Grid Down Emergency Communications | Disaster Preparedness

Hello Operators .
Grid Down Emergency Communications from a personal perspective is usually overlooked in the ham radio emergency communications community, which tends to focus on augmenting public service communications, rather than practical ideas for grid down disaster preparedness for families, groups or individuals finding themselves in a grid down scenario. This video is intended to be a bridge between Amateur Radio Emergency Service and information about grid down communications preparedness, a skillset lacking in he disaster preparedness community.
If you're interested in Ham Radio emergency communications for preppers or are generally concerned about practical emergency radio communications, this video is a great introduction and point of discussion.
73
Julian #OH8STN
Watch the latest videos in this series: • Energy Self-reliance &...
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[@A54729]

As a ham myself, and as a prepper, I really appreciate the time and attention to detail you took making this video. Thank you. Where I live, we had a wind storm that took out power for 5 days last year. Within a few hours the main repeaters where I live ran out of power. Our local amateur radio group stood up relay positions at our homes. This included voice and packet. We loosely organized when people would be at their radios and where they lived. We maintained communications up and down the county for five days free of repeaters with almost no centralized coordination. It went far better than I thought it would.

[@InVinoVeritas.]

This is both interesting yet disconcerting. Years later, is there an effort to fortify repeater sites with backup power to include solar power?

[@OH8STN]

Sadly, nothing much has changed. Repeaters are privately-owned. How much backup power I'd any, is up yo the owner.

[@InVinoVeritas.]

@@OH8STN Roger, understood. Hopefully the larger, more widely used repeater stations will take the steps re: needed backup power.

[@ponytales707]

Your channel is exactly what I have been needing - no fluff, no hype, no fear, but practical, expert knowledge & solutions that I can effectively use in my planning. Thank you - I have shared with my people!

[@OH8STN]

Thank you 🙏

[@CanadianPrepper]

Great video, the best of its sort to date!

[@OH8STN]

Thanks CP. It came out compelled lot better with your feedback.

[@davidkrehbiel332]

Finally, someone who understands the repeaters will be down also! I've watched so many of these that depend on the repeater. I will have to watch this again and take notes!

[@cindymccafferty8346]

Communication can go down. We had a 50 mph wind storm that snapped 100 year old oaks and electric poles in half. The entire city of 65,000 had no power, no traffic lights, and no cell service for several days. Some parts of town were out for a week. It was like living in the Stone Age. The electric company has to dig out the snapped pole, insert a new one, and wire it up. It takes 8 hours per pole. We had a battery operated AM/FM radio so we got reports on the progress of getting power back up plus shelter locations. The radio station operated on a generator. My recommendation, as an average citizen who’s not technical, is to buy a Baofeng portable ham radio. No, you can’t talk on it unless you are licensed. But you can program it to get a local radio station in. You can also program it for NOAA weather radio. It’s a scary feeling for power to go out in the middle of the night when you’re under a Tornado warning and you can’t see if it’s coming. NOAA kept us connected so we knew where they were and where they were going. Six tornadoes in one hour touched down that night. One of them was an F2 that touched down nearby. It crashed a tree that just missed the house. House and family were all safe. The Emergency Government manager got fired because she didn’t think it was serious enough to sound the tornado sirens. These things can and do happen. Don’t feel foolish to make these preparations. You will be glad you did. Learn weather forecasting and patterns. These tornadoes seem to form in Wisconsin within 24 hours after a high heat index warning ends. We were looking for it. Have not had much luck with NOAA weather radios. They seem to only work for a short time then quit. We have been using weather apps on our phones that give us warnings. Then we turn on NOAA on the Baofeng. Amazon sells the Talos lightning detector that alerts you via satellite rather than cell signals. In the Nicolet National Forest, you can go for miles with no cell service or GPS. I’m guilty of using it but it doesn’t help if you can’t get a signal. On motorcycle road trips, I make sure my adult sons carry paper maps. It has saved their bacon a few times along with a portable NOAA radio to avoid bad storms.

[@vironpayne3405]

Julian, you are still the "gold standard" in communications prepping. Thank you.

[@mudpieconspiracy]

This is bar none, the clearest explanation of the said topic. Thank you for sharing.

[@peterbehringer63]

Not at all lost in your content....kudos! was doing remote portable ops. with emergency power, for fun in the late 1980s, and later, as an ARES coordinator and trainer in the late 1990s...now the knowledge is put to use as scriptwriter in a Post-Apocalyptic fiction adventure series where Ham Radio plays a significant role.

[@msirilla]

Key: with your people. Thank you.

[@BobBob-il2ku]

Been prepping for over 10 years & just recently discovered NVIS i never invested more into radio (gear or knowledge) more than simplex HT’s because I didn’t know it was possible to make contacts that far without repeaters. This video is awesome

[@OH8STN]

💪🙏 Thank you

[@OH8STN]

Introduction: 00:00 ARES/RACES disconnect: 02:48 Understanding the scenario: 03:41 The mission: 05:15 News & Info sources: 07:51 Choosing gear: 11:35 (Re) Establishing Communications: 14:27 HF Data networks: 18:00 Emergency Power: 19:30 Recap: 21:48 Huge thanks to John NOJDS and the Canadian Prepper ( kzbin.info ) for helping get this video done. 73 Julian oh8stn

[@TheUrbanPrepper]

Excellent video! So much great information and expertly presented. I think that this video should be bookmarked and referenced by all Preppers who are looking at getting serious about their personal emergency preparedness COMMS planning. Cheers!

[@OH8STN]

Really good to hear from you. Also your kindness is very much appreciated. You know, you could share this video on your community feed, giving it some traction. That would be huge.

[@TheUrbanPrepper]

@@OH8STN Done!

[@OH8STN]

@@TheUrbanPrepper seriously? Outstanding! you have no idea how much I appreciate that 👍👍👍

[@albing1397]

A scanner, covering police and fire is a good addition for intelligence gathering.

[@joecathey3564]

Bravo Zulu ! What a great service you have done here. KE5MWG, 73’s.

[@OH8STN]

Thank you 🙏 73 Julian oh8stn

[@bruceforster3709]

GREAT VIDEO!!! You are, without a doubt, one of the most knowledgeable Hams I have ever encountered! I have an excellent home station, a decent mobile station, but have not done anything as yet with human-portable comms. Over time, I WILL be correcting this. I DO have the systems in place to power BOTH the home and mobile stations via Solar, however.

[@philiplewis8514]

Fine work from OH8STN, as usual. Thanks for putting this out for us. Looking forward to more. De KG7KKE

[@bonniecrystal903]

Grid Down! One of the scenes that I especially liked was: differences between Emergency Communications for Preparedness vs for Emcomm Public Service.

[@davidsradioroom9678]

You hit the nail on the head with this video. Great job!

[@OH8STN]

Thank you 🙏

[@Cptnbond]

Finally, one video that defines the objective and strategies to reach them. i see way to many (as you said) on YT that focus only on one kind of disaster or just drown them self in gadgets. I'm really looking forward to future videos with similar background analysis, and thanks OH8STN for putting this together.

[@charlieb.4273]

Julian, probably your best video yet. Important theoretical and practical considerations. As to shortwave broadcast stations being a source of news, that is theoretically practical but in actuality quite limited. Here in North America there is NO reception of a news source I can trust. VOA does not cover here, and BBC stopped covering NA years ago. The only stations left are religious based broadcasters, and other foreign stations who might not have an unbiased view of any situation. I am considering SIRUS radio to fill that roll. This video does a great job talking about the kind of framework we need. I have written myself a communications plan so I can identify deficiencies and target my limited acquisition budget. Great work. Charlie KM4ZZ

[@jackz8060]

Informative and intelligently explained. I'll keep this video for future reference. thanks.

[@georgeriedel9357]

Deployed to EOC St. Croix USVI few days after Irma, they sent me to St. John USVI next day, because STJ was devastated via a boat to assist only Radio Operator left , did so and got caught in Maria. Every thing here is exactly what happened - Great job - N1EZZ

[@BigPaws8185]

I got my Technician License in June have done little with it, not knowing which direction to head with it. Being the family prepper I want to cover as much as possible without overdoing it and this video seemed to make everything gel for me, finally. You're right, about Disaster Preparedness and Grid Down situations, just preparing for that aspect of Emergency Communications will cover about 95% - 99.9% of eventualities; at least all of the ones that I have seen over the last 44 years or so (I'm 54 at the time of this comment). As I discover more of your videos I will be sharing them with my prepper network and posting them on social media, even the ones that aren't exactly "prepper friendly". Thank you again for another excellent video! 73!! - KQ4BFV

[@Iridium242]

Excellent video, This is a lot of what I think about when it comes to communications, and like you said, try not to be too myopic in your view of a "disaster" because if you are prepared for a grid down, you are prepared for loads of other things that might arise. A whole lot of preparedness communication is in fact, just listening.

[@OH8STN]

Well said.

[@jamesking8877]

As a police officer and Swat team member i can tell you that comms gear is as every bit essential as Firearms , its my years of experience that have taught me that all of these things will be needed for maintaining security for personal and group members family members ect . Let's face it many people will taking full advantage of the situation regardless of how long or short of time the grid would be down , just take a look at the storm's that hit local cities , i live in the Houston area and just watching the absolute animalistic behavior of people looking to take advantage of a situation would shock anyone and this was the first 24hrs and power was still on , just imagine how bad it would be with grid down 7 days or 30 days .

[@OH8STN]

I watched it all unfold on the news feeds. It was quite astonishing but I suppose it wasn't unexpected. Yours is an excellent comment, and very much appreciated.

[@drakecassidy2942]

I'm very grateful that I found this channel. Thank you for all that you are doing.

[@neubert500]

You must be inside my head! I gave 37 years of my life to public service as a first responder with my family taking a back seat to the community needs. Now that I am retired, the rest of my life belongs to my family and loved ones. My ONLY interest is make sure I have comms with family and friends in bad times and can provide what they need. This is your best effort yet, (and that's saying a lot!) Thank you and cant wait for further installments.

[@OH8STN]

Your kindness is incredible. This video is why I've been so quiet.

[@alcook2024]

OH8STN. I started at the beginning and am watching all your videos. They are OUTSTANDING! I am changing my communications strategy and selection of ham equipment all because of your efforts. Thank you for your body of work....KI5KHX.

[@OH8STN]

Thank you for this. We all start somewhere, and often end up someplace else. Don't forget to keep challenging your thoughts, strategy and assumptions. This is how we improve on our skills and overall strategy for any situation. 73 Julian oh8stn

[@davidswayze5396]

I agree with grayman tactical. I’m a subscriber now. Thanks for the info.

[@felixdacat6572]

I agree wholeheartedly with Grayman Tactics comment.....I'm a first time subscriber to your site and I was really impressed with you videos and content....this one in particular is comprehensive and clear with regards to considerations for Grid Down comms....Thank you and keep the vids coming.

[@lunchtaker4183]

I really dig your channel, more subjects about content that's on my mind than anyone else in the ham or prepper community, thanks for the great video!

[@JT-mo3yd]

The finest overview I have seen. Well throughout and presented. I will watch many more and have bookmarked your website thanks you

[@mikesolomon5584]

Finally got to come back and watch it in full. Great job Jullian! That was a heck of a lot of work for you. Headed off to watch to watch the js8Call vid now.

[@tonyrobinson3908]

Lots of in depth concepts and I enjoyed your video. SIMPLICITY is the strongest part of any emergency conditions plan. Personally, I have the frame type of soalar panel you picture here. $79. The battery is a 12V gel cell with no spilling risk. $88 each. and the comm radio is a low draw quality rig. The second setup is similar and the two are in NO way connected. If one fails, I am still in business. Also we have a number of hand-held gmrs radios. A Quality brand like Midland is important. These have a surprising local range. When local phone service failed for a couple of days these gmrs units filled in surprisingly well. These gmrs are used by flaggers and road / contruction crews every day. so you will hear plenty of info during emergency times. Simplicity and two or three INDEPENDant battery / solar-panel sets. Good video O8HSTN.... No time to fool with computers and menues in emergency times. Just push to talk and have your wire dipole antennas ready to go. Tony

[@c_b5060]

Your analysis of the situation and your perspective on how best to prepare are outstanding! (Already subscribed.) You then present your information in an organized and understandable form. I can only hope to attain such clarity of thought for myself.

[@billharris6886]

Thanks OH8STN, double thumbs up; all good stuff, I have similar concerns with grid down. Thanks for sharing your ideas and what you have learned about grid down Comm. De AC8AQ

[@ae1tpa92gwtom2]

Hi Julian, u never cease to amaze us how much information you provide and the enormous amount of thought you have placed into your content and production. Im certain your followers appreciate the videos you produce. Clearly here is an example of another. Thanks Julian, I am slowly gathering items to support a grid dn scenario for my rural place in Bulgaria, we do have times where no power is available and after a major storm, this is expected in our area, so practical approach is essential. Take Care Julian, n thx again, 73s A92GW LZ/AE1TP

[@jeffb5781]

Exceptionally well done. Thank you!

[@OH8STN]

🙏👍

[@jfangio9260]

This is an important video

[@KCSmith1]

Thank you for all the information and I look forward to more. Saved!

[@zeebraeend]

It is a long video, but necessary for the subject. It took me several times to watch (QRM from family). Looking out for the next video.

[@richarddavis7625]

I really appreciate your well thought out topics and articulate delivery. Keep them coming.

[@doncoker]

Great video covering everything top to bottom. While many of us have various parts and pieces covered, it creates a great checklist to make sure we have it all covered. Undoubtedly, we will have more to add depending on our local conditions. Keep it rolling Julian ! 73 KM6TRZ

[@MrSergejenko]

Excellent video! If you are new to emergency communications for preparedness...this is a must see video!

[@scottmurray2239]

Thank you for a Great overview of a coms setup!

[@certinstructorron4050]

As a CERT Instructor. I always educate my students about Emergency Communications and Ham!

[@OH8STN]

Context please.

[@certinstructorron4050]

@@OH8STN No problem, there's times, all Communications are down from ice. Cell phones, computers anything based on electric power, even water couldn't be had! The only way to Communicate was simplex radio! Even repeaters were down! This was in Texas a couple of years ago. Emergency Managers met and applied for grants to be use solar power to run the repeaters, and built some more Ham towers. I hope this helps others!

[@janiecel]

This video is so needed. Thank you!

[@davidvelen9835]

Great video thanks for sharing 73's from W5DPV

[@roykilo9642]

looking forward to the next.. 73

[@OH8STN]

thanks Roy.

[@jeannetteriddle9029]

Thanks for sharing your knowledge, we will use your complete video at our next club meeting. Thomas kd4stt had planned on a js8call presentation at our upcoming club meeting. After viewing this video he will show your video this month and the js8call as a follow up next month. Thumbs up! kk4ztg 73s

[@lavaman1258]

Thank you so much.

[@edwinklaver]

I've never heard it explained better. Even with out the comms, there is a lot of good advise here.

[@Liberty4Ever]

Great video. I'll recommend that some of my friends watch it. They're mostly relying on me for the geeky stuff, but they need to understand the concepts. I'm now almost ready to experiment with JS8 on VHF / UHF, over the horizon where knife edge refraction from hilltops should still be well within the capability of JS8 to decode a signal 24dB below the noise floor. That may be a better option for those in my group who are just slightly beyond normal 2m or 70 cm range, essentially restoring the capability of a repeater without relying on any repeater infrastructure. It may be a good solution for the 2m repeater guys in Louisiana as mentioned in this video. Another huge benefit is the lower level licensing required to practice using VHF or UHF before the SHTF.

[@debrown4093]

This is a great topic and video. Looking forward to the next one. I have enjoyed your other videos, keep up your good work.

[@stanbrown915]

Brand new to Radio and your channel. Overwhelming but very cool...SOOOOO much to learn. Greetings from The Great State of Texas

[@OH8STN]

Welcome! You're ahead of the curve starting in the Great,free state of Texas. Thanks for watching and commenting. Much appreciated. 73 Julian oh8stn

[@sandhollowhomestead6972]

New 2 you and new to HAM. Thanks for sharing.

[@LilBlighter]

I'm looking forward to this series and hopefully each one will build upon the last and in increasing detail. I'd like to see some emphasis on budget comms especially with regards to HF options and possibilities. Thank you for your hard work and education.

[@yv6eda]

Grat info! As usual! Thanks Julian 73

[@52Warlock]

Julian , another excellent video. It's so good that I'd like permission to present it at one of my local CERT and ARES meetings. Very well done sir. Thank you.

[@brandongraham3509]

Excellent as always. Concise, well done information every time. Thank you for your hard work and teaching skills. W0GPR

[@hunkychunky27]

The gear you have is off the chain! Wow!! $10,000++ by my estimate. I'm building my off grid comms using baby steps. At this point I have off grid, solar powered, EMP proof uhf/vhf. I'm working on a 10 meter setup. Appreciate your channel. KN4BDX

[@OH8STN]

You know I should have mentioned that in the video. The acquisition of my equipment has taken about 6 years. The hardened stuff like the Tower even longer. Your idea of taking baby steps is brilliant. We can't just throw money at the issue we have to learn as we go along. Sounds like you have an excellent plan. Thanks for the comment and sharing your perspective with us. It's very much appreciated.

[@chuck830]

Thank you for this information.

[@frankwescott5189]

Just stumbled upon this channel. Absolutely amazing content. Well thought out and you articulate your points brilliantly. Thank you for bringing this info to the community

[@OH8STN]

Thanks Frank. We all contribute what we can to the community. 👍

[@streetchicken5738]

Pretty good delivery and a lot of common sense. Worth the watch. You almost have to decide to live this way everyday (off grid) to REALLY be prepared. Just getting prepared w/ kits and such alone "we" can't financially can't cover every disaster possible. Think basic food, water, comms, security for 1-2 weeks okay. Else, move to Alaska and join the cabin dwellers. I like'd it though. Subscribed.

[@LAPGOCHINSTRUCTOR]

What a great video and it seems to be from experiencing a grid down situation. Really good advice. I have lived and worked in the 3rd world for civil aviation telecommunications and you have to a backup to your backup both for power and communications. Don't forget pencils, paper an plenty of water

[@kimbarber3094]

Outstanding! Thanks Julian!

[@gregorypace3857]

Thank you for the well thought out and presented video. I'm just getting started in comms and appreciate the information.

[@OH8STN]

You are very welcome. 73 Julian oh8stn

[@thenewcivildefense572]

Good presentation. Thank you!

[@outbackeddie]

Excellent video. I agree with you regarding repeater availability. It's not a good gamble (as people in California found out when PG&E just recently shut down power). Anyone planning to use a repeater as part of their emergency grid down communications better find out what kind of backup power that repeater has right now.

[@anydamaddress1]

Great video. Thank you!

[@brendankeough7552]

Bravo

[@t.m2933]

Great video. A lot of content that was really helpful.

[@MacNorm]

I just spoke with a fellow in Canada today through the Midland CB app (I'm in Ireland) and he highly recommended your channel. I am very impressed. I am interested in setting up a straightforward, highly portable ham radio arrangement. And one that I can mirror on the other side of the pond with my father in law - he lives himself, so we want to make sure in any emergency/SHTF situation, that we can communicate with him. Any links with latest deals or specific videos, including antennas that would work in a townhouse welcome. Keep up the great work bud.

[@OH8STN]

Hey thanks for the message Norm. Your email arrived, but it is almost impossible to answer dozens of personal emails coming in everyday. Tell me who is your friend in Canada? Is it someone I know? There's no easy way to answer these questions. Like you oh, I have people in the USA oh, and of course I'm living on this side of the pond. I am in touch with some of those people weekly via amateur radio. The thing about your questions suggest you're looking for a quick and easy answer. Unfortunately that answer doesn't exist. If you watch this entire video, I would suggest watching it again without skipping through it. Because this video leads you to the questions you have to ask and answer yourself, before asking anyone else for help. The idea of mirroring configurations for yourself and your father-in-law is a good one. Tell me, what type of background do either of you have in Communications on HF?

[@MacNorm]

OH8STN Ham Radio it was a guy with the handle ‘Torchwood’? Very helpful. Got me really thinkin... Look; I understand, no problem bud. I want to watch all you videos right now. It’s just my urgency is developing with this crisis to keep in touch with my father-in-law. He is at high risk like so many. I don’t have a fortune to fork out, but I am trying to get a handle of precisely what HF options there are out there - those of a mobile, and cost effective nature. Ireland to Detroit is no stones throw, but I am sure it’s possible 🙂 Loving the tepee ⛺️ and folding solar stuff btw. P.S. a very good friend of mine is a youtuber: I’m going to tell him about you. You and he would have great fun talking prepps (Thesgtfruitcake)

[@MacNorm]

OH8STN Ham Radio realise I did not answer correctly; I’m about to do foundation level ham here. My father in law was into sideband years ago, but needs a license. He’s smart and open to this who concept. Had CBs before. Sorry to sound I’ll prepared but I am deep diving before I spend a cent to make sure I take the right steps. Again, thank you for any reply. Norm.

[@survivalcomms]

Excellent video Julian ! Great job putting so much together in one video. This is what I have been trying to hammer home to people for several years now. It is a shame the " larger " channels mislead their viewers on things they do not even know that they do not know. I have seen so much marketing driven "amazon" culture nonsense and regurgitation therof that will be utterly ineffective when called on. Thanks for sharing !

[@OH8STN]

Wow, this is huge coming from you. Much appreciated. Wasn't trying to call anybody out in the video but yeah. Many of the videos on the topic here on KZbin are just a travesty. Hopefully we can get the people ghink7ng about the topic and moving the right way.

[@survivalcomms]

@@OH8STN So true - comms is a discipline many think they can buy their way into, shove it in a "tech protect" bag and they are good to go. Its my hope as well that folks take heed and work to better themselves in the discipline. Thanks again !

[@Reaper4367]

G'day mate. Just found your channel. subbed and shared. Clear and concise information and presentation makes for great tuition. You have it in spades Sir!. I now need to play catch up with all your previous installments. Gratitude from Australia.

[@OH8STN]

Thanks for the kindness It's very much appreciated. This is the first video in this series so you haven't missed much. Most of my content is about Communications off grid and full on ham radio. I'll continue this series for a while though.

[@jimpiper5297]

Julian -- analyzing need before plunking down bucks for equipment: What a concept!!! (Sarcasm deliberate.) Bravo Zulu at making this point. I look at the "go-boxes" folks build (another FB group) and there seems to be little thought to "why do I want to build my go-kit in the first place?"

[@glenchitty1515]

Very nice presentation. Good work

[@halledwardb]

Ok, this has inspired me to look into rattlegram and ribbit.

[@bonniecrystal903]

This would also make a great emcomm prepper powerpoint presentation, with embedded video sections. Keep the material in mind, Julian, next time you are asked to present at an event.

[@OH8STN]

Hi Bonnie. That's actually a great idea. I keep getting invited to these events but putting together material is always so time-consuming. This video will translate well to a PowerPoint

[@rather46131]

Great video. I look forward to more on this topic. 73 AB9VM

[@patriotarmament7407]

man bro, I can't say how much I love your vids. I wish I could talk on the phone with you about the setup I need. I've got the money I need but I just need to make sure I'm spending my money on exacxtly what I need.

[@r188ops8]

Excellent content Julian!!!

[@aquatone327]

Great Video!

[@dsmith004]

Good presentation.

[@1953Greyfox]

Again you did a awesome job creating this video. Wish you were close to talk to our group

[@Teslawaverunner]

Fantastic video, this got me thinking differently but I now have a lot of questions !! All the below are based on assumption that equipment needs to run economically (power consumption wise) and able to be recharged from solar 1) finding transmissions (i.e. finding other people), this requires rapid scanning of a wide range of frequencies quickly. A low power Panadaptor would be ideal, how can this be done ? 2) listening to ham and non ham frequencies. This is going to be key, picking up military, emergency services, maritime, etc . A ham radio is not going to do this. Probably a scanner, what would be best . also should work with panadaptor 3) transmit on any frequency. Basically, once you find someone , you probably want to talk to them. what is a low power consumption transceiver 4) encryption - at some point this will be required, how to achieve this 5) stealth antennas that can radiate vertically or angled (NVIS or long range) and cover a wide number of bands. Probably end fed or dipole that can be hidden, need easy way to switch quickly. electrical traps ? 6) Data modes, a world wide HF internet will be highly desirable, what is most likely protocol to emerge and what equipment would work low power 7) QRP is going to be king I think, what would be the smallest lightest QRP setup, would be great to get other peoples thoughts

[@sebaglock]

Super👍👍👍👍👍👍👍 informative

[@comm744]

AM radio in Canada is still the main way the government will communicate with the public. Some AM stations are "Hardened". Back up power and transmitter site studio.

[@alainbroekema5000]

Great video !

[@derekvargason]

Yeah all equipment should definitely be tested, my vx6r cannot communicate on its own antenna with my base station from even half a mile from my house in about 90% of all directions from my house

[@gordonreeder3451]

Very good overview of the situation. I'm going to have to look into the HF packet radio and JS8call. Don't overlook the obvious. Every car has an AM/FM radio in it. At night the AM radio can receive stations from half way across the country. Also, many Android phones have an FM radio chip in them. And a question: What do you know about 900MHz? I have seen some 900MHz "repeaters" that are designed to create a mesh network and relay text messages from cell phones. Ever seen them?

[@abdielortiz316]

Awesome video...WP4JMV...73s.

[@justhavingfun0736]

Thank you!!!!!!!!!!!!

[@justhavingfun0736]

I’d like to have you help me set up a system that would reach 1700 miles.

[@RandallSteen]

Good info. Love mesh Networks. I am research them now. Trying to decide which ones are best from the Wifi meshes to the MURS meshes and of course the Aprs.fi. 73’s KE0VXC

[@nyghtmyst5118]

Wow new to this idea lot of information to try and digest

[@OH8STN]

Definitely a lot to take in. We all start from almost zero. That shouldn't worry though, because it's not a race. Thanks for watching 👍

[@jimjeffries2735]

Excellent and Timely video!

[@OH8STN]

Thank you Jim, much appreciated.

[@cagwaltergotsch9669]

Great stuff yo big fan!

[@223Nebraska]

Great Video!Top notch

[@OH8STN]

Much appreciated

[@tbk1801]

Very well done Sir, outstanding information without the whole sky is falling scenarios. Education vs. hype... spot on! I hope to enter your station in my log one day.. K1EOD

[@kk0dj]

Hey Julian... at least for the Midwest portion of the United States, NOAA WX transmitters are in the UHF band. You had stated that all US NOAA WX transmitters were in the VHF band.... which may be true for some parts of the country as well. I honestly don't know! 73 Good video!