Grid Down Off Grid Ham Radio in Texas

Ham Radio Off Grid communications and power during a grid down disaster in Texas.
Hello Operators.
Today on OH8STN Ham Radio we are talking about grid down survivsl radio and emergency communications, while the Texas power outage is fresh in our minds. This short film should add some much needed context about our grid down communications preps, training, and ultimately sustaining ourselves while supporting our group, during a grid down disaster.
73
Julian #oh8stn
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00:00 Intro
00:35 Impromptu training
02:00 Objectives and GoKits
03:45 Most likely event/scenario
05:30 Grid Down Disasters
06:00 Asynchronous Communications
06:45 NVIS Near Vertical Incidence Skywave
07:55 Power for Communications
08:48 Real -Time Keyboard Comms JS8Call
09:34 Winter Training Scenario
10:45 Shelter & support gear
12:23 Station Strategy and evolution
13:14 Ham Radio tips for beginners
_____________________________________________________________________________-
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[@THESPORTINGCAMP]

Greetings from Houston, Texas! During the power outages two weeks ago we all learned some very hard but valuable lessons. Internet and mobile phone service were completely down or intermittent across the Houston metroplex and other parts of Texas. My radios kept me well informed. Thanks for making such great videos! 🏆

[@airbornelarkin]

Ditto. I am in The Woodlands, Texas and having both GMRS and UHF/VHF kept me well-informed.

[@bobsullivan5714]

I wont go near ANY CITIES....*EVER!* I've been well informed for a very long time

[@OH8STN]

Thank you for sharing your journey with us. Hopefully there won't be any lasting trouble from the experience. You know the old saying, what doesn't kill us...

[@keithfrost1268]

We were among the lucky ones. We didn't lose power, but lost internet and cell phones varied. I was able to get information first hand from others. We could also listen to what solutions worked and what didn't.

[@hamradiotube]

Huntsville here. Lost power for a while but had cell service. The worst part is my internet went down. I used to be able to run my router off 12Vif the power went out and get the internet back but my new provider sends power over their lines too rendering that useless. It was really boring.

[@Bob814u]

Abilene Reporter News??? LOL!! It's my local paper. The local repeaters went down as they have a battery backup for short power outages. Five days without power and the repeaters are VERY dead. The power was lost to the water pumping stations so pipes at the facilities and area wide broke so the water was shut down for an extended period of time. I keep 7 gallons in a jug in my bathroom for flushing toilets if the water stops. I have 14 gallons of water in the back of my truck, all the time, for bug out which I brought in and we used with a water filter system. We made it through with minimum life interference. The cell towers started dying due to the generators running out of fuel. It was an eye opener for many of us. Thanks for the video and keep them coming as many people are looking into the "hobby" now that they know the infrastructure is so fragile. 73!!! de KE5ES

[@HamRadio2]

Hey Julian, great video. I spent the Winter Storm days in Galveston, and some cell service was down, and some was not, but I already had my HF and VHF ready to go, along with some solar power and batteries to keep devices charged, etc. One side note the video - in the USA, Texas as you mention, you can't really "skip" the Technician test and go straight to General. You have to pass Tech first, then go to General. Lots of folks will study and take both tests at the same time, which I do recommend. 73

[@marksheppard223]

Julian. Well done sir. You have been an inspirational force for off grid comms. I have been motivated by your example and I am slowly compiling my own portable, off grid, station. NVIS, a raspberry pi, a small battery and the means to keep it charged, can be easily transported in a small bag or waterproof container. It gets easier with practice and with your well demonstrated examples. Keep the excellent tutorials flowing Julian. You are doing great work by sharing your knowledge and experience. An international elmer. Once again, well done Julian. Cheers, Mark VO1MRK Keeping up to date

[@OH8STN]

I always say, if just a few people can appreciate what I'm sharing, it's all worth it. Thanks for the kindness and the comment. I don't know if it's deserved, but it's very much appreciated. 73 Julian oh8stn

[@HeathInHeath]

Howdy from Rockwall County in Texas. As a first responder during this event I can second every single word that you are saying. You play like you practice and everything that is too complex, too heavy, too specialized, and too difficult to use in an emergency will NOT be used in an emergency. If you are planning for emergencies the two words I would recommend are layers and simplification. Have more than one way to handle essential tasks such as food, water, heat, shelter, and safety (layers) and then simplify, simplify, simplify. You can't practice with every piece of gear that you can own. Have a set of stuff that does what you need it to do and make sure it works on a regular basis. Thanks for your hard work and inspiration to the rest of us.

[@jlacy8234]

I am in North Texas. Lost power for 4 days, lost Cell service and internet for the same time. Used battery power and VHF Winlink and APRS (SMSGTE) to get word out to family and friends. Used HF SSB to talk to others also. Overall the biggest problem I had was not having hard copies of some of the needed info. I am putting a SOP manual together that has this info on it. APRS in my area was reliable most of the time. Lots of nodes. Local repeaters were hit and miss after 2 or 3 days. I have generator power but did not need it for this.

[@OH8STN]

Thanks for the report in glad to hear you guys are okay. This is really practical information, we should all try to absorb. 73 Julian oh8stn

[@markseamans4682]

I'm here just north of San Antonio... This is a great time to reflect and learn from the outages.

[@bruhzooka]

We learned that the local repeater goes down when the power goes out for an extended period of time. DOH!

[@VinceDiaz]

I'm in Texas also. When the power went out I set aside some time to write down what I was lacking while it was fresh on my mind. Now I'm working on filling in those gaps in my supplies.

[@killbaal4149]

Thanks for posting these videos. Just found your station after doing a search for commo in a grid down situation. I just got my wake up call from a minor power outage that seems to have shut down the hardlines (pots) in the whole area. We live in the mountains along the wa/Idaho/Canadian borders. The phone service has been out for several days. Thankfully we got starlink so we got internet. No other internet provider works where we are located and we got to drive 15 minutes down the mountain we are on to get cell service. Thanks for the info in an easy to understand format.

[@OH8STN]

Be safe up there.👍

[@stevegriffin3609]

That was a great video and here in the Texas Hill country at my QTH we have rolling blackouts but did not lose water. 25 miles north of my QTH they were out of power and water for over 10 days. This is something you never think whatever happened here. Thank you for giving some tips. And keep producing those great videos. 73 WD5ENH Steve

[@OH8STN]

I'm glad you all made it through okay Steve. Thanks for the kindness and the feedback. It's always greatly appreciated. 73 Julian oh8stn

[@glennarrant3743]

Well done!!!!!! I have two go kits one base on a 857 and a Pi 4 and one based on a 818. I am dragging out a Pi3 for the 818 and will be hammering away at it before I get sent off to Alabama for hurricane season. This year should as bad as last year. It beats sitting in the California sun and quakes. I use nothing but NVIS antennas. N6JAI.

[@thestonerguy5276]

We were lucky. Everyone around us, up to 1/2 mile, lost power and water but, except for some spotty cell service, our little nook (just outside Houston) was spared 😁. My 2 grown son's and their families weren't as fortunate. 😟 I had batteries ready for backup, and realized I forgot solar panels for charging. I'll remedy this shortly.

[@scottbradford192]

Texas blizzard 'survivor' here. Curious to hear your thoughts vs my ham experience that week

[@ericpattersonk8eep953]

I would like to hear how ham radio helped you as well.

[@OH8STN]

Hopefully what I'm saying we'll make sense Scott. I think far too often we are preparing for the worst case scenario, forgetting about the most likely events. The video takes its approach from there

[@mikesolomon5584]

Late to the party on this one Julian. Personally, I think you are the most prepared human on the planet. I don't know how you do all that you do. But you are an inspiration. Last weekend I got to go through the backyard and untangle my EFHW from the branch that decided to come down and pull me from the sky. Now I have to figure out where to sling it back up. It's interesting. While I have never had the best coms situation, I feel really exposed with this being out of order. I'll have'r back up soon. Thanks for all you do Mr. Man!

[@maxs489]

Awesome stuff, Julian. Was looking forward to this one. This is a fantastic context video to show others (even non-ham friends/family) when trying to explain why, to me, this is one of the most important aspects of amateur radio. And to give them an idea of what channels like yours and a couple others are all about. Rock 'n' roll. 👍

[@OH8STN]

Thanks Max. Watching what was happening in Texas, I realized that the videos mine and from other channels, don't always connect the dots. Hopefully this helps guide newcomers on the topic. Thanks for your kindness and comment. It's always greatly appreciated.

[@elberttanner6189]

de KB5SXC Leo. Great Videos, from my experience here 100 Km north of Dallas, Texas. The "Global warming snow storm" as described on local and national news. and 10 days of sub 0c temps gave me a total power outage of about 2 hours and 45 minutes. But the FT-817 carried on without interruption. I am always anticipating the next cogent lesson from You. 72

[@richarddixon3354]

I like how you referred to a nor'Easter or snow storm as a man made disaster, this guy knows what's up

[@wild-radio7373]

Another Fabulous Analysis. Much appreciated, brother ♡♡♡ Be well hamFam! 🤜🏻👍🤛🏻

[@ChiefMiddleFinger]

There's no shortage of very capable field radio operators in the US, just a lack of organization and purpose.

[@OH8STN]

Agreed

[@bruehlt]

You should evaluate VARA chat for keyboard to keyboard communication. I tried it yesterday and it's pretty damn cool!

[@charlieb.4273]

I look forward to your video, as always they are a ray of light in a dark world. I wonder if you will eventually comment on Starlink, currently in beta test. Granted we should never overly rely on one mode of communication but this seems to me to be a game changer as far as emergency communication is concerned. Cheap, easy to deploy and offering bandwidth that beats anything that Amateur radio can provide. Charlie KM4ZZ

[@RESlusher]

I was just saying to myself as your video started, "Train as you fight!" and at 1:45 you say the same thing! I frequently hear folks say, "Well, I'll just step up when the time comes." No you won't. you'll fall back to what you know. It's human nature! I'm not being critical. I'm just pointing out the facts as I see them. Thanks for all your videos you've done over the years, Julian! I appreciate all ya do and don't tell ya enough! 73, amigo!

[@terrycummings1434]

Terry Cummings​Thanks Julian for sharing these videos with us. I've recently returned to ham radio and I've watched a lot of your videos as I purchase gear, primary focus is on portable emergency comm. Living in Florida hurricanes are a yearly threat so grid down comm may be a necessity.

[@danteventriere8741]

I survived the centennial Texas freeze! Haha! I used my Chameleon, MPAS 2.0 antenna but heard a lot of ionospheric noise, so much so, we are having issues just trying to hear one another (those of us with compromised antenna systems). But surprisingly enough, I’m heard from New Hampshire, south to Florida and out west to California . I’m hearing people in Hawaii to Trinidad with that antenna, with 25 watts power.

[@neubert500]

AWESOME content! This feels like a private class in comms for my son and myself. Wish I could give more than one like! Going to spread this video to as many like minded as I can.

[@santossalinas7209]

Thank you for the great videos. They are informative and helpful.

[@lawofeffect]

Fantastic info. Now I am motivated.

[@jmiskinis]

This should be interesting, and "HELLO". 🙂 _John_

[@MarblePawn]

I'm testing for general on Thursday. I already have a Xiegu G90 and love it. Thanks for the great content. To me, you kinda sound like Casey Kasem. And I mean that as a compliment. Have a great one my friend. 73 KO4DZL

[@OH8STN]

Casey Kasem and I went to the same broadcasting School 👍

[@joeyperez8581]

Outstanding, be blessed.

[@brianogram5194]

Train as we fight was what was repeated every exercise whilst I was in the military, but we seldom kept our exercises within reality. It was a point of contention with me and my superiors. Keep doing what you're doing Julian. Take care. //K6OGR

[@miciahhecker743]

Excellent video..looking forward to be learning more..

[@jasongodwin460]

Excellent video, as always. I'm a winter storm "survivor" in Fort Worth, Texas. I had no power or water for six days, but the cellular networks stayed up. I was able to keep devices charged at my workplace which never lost power. I feel like I kinda got lucky this time around, but this event definitely woke me up to the need to up my preparedness game on multiple fronts, communications and otherwise. On a slightly related note, I got started with using DRAWS with a Yaesu 891 and the Super Antenna. No confirmed contacts yet, but I know I'm getting out based on some WSPR reports, even from the super antenna set up in a tiny apartment yard.

[@OH8STN]

Glad you got through that okay. One must consider how it could have been worse, take the lessons then keep moving forward. If you want to better tools for the draws hat, try it with ft8, and see who hears you on psk reporter. Wspr is kind of a lie. It is so sensitive that it's an representative of real world comms. Also remember to use as many counterpoise wires as you can with the super antenna or any quarter wave vertical. Anyway cuz I'm just waking up, it's a really nice message to find :-) Thanks for the kindness and comment. Both are very much appreciated. 73 Julian oh8stn

[@benpoff7759]

Excellent information Julian! Grid down and infrastructure failures are my driver. Your blog and the videos are providing me with information that, quite frankly, is very difficult to find and access. Thank you for all of your effort in making this available and accessible. Looking forward to learning a lot going forward. 73 KN4VIF

[@yv6eda]

Great video Julian... as usual!

[@308hit]

Awesome video brother well done 73

[@neiltolman3182]

Well done!

[@OH8STN]

Thank you Neil

[@vironpayne3405]

Somewhere in Florida experiences a significant grid down event every 10-years or so, but the lesson seldom is learned outside the locally a effected area. Even professional emergency managers don't get it. The don't plan for grid down events. The see 800mHz trunked radio systems as the ultimate bullet proof emergency communications solution. There is always a weak link in those systems that means that tend to fail before a genuine area wide grid down event. Locally in hurricane Matthew which was about 20 miles offshore as a Cat 2 those failures were water intrusion at on location effecting radio gear and a dead starting battery at the county EOC. 2/3 of the 800mHz system went down with 911 services during the peak of the storm.

[@larrygrigar3793]

Very excellent video.

[@OH8STN]

Thank you 🙏

[@KI4ASK]

Excellent

[@daveN2MXX]

Really great video....everyone is going to take away something different from this content. I love your minimalist attitude towards portable comes! We need to have realistic objectives, which begins with a hazard vulnerability assessment: what is likely to happen, what will be the impact if it does happen, and how prepared are we to mitigate the situation if it happens. Losing power and internet is likely in many areas of the country, "shtf" is not. Understanding emergency vs tactical communications is important. Portable is important for emergency communications, super fast to setup and breakdown is important for tactical. Again, prepare by understanding your objectives and equipment. 73 de N2MXX

[@OH8STN]

Thank you David. It seems like you completely get it 👍🙏

[@andrewobrien8665]

Another great video. Thanks again, Julian. 73 de KC1MIJ

[@OH8STN]

Thanks Andrew. Trying to connect those dots.

[@TheNoCodeTech]

I dig this!

[@hulldefilade4897]

HAM radio is an excellent fallback comms option as well as a fun hobby is normal day to day life. Im running an IC7100 with an EMCOMM3P antenna set up for NVIS. Ive made contact with people from coast to coast. 73 KD9RDE

[@soctnights]

FYI for prospective amateur radio operators in the USA. You must pass Technician and General class exams to gain a General class license. The General class gives you access to the majority of the HF frequencies. The current test fee is $15.00 dollars. When you pass the Tech exam you will be given the option of taking the General at no additional charge during that test session. More details on the ARRL website.

[@chrissewell1608]

Have a friend, randomly come over to your house. And cut the power off! Ha ha

[@kimbarber3094]

Excellent video!

[@OH8STN]

Thanks for that. I'm hoping it connects the dots for other things previously published. We always have to remember that context. Thanks for the kindness and comment. It's always much appreciated.

[@davidhruska9643]

Great video

[@OH8STN]

Thank you David.

[@bruceforster3709]

I've been eyeing that new Xeigu HF Rig that runs about the same size as the little Elecraft.

[@OH8STN]

X6100?

[@lavaman1258]

AWSOME vid. Sir....MAHALO.

[@OH8STN]

Addendum to this video: oh8stn.org/blog/2021/03/09/connecting-the-dots-grid-down-off-grid-comms/ Mentioned in the video. Grid Down Comms kzbin.info/www/bejne/qZK3h2egpaZ0rLM Winlink Email kzbin.info/www/bejne/ZoWVlGqaYtGDadk Winlink Peer to Peer kzbin.info/www/bejne/jIKxfKyVodmMbtE NVIS kzbin.info/www/bejne/fGG3nH2AftiMadE Grid Down Comms Power kzbin.info/www/bejne/d3K0l4ZjqaqIh6M Portable JS8Call kzbin.info/www/bejne/rperZox6eraSZ5o Winter Field Day 2021 AAR kzbin.info/www/bejne/hmrYkmxtfsSte7s Shelter & Gear kzbin.info/www/bejne/rpmliWCch7-qbdk Station Strategy Rpi Field Computer kzbin.info/www/bejne/oYHPc4CAbZuNaqc The entire playlist with all relevant videos: Grid Down Ham Radio Texas: kzbin.info/aero/PLKMrdrsNkFA7Yvqn42JU6GMSCxG7kYleR 73 Julian oh8stn

[@wild-radio7373]

Thank you for the Links!♡

[@BiggBake]

Julian, was that you I seen checked in to the north Texas WinLink Wednesday? 😁

[@OH8STN]

About 4 or 5 minutes ago yes

[@yugbe]

Hello from a thawed Texas!

[@OH8STN]

How did you guys fair in your part of Texas?

[@DanielWiley]

We got lucky at our place. No power Loss at all. 3 days without water due to no power at water plant. No frozen pipes.

[@craigpalmer9196]

here in DFW I had zero problems with phone and net, oh well

[@OH8STN]

Perhaps others parts of the state should take lessons from Dallas-Fort Worth

[@chrismead1464]

Looking into getting started on getting a ham licence

[@charlierumsfeld6626]

"High speed , low drag". Sounds like a video game I played about war games. Can't remember the title. When tanks were moved the tank commanders would respond with that comment.

[@NullaNulla]

This is something I've been wanting to get sorted. That JS8call ... is it akin to the old packet radio service where many could just type to each other like a group chat? I know you've spent your share of time with the FT891 which I intend on using, what did you find best to interface between the FT891 and a preferably Windows laptop (android tablet acceptable)? I think this gear might have changed a bit since I last looked at something like a Signalink I think the box was called. The solar, antenna etc I can sort (have a manual tuner if needed etc even if it's not small (would be in the caravan most likely anyway) without issue but the best or most appropriate interface I'm not sure of now. Then later I just need to upgrade my license level to the Australian standard level (not sure if I'll bother with advanced).

[@OH8STN]

I think I'll do a video on putting together kit. The 891 is very current hungry. Great for car, or with enough solar. JS8Call is very much like packet, but more narrow and slower. Check out the js8 and NVIS videos in the description.

[@NullaNulla]

@@OH8STN thanks for the fast reply and yes they're on my list already to watch sometime today. Our 1st fallback is simply stay in home and use the old 36v panels we have downstairs and the Victron 100/30 MPPT. Our 2nd fallback plan is bolt with the caravan because it's easier and carries more. The caravan already has a panel on it but I want to upgrade later to 2x 250w panels and more AGM's. I'll be able to have the choice of ATAS120A or wire antenna from the caravan too. Our 3rd fall back plan is crude with BOB's carrying hammock tents with cover tarps etc and I'm not sure what I'll do with that one for HF since weight will be at a premium and our funds are low. I'm thinking I'll have to go wire antenna, some millenium get enough money for a foldable solar etc.

[@joshbstevens]

@OH8STN Ham Radio Appreciate your videos! Grid down scenarios is what got me into Ham Radio, enjoy your approach to all this. I plan on getting into your JS8CALL videos next... I’m a Mac user.. do you know if JS8CALL works for Mac? I tried downloading and opening it and got a weird error.. I may have to look into getting a pc if i can’t get it to work because JS8CALL seems to be the best thing out there. I’ll check out your other videos.. thanks again.

[@dvcrash]

Josh, JS8call is a fantastic mode. It does work on Mac but I'm not certain on Big Sure OS.. Getting Back to JS8, there is so much that can be done with this tool: Leave msgs. for operators on your system or theirs, relay msgs., sending emails & SMS mags.... all under poor band conditions and low power. Truly it's an amazing option. - De W8APP

[@joshbstevens]

@@dvcrash Appreciate the info Anthony! Really looking forward to digging into this. Let’s hope i can find a version to work with my OS. Cheers

[@dr_bnc]

Great video, as usual. Question - in a large-scale shtf situation, wouldn't Winlink be down as well? Don't they use an AWS backbone?

[@OH8STN]

Peer to peer and radio only el networks font use AWS. It's all local

[@ericpattersonk8eep953]

Time for me to try jt8. 73 K8EEP

[@CWGminer]

In those last scenes with your IC-705 in the background, are you doing ALE on HF?

[@OH8STN]

It was Vara HF and Winlink Express

[@ronbailey257]

Excellent content as always. Julian I've recently read about a project AndroNix which allows you to run a full linux OS on and Android device has anyone that your aware of used this for HAM coms? I don't know what if any access the software has to hardware but it could possibly reduce overall kit size.

[@OH8STN]

Actually this sounds like something I can investigate. I haven't heard of it or used it myself yet, but I'll do some research and see if it's worth the effort. Thanks for the heads up.

[@submarineradioman5535]

Well said... amatööri radion hätävalmistelut Yhdysvalloissa ovat täydellinen epäonnistuminen!

[@OH8STN]

Kiitoksia. Se on "harrastus". 🤔

[@chrisherd991]

Hi Julian, which version (band)of the power amplifier are you using?

[@chrisherd991]

With your FT817?

[@CanuckHam]

How are there dislikes already on this video?

[@OH8STN]

no repeaters?

[@CanuckHam]

@@OH8STN no idea maybe that's the reason. Honestly your video was more about getting out practicing comms. I think each geographic region has its own unique comms requirements and we need to test our abilities in order to learn from it.

[@daviddickey9832]

It could also be ppl trying to tweak their own recommendations or some ppl that don't like the idea of anyone doing anything on their own in the event of an emergency, only a government should be allowed to do anything. Basically, just sit quietly in your house- or ruins - while the govt fails to solve the problem each and every time, telling people they're on their own, but don't actually let people do anything.

[@milesmoore5422]

OH, What forums for comms. do u like ? Are there any ?

[@submarineradioman5535]

US Astronauts still are trained to communicate utilizing CW in an emergency. Think about that!

[@rachmielbenberel]

DBF RM2(SS)

[@submarineradioman5535]

@@rachmielbenberel Howie Weinstein - RM1(SS) - DBF to you also!

[@JohnDoe-zg6fn]

👍🏼👍🏼

[@OH8STN]

Thank you 🙏

[@ptbtx8546]

I have one DIY charging system: Samlex PST-600-12, Genasun GV-10-PB-12v, PowerFilm FM16-7200, Deka 8A27. But I am looking to add one or more self contained systems, i.e. all the above plus a built in converter to use when line power is available, something like GoalZero, Inergy, Jackery, Point Zero Energy, Patriot Power. Has anyone done research into a system that is RFI quiet, i.e. the engineers have added the needed ferrites, etc to deal with the hash coming off the inverter, converter, MPPT controller. Thanks in advance!

[@vomKuckucksfelsen]

How do you do NVIS with a vertical? How well does this go together?

[@OH8STN]

Some people say by placing it lower to the ground. I believe that is extremely lossy and not very efficient. In contrast we can turn a vertical sideways, using its counterpoise underneath as a reflector on the ground first time that'll get more of its energy straight up.

[@spacecoyote6646]

I think Texas is right to work on its grid down Communications plan. After all, their grid is the worst in the nation. It's third world country quality.

[@OH8STN]

To be fair, the entire North American grid is third world quality. Over head power lines are a big no-go for EMP or CME protection. No stock piles of transformers and reliance of foreign manufacturing for essential components. Unfortunately, North America is one CME away from the dark ages. Thanks for watching adn commenting. 73 Julian oh8stn

[@Wm.Havens]

I can't make the call but look at GoTenna (one word). It allows you to communicate using your smartphone without cell towers or coverage. The US military and government agencies use it.

[@OH8STN]

It doesn't work. The range of a gotenna is about the same as yelling. The gotenna mesh is better but it's reliant on being nearby to other gotenna users. I've already did a video on them. I wouldn't waste my money

[@randalltom9750]

Julian… Practice afield gives us valuable experience… Valuable. I love portable operations, but I need to expand my capabilities… primarily digital modes. My kits are perfect… I have what I need for Sustainable HF Comms… but I’m as weak as a kitten respective of my experience with digital comms… Thats where I need to focus. I love CW, even SSB… but to be effective, and efficient, digital comms and protocols are reqipuisite. Thanks for the reminder! 72! de W7UDT (dit dit)