Disaster Preparedness: Emergency Communications for Your Home

[@joker14n]

Everybody in the radio community knows Josh. He is required viewing for the new folks

[@rangerjay7971]

Honestly, im a ham and I don't know who he is. Ive never seen his channel, I don't use ham a lot, I have a license but hams are fudds, thats their life and they don't think outside the box.

[@n8thegreat830]

​@rangerjay7971 that isn't at all the case these days. If you seek the fudds out, you'll definitely find plenty. But there are absolutely plenty of people putting content out that are more like minded with his community. Also, there are valuable lessons to be learned from the fudds, even. Like Josh said, radio is a science. Those that have made it their life should definitely know a thing or two. Just like all with all of the fudd preparedness channels, find content that is bearable, pick out the useful information, and disregard the fuddlore if need be.

[@DK5ONV]

Heck yeah... 💯🎸🎙🎵🎧🤘

[@BowWowPewPewCQ]

@@rangerjay7971 I guess you know us all to be able to say that. I got your fudd hangin'

[@JDGage]

I’ve been watching a lot of NotaRubicon because I like how he makes fun of licensed operators.

[@pspadotto]

He's too humble to do so, but I'll say it: Josh is kind of a big deal in the HAM community. We love him!

[@gregiep]

At minimum an extra medium sized deal!

[@nomore1007]

Defiantly for the younger crowd. He's helping bring in a new generation.

[@ItsEverythingElse]

As opposed to that dbag Randy.

[@marksmadhousemetaphysicalm2938]

He’s one of the best there is…a celebrity HAM

[@bendeleted9155]

His channel is the #1 ham channel I think. If you're about to get your license, he's got all the answers in the Ham Radio Crash Course "technician sub-element" playlist. Very helpful. The Hamstudy app is great too.

[@Bob814u]

I was laughing at Mike's expressions when the reply was "Are you Josh?". There are guys and gals that I have never met face to face but know when I hear them on the radio, from all over the world. It is a funny hobby sometimes.

[@Eric10179]

As I progress in the hobby it’s funny how callsigns become names to me and I remember them so easily lol

[@williamlinton1460]

To make a long story . I was a victim of hurricane Helene and had no power no phone service. I used my baofeng K5 plus to contact emergency service. I live in a rural area. Miles from town. How I was able to communicate to them was unbelievable. I was loud and clear . They were too . I don't live on a mountain. I guess with all the damage with trees and buildings down. I was able. They sent help right away.

[@inkedoctopus]

I live in Western NC and my baofeng BF-F8HP was a godsend, especially in the 1st few days after Helene when we didn't have any internet or cell service. I didn't need emergency response, but I was able to gather so much information from the Grandfather Mtn repeater about relief aid, state of surrounding infrastructure, etc. You *cannot* count on having a cell signal in a disaster. Absolutely a must-have for an emergency.

[@DeSmith-o4b]

I'm concerned long range that the Chinese may have ideas like the Israelis and placed a remote detonator and charge in these widely used by American preppers Baofengs.

[@zachwingo4664]

You have to be lying because I heard from "some people" that those Baofengs are cheap and won't work for emergencies. But in all seriousness, those cheap radios are great but it's worth investing in at least one good Yaesu, Icom, or Kenwood or Motorola and then buy all the cheap radios you want.

[@BlackB00X]

for all the cheapskates buy the chinese crap and make fun of the radio spectrum. you can only communicate with those messes from China thanks to those who use real radios....shame

[@vineyardsaker6195]

@@zachwingo4664 Actually, if you want really a good radio for a good price, go with Wouxun. And, at least you know that, unlike the US/Taiwan made kit, it won't explode on you one day...

[@gregiep]

I mean, if I hear Josh come up on my local repeater, I’m gonna be pretty stoked.

[@paulleck]

I’ve been a HAM for 28 years, first got my ticket when I was 12 years old because of my Dad. Now that I’m a father I’m getting my young kids into it because they won’t be getting cell phones and we use them 4x4, MTN bikes, and skiing. But around the neighborhood, they use GMRS frequencies and we have a base station right with a J-pole in the kitchen that everyone can hear. Plus if there is a disaster they know already what to do.

[@robertlucas209]

Thats awesome!

[@Whiskey6Radio]

My son got his license when he was 12. I’ve been licensed for 6 years now and so has my wife. It’s best to get the whole family into it. Makes life easier

[@Whiskey6Radio]

@@Devildog-lt7ne They are similar but different. You can pay a gmrs license and that license is good for your whole family and will give you the ability to communicate on frequencies that are in channel form on a gmrs radio. A ham radio license is only good for individual who took and passed the Technician License test. There are 3 levels of ham radio licenses. The technician license, General License and Amateur Extra. Each license will give you a bigger pie of the pie to communicate on. I recommend watching lots of KZbin to learn the different benefits of both and seeing which license will work for you. Personally I don’t have a GMRS license. I went straight to ham because it works out better for me and for our family since we are all licensed ham radio operators. HRCC on KZbin Ham Radio Crash Course is a great place to start.

[@randlecarr3257]

Gotta love Josh clipping into the chandelier and getting recognized by some random on a repeater. Legend.

[@glenncapone]

"He knows who you are!" Mike, your face was priceless, you are hanging out with every new ham's Elmer

[@ashadowawhisper]

I can remember back in 2007ish I knew a professor of analytical chemistry and instrumental analysis who was BIG into Amateur Radio and He and a ton of friends went down to New Orleans after hurricane Katrina to set up comms to aid emergency services because telecoms were ABSOLUTELY JAMMED because of the volume of calls. Learning about that use of Ham radio piqued my interest. It’s not just old coots sitting in their shed out back trying to reach the next holler in the Appalachians. 😂

[@rayacareal]

I’m from New Orleans and i got my license because of the Hams that were literally the only way to communicate in the dark days after the storm the real underrated heroes

[@johngolini332]

Just took my technician test today. Got a 100. Thanks Josh! The volunteers from our local ham club played Josh's test prep video series, with all the exam pool questions. That, coupled with about 15 practice tests from Hamstudy, and I was super comfortable.

[@Doug557]

congratulations....outstanding score!

[@thinmizzy365]

Nice man. Where do you live? KN6AVR

[@johngolini332]

@@thinmizzy365 , Cape Cod, MA KC1TZC

[@JayZombie84]

NICE! No get out there and talk with seniors about their radios!

[@wyominglife3202]

Strong work!

[@LEXPIX]

Two of my favorites subjects experts in one video. Keep up the good work guys.

[@uMalice]

I'm in Highland and a GMRS user . I rarely reach other users when randomly attempting QRS however, I reach my mother in Lehi easily when planned comms are going. The lesson is test your gear and have a comms plan in case of an emergency. Excellent video Glover. GMRS is a great starting point and HAM is if you want to go deeper into the hobby. Josh is a real celebrity to HAMs and a true ambassador of the hobby.

[@Just21Million]

Josh's videos helped me pass the Technician exam in 2021! Love his channel!

[@csview8936]

Same here!

[@rsisente]

As someone who lives quite a distance from most emergency services, radio is paramount. I have all the NOAA channels programed in, and listen when bad weather is inbound.

[@Eric10179]

I love these collab’s. It’s how I find new and interesting channels. I essentially found Fieldcraft Survival from The Modern Roque through HRCC. Love to see channels collaborating when they have overlapping aspects, best part!

[@jakep5121]

S2 underground, thank me later

[@Eric10179]

@@jakep5121I’ve heard the name before, will have to look into the channel!

[@AllmightyMilpil]

Looking back on a lot of my interests, I feel like the Modern Rogue was my bridge into a lot of it.

[@LifeAtTerminalVelocity]

Josh is a great resource for radio comms. You guys are lucky to have him.

[@emorysmith197]

He is the reason. I became a ham radio operator and the original video that he did with you is the one that started it all for me.

[@alexanderwhittemore1491]

I was on Helene relief duty. It was disheartening how many stranded civilians didn’t have comms when cell service was down

[@jw6180]

Would a GMRS radio have worked?

[@alexanderwhittemore1491]

@@jw6180 I’m not an expert on this, but I do know that GMRS radios operate on specific frequencies allocated for general public use, often used by families or groups for outdoor activities, camping, or communication over medium distances. These frequencies are not monitored by emergency services like police, fire departments, or EMS. A ham radio would be more useful, but technically require a license (but easy to obtain). Satellite-based communication devices like a Garmin inReach or SPOT Satellite Messenger can send emergency SOS signals even when there’s no cellular service. This would be best. Simple and useful during a disaster.

[@alexanderwhittemore1491]

GMRS radios operate on specific frequencies allocated for general public use, often used by families or groups for outdoor activites. These frequencies are not monitored by emergency services like police, fire departments, or EMS. Satellite-based communication devices like a Garmin inReach or SPOT Satellite Messenger can send emergency SOS signals even when there’s no cellular service. While I don’t have personal experience with these, I’d say they’re the simplest and best option.

[@1234brianatthedoor]

It’s cool to see some validation by the SF set for HAM. I recently got into it. It’s so effing nerdy, but when you look at it so important to include for SHTF preparedness. You can’t really separate out that geek. It’s like learning ballistics. To pass the technician test just imagine answering questions about how many inches 5.56 drops at 200 yards from a 16” barrel and what effect relative humidity would have.

[@greencanner4284]

honestly the technician test isn't even that hard, and if you need help passing tons of people are willing to help teach you basic wave theory and ohms law

[@1234brianatthedoor]

@@greencanner4284 That's because there are only 67 questions and it's easy to memorize the right answers. The theory gets into the weeds a bit, but yeah, it's all good stuff to know. And I am a big believer in acquiring more knowledge at every opportunity. Frankly though, some hams come off like getting your license is the same thing as an engineering degree. Not all, but some. People who use information and knowledge as an ego contest should be censored by those in the community who uphold the values of teaching others and promoting an interest in amateur radio.

[@Bidenshandler]

Love this, I was a 13F for 8 years had plenty of experience with radios moved to a small town northern maine they’re having all of us on the volunteer FD get ham radio qualified.

[@alfredfishcock]

Yeah seems that a lot of the Vol FF in maine seem to pretty handy with hams and other gear as well. I’m looking into both seeing as there’s more Vol than active FF up here

[@3rdCoastYaker]

Hell yeah. I was a FO also. I’m just getting back into radios

[@Bidenshandler]

@@3rdCoastYaker 👊

[@Centercreek]

13F here. Rock hard FSTr. Good on you gents. Most powerful men in the world provided we have good batts!

[@chrissewell1608]

We met JOSH at the Hamfest in Alabama, a few years back. He is real nice guy! He has great knowledge in the ham radio field.

[@davidyummus6259]

I recently fell into Radio with a TEMU deal of getting a Baofeng UV-5R for $3 when opening an account,... I actually got the Radio, did some research, unlocked the Radio, programmed all GMRS channels including Repeater channels, programmed local HAM repeater frequencies up to 25 miles away (for listening only of course, unless emergency) FRS & MURS frequencies as well as NOAA Weather channels ! You can get this Radio, a better Antenna & the CHIRP Programming Cable for $30 and this is AMAZING !

[@DeSmith-o4b]

You saw what IDF did to Hamas pagers and walkie talkies? I sure hope China doesn't get any ideas why these Baofengs owned by American veterans and preppers.

[@DeSmith-o4b]

You saw what the IDF did to Hamas pagers and walkie talkies? I sure hope China doesn't get ideas about American veterans and preppers with Baofengs.

[@HighDesertAdventurer]

Got my Technician after listening to a podcast a few years back with Josh and Mike. Upgraded to General a few months later. I am currently studying for Extra

[@mrmicro22]

In my state, SAR is a volunteer activity sometimes a citizen adjunct of a sheriff department and sometimes a private group. They all use ham radio.

[@jimjone]

Great to see both of you together. You should have Josh on showing a JS8Call net for emergencies.

[@jakep5121]

Absolutely!

[@frankthetank3342]

It's JS8 weekend!!!

[@stahpit1971]

Great video! That 705 is current state of the art it's not a cheap radio you can get in the hobby for much less.

[@DarkShadowCustoms]

True you can get into the hobby for much less like a $30 Boafeng handheld for VHF and UHF. You can also get a Xiegu G106 for around $300 if you want an inexpensive portable HF rig. That is $330 without including antennas, and external power if you get a Baofeng HT and the Xiegu QRP radio. However the for the person who wants HF, VHF, and UHF all in a small, portable package it appears the Icom 705 is the way to go. Only one radio and it has all the bands widely used in amateur radio. Just toss it in your pack with the roll up j-pole for VHF/UHF, some wire for HF, and whatever accessories you want to keep it charged and/or supply power. Sure you can get an Icom 7100 or a Yaesu 991 and have more power, but looking at it with a preparedness mindset where you might have to grab your gear and go, it won't be easy to pack those up and go. The 7100 will be easier to use for a mobile install than the 991 because of the remote head, but if you have to leave the vehicle behind it will still be harder to toss in a pack and carry than the 705 would be.

[@bushmaster27]

Love this video. Great information. Probably the number one thing needed during a disaster is communication.

[@itazuketower]

Josh’s videos and Mike’s convo with him the first time a few years back got me interested in HAM. Listen to Josh’s exam prep and used HAM study and I am now a tech holder. Honestly every one in the G[_]/\/$ and gear world should be getting their license to start practicing with this.

[@DarkShadowCustoms]

This video popped up as a suggested video for me. When I saw the thumbnail and the title I knew why. I agree that radio communication is a tool for preparedness. You have to know your equipment's capabilities just like anything else. For those looking into implementing radio communication you should develop a communications plan and practice it on a regular basis. You can't just turn on the radio and expect it to work even if it is for one of the channelized services.

[@andysmith5861]

Ive never had an interest in HAM , but my dad is into it as a hobby. His setup blows my mind its expanded to 2 more rooms in his house and like 4 antenna in his yard the tallest being 100ft . Im seeing the potential benefits now .

[@DrSteveMorreale]

I saw one of Josh's videos months ago, then not long after the AT&T outage at the end of last month I saw him do a POTA in a video. I had an old Technician license that's been renewed over the last 30 years but not used since I first got it. So I took my General and Extra license and passed both, getting my Amateur Extra license this week, between working a bunch of shifts. Now I own multiple handhelds and diving in on what I may want to have for any emergency situation with loss of routine comms. I even got my father a radio so he can dust off the rust on his 30 year old Technician license. Love seeing the J-POLE antenna, I was thinking of getting something like that for my condo/HOA home, putting it up in the attic, and now may want two, one for home and one for a pack that I'd keep in my vehicle. EXCELLENT VIDEO! Likes and Subbed. I've been enjoying Josh's content frequently lately including his HRCC podcast on Spotify with Leah. THANK YOU! Pretty cool that someone on the air recognized his voice and call sign so quickly. Happy St. Patrick's Day and Happy Easter! 73, N3TBJ, Dr. Steve

[@saifal-badri]

I love his channel! I got my GMRS license and HAM operator license yesterday. Got few radios on GMRS this morning

[@ThomCruz]

The music in the beginning makes the beautiful moment feel like you found hope

[@ron02simpson]

That guy recognized Josh's voice. His voice is distinctive. Very cool. Some good basic radio stuff in this video.

[@rexhamilton6381]

I had an interest in HAM years ago. This video got me interested again and I just passed my Technician test this morning. I foresee a money pit of equipment purchases in my future.

[@mkellydixon]

Got to be one of the best videos I’ve ever watched. 2 experts in their fields collaborating and non scripted with someone on the radio recognizing Josh’s voice! Just awesome! Doesn’t get any better than that! 🔥🔥🔥 And what’s even crazier is that I was just talking to my wife last night about getting radio comms set up in our preparedness. I have my ham technician license but I want GMRS as well. I think Mike Glover was listening to me in my truck! 😂😂😂

[@anduril328]

Do it, gmrs for the comms too kit is worth it. Also look into MURs

[@mkellydixon]

@@anduril328 I will definitely check into the MURS. Thanks!

[@anduril328]

@@mkellydixon May as well get a pair of uv-5Rs for experimentation

[@JJSafetyLLC]

Great video! Everyone needs to understand Emergency Communications. So much knowledge to keep us prepared.

[@Paintbl99]

Great video - love both channels and recently got my HAM license.

[@marksmadhousemetaphysicalm2938]

What I love about HAM radio is learning about the fundamentals of radio engineering and building all kinds of cool stuff…you do learn to become a solid radio engineer…

[@scottc3165]

This is exactly what I needed. I am going to get it done! Josh is the man.

[@ifyoudontfailyouarenoteven6210]

Also, take a look into SDR - software-defined radios. They have some interesting capacities, too.

[@thestateofreal2533]

I’m glad I found this video. It resonated with me as Josh is how I found Ham radio and I would have reacted the same way if I heard his voice coming over the air. Thank you for the great content as always.

[@humantiger72]

Mike, thank you for slowing Josh down to my speed. Usually, i cant follow him

[@ecmo2007]

2 great, great channels coming together. Thank you guys.

[@redline870]

These HAM videos always reinvigorate my interest in the topic!

[@jdgjhn1]

Two great operators. Great to see this collaboration.

[@JanPeterson]

Cool to see Josh on the air here in Utah. We just (last week) had our "Shake Out Utah" exercise and in the Salt Lake valley we had about a half dozen EOCs (emergency operations centers) in various cities communicating with each other directly (without repeaters) on 5W of power. This reassured us that when the big one hits, even if it takes out our repeaters, we'll still be able to communicate effectively. Tactical and strategic communication are key to survival!

[@FoundWorthy]

Good video....loved the contact

[@bynfne]

Is there any way to put a list of the things that were spoken about in the video (makes/models/etc.)?

[@unfi6798]

CQ..Mike.! This is a great vid, full of information & compulsories. More of this kind of vid mate. It helps folks in the outback. Cheers from Australia.

[@juniordelgiorno5260]

What are the odds, 2 of my favorite tubers, @fieldcraftsurvival and @hamradiocrashcourse crossing paths and sharing great coms intel. BravoZulu gents!

[@BKTOutdoors]

Great stuff! I need to up my coms game and this really helps. Thanks.

[@utdesertghost199]

Just recently got my first radio and licence. GMRS, doesn't seem to be many repeaters in my area around salt lake county. Some up north and south but not in the SL valley as far as I know. Hopefully I'll be able to connect with some people when I'm out and about.

[@Archtops]

A big thank you to Josh for providing his awesome tutorials for obtaining your ham radio license. With his excellent videos, I was able to pass the Technician class test and only missed 2 questions. 73

[@richardstringer1119]

Does anyone know what kind of J-Pole does Josh have hanging from the chandelier?

[@amateurmountainradio]

Eric @backcountryamateurradio Josh @HamRadioCrashCourse so awesome to hear you guys connect. I've learned a ton from both of you!

[@gannon3357]

What is the antenna hanging on the light called?

[@silver_cd]

I love your channel. Always relevant and informative.

[@jackK5FIT]

How have I not seen this before now? Mike, I've followed both you and Josh for some time and I missed this one. I had the opportunity to meet Josh at Huntsville a couple of years ago. He will give you all the info on radio communications you need.

[@phemerlein]

What shortwave receiver is being used?

[@gregoryferguson3575]

Love Heber springs Arkansas. Nice scenery and pretty remote in the mountains.

[@BLUESKYS4EVE]

Hello Josh from Arizona. Love your channel.

[@tonyharrison7772]

I just got my h as m tech license and actually watched some of Josh’s videos that helped me pass the tech exam.

[@CzechSixTv]

A better option than a shortwave radio, if you have a way to power it, is a laptop or tablet paired with 2 RTL-SDR's. Using free software available on the net you can scan all the way from 500kHz to 1766mHz. Such a set up will pick up everything a SW radio can but you can also listen to trunked systems, including digital, commonly used by 1st responders. It won't let you listen to encrypted transmissions though.

[@JohnL1950]

I learn something new every time from the ham community.

[@zeroUnitygain]

I just got my GMRS, baby steps

[@tbjers]

Pretty sure this is the best crossover of all time.

[@DonzLockz]

Every Amateur Radio operator knows Josh, He's da man!😊

[@The_Whiskey_Texan]

What is the antenna brand used on the chandelier? And what brand is the receiver radio?

[@roaddog9222]

Thank you Mike & Josh. Really cool and fun video.

[@HeliopausePictures]

Josh is great. He sparked my interest in going for my GMRS and General HAM Licenses. I was so surprised to see him on your channel.

[@separatistunited]

Awesome seening Josh on ur channel this guy is a wealth of knowledge

[@BluegrassFilmsKY]

@6:42 The search and rescue team I volunteer with uses ham radio almost exclusively. All team members are required to hold at least a technician license and there's many other teams that use ham as well.

[@FrankCastle694]

I love this dude he got me into radios ✌️

[@tommason6743]

Dude, that beginning was super awesome :) How cool it is to be recognized like that.

[@StubbsMillingCo.]

There is a scanning tool that allows you to zero out you Coax (the wire that leads from your antenna- your radio/driver box.

[@cameronalexander359]

Josh has helped me with HAM in Australia via his youtube channel.

[@electronicsurvival2405]

Look forward to seeing you guys this weekend.

[@AnantaAndroscoggin]

I remember standing midwatch on the Lightship Columbia, WLV-604 (on station off the mouth of the Columbia River) and listening to someone working a search-and-rescue (on 2182, I think) off the coast of Galveston.

[@jbaugh8329]

This aged really well.

[@waylonk2453]

Agreed! It's a good thing how Mike is bringing Josh on to spread radio knowledge across audiences.

[@CodeDoctorJet]

His reaction was epic! Even at the end he's like... "Is this Josh?"... he had no idea he would be opening up an entirely new target market by having you on.

[@bobbyflores220]

it would have been nice if you provided links to these units..

[@ZakCiotti]

Solid recommendation for filming scenarios like this - Mike’s got the lav, Josh doesn’t. If you edit Josh’s separately, there’s a new Beta Premiere Pro version that has an “Enhance Dialogue” feature in the Essential Sound panel, which will match Mike’s mic significantly better. Auto levels everything and all. Just watch where they overlap. Great work guys!

[@Hanesy]

I never imagined that i'd be hooked up into HAM. Technicalities and all that is fun!. Enjoy the hobby fellow hams 😅

[@joeglennaz]

Hello from Phoenix Arizona you guys probably know this, but there are very powerful GRMS radios as well that require just a basic license with no test required. The license I believe last 10 years and covers all members of the family all the way to first cousins. If someone does not want to approach him radio and is concerned about the testing, the GRMS is a good option. The mobile units have up to 50 W of power, same with the base units. That’s a lot of power especially if you can get an antenna of high. There are KZbin channels at focus almost entirely on GRMS.

[@MauricioOdio]

Nice to see this video, I follow both of you, from Costa Rica. That was a fun video. Really good you are making more people interested in radio. I have been a ham radio for about 36 years. Best regards, Mauricio, TI2MOT

[@kb6lcw99]

Two of my favorite people!

[@gabrielhinojosa9975]

Yes Josh's call sign is burned into my brain as well.

[@Attemptedvelocity]

I've seen him around the internet to do with radios. He's really good at it all.

[@aperson1181]

so especially at these times during grid down Hurricanes Helene, what radio(s) would you recommend to always have?

[@bkdesignr]

EXCELLENT info guys. thank you!

[@ronleblanc9832]

i live in western nova scotia canada l watch Jose's videos a lot

[@StevieB-jj9fz]

I definitely need a ham license. Already have gmrs

[@kc2tbag]

Where did you get the J Pole antenna?

[@Phil659]

Hell yeah, awesome collab

[@FirstnameLastname-qc3xx]

Anyone know what that antenna Connected to the chandelier is?

[@ajdu5390]

Thank you for this!

[@Lkeyhacle1465]

I’m still studying Gordon west... Family slows the studying down, I don’t have my license but I did inherit a R.L. DRAKE TR-4 side band transceiver and it still works came with the instructions manual I think it’s from 1967 and pretty sure it works.... great video guys 👍

[@mattb7406]

Love and follow both those guys!! OG

[@selder03]

WOW!! Josh is awesome, he's helped me with my HAM questions, while studying

[@commonsensepatriot9450]

Please learn from the Helene didaster. The ham test is easy if you study a little. Get a cheap handheld and a rollup J pole. You're at about a 100 buck total with the license fees, and you're operating VHF/UHF. Josh's channel is a great source of info. Learn where your touchable repeaters are and practice. If i can do it, anyone can.