍

[@ryanjones9305]

Excellent presentation. I have already shared it with my group. Rock n roll, brother.

[@OH8STN]

Thank you Ryan. The comments and kindness are greatly appreciated. 7e Julian oh8stn

[@andrewmullen5770]

You're the man 👍 Thank you for all your efforts, great video!

[@OH8STN]

Thank you Andrew.

[@ke8mattj]

Thank you for this video. This is what I think of when emcomms are mentioned.

[@OH8STN]

Thank you for watching and dropping this comment. Often the idea of communications for self-reliance or self-preservation is lost. Practical strategies are needed for people to coordinate themselves versus waiting for the government to come and save them. My friend, your comment made my day. 👍 73 Julian oh8stn

[@ke8mattj]

Hi again. Thank you for making these videos. I've been through many of them on the past two nights on my midnight shifts and they hit exactly what I've been looking for compared to others. There hasn't been a single video so far that I didn't learn from. They are extremely informative compared to the others and it shows the actual application. You are correct in your comment and is part of what I was looking for compared to the videos I see on the other emcomms video. So thank you again.

[@vuxvux7812]

Very decent job. Making general and wide topic videos is not easy.. I admire your dedication.

[@OH8STN]

Thank you for this comment. I figure if we all give back a little bit of what we know, our community improves. Thanks for watching and for the kind comments. It's very much appreciated. 73 Julian oh8stn

[@farrOutTV]

Excellent. First time watching one of your videos. I very much appreciate the succinct way you are communicating. It helps a relative newby as myself learn more easily.

[@OH8STN]

Thanks for watching and commenting. It is often difficult to give just the information required, without trying to stuff too much "analysis" into the topic. Anyway, glad you appreciate it. Thanks for the kindness. 73 Julian oh8stn

[@sunniecam]

Thank you for posting this. Some groups local to me that I know are paying attention to what you talk about. I hope more heed the info in this video and use it wisely. 73

[@alaricsnellpym]

Wow! This is a really thoughtful and insightful analysis. Thank you!

[@OH8STN]

You are very welcome. Thanks for watching and for the kindness. It's very much appreciated.

[@jameskc3oxn976]

Keep this content coming. I would watch your videos for hours.

[@757SheepdogPreparedness]

Thanks for the information as always!! Very thorough and timely!!

[@OH8STN]

It's a pleasure. 73 Julian oh8stn

[@DonzLockz]

Great info, exactly what I needed to know and for everyone else who may find themselves in that horrific situation.✌

[@OH8STN]

Thanks. Hopefully we won't ever need this kind of information. Thanks for watching and supporting. it is very much appreciated. 73 Julian oh8stn

[@richardbarnier4086]

Thank you. Very informative and useful!

[@OH8STN]

Thanks Richard. Often difficult to know how much or how little to put into a video. The comment and support are greatly appreciated. 73 Julian oh8stn

[@pc4ad]

Thanks for this very comprehensive explanation. I have indeed 'sat it out' to the end. 73!

[@OH8STN]

Thanks for sitting through it. I hope it was helpful but ultimately unnecessary. 73 Julian oh8stn

[@hooks4638]

Way off topic here but, did anyone else see that bird look like it was sucked in and spit out by the alligator's helicopter blades? It's around the 19:40 mark. Anyway, another excellent video from Julian. Love his videos and the way he thinks about radio communications. He's never hung up on just one aspect (like the crypto guys are, not that there's anything wrong with encryption), instead he considers a more complete view. No gate keeping here. Julian you are truly an inspiration.

[@grayfox7306]

Well done. Sharing it with our church group. Keep up the good work and God bless.

[@OH8STN]

Thanks for the comment and share. Very much appreciated. 73 Julian oh8stn

[@dronographyllc3549]

OUTSTANDING! Thank you for taking the time to put this excellent video together. I will absolutely get this out to our people.

[@alfredkwok9239]

This is the excellent video for the tactical communication in.the war scenero, great thbanks from VR2SA

[@bruceforster3709]

This video hit me in my Heart. I have a cousin in Odessa with whom I was in regular Ham Radio Communication. I lost contact with him Two Months ago.... My Grandmother came from New Danzig, and Grandpa was from Odessa. I AM SO THANKFUL I WAS BORN IN THE US!

[@bruceforster3709]

Fo a time, he hid out in Romania to get around the Ham Suspension.

[@OH8STN]

The entire thing is heartbreaking. Radio operators from Ukraine or Now using RMS gateways in Poland and bordering countries to get messages out. I hope you get a message from your cousin.

[@bruceforster3709]

@@OH8STN THANK YOU! It may be awhile before I get anything directly from him. My HF Station is a VERY Basic Icom IC-7200 into an LDG Autotuner to a Halfway Dipole at 40 Feet. My power is only 100 Watts out. We've BEEN using 20 Meters when conditions allow...

[@tashpaug]

Great Video Julian! Right on time.

[@OH8STN]

Thank you Anthony. Only wish world events were not the driving force behind the topic. Hopefully we can help people get started, or at least talking about the topic. 73 Julian oh8stn

[@jangeloracoma]

Love this video, Julian. Cheers and 73 from N2RAC/4I1RAC

[@old-timeangler5356]

Excellent video, very informative, thank you.

[@OH8STN]

Thanks for watching 🙏

[@mgkaragas]

Thanks Julian for getting information out there like this. I am very interested in EMCOMM and you are one of the few youtube channels that fill that niche nicely. Keep up the great work and stay safe out there. 73 Mark K5MGK

[@J1mbo888]

Great video Julian. Thanks for posting it 🙂

[@OH8STN]

Thank you for watching Jimbo.

[@KF4LXS]

Another outstanding presentation. Many thanks Julian. 73 and Semper Fi

[@OH8STN]

Thank you, Semper Fi. 🙏

[@stromgewehr]

I like that this branched out beyond strictly ham radio. That's important in emergencies.

[@OH8STN]

Agreed John. Not enough emphasis is put on communications in it's entirety. Awesome comment. Thanks for watching. 73 Julian oh8stn

[@sterndd]

Thank you Julian. This was next level.

[@1953Greyfox]

This was a awesome video. Learned so much. May have to listen to it a few times.

[@OH8STN]

Thanks. Hoping to complete more of these before getting drone striked :) Thanks for watching, the kindness and the comment. Much appreciated. 73 Julian oh8stn

[@justinmckibben4534]

Love this topic Julian you are a real professional

[@OH8STN]

Thank you. Just contributing what I can. If it helps keep people safe, it is worth the effort. 73 Julian oh8stn

[@joeyperez8581]

Thank you, may you and your's be blessed with goodness.

[@OH8STN]

Thank you. Some goodness this way would be greatly appreciated. 73 Julian oh8stn

[@MC-dt2md]

Our MAG is wrestling with some of these topics even as I write this. Your insights are invaluable….thanks.

[@RatsAndFunTV]

Thank you for all this. It is very informative.

[@OH8STN]

Thank you for watching and leaving a comment. Both are very much appreciated. 73 Julian oh8stn

[@blakepresent]

Wow, what a great video. I really enjoy your videos. They are so professional. Thank you for your time, energy, and sharing your knowledge base.

[@OH8STN]

Thanks for watching and commenting. Your kindness is very much appreciated. 73 Julian oh8stn

[@snakedoctor317]

Thank you Julian for the great info!

[@OH8STN]

You are very welcome. It is a blessing to share. 73 Julian oh8stn

[@NeilHoward]

Great work Julian! There is a lot of truly useful info in here

[@OH8STN]

Thanks Neil. Doesn't look like it's going to be very popular but hopefully extremely helpful to those who can see it. 73 Julian oh8stn

[@NeilHoward]

@@OH8STN sometimes people just don't like to listen to good advice...

[@w7roitimothybath368]

I wish I could give this video a hundred thumbs up.

[@bergonius]

This channel deserves so much more subs and views.

[@RFMaster6]

I've learned a lot from your videos. Keep them coming.

[@OH8STN]

Thanks Sean. Will do! 73 Julian oh8stn

[@dvaleauto776]

Well done ! Congrats from Portugal !!!

[@douglasdunn7267]

Very well done!! Thanks a lot

[@daab25]

This was an awesome video. Very informational !!

[@phillytechclub7089]

Very Very Well Done !!! Learned a bunch ! I've been making WiFi based Encrypted VOIP comms. Use over internet or run a mobile mesh / hotspot network (Meshtastic)

[@OH8STN]

The Wi-Fi encrypted comms sounds amazing .👍

[@mikecampbell410]

Thanks Julian , great information.

[@OH8STN]

Thanks Mike, glad it was useful. 73 Julian oh8stn

[@dbailey3024]

Nice info Thankyou you have given me some new ways to go with ecomms

[@jgaffney6]

Julian. That was a very informative video as always first class Thanks Semper Fi

[@OH8STN]

Thanks for watching and kindness. Very much appreciated. Semper Fi Julian oh8stn

[@tracyrreed]

A great topical video! Thanks!

[@OH8STN]

Thanks Tracy, 73

[@EZ_man_86]

Well done friend keep it up! Working on a few battery packs right now. 73

[@demizer1968]

I can see freq hopping becoming a Ham thing of the near future. Excellent video

[@OH8STN]

Definitely. We just need to inspire the developers. We'll get there 👍

[@jonathanjohnson4167]

@@OH8STN we need updates to FLDIGI and JS8 to use rig control to do this automatically when sending files or on keyboard QSOs. Before that happens messages could be divided up into parts and sent on separate bands at previously determined times.

[@XRinger]

I live in an over-populated area, and I've been thinking about local coms for the people on my block, during a grid-down situation. The FM radios used for news and entertainment is in every car, and in 95 percent of all the houses around here. So, it would be easy to broadcast local news to my neighborhood, using a low power FM transmitter ( 87.5 to 108.0), which might still be available for sale online. One other very neat local coms (short-range) method would be via Wifi using cell phones. Using a BBS on a stand-alone system called PirateBox. If your Ham station has battery with solar backup, local people could stay in touch with the people on their street. Conversing using RF frequencies that couldn't be easily heard more than a mile away. For a very local emergency 'Ice-Storm' system, a repeater with a FRS channel Input and a 100 Mhz WB FM Output (Which might be illegal in some nations) could be a very good neighborhood alert system. Easy for people to monitor, and easy broadcast with common FRS HTs. My Moto cell phone has an FM radio! The antenna is the earphone cable!

[@OH8STN]

Well said Richard. 73 Julian oh8stn

[@josephhager1933]

Wow your videos have always been excellent but this one is whole nother ballgame thanks for your time and effort

[@brentjohnson6654]

Another very good video. Very well gives a background of the need of doing without centralized infrastructure. You didn’t seem to be against anything that is currently going on but do being up good points. The technical plans are easy to understand. Where I have a problem is in believing it will be necessary. Not saying it isn’t but we often refuse to believe it can be “that bad”. I remember the doctor telling me I had to check into the hospital for open heart surgery. It was hard to believe that. So these plans are hard to get going I imagine for the same response. I am not saying I know but I am just putting myself in place of those people in harms away. I am not disagreeing with you just trying to understand how this works it way out. Thanks so much for your videos. Thanks to you I am going to have portable ops with solar soon. All the best!

[@OH8STN]

I get it. Things are already happening. Inflation in Western countries is on the rise, food and petrol prices are increasing, countries going deeper into debt. It doesn't need to be a war for it to be bad. We've seen in Hurricane Maria, Hurricane Katrina, various Earthquakes and other events around the world where disasters have knocked out critical infrastructure. When we think it can't be "that bad", we tend to ignore preparation. When I was a little kid there were the tornado warnings. A tornado came in the middle of the night but it was too abstract. We didn't know until the next day the next door neighbor's house was gone and everyone was dead. Sometimes I think there's a mechanism inside human beings to save them from the Horrors of reality. We always hope it won't be as bad as it can be and often it is not. The only thing we can do is work on our own perception, then prepare so we don't become a burden on others.

[@brentjohnson6654]

@@OH8STN yes very true on all those points.

[@coastalradio]

Excellent work! Very nicely done.

[@OH8STN]

Thanks John. Comments like this are fuel for the fire. 73 Julian oh8stn

[@PaulieShortcuts]

Great video, this pairs very well with S2 Underground’s video on Communications

[@OH8STN]

Thanks. I've been kind of bummed with S2 Underground. He has this weird idea that all amateur radio operators are square or unwilling to think outside the box. Other than that, it was a great communications video. Thanks for making the comparison, I'm humbled. 73 Julian oh8stn

[@mindblast3901]

@@OH8STN UK ham at not square Ready to go

[@tonygreen2119]

Thanks keep on communicating 👍✅from🇦🇺

[@OH8STN]

Thanks for watching and commenting. Very much appreciated. 73 Julian oh8stn

[@margaretbash4819]

W6lik, Concise, informative, and such valuable information. Thank you for making this video. and sharing it.

[@OH8STN]

Thank you for taking the time to watch it Margaret. Comments like this are fuel for the fire. 73 Julian oh8stn

[@generappe1548]

I will look into JS8 Call and the other forms you suggested. Thank you.

[@traveleractual]

Thanks for the great video Julian, there's a lot of very useful information in this, my only concern is that we don't really have any great publically available information on how quickly the various militaries can accurate DF a signal. Certainly moving, not xmitting from the same location repeatedly, etc are all great suggestions. But I think people need ot listen carefully to your 'keep communications brief' suggestion in these situations.

[@OH8STN]

I completely agree with you. There are already SDR arrays on the market which could dial in a rain can bearing on a signal within seconds, provided the transmission is long and strong enough. What saves us is the logistics of organizing a party even though the origin and location of that signal is known. By the time the logistics are in place, that radio operator is (should be) already gone. So acquisition of the signal is probably instantaneous. Doing something about it is what takes time.

[@theknob1]

@@OH8STN Armed and electronically equipped drones could do all that's required to take out a few radio operators sending intelligence.

[@baslev]

Hi there Julian, tnx for the chat on VarAC lately. Like I mentioned, JS8Call needs internet or a GPS receiver to correct time, although a synch possebility is build in. Personally I would prefer VarAC and Winlink. However like you told JS8Call has some advantages like store and forward messages and repeater functions. This video is one of your best informing HAMs and others about decentralized communications and how to be safe transmitting your signal from different locations. Events like the RaDAR challenge, which will take place this Saturday, should be highly recommended to practise this. 73, Bas

[@OH8STN]

Hi Bas. I try to focus on the positive aspects of the different software packages we use. The synchronization tool in JS8Call makes offgrid work simple. We just need to get out in the field for testing and to get used to using it. As far as the radar challenge. I used to participate until I realized it's been so watered down, there's no point to it anymore. Walking my dog with my radio is far more challenging than any "radar challenge". The organisers focus on the silly rules making it easier for old people in mild climates, than keeping it challenging. Anyway it's always nice to chat with you on the radio. There's a new version of VarAC out btw. 73 Julian oh8stn

[@dl4qb-andre938]

@@OH8STN My feeling is, tat JS8CALL takes to much time to delivers some small Text. I also prefer Winlink. It is kind of safe for 24x7 connection. Tnx for the Video great work!!

[@jimpiper5297]

Julian by your comments (around 17 min point) re triangulating the position of an emitter suggests you were a bit more of a pure grunt back in the day and I think you know more on the subject than you’re letting on. About the time I left the service, ESM equipment so far as signal intercept using swept superhet receivers was pretty much de rigueur. DF’ing on the other hand could still be fairly cumbersome. I saw equipment and techniques advance in the ensuing years to where I’ll SWG are pretty damned sophisticated today. The importance of keeping comms as short as possible and moving one’s located can’t be understated, points you clearly made. Bravo Zulu on a really great video. Been waiting for you to paste all the pre-bits together and doing your final edit. n6med

[@DudleyThomas777]

This is spot-on! The hand writing is on the wall. It would be great if you did a follow-up focusing on the three digital apps; JS8Call, VarAC, and Winlink P2P in action. This is your best yet!

[@OH8STN]

Thanks for watching and for the feedback. You have a very good idea with follow up videos. I started a playlist with videos already published, which fir with the concepts presented in teh current video. I'll also take your adice and do more follow up vids on each point presented. Thanks for 73 Julian oh8stn Playlist: kzbin.info/aero/PLKMrdrsNkFA7W6ZfAUxUqCasM6HYTATin

[@Andy2e0ree]

Great show Julian keep up the fantastic work de 2e0ree

[@neiltolman3182]

Awesome information! Thank you

[@OH8STN]

Very happy you enjoyed the topic so you are very welcome. 73 Julian oh8stn

[@georgekg5okf178]

Very nice Julian, Thank you!

[@OH8STN]

It is a pleasure to share. Thanks for watching and commenting. 73 Julian oh8stn

[@Oksoonerpt]

Great video ! I shared with several family members.

[@OH8STN]

🙏 Thank you

[@lorensteele2962]

Learned so much as usual from your channel- this video covered alot! One question i had watching this, wondered what is the information people are listening for that makes the risks of being located worth taking? And another was if there are lower power digital modes that can be effective while ‘hiding’. in or near other louder transmissions or jammers that could be more easily located

[@OH8STN]

First, thanks for watching and for the comment. Both are very much appreciated. For the first question, the possibilities are endless. Could be a granny stuck in her home waiting for the next food aid drop location or a town/neighborhood lookout situation, stating incoming armor/troops signaling a civilian evacuation to escape the fighting. For the second question there are many low-power data modes but I tend to focus on the asynchronous ones. JS8Call slower normal mode, VarAC using 500hz VaraHF.