Emergency Communications Part 1

What do you include in your emergency communications? I like to use BaoFeng radios to bring my family together.
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Thanks!

[@djtecthreat]

Put a sliver of plastic (ie, cut from a soda bottle) between the battery contacts in the radio and put a label on the back to "pull tab". This will prevent the radio's parasitic draw rom running the battery down. In addition, pack a battery bank that can charge via solar in the kit. That will give you some better power longevity if you end up off-grid for a while.

[@challenger2ultralightadventure]

The UV-3R has a VAMPIRE in it! It sucks the battery dry in a few months. This Vampire can be defeated though! Pull the battery when not in use. By doing so, the battery will have an 80% charge even after sitting for 12 months! Naturally, you should check and charge all batteries every 6 months, Just prior to spring, and just prior to winter is best. Hope this advice helps those that have this radio. (Or any other radio that uses a "soft start".)

[@groertel]

I've had my UV - 3r with battery in for over 2 years and it held a charge. I was surprised. Maybe mine is broken in a good way?

[@coolestto]

For long term battery longevity, it's best not to store lithium ion batteries at a full charge. For long term storage a 40% charge is ideal. Especially if in a kit like this as the reduced capacity is not a big deal, just charge it when it gets low.

[@jamesbonanno3359]

I always enjoy this gentleman's videos. As a amateur radio operator and small-scale prepper the information he disseminates is invaluable. He always has a good format for getting information across and doesn't have an ego that gets in the way, even though he is very well-versed in the subject matter at hand. Kudos, 73's...

[@HamRadioCrashCourse]

Dude. I really appreciate this comment. You made my days. Thanks!

[@mrmichaeltscott]

Still good info 4 years later!

[@eldorkpistolero1555]

im in a rural area in Alabama and cellphones do go down even T-Mobile doesn't work well unless I'm in the city this is a good thank thanks hoshnasi

[@tjlovesrachel]

el dork pistolero lolll even t mobile... t Mobile sucks when everything is okay lolllll

[@tury315]

Love this video. Every one should be prepared. The other day,me and my brother in-laws where talking about prepare for the worst. It's also a great Idea to do scenarios with the the family.

[@HarshanPushpakumara]

Thank you!! Thank You !! thank you!! Learned a lot and im in So Cal as well, I was looking for some informative videos like this for a long time. Thank you once again, I'm sure videos like this will save lives one day!

[@thomasanreise3107]

Thanks for your useful crash course videos. These are great for folks like me who are still trying to decipher all the acronyms and technical info, but interested in understanding radio as a communications media for when/where cell is not ideal.

[@BalzOnYer4Head]

Ok, just watching this for the first time, and I gotta say, the intro hooked me.

[@floridaboy3061]

Thank you for the set of videos. It really help me figure out how to use my baofeng, and program it. The SHTF website and list was very useful. To give you a little info. At the beginning of the month I told my mom I was thinking about getting a 2-way radio to replace my hand crank noaa radio. She bought one on Amazon prime and had it shipped to my house. I typed baofeng on KZbin and found you. After that I decided to get my license and order the programming cable. And I ordered an e-book off amazon and got the app for my phone. Yesterday I passed the test for my technicians license. Not bad for 20 days with no experience.

[@HamRadioCrashCourse]

+Florida Boy30 (Larry) yes! That is awesome!

[@Brian_S.]

Outstanding my guy

[@raykiii]

GREAT SERIES! First time viewer to your channel, I'm thinking about getting into ham radio. The crash course series has pushed me over the edge. I have downloaded the ARRL study questions to my phone. Wish me luck.

[@rexdjdjsfortheworld4994]

Hi hoshnasi i live in a Swedish town called Eskilstuna and we have lots of power fails now so your Crash Course videos helpt me and my company a lot thanks so mutch :)

[@GruntProof]

Good stuff man! It never hurts to prepare. In the Infantry we trained on a lot of skills that we rarely used, just in case that situation came up. I pass that type of training onto my family......just in case.

[@nxesr]

I'm in UK this is brilliant, an excellent idea, I'm defo all over this, looking forward to the videos.

[@EuropaChronicles]

0:30 You might want to be careful with the wording on that card...what if she doesn’t want you to find her?! 🤣

[@PhilBailey]

Great introduction Brother. Subscribed after this second video I saw from you. I will by one of these cheaper radios to get into this and really try to learn and help save people when shtf. Great videos

[@indridcold8433]

Listening to the various bands is far more important than being able to talk in them. If nothing else, get a cheap little scanner to be able to listen into many bands. Being able to talk is secondary to being able to listen. I have a small scanner and a communications receiver on a large antenna on my roof top. It is amazing the radio traffic I can hear. I can hear anything from just kids with 49 megacycle walkie talkies to illicit radio pirates on old blank bands that have not been used in a long time. First responders, disaster relief, telephones, utilities, people using ancient Citizen's Band with antique equipment, amateur radio, PMR446, LPR433, LPR, UHF CB, and much more can be heard with just a cheap scanner.

[@55yxalaG]

My Yaesu VX-6r can receive anything from 510KHz to about 900MHz. Really nice to have around, but it's about $250 though. Money well spent if you're dedicated to HTs, in my opinion.

[@Nedhead100]

Great information. I went through the big BLACKOUT in the northeast. Cell phone towers, water supply, at home and work, couldn't take a shower lost everything my fridge. I worked Detroit Metro Airport and they lost all power except for air traffic control. I learned the hard way.

[@themercman07]

Ha I remember that day and the day following very well. I was a young kid at the time and that event got me on the path I am on today with emcomm.

[@lukemcc2357]

Great Intro! I kind of groaned at the prospect of you doing a propagation vid :)/looking fwd to the nxt one. My XYL knows where to meet if home isn't an option, but knowing how to call for help on the radio is an asset. I'm a bit worried she'll like talking on the radio and i'll have to share my toys.

[@azmendozafamily]

I liked the cinematic intro. #boom

[@jjryan1352]

Looks like he got a nasty radiation burn. The guy is totally dedicated to the skit.

[@midlifecrisisguy]

cool stuff looking forward to the others

[@nos676]

subscribed! I'm getting into ham, got a 12db uhf omni on my 9.5m tall antenna pole. haven't used it yet, getting ham license quite soon.

[@jerryf6581]

Great video! I'm in the process of doing the same for my family.

[@casavilla458]

Great video man you gave a bunch of info I hadn't thought of going to be picking up a pair of baofeng bf 888s and too na 771 antennas

[@HamRadioCrashCourse]

Glad you found it helpful!

[@geraldthompson4099]

Just trained in CERT for my location. Good Stuff you are doing!!

[@DavidS-iw4ei]

Very good info.. Remember paper maps. Plan routes that doesn't take you over/under bridges..

[@toohotty1946]

@Hosh. I'm looking forward to the next vids in this series. Keep up the good work! Talk to you on GC

[@GTGallop]

I had to come back and watch it again. Last nights drill was on taking a bunch of us "green" Em-Comm operators and help us develop some communication skills. I excel at rag chew and never considered that Em-Comm would be that much different, just a different topic. WOW Was I wrong. Learned all about communication that is Directed, Deliberate and Actionable. Directed - at a person or group of people, specifically by name, call or tactical call (rescue station or shelter1). Deliberate - Have a reason for communication and an expectation that some one will do something with that communication. Actionable - Make sure your communication has a specific request for action or direction to act. That experience plugs nicely into this video and I'll bet into the next one too.

[@HamRadioCrashCourse]

+Greg Gallop thank you! Yes this is directed or deliberate depending on situation.

[@WeilerBill]

I would also recommend going to the FEMA website and at least taking the online ICS100 course so you will better understand how all the ES teams work together in an emergency. I also teach how you can use basic body blocking to get a rough DF idea of a transmitter.

[@six7onevlog85]

thats also good for calling help if you are trap in your house or any room because someone is helding you as a hostage and cut off your telephone, internet and celphone... nice idea...I think its good to have a bunch of them in different location in the house indoor and outdoor

[@mavericksway2626]

Great video. I’m new to ham and trying to learn all I can. Subscribed 👍

[@robhimself79]

excellent job!!!

[@doomkeepercanada]

With a name like Leia, you really should have changed your call sign to Obi Wan Kenobi, just to have her ask you for help. :) Great video, you've earned a subscriber.

[@HamRadioCrashCourse]

She spells is Leah, but its close enough :D

[@toml.8210]

He reminds me of Obiwan in the more recent movies.

[@4000marcdman]

OB1KNB

[@bhig93]

Looks like OB1KNB would be a valid amateur call sign in Peru, but no one appears to hold it.

[@richardschroepfer5357]

Anderw Baze has a great book: Personal Emergency Communications; staying in touch Postdisaaster; Tech Equipemnt ant stradgies. Goes from FRS to ham to CB to NVIS on the HF and more

[@augustus5003]

What a great idea thank you.

[@catfishinwithcrow685]

Good job Josh

[@Maineliven]

excellent!!!

[@pdsrenos]

I was really hoping to see what was in the kit!

[@EnriqueSonora]

This is great. A dream come true. Look forward to ptII

[@HamRadioCrashCourse]

+Enrique Sonora thank you man! I loved making it.

[@JDJD-hg9hu]

Awesome video. Gave me some great ideas. Thank you

[@HamRadioCrashCourse]

Thanks for watching!

[@anomalous8713]

Thank you I appreciate the knowledge and ideas that you share.👍

[@HamRadioCrashCourse]

Thank you for watching.

[@blueskies_solutions]

very good tips even in 2024! Thank you

[@circlehook2556]

Very cool thx

[@Barnettdan99]

Thanks!

[@kevinhill2726]

hey ther crash, i didnt know you were that close to me . I recognize the park you shot your video in lol. im a new subscriber and radio enthusiast . im loving your videos thank you for your work and time on them

[@HamRadioCrashCourse]

Thank you for watching!

[@allenwilson2395]

Great job. You are motivating me ,,,

[@larryjimenez4976]

New to Ham and find your videos very informative. Thank you! I too am in SoCal.

[@HamRadioCrashCourse]

Thanks Larry!

[@azmendozafamily]

146.520MHz is a general call frequency. I know that per 97.101(b) no one "owns" any frequency, but please use 146.520 as a calling frequency, then agree on a different frequency to move to practice. please note, in case of a true emergency, anyone can jump on, but if you're going through the trouble of prepping, then at least get your Tech license and do it by the book. I know band plans are voluntary, but they really are meant for efficient use of the bands. become familiar with your state's allocations and bear in mind that FM has a wide bandwidth, 16kHz.

[@HamRadioCrashCourse]

+Pablo Mendoza good point. This kit is really just to establish comms. The first channel is not on the band plan so likely not often used. The second channel is 146.520.

[@cephasmartin8593]

Pablo Mendoza KI7DBV That's why I'm on here. I bought my Baofeng for emergencies and prepping. I understand my UV-5R+ a lot better now. I also figured it would be handy since my wife is on the road between grandkids quite often.

[@CampervanCookout]

145.500 here in the UK to call CQ

[@moxdownful]

Pablo Mendoza KI7DBV wow you sound like a such an elitist. These garbage laws are unenforceable and i'll continue to use mine on any frequency i want with or without a licence.

[@scottcampbell7944]

First know that I am a prepper and got into radio for emergency comms. But follow the progression: 1. In a SHTF scenario I don’t need no stinking license! 2. Anything worth doing well requires practice. This is particularly true with radio communication. 3. In order to practice while there is still polite society and rule of law a license is required. 4. During the study to pass the license exam you may discover that there is actually some good information that is useful to emergency use of a radio system. Information that is useful to know for ANY use of a radio system!! 5. I got carried away and got my extra ticket. 6. Joined the local ARES group and will actually be able to contribute in an emergency. 7. Having great fun (unexpected bonus) with HAM radio.

[@jamesg1204]

Great ideas. Thanks.

[@HamRadioCrashCourse]

Thank you for watching.

[@dougharker9913]

UNCLEDOUG SAYS THANKS !!!!! GOOD VIDEO !!! I LEARNED !!!!!!

[@John-yb2xp]

5 years later this seems like you may have know something rest of us didn’t 🤘🏼

[@tl3192]

Good stuff thnx

[@DIPSHITONASTICK]

great idea!

[@HamRadioCrashCourse]

Thank you!

[@Gollammeister]

Great video

[@childfree83]

I recommend getting a battery jump starter from harbor freight. They usually have a flashlight and a cigarette lighter plug on them. You could run a handheld radio off one of those for many days and get yourself a smaller base antenna like the diamond x30 with 50 feet of rg8x coax. This setup will greatly increase the range and the amount of time you can talk. I recommend the Yaesu ft60r. They are only 159 bucks and the quality is way higher. Made in Japan.

[@HamRadioCrashCourse]

Yep, I have all of that. Check out part two. FT-60r was my first radio.

[@TwstedTV]

you have to also bear in mind that if you need to run, climb or escape.... you cant be carrying heavy things like 50-ft of coax. you need things that are light but extremely important, so you will be able to climb, run or do what ever if you need to escape from something or running to a bunker of sorts. its bad enough that a grab bag is a little heavy, specially when running. Dont carry things that will slow you down greatly. you need to be very mobile if needed. you need to be ble to grab things in less than 1 minute and run or move if needed. you cant worry about 50-ft of coax . you have to grab and go..... if you cant grab and go in less than 60 seconds, you are doing something wrong.

[@lindasmith3978]

Thank you for this ... Am about to take my technician license test

[@HamRadioCrashCourse]

Good luck!

[@anleekij]

Well...did you pass?

[@DrewDrums]

Liked and subbed!

[@GTGallop]

ZOIKS! It's out! Love the production values. Like the real world drill and that your wife wasn't acting but that you actually let her run it as a drill. Excellent thoughts. I think the big limitation is the range on that little BF radio but it sounds like you have that covered with repeaters maybe. I detected perhaps you didn't want to give it all away and have a bunch of unlicensed people on ham wave "because HoshNasi said it was OK." Good strategy and info. Can't wait to see #2 and #3.

[@GTGallop]

Think I'd use the Pelican 1040, but hey - you go to work with the tools you have.

[@HamRadioCrashCourse]

+Greg Gallop yep range is the limitation when you want small and portable. With that said my wife and I aren't ever too far apart that the range is too limiting.

[@HamRadioCrashCourse]

+Greg Gallop yep. That would be preferable.

[@kln8128]

Very very good...

[@gfl1957]

Great kit if everyone is a mile apart.

[@tykenminator]

Baofeng rocks:-) It feels light. But it is like the old motorolas the cops used. 5watt transmitter is alot.

[@Nickcycle]

You won another subscriber!!!

[@HamRadioCrashCourse]

Thank you!

[@GrandmaGingersFarm]

excellent

[@kuyanatnatdkrx7]

You should be keeping those radios stored in a ferrous metal boxes in an event of a electromagnetic pulse from war or solar activity

[@TwstedTV]

I just purchased a UV-5R and a 771 antenna, thinking about buying a secondary, but dont know if its going overboard. Been making a Grab Bag, in case SHTF. There is nothing expensive in the grab bag, just extra under clothes, personal documents, extra batteries, flashlight, radio, first aid kit, hand warmers (if needed), fire starter, gloves, light weight food rations, etc.

[@HamRadioCrashCourse]

Having a backup radio could be a good idea, but you'll need to be able to charge it. Which can be problematic. May may to get some EMP bags and put a BaoFeng into just in case.

[@stargasm1000]

I just subscribed. Good video.

[@brianaraluce3203]

Your videos r awesome

[@HamRadioCrashCourse]

Thanks!

[@garrywalden]

Great vid! Looks like liberty park in Cerritos.

[@HamRadioCrashCourse]

It is!

[@garrywalden]

Nice. I live in Lakewood. Thanks again for all of your great content and experience, as well as the beer reviews,.. I’m new to this Just getting started with the UV5R following along with your tutorials on emergency prep for the family. I look forward to catching your live YT broadcasts. You have been very helpful and very professional in your presentation! Much appreciated. Thanks!

[@dakotahrickard]

So 146.520 is call frequency in the U.S. But what suggestions do you have for locating open frequencies for these purposes? Is this where something like that band-scanning SDR you did a video on comes into play? All the little HTs I've seen only scan memory channels, and that's where I'm at right now. Tips? Suggestions? Or are frequencies not in the local band plan just kind of a no-brainer go-to for group comms?

[@drnv150]

HF will be more important if its Statewide or regional due to the fact that Winlink, Winmore, psk31, and other text and email radio traffic ( although small in size,) for the most part, works well on 80 meters 60 meters, 40 meters and 20 meters will work be best for the National Traffic System. A small 5 watt VHF or UHF radio, for most people, will likely be noisy, unless the operator is very conscious about their antenna, their height, and aware of controls and position of the handheld while transmitting, they work ok if you only need to talk a few miles and or the local repeater is known to have some kind of backup redundant power and your proximity to the repeater is good enough that you are strong enough into the repeater system with no white noise. Realistically, if you used just personal names and never identified with a valid Amateur Radio call sign, most hams would probably consider you a jammer or just unaware they are not FRS radios on Ham frequencies, which is almost as bad as a jammer. I just put that out there, for those who don't plan on getting a license, not saying you are doing that. Even on GMRS, the repeater owner would not be ok with people not using any call sign, especially when it's only $65 for 10 years and anyone in your household can use the GMRS license through the FCC.gov. In a serious emergency, strangers with no call sign would be viewed by most emergency management as interfering with health and welfare and priority radio traffic. I would seriously invest in a mobile with 25 to 75 watts for VHF & UHF and the capability for mobile and portable HF communications and visit some local Ham clubs and or events where Jams participate and pick their brain. Try and enter the awesome hobby as a life long ongoing learning process for both the new and old. This will lead to improving your fun, technical as well as operator skills and ultimately improve your usefulness to yourself, your family and your community through volunteer public service events or emergencies. www.arrl.org/nts www.arrl.org/ares usamars.us

[@maddersmudder]

Hey! This was great. when are you posting the next installment in the series on emergency comms?

[@simonc94539]

This is a great idea. I do not live in ur area, but now I will use the idea to search for appropriate info that suits my location. Thank u. BTW, where I can find Part 2?

[@davidstump8231]

Do you still recommend the UV-3R? Or has there been another model released that you like?

[@jeffthompson8663]

I have the uv5r, do you have any knowledge of the comet or diamond antennas. They both are known to be really good antennas, I'm just not sure which to get.

[@GEAUXFRUGAL]

Would be a good idea to have a SW probramable radio handy too? Also you want to recharge your radio once a month to keep your battery right.

[@JohnJCouture]

Thank you for great videos. Could you update the ham radio channel to show where part 2 is of this video (if it exists). Yea, you produce a lot of videos on a lot of topics and sometimes it is a little hard finding things. I do appreciate you have video list just for hams.

[@conedprepper]

what should be on that card on the kit? im new to this

[@Michaelebills]

RF Radio communications is great as long as you do not experience or in range of an E.M.P.!

[@michaelgee7509]

Liked and Subbed. Thanks for the input as I am very interested in your intel

[@HamRadioCrashCourse]

Thanks for watching!

[@allenvestal4474]

Good idea. My TYT uses a usb to 12 volt usb cord 8 bucks on Amazon. I have power banks that I can charge with solar

[@baileymoto]

Can you post a frequency list you’re using in SoCal? Thanks!

[@beachedbum8682]

Would like to see an in-depth review of the different Baofeng models available, thanks, good vid!

[@HamRadioCrashCourse]

+Beached Bum sounds good! I'll look into doing that!

[@herson1982]

What frequency would you use in this case? (Ch 1 & 2)

[@toml.8210]

Even the power bank needs to be maintained by charging or cycling it periodically. If you just put it in a drawer, bag or plastic box, it will discharge (and swell or burst) and eventually fail.

[@ZacharySound]

LOL I love how you created the scenario. Funny but why not just make a direct 'what if' situation to start this subject? Nice.

[@HamRadioCrashCourse]

I thought it would go ever better of it was a completely ridiculous premise.

[@firecaptdave1273]

Are the channels you plan to use in an emergency (the ones on the card) simplex or duplex? Also, what do you recommend as a replacement to the UV3R since it's been discontinued?

[@HamRadioCrashCourse]

Curious what you mean by duplex frequency?

[@hubermano]

Please, which radio do you suggest in lieu of UV3R?

@@HamRadioCrashCoursesimplex transmit and receive on the same frequency. Duplex transmit on one frequency and repeat on a separate frequency. Repeater towers use duplex channels.

[@chubbyzombie666]

Thoughts? If I’m away on a business trip. My wife works 15 miles east, kid works 35 miles north. If it was an EMP. Why not have channel 1 set to the local repeater in the event it’s up and running? At the very least maybe someone with a base station could relay the information. From one location to the other. Thoughts?

[@HamRadioCrashCourse]

Sure. It’s your call how you want to do it. But keep in mind an emp might take out that repeater.

[@oddjob428]

I live in a small town with 20k population. The town is only about 3 miles across. Would a pair of blister pack radios that you can get at a sporting good store be as effective?

[@9x19freedom]

I have a question I think a little over 3 years ago me and my family went to Alabama to escape the hurricane coming twords fl when we came back boost mobile didn't work but me and my sister had t mobile. Ok so let's say all cellphone service was down could i legally give my sister a radio and let her get in contact with me (via simplex) if we needed to stop somewhere or would that violate fcc.

[@1000BestVideos]

Hi! Can you post the link to Part 2 and 3? Also, can you recommend a reasonably-priced battery backup? I have the 5R, but it appears that I can get a kit to re-charge using USB.

[@HamRadioCrashCourse]

I'm working on Part 2. Not posted yet. To charge 5R with a battery pack you need to get the extended battery with the DC jack. Then you can plug different backups into it.

[@kg5radio716]

hoshnasi I encourage you to look at the Channel 3 plan. A group called AmRRON came up with the idea, and it is a great one for emergency communications.

[@gregorysmith3097]

You mentioned that the UV-3R is chargeable via usb, how about the UV-3R+? Are there any other small simple radios similar to the UV-3R?

[@smoothtrappa]

The air waves will take on a whole different feel after a shtf scenario. They'll be so much traffic on the air..... maybe you'll get through.... maybe you won't.

[@drewd6447]

Great Videos Josh thank you! I have a question... I’m new to the ham scene and just bought several baofang uv 5r radios and want to give them to my family members. Some of my family members live 50 miles away. In an emergency would I be able to get in contact with them using these radios? If so how?

[@HamRadioCrashCourse]

Likely not over 50 miles. You would need at least a 50 watt mobile station and a fixed antenna.

[@drewd6447]

Ham Radio Crash Course thanks for the response! Is there a 50 watt mobile station and fixed antenna you can recommend?

[@LogicBob]

Of course, a license isn't needed during an actual emergency but I'm surprised you didn't mention it for practice sessions? Great topic though!

[@mcburks]

TITLE 47 CFR Part 97, Section 97.403: No provision of these rules prevents the use by an amateur station of any means of radio communication at its disposal to provide essential communication needs in connection with the immediate safety of human life and immediate protection of property when normal communication systems are not available.

[@excelsicomedia448]

^

[@jayharvey1100]

@@mcburks Thank you. Much more reliable than opinion. Thanks.

[@daledurham7353]

Yes, but that is largely misinterpreted and misused. Be specific in your explanation to folks using the radio. Best bet is to have your family get a license!

[@wannabetowasabe]

@@mcburks Note the words "amateur station" in the beginning of the sentence. Amateur station means a licensed operator. This regulation allows an amateur operator (licensed) with a technician class license to use amateur frequencies authorized for those holding a General class license and Amateur Extra class license. This regulation is widely misunderstood. People making comments here interpret this to mean unlicensed persons can use any frequency in an emergency. Not true. Some amateur radio license holders think this allows them to use all frequencies in an emergency, such as fire department and police frequencies. This is also not true, the amateur radio license only allows the person to transmit on ham radio frequencies. A few hams have gotten in to trouble when they have used fire and police frequencies in emergencies even when there are no cell phones, landline phones or any other communication devices available, such as the "SPOT" devices that allow text communications via satellite. I'm retired from the U.S. Forest Service and was involved in a FCC action against an amateur radio operator who used our frequencies when he interpreted he was in an emergency. The FCC fined the ham and cancelled his license for a period of months or years. This regulation has been discussed in length and countless times on ham radio and radio hobby websites, which have included the comments of attorneys and FCC employees. Don't get sucked into thinking you can do something that you are not authorized to do.

[@toml.8210]

Where do you explain those information cards? There's no way to download a copy. Personally, I have a sheet with the local & federal emergency agency frequencies, S.A.M.E. alert codes, etc., on one side, and protocols on the other side; printed and laminated.

[@saltyshellback]

I need to get a couple radios.

[@Elfnetdesigns]

spend a little more and get Wouxun's, more reliable

[@fin_jan]

This is the video I've been searching for. But I'd like to understand the limitations of this use-case. 1) Unless the whole family are licensed HAMs, the best we can do is use GMRS freqs. On GMRS we wouldn't be able to communicate beyond dog-walking distance from each other. That communication radius would be useful during a prolonged SHTF situation, but I don't see EDCing radios every day just to be able to establish communication in the brief period when we're already 1 mile from base, but not quite there yet. If I program the radios to use local repeaters, I could presumably cover the whole city. This would greatly increase the likelihood of being within communication range when the disaster strikes. But now I have unleashed a small army of "armed" but untrained noisemakers to clutter up the local airwaves with high dutycycle panic-jabber. This does not seem like a good idea. We could catch an FCC fine while just testing the range capability. Am I missing something? Is there a solution other than forcing the whole family to sit for their HAM license? Thanks!

[@fin_jan]

So I think I have a solution to my own question: Family GMRS license and a GMRS repeater on my own roof. It looks like I could build a solar powered Baofeng repeater for around $200, and program all the family radios to it. Is there a better idea for a family of non-Hams?

[@weevolvedance9621]

Great Video! However you didn't explain in the video how to call 146.52. I just got mine and I am not sure how to set those numbers in my Baofeng. It usually asks for 6 numbers. Should I assume it is 0? Thanks

[@robertmill7755]

yes, it is a zero. Have fun programming. My Baofeng has been a pain to program, even with CHIRP.

[@trevorsgaragemusings]

I have a limited amount of knowledge in HAM, but I *think*, please correct me if I'm wrong, but FCC licensing doesn't apply during an emergency situation correct?

[@HamRadioCrashCourse]

+neutered10mm CORRECT!

[@azmendozafamily]

neutered10mm 146.520MHz is a general call frequency. I know that per 97.101(b) no one "owns" any frequency, but please use 146.520 as a calling frequency, then agree on a different frequency to move to practice. please note, in case of a true emergency, anyone can jump on, but if you're going through the trouble of prepping, then at least get your Tech license and do it by the book. I know band plans are voluntary, but they really are meant for efficient use of the bands. become familiar with your state's allocations and bear in mind that FM has a wide bandwidth, 16kHz.

[@DeluxeHaQ]

I'm going to say that neither does any laws or restrictions imposed by a 3-letter government agency! :-)

[@azmendozafamily]

Michael G I don't believe the FCC claims to "own" the airwaves, they do regulate the use of them though. There's always CB. *shudders*

[@snowvalleylodge8553]

Hi Josh. I just started thinking about getting a radio and am I correct in thinking that I need a license to broadcast over this radio in the video? Also if I wanted to get licensed where can I find a class to take or is there one online. With covid I’m hoping there is an online class. Any info would be great.

[@HamRadioCrashCourse]

Yes, a license is needed. Please check out hamstudy.org for only study and testing.

[@qapmoni]

Great info! You forgot to mention that a license is required to transmit.

[@HamRadioCrashCourse]

I have a TON of HAM radio videos that covers the basics of non-emergency communication.. During an emergency, you don't need a license.

[@timber2533]

qapmoni don't need it in an emergency

[@DickCamnitz]

@@HamRadioCrashCourse Of course you realize that if war is involved and possibly in other situations, the government shuts down amateur radio (see WWII). Since repeaters are not going to be involved anyway, why not use FRS and you don't need a license to practice or use during the emergency? Just as cheap. You aren't going to have much range on either using simplex. More average people already have FRS than Ham radios. Chances are though if I'm away from my house, I'm out of simplex range on either band. So more power is needed and it's gonna get more complex. Never easy is it? I mostly have to call ham friends on the phone to get them to listen to their radio. :)

[@HamRadioCrashCourse]

@@DickCamnitz How will they shut down ham radio?

[@DickCamnitz]

@@HamRadioCrashCourse Point well taken, weren't as many American anarchists in the WWII years. Patriot meant something completely different. I refuse to spend my life preparing for the worst for man. Would rather work toward a better future with a reasonable amount of preparation. No debate from me. They go on forever. QRT