HAM Radio for Preppers: The Real Scoop

[@akmass9761]

As a young man I had the desire to get into HR but no money. Now as an older man I have the money but lack the knowledge of where to start. This helps. Liked, subscribed, and rang the bell.

[@stankatz01]

hamstudy.org arrl.org

[@Camman010]

In the US the ARRL has a list of clubs so talk to your local club. Also many clubs have people with spare radio equipment that they will give you for free. The last radio I gave away to a new ham was a Yeasu FT 101 HF rig. Also check out the ARRL Field Day held the last full weekend in June. They will have radios set up that you can use kzbin.info/www/bejne/b4OUhaZuZtqaaas

[@soaring16]

Having been a general license holder for several years, I'll give you my take on all this. The most important band to use is 80 meters which you can easily use with a simple long wire dipole antenna even at 20ft. Why 80 meters? It's range most of the time is around 100 miles but will cover that entire 100 miles and not skip over it like other bands. I've never logged on to 80 meters and not been able to talk to someone. During the last hurricane Florida, this was my go to band for finding what gas stations were open. I don't care what is going on 500 miles from me. Yes, the other bands are important and I use them but if there was one band I could not do without, it would be 80 meters.

[@soaring16]

PS I've also been able to talk long distance if conditions are right.

[@daviddewey2107]

This is the most valuable comment I've ever seen better than all the videos I've been watching to find this exact info. Thank you and 73 kk6ajt

[@buick4013]

The best thing to do is to get local friends on 11 meter sideband. Contacting people too far away to help is not gonna do any good. A SSB CB is highly portable and a 1/4 wave dipole and batteries fit in my bug out bag.

[@Bashnja1]

80 metres is not a website. You don't 'Log On' to it. Real hams don't confuse the two, it just cofuses newcomers to what the radio spectrum actually is.

[@landscapelighting]

Bashnja1 good point although you should have put your quotations in your comment around ‘logged on to’ not ‘log on’ because he could have logged on 80 m, meaning after making a contact he could’ve created a log. Bob Bradley was incorrect by adding the word ‘to’ in his sentence after logged on.

[@paulsmiddy2203]

Excellent tutorial for begìnner amateur radio. Really does a great job of breaking down a complicated subject into crystal clear, simple terms and ideas. I learned more in this short video than in the 10 previous "beginner" vids I explored.

[@theoldhobbit3640]

Interesting video and some valid points. I am a UK Foundation licence holder (Tech) and have been for the last 4 years. I used this as a stepping stone to get a very basic understanding from which I have expanded my knowledge to a point where I have a decent understanding to manage in a SHTF scenario. I especially enjoy QRP using my 817 and PRC320 Clansman (ex mil radio) and build all my own dipoles and maintain my power supply by solar. I am by no means an expert and every day is another day at school, but I would concur with those who say to get a basic licence, it will stand you well.

[@reedr1659]

There should be a universal prepper logo that has a Hi- Point and a Bao Feng on it.

[@Thatsmisteroldguytou]

Good one!!

[@jimerickson1809]

Getting your license is useful but finding a group that can support you in emergency is even more important.

[@w.rustylane5650]

Not only do you need your Ham Technician license, you need a CB radio on the 11 meter band for talking skip and bouncing signals off the ionosphere (skip). I will be operating both and a modified CB radio to get into the 28 MHz band, the little section that a Technician can operate Single Sideband. I used to modify CB radios to get above the 1 through 40 channel bullshit. Channels 41 through 99 are a lot quieter. You can talk to more Ham radios above channel 40. I also would, not only reprogram the PLL chip, but unlock the RIT or clarifier on the single sideband radios. YOU NEED BOTH!

[@apsingh18]

Thank you. You are the first one who explained why we need HF. Thanks again

[@ronndapagan]

Thank you for a great video about ham radio. My late husband was in Ham Radio for about 40+ years. I kept his handheld radio and have been thinking about getting into Ham Radio.

[@fanooch1]

I have watched dozens of videos about getting into Ham radio. This was, by far, the most useful. Thank you.

[@ebony5766]

Of the dozen or so videos I've watched trying to understand this, you explained it so very well! THANK YOU!!!

[@mikesimpson7748]

Good information. I started in Ham for the same reasons and was hooked. Just got me Amateur Extra class. You can get into HF cheaply by buying used. I got a Yaesu FT-897 for about $500, which gives you 100 watts of power and capable of around the world communication.

[@DavidS-iw4ei]

I have the FT-897 and two FT-857 and the FT-817. All are great radios.

[@snazzysnazzergryphon8550]

Oh yeah imagine the sweet power of 200 watts!

[@marksmadhousemetaphysicalm2938]

FT 991A here...Yaesu makes great radios, I use the FT991A as my portable rig, added rails...there are lots of prepper hams, it just isn't a big area of discussion...FT-897 is a great rig, had a used one...got my Extra a few months agp...

[@jeffrobison2013]

@Mike Schnobrich true, but it is still basically line of sight unless you get a band opening with ducting. then 100s of miles are possible

[@WH6FQE]

Finally, someone with some common sense. Thank you for doing this video. This is exactly what I have been trying to tell others who think they will just get a tech license and a cheap Chinese made radio and then they will have their SHTF comms all set up They are going to be in for a rude awakening when they figure out the only people they can talk to will be their neighbors down the street when the repeaters go off line once the grid is down.

[@solarfly_]

I actually think this video sells 2m/70cm short. With the right mobile radio, you can park your vehicle on top of a hill and set it up as a cross-band repeater running off of the car or another battery. This acts like a repeater tower so that HTs can communicate with it and extend the range for as far as line of sight permits. So if all the towers go down, you can set one radio (or VFO) to monitor the national calling frequencies and use another with the repeater to direct people so they can get emergency coms up quickly. The recent Napa fires in Northern California took out a lot of cell phone towers. Ham radio operators were called in to volunteer and the coordination was entirely on a repeater in a neighboring city and shelters were connected using these bands.

[@WH6FQE]

2m and 70cm are still only useable for short-range communications, even if you set up as a repeater as you describe. 2m and 70cm will never be able to be used for long distance communications outside of your general area because those frequencies do not travel very far. They do not bounce off of the ionosphere like the HF frequencies do, so they physically cannot travel very far. That's just how radio waves work. Many preppers think they can get by with just 2m and 70cm for their comms, and it just isn't true, which is what this video is saying. 2m and 70cm are very useful for short-range communications in your general area, with or without repeaters. Long-range communications for getting information from other states are not possible with those frequencies and radios even with a repeater. To receive information from other areas in a complete grid down situation you have to have HF frequencies available that are able to travel farther by bouncing off of the ionosphere, and for that you must upgrade to the General license.

[@solarfly_]

HF is required to go further distances, but you can't use it for close communications. The waves skip right over your neighbors all the time (unless you get short skip or scatter propagation). A signal bouncing off the F2 layer can travel 2500 miles. Then there's the 11 year solar cycle, which (at the time of me writing this) we are at the bottom and propagation is difficult, interference is high, and conversations on 10m are almost impossible without CW or a computer to decode packets. 2m and 70cm signals travel an unlimited distance, line of sight, until absorbed. If two mountain peaks with antennas can see each other, they can talk, and coordination with others in a 75-200 mile radius is possible so that at least you can direct people the right way or lead them to the guy that also has the HF equipment. It's really important to learn how to make use of the radio capabilities you have, and not just throw that thing in a box and wait for disasters! Edit: and I've also been able to bounce signals through the mountains where I live and hit a repeater in South Bay, which is pretty incredible too.

[@WH6FQE]

Right, you need BOTH of them, thats what most preppers are not realizing, they think that because they have 2 meter, they are good to go and don't need anything else. 2-meter and HF work hand-in-hand in a SHTF scenario for communications. Think of it like a telephone, the 2-meter band would be like making a local phone call to your neighbors, where the HF band is for making long distance calls. One isn't really much good for overall communications without the other. What preppers need for a good overall comms setup would be a 2-meter / 70cm dual band radio for local area comms along with a good HF rig for long distance comms. A good CB could also be invaluable for monitoring to possibly receive additional information about what is going on. For my comms, in a SHTF situation I am setup to monitor as well as transmit on CB, FRS, GMRS, MURS, Marine, 2-meter, 6-meter, 10-meter, and 70 cm bands.

[@solarfly_]

Don't forget the battery! I was at Pacificon this weekend and a guy was selling these small, portable batteries that were about 6 lbs in weight and would give you 10 hours of power 20% transmit 80% receive even with an Icom 7300! You could literally throw that in a bag. But nobody in an emergency wants to lug an IC-7300 (even though it's on the smaller side), so you can get even smaller than that. You're also not going to escape your house dragging along a massive amplifier, so I think preppers should be looking at HF rigs that are 10 or 15 watts and run on batteries. The expensive example is the Elecraft KX2 and KX3, but I'm sure there are a ton of other more affordable options.

[@Zenith_V]

I got myself a kenwood t-140s with a power supply along with an icom 2 meter mobile station with a power supply for 300 bucks at a garage sale... now that I have that I’m thinking about upgrading to a general license so I can get more use out of it. It works surprisingly well for the price.

[@overlanderbenny3789]

I like the graphs and really helped me understand a couple terms I've been hearing while studying. Also am glad someone said what the major difference in licensing is. I understood some of it, but really makes sense why it is wise to go for the general the way you explain it. Thank you!

[@RevGunn-jq3cq]

Points well made, not to mention the need to have a properly matched antenna!! Great way to blow out your final

[@exgenica]

...antenna...and feedline and connectors, all kept in good condition, of course. A glitched connection or cable can absolutely ruin your year. I've seen people with thousands of dollars of radio and antenna, and using super-crappy cable and connectors. Even if brand new, bad cable and connectors will hurt any installation. There is also a problem with counterfeit cable...it's super easy to remove the old labeling and not too difficult to put a namebrand high-quality spec label on a cable. Unless people actually cut-open the cable, they'll never know...except they may chase bad Rx/Tx problems. Unfortunately, sometimes bad cable/connectors remain hidden because the our newer radios and amps can help...up to a point...do a lot to compensate for the poor hardware and in day-to-day life we're mostly dealing with local clear signals...not really streching the equipments' capabilities.

[@terryglenweaver]

I plan on renewing my expired ham license soon. Please note... In the 2 meter. 220 Mhz 440 Mhm and more line of sight frequencies, the short transmitt ability can be an asset. Then in the HF bands, being able to contact areas well outside of your area can be an asset in knowing what's headed your way as well as you informing them what's headed their way.

[@leathersr]

Thanks for creating content like this. I'm a licensed ham radio operator and self-described prepper. I appreciate anyone who helps educate the public on these topics. One minor critique if I may: Its "Morse" not "Morris". One syllable. Keep up the good work!

[@N1BNfilms]

Many repeaters have backup or even solar power. The 15 and 20 meter bands are also prime bands for long distance “grid down” situations.

[@markhadley1545]

I think it's important to first ask yourself "who is it that I will be wanting to talk to when the shtf?" If your plan is to talk to people in another state you have an entirely different issue then if you plan on being able to talk to a select group of fellow preppers in your general area. Its also important to ask " who do I NOT want to hear my conversation? " It is also worth pointing out that listening will be far more important then talking in most shtf situations. My advise for a prepper group is to get a crap-load of those boafeng hand held, a bevy of spare batteries and upgrade the antennas. Then get a good shortwave rig that will receive as wide a range of signals as possible. You will be able to talk to each other over short distance and monitor globally. If finances permit getting a good SSB capable CB or a export 10 meter that can be converted to work on or at least monitor CB and an appropriate base antenna would also be a good idea

[@Luckie337]

RIGHT FRIGGING ON!! EXACTLY WHAT I DID.

[@keithlucas6260]

Got a Yeasu FT-950, a handheld and a Cobra 40 with SSB. Heck I've still got my Pace 123a I bought new back in 75.

[@gregbarthol5381]

Technician ham operator /911 dispatcher here..... small portion of 10M can be used to make long distance (DX) contacts with voice... Data is also available on 10M and is great for semi covert transmissions. CB (11M) can also be used for distance using SUB (Upper Side Band) like it you are on 10M. While learning about ham radio it is good practice! You would be surprised just how many peppers are in the ham community...... Si Vis Pacum Para Bellum 73's

[@__bam]

As someone interested in ham radio I really enjoyed your video. Thanks for sharing.

[@JasonOlsen]

Thank you for the helpful video, where you provided a very useful and consumable bit of coaching at 3m50s about frequencies to focus around for the technician license!

[@cassiofonte8172]

Nice video. Just a reminder for people that good used HF radios can be found for USD 300 or even less. You don't need all the bells and withsles or the nice color screen for long range communication. 73!

[@borisvolynov992]

Just came across this video, and there was some good info in there for new HAMs, but honestly, in a real SHTF situation, all bets are off and licenses won't mean a darn thing. I've used a radio without a license in an emergency, nothing happened other than I got the help that we needed at the time. The more important aspect of the licensing process is learning how these radios work. If you order one of these, you may have taken the first step, but if you don't spend some time getting to know the radio and how to use it, it might as well be a dang boat anchor. Also, you need to have an actual comms plan. Just having a radio won't do you any good if you don't have an end goal in mind. Whether it's call out to somebody who can get your message to a wider audience, hit a working repeater (lots of them are solar/battery back-up these days), or just using them locally for tactical/strategic comms, you need to know what you're trying to accomplish. EMCOMMS is a very large undertaking and shouldn't be taken lightly. If your emergency situation radio plan was created in 5 minutes with no real radio experience, I can almost guarantee you it ain't gonna work. Get a radio. Learn the radio. Learn what makes them work. (get a license) Get on the air and make some contacts. If you leave the radio in a box to gather dust for years thinking it will save you when the time comes, it won't. That's just my two cents. I'm not a professional anything, and I don't claim to be. However, i've been in situations where radio was my only hope, and it works if you know what you're doing. Most importantly, learn the radio and teach others that will be around for the situation you're preparing for. If you're the only person that knows how to effectively operate, you've got one foot in the grave already. Great video though, hopefully this got some folks thinking about EMCOMM, it's just as important as security.

[@bhamptonkc7]

as a Ham line of sights radios can be a very powerful tool, our search and rescue group uses LOS equipment for 99% of our communications and being in central Washington we operate in the N cascades, there are skills and equipment that will allow you to get the most out of that equipment. I have an HF radio and can do voice and digital communications.

[@mikesimpson7748]

I bought all my HF rigs used and saved a boatload of money. $500 for a Yaesu FT-897 and tuner on Ebay. Many of the smaller HF rigs are portable and can run off a car battery in remote locations with just using a wire antenna.

[@bdm1000]

Thank you! I just started learning about this stuff and I noticed the same things about how most of these ham radio guys, while being exceptionally nice and knowledgeable, are a bit misleading when they make claims that it isn't as expensive as people make it out to be to get into HF. Ah, yes it is. For example, if you want to get into HF to do some DXing (long distance communications), on the low end you're looking at $500-$600 minimum for a "transceiver", but then you also need an antenna tuner which will easily run you $200+ (which typically don't come in the lower end transceivers), then perhaps $200-$300 for a power supply, another $100-$200 to thousands on an antenna and so on. Everytime I hear a ham radio guy on youtube talk about it, however, they'll say things like "Everyone tells you to get on HF you're going to have to spend $1,000, but you can get in for much cheaper than that." Yeah, you can buy a transceiver for half that, but then you need the power supply and other items! I used to work in the consumer electronics industry when I was a young man. When you bought a "receiver", that meant a tuner, preamp, and power amp in one (as opposed to true separate components which have a separate amplifier, preamp, and tuner). In ham radio, however, you're dealing with transceivers, and while they're even rated at 100 watts, for example (like an Icom IC-7300 for $1,000+ which is mostly regarded as an entry-level transceiver), it does not include the power amp. So essentially, you're "transceiver" is just a tuner and a preamp only without the power supply (i.e. amp). You can see how this is going to be a minimum of say $1,000 for entry level if we break it down with all the necessary components. It's actually quite disingenuous in my opinion when some of these people try to dismiss that as a myth because what they're really saying is that it does not take $1,000 to buy one particular part of their rig.

[@jeffreystroman2811]

As one who spent years staring at components and circuit boards, I can say any peice of equipment that manipulates RF is essentially a work of art that also has a power cord. Like if you were trying to make smoke rings with somebody else smoking. The medium tends to disappear while your trying to work it so from that view I can understand why it's not necessarily cheap. The cool part is how homemade stuff can be as good if not better. An old instructor made reference to analog electronics as "black magic" probably why he was teaching digital.

[@longrider42]

I have a Technicians license and I can use 70cm/2m/6m and a small part of 10m. However, 6m and above can be effected tremendously by atmospherics. Many in the Ham Club I belong too, say 20m is often the most open. As for the little HTs, yes in simplex mode, aka, radio to radio, 3 to 5 miles, depending on how good your battery is, how good your antenna is, the power of your radio, and what is between you and the person you are trying to contact. I use a TYT HT on my bike, hooked to a Diamond 7900 super gainer antenna, and that has boosted my range to maybe 10 miles, depending. So there you go.

[@deanc.5984]

Did you explain all the radios you showed? What's a good starter in the $100 to 200 range? In an emergency what's a good radio to grab right from the store?

[@Schmitz3]

It is real easy, when I decided to go for it, I signed up to a site that had practice tests figuring it would take me a couple of weeks to learn it all, that was on a Wed, by Friday I was passing every test with 100%, so late that night I found a place giving tests the next Saturday morning and took the test and passed. I just renewed for my 2nd 10 years.

[@iamsemjaza]

I luckily live in the half of Michigan covered by the WIRA repeater system. Counties and counties of coverage (even hit the "local" repeater from 25 miles out several times before with a 4w HT).

[@fnordhorn]

I have a 35ft telephone pole in the backyard of my 25 acres in WV I put 2 cross braces giving two16ft arms (8ft out from the center of the pole) Going around clockwise is: Inverted V HF 80 - 6 Meters, 2 Meters, 11 Meters CB, and GMRS (Covers FRS), If I take a 5 to 8-mile hike up the mountain where we (the local community) built a small shack and placed two 20 ft antenna poles we can put a repeater for 2m and GMRS. This also gives us a connection to the two hollers on the other side of the mountain. Lots of people in the holler have CB and/or GMRS/FRS. FRS is only good for maybe 1/2 mile. everything is 12v DC. The repeater equipment has been stored in a steel shielded cabinet for EMP, just like my radio shack has aluminum screening in the walls ceiling, and floor for EMP protection. As there is a stream/brook on the property I have a waterwheel that can run 2 car generators making 12v dc. Also in the cabinet is some older 12v CB 23 channel that could be passed out to people in the community

[@saifal-badri]

Very good overview, you did a great job simplifying this for new HAM operators.

[@gregoryhall2967]

I have a tech license, IMHO if shtf all the traffic is going to be 70cm 2m. Unless you have a specific relationship with other hams 70/2 is going to be the most useful

[@monkadelic13]

that and also 911 listens in on those freq as well- so even if you dont have a license, I say get a hand held. Id rather pay a fine than lose my life in an emergency

[@exgenica]

Well, FRS and GMRS are in the 70cm band...The frequencies (462.xxxx and 467.xxxx MHz) were "de-authorized" to regular Amateur Radio use some years ago. 2m and 70cm also include many emergency services and NOAA weather forecasts

[@solidcomms3136]

You have access to 28.000 to 28.500 it is voice not expensive . Rci 2950 is a good radio

[@garrettstephens91]

"If you want to talk outside of your neighborhood you are going to have to upgrade your equipment" (showing an HF setup and making the inference that you cannot do that with a Technician's license). You can talk "outside your neighborhood" with a simple HT if you use a repeater network. My entire state is connected with a Fusion repeater network (and the entire Fusion network is hooked up to alternative power, like solar or wind, so they are foolproof in a SHTF situation). I literally talked to a buddy of mine 120 miles away with my Yaesu FT-70 two days ago. Yes an HF rig (and a General/Extra) license makes it easy to talk outside your neighborhood (without relying on repeaters), but it is not the ONLY way.

[@MegaGeorge1948]

I remember that in the 1960's, Lafayette Radio and Radio Shack sold a 11 meter band, 100 watt (PEP) amplifier transmitter that could be connected to the CB radio transceiver 5 watt output. Of course it was illegal to operate on a CB license and the FCC could confiscate your equipment too if they caught it in action. But you can command the frequency easily using just a chimney mounted ground plane antenna.

[@JARyding]

CW - morse code- gets through when nothing else will

[@yessure5291]

@Mike Schnobrich My angry wife is

[@yankee495]

I've been into radio and electronics since I was a kid. I used to take things apart and I was given a broken B&W TV. If I could fix it I'd have my own TV. I got a CB when I was 14 and a computer when I was 16 in 1980 or so. As life goes, I never got a ham radio because of a family and all, and they were very, very expensive. I finally built a HF station and built my own 40 & 80 meter dipole inverted V antennas. I picked up a broken Dentron antenna tuner and fixed it. I now have a all band Kenwood HF radio, 40 and 80 meter antennas and a good 1,200 watt linear amplifier. I use an old base CB antenna for 10 meters and tune my 40 or 80 for the other bands. There isn't anywhere I can't go, including 160 meters. Well, 6 meters, that requires a 6 meter radio. We talk every night on 80 meters, and in the day we use 40, sometimes 20 meters. Local is considered within the United States. It's so hard to tell where someone is. One morning a guy came on with a super strong signal and I thought cool, a neighbor somewhere close. No, he was over 250 miles away on the other side of my state. I went straight for my general, took my tech and general on the same night but should've went for the extra too while I had all of that on my mind. I knew 95% of it from years past but when you don't use it you forget, how long is a wavelength etc? This stuff has always been second nature to me because I learned it young. I learned it on my own too, though books. My dad died at 11 and I met a guy who was a truck driver. He taught me about SWR etc, but I hit the books are started teaching him by age 15. Study. If you need to, find someone in your area on Facebook or two meter and go from there. There are a lot of hams, older guys, their wife died, a lot of their friends have died and they'd be proud to pass on their knowledge. It's part of supporting the hobby. Read why amateur radio exist to begin with. It's in the rules. I'd be glad to teach anyone who wanted to learn. It's not something you learn overnight, but you could be very good in a year, or even six months. The military teachers communication in a few months. Once the "light goes on" then you'll be able to do things on your own. Did I mention, I'm 25% of where is like to be. I sure wish I'd have met the right old timer when I was younger. Those guys built their stuff and it's becoming a lost art, but there are kits to build radios etc. They're not powerful but they tech the concept and from there you can build bigger and better. There is a KZbin ham channel that builds projects, some very cool stuff. I think I found it though ham nation. Anyway. If you want to learn, get a CB and check your area for people who are into radio. In some cities the old hams still chat on CB where they started, but not in my area. The CBers are all gone, ever since the kids quit playing CB hide and seek in the mid 90's. I used to fix their radios. Check Facebook, check local amateur radio clubs etc. Many hams have quite a few radios and would give a good student who becomes a friend a decent radio. Of course, it wouldn't be new, but it would allow coast to coast local communication. You need at least one long wire antenna and a antenna tuner, and a HF radio. Don't get a tube radio. Especislly don't get a 10 meter tube radio like a Siltronix because they were illegally used on 11 meters (CB band) and abused by CBers. The tubes are expensive and good radios are hard to find. Also, you want 40 and 80 meters etc. Radio is a fantastic hobby and could save your butt on a bad day.

[@harryhall6456]

Hello six years USAF 32+ plus retired police officer ham since 2005. Note that in a SHTF telling people were you might be by talking on the radio may get folks at your front door you do not want. No one will give a crap about a license or not whet its SHTF. Better to keep your radio talk to friends and family you trust in your safe zone around your home or base camp. Keep in mind bad solar flare or EMP attack makes all this stuff useless to include most vehicles. Plan ahead frequencies times to check in, passwords or codes to let each other know your ok and you have not been taken hostage. Digital radio is NOT morose code aka CW, digital radio is like narrow band cuts the range of the radios down . Always go wide band analog 25 mhz wide ham radio and GMRS are the only services left in the wide band mode, to get the best range use 2 meters aka VHF. 70cm aka UHF also GMRS has a shorter range than VHF but will go through walls inside buildings better. The big antenna on the house is good for range even on 50 watts but it too can attract unwanted guests! Its better to listen to whats going on in the world around you during SHTF instead of opening you big mouth and letting everybody know were your at and coming to see what they can take from you. I am sure in the worse case it will not be pretty please either may I have all of your food, water, guns, radio, and your women! Food for thought! K5HLH

[@ac14081408]

Some of the best advice!

[@hellinahalo]

We have very reliable Satellite phones for backpacking now. Most of them are quite affordable as well not thousands of dollars like the past. The industry has definitely evolved. I was going to get into the ham radio stuff, but I think I'm just going to test out these emergency satellite phones for a few months & report back it they work well. I think the advancments in sattelite internet & cell phones has increased, lots of field biologists & scientists use them.

[@soaring16]

While there are many options available, I have a 12v battery on trickle charge. I would also use a hand held as much as I can due to lower battery drain. Use the higher power units only when you have to. Listening only uses very little power. A hand held will also hit repeaters in many areas of the country. Many people have generators, if they're serious, so any time I'd be using the generator, it would be charging something I can assure you. You can also use a hand held as your base station. Just put up a J-pole somewhere and a low power, power supply. Power goes out, switch to your charged 12 volt battery. Receive distance will be much further than you may think with a good antenna. While it may sounds stupid, the best thing you can do is learn to use your equipment without reading the manual.

[@soaring16]

One thing I'll be looking into is solar panels to be used for charging or maintaining 12 v batteries.

[@patriot9455]

Ham radio clubs are the best source of deconfusing information and sense of actual radio operation. Preppers are especially vulnerable to lack of communication if all they do is think they can wait until "it" happens. After the disaster, if no one knows your callsign, you will probably not be responded to because other survivors, as well as preppers will be suspicious of strange callsigns and they will know that there are people out there who are of dishonest intent. This video is good, but, like he said, this is not the total answer, and I would recommend a general or extra class ham ticket. I have all older equipment, except for some Baofeng radios. My 200 watt HF unit is a hybrid. it orginally cost almost 2,000.00. I got it for under 400.00. I have a 2 meter all mode radio, that includes CW, it cost up close to 4 digits, I paid 50.00 for it. OLd radios are a good thing to have around. Having people who know you as a reasonable person in good times will be looking for your signal after a disaster. DX is not a bad thing, and high wattage output is not as important as a clear signal with good receive capability. QRP is going to be something you want to look into for its battery saving properties. The ARRL has some good books on antenna design, some of them can be hidden or disguised if you do not want the "bad guys" to know you have a ham radio.

[@Guilherme81]

Awesome video for a beginner like me. Been getting interest in this for the last few weeks. For the last few years it has only been a work tool with our Motorola pmr 446 rádios. I recently bought a few for myself but it's kinda getting more interest and i just bought a full set of Baofeng uv5r with all the extras, batteries, car antena etc etc etc... (hasn't arrived yet). I have been watching KZbin videos daily and just came here. Big hug from Portugal mate ✌️ 😊 🇵🇹

[@rkaag99]

Please don't under estimate what you can accomplish with the Technician license. It is more than 2M & 70cm. Much can be accomplished with 6M, 2M, 70cm SSB modes (yes, the rig costs more than a Baofeng). There are YT videos showing satellite comms with a Baofeng (perhaps not ideal, but possible). The Tech license gives you digital modes on 10M and above; CW on 15M, 40M, 80M... & you can use a computer to send/receive CW as well (some software is free). Bottom line, it's a pretty useful license to put into practice while you learn & $ave for the equipment upgrades. Best of luck on the license study! 73's Rob

[@edpetrovski6640]

Oh please......Sure the tech license has operating privileges on the HF bands with CW and digital modes. So--how many tech licensees can copy CW? How many bother to figure out what digital modes are much less put together a station to use them? I'll go way out on a limb here and say--less than 10%--probably a lot less. I see questions asked from licensed hams on here that make me shake my head.....like, "how long should my antenna be?". Gimmee a break. If you're asking a question like that you need to go back to the books.

[@ericbergmueller2981]

I like your "gun" analogy. It is the truth on many levels. The Technician part of 10 meters is interesting for preppers. When it is open, 10 meters can provide DX contacts, but these openings can be fickle. I'm learning about digital modes, and am trying to slim down the equipment to make it portable / backpack-able. I would given 80 / 40 meter CW some serious consideration. NVIS antennas can provide good local coverage for these bands. Experimenting with antennas could be likened to trying out new loads with your guns. Preppers should learn about antennas, and operating portable. Summits on the Air is a great activity to work up your skills, make on-air contacts, and find people who have the knowledge to make radio work in less than ideal conditions. 73

[@jamesk0ua]

Another excellent reply. Amateur radio is all about acquiring knowledge about antennas, radios, modes and operating skill. The only way you can just pick up a radio and start talking on it worldwide is if someone else has set up everything for you. Learning HOW to build a station and HOW to operate it is what amateur radio is all about. 73 James K0UA

[@billryland6199]

We are in a solar minimum period. 40 meters is the best band for now. 20 meters is good for longer distances when the sun is more active.

[@irishbastard2815]

you have good valid points but there is many things that need to be looked at I agree a 40 mm hf rig is important but have to think about portability depending on what the disaster is the option of a car or truck is not always a option

[@sewercrew1952]

Thank you for this, too many of my fellow preppers buy a baofeng, get their ticket, and throw the damn thing in the closet without testing limitations, distance, antennas, freq bands, or even what stations broadcast information, its sad really

[@lucassmith2332]

Well being somebody who's been looking into getting into ham sounds like you know what problems there are. I have even went to a local AARL meeting and left more confused then when I went there. It has been stupid difficult to find out any kind of decent info on ham for somebody who's interested.

[@scottbuttrick-w8skb396]

Excellent video. I’m studying for my Tech license right now.

[@TraumaRNKen]

Very useful video, thanks. I am interested in starting with HR but this gives me some stuff to think about.

[@danbutorovich246]

The biggest advantage to getting a license and upgrading is the additional knowledge of how radios actually work that those levels bring. Yes access to those frequencies is nice, but knowing how to use them effectively is more worthwhile. The best reason I have to get the licenses is knowlege.

[@dixiedog1179]

After a US citizen gets a ham lic, you can google the call sign and you have full legal name, address, and other personal information many of us don't want out there ,,,Like pants down.

[@acts9531]

So? Don't use your radio and you don't have to say your call sign. Don't tell people your call sign if you don't need to, I sure as hell am not going to tell you mine in a YT comment. If you get licensed, learn how to use the gear and then STFU. You're legal when you need it and your pants stay where they should be. You're not talking on the ham bands now so there's no need for you to go blabberflapping on the air when you get licensed. If you ARE talking on the ham bands now without a license your pants aren't going to be down when you get caught, they're going to be off and run up a flag pole.

[@stankatz01]

If your posting on the internet here, I think you could say that boat as pretty much left the harbor. JMHO

[@geoffroberts1126]

And that's really only useful post SHTF if you're in your recorded location. Ham gear can be operated mobile or portable as well. So if you have a home station, that's fine, but if you do have to bug out, anyone looking at your HA is gonna be disappointed.

[@brianmaier7529]

Great video. I am a ham radio operator myself. I am glad that you mentioned the need to not just get a license but to actually use the equipment that you buy. I see too many preppers get their license, buy a 2 meter hand held radio or mobile radio and then never use it and most of them don't go beyond that. Great job explaining the need to educate yourself on the features of your radio so that you know how to use it when you need it. Also, great job talking about HF and what it can do over what UHF and VHF can do.

[@chuckleskie]

I have my Extra class and I encourage upgrading. I have both HF and VHF gear, but yes. a person needs to ask themselves what their goal is with their ham gear. HF is great but most HF radios are current hungry and need a good power source and very large antennas for best performance. Especially in poor propagation conditions like right now which also needs to be considered during SHTF. and having the ability to work DX or out of state is fine but one needs to ask themselves, who do you plan to talk to out there that might be of help in an emergency. VHF/UHF is in fact very effective in most situations. If the repeaters are all down, I can turn my truck radio into a crossband repeater with a 150 watt amp and set up a Comet antenna on a painters pole in a matter of minutes which help boost my local coverage area a lot. Both HF and VHF have their place in an emergency. As far as which one is better, Well that depends where you are and who you need to talk to.

[@bruceforster3709]

You probably already know this, but for any of your viewers who may not..... Your analysis of 2/440 being down in an SHTF is spot on. You could have better explained Simplex communications; I didn't hear you go into that. You did mention line of sight-yes, 20-30 miles on an HT is about right under normal conditions. A Mobile or base 2 Meter 70Centimeter station with 50-75 Watts can get you about 100 miles, sometimes a bit farther, dependent upon Band Conditions and terrain. 40 Meters CAN be a good Band for direct communications out to 250 miles during the day, farther at night. 80 Meters shines at night. I live in Oregon and have at times made contacts on the East Coast on 80 Meters in the late evening hours. 20 Meters is THE DX, or Distance Band. It does best from mid day into the mid evening. 20 Meters is the band most likely to provide you with contacts on the other side of the world. I have an HF station with only 100 Watts output and a home built Dipole Antenna; With just that I've made contacts in more than 30 Countries. You can do THIS with your General Class License. The only reason I went all the way to my Extra Class is simply that I didn't want to have to worry about "Am I 5 Kilohertz outside my Band edge?" With the Extra, I know where my limits are and I don't worry about it. I got my Novice in December 1990. By November 1991 I had my Extra. With the Morse Code no longer required, I encourage everyone to earn their Extra Class ticket and have ALL of the privileges! Its a BLAST! This is just the tip of the Iceberg. I'm coming up on 30 years as a Ham, and I'm STILL learning new things about it!

[@PrimeAlphaMorph]

Great information new to ham and looking to get my license

[@ClayBlasdel44]

I appreciate the common sense, right to the point approach with lots of good info.

[@troymcdonald7440]

Ham is ALL about pepping! However, its definitely require some study and investment. My first rig a icom 706, used but it great condition. Made my one antenna and i was of the races. Your right about not for everyone but it is the best way to communicate with the world. In Puerto Rico after the hurricane it was the ONLY way to communicate! In glad your doing your general class and as for preppers your study puts you in a new level! Good luck and 73! KE8DWX

[@MJD1701A]

Field Day is a version of Prepping... just don't tell anybody! W8BEI

[@johnnorris1615]

technician class allows 10 meter band and that will reflect off ionosphere for long distance communication...with a good antenna and a CB you can talk all over the world no license..i got 2 identical handhelds for emergency, so 2 vehicles can stay in touch while moving, for example.and will always have an 11 meter CB radio in my truck and home as well.get HAM license but don't underestimate a good CB radio rig.

[@timthompson1533]

There are a lot of CBs out there that will keep you informed on what's going on locally, I still use them on Am and side band.

[@kimballwilliams7220]

To go that 'next step' to acquire CW, let me suggest the following: ‘Elmer’ - An experienced Amateur Radio operator with a steady hand who took you under their wing and taught you the right way to be a proper radio operator. Unfortunately, many Amateur Radio operators never had the benefit of an Elmer’s attention and kindness. Most of us were left to our own devices when it came to figuring it out. And most of the time it worked out fine… but there were other times, like the times we were wondering why nobody ever answered our CQs, because we didn’t know our code sending was so atrocious. It would have been nice back then, when CW was still relatively new to us, to have someone sit next to us and show us how to send better code… Howard Bernstein, WB2UZE and Rich Collins, K2UPS - the New Elmers - are changing all that with the Long Island CW Club. Beginning in January 2018, they started teaching Morse code and CW in live classes over the Internet to anyone who wanted to learn. Their method of teaching Morse code and CW is casual and fun. It is a unique experience that has already appealed to more than a hundred students wanting a less structured and more relaxed approach to learning the code. In a recent podcast, Howard and Rich explain how the club got started, their unique way of teaching, and the classes available to anyone wanting to learn the code and have fun. If you’re brand new to the code, or someone who’s been struggling to learn, checkout the Long Island CW Club… it just may be what you’ve been looking for. Check out the podcast at: www.ditdit.fm/shows/episode-23-the-new-elmers And look into the Long Island CW Club on line at: longislandcwclub.org/

[@theoldhobbit3640]

Any comms in a SHTF scenario is better than no comms and I would advocate that people who are interested go out and get their Foundation licence (Technicians). Give anyone a radio, even a Baofeng UV5R and without some knowledge they wont be able to use it. I have your equivalent Technicians license and have held it for four years. Over here we have all amatuer bands available to us as Foundation holders except 60mtrs. HF/VHF/UHF are used extensively and this offers a fantastic platform for extending your knowledge and progression of you want to. The one area that I have chosen to specialise in is field portable work and QRP. Building my own resonant antennas, power supply via solar and simple maintenance is a must for any radio operator in a Prep situation. I run several handies (Baofengs, VX6 and more recently a Retevis RT87 waterproof) and each and everyone one of them has its use, I have even built my own repeater in a peli case using 2 UV5R's for quick deployment supported by a solar panel. My QRP rig is a FT 817ND and that is a low power "shack in a box" covering almost every mode and band. Hooked up to a small linear it will cope in most situations. My goto radio for prepping is an ex military manpack which I used when serving and the nice thing is that it is EMP proof. The Clansman PRC320 is an excellent radio and has been designed for the soldier in the field and it really lives up to its name. Knowledge is the key to any subject and I would seriously advise anyone interested in radios to go to a local club and take your Technicians license and start learning from there, it will open up a whole new world of understanding. Great video and thank you for taking the time to share it. 73 M6KVK.

[@RESlusher]

The thing with amateur radio is that you have to ask yourself "What do you want to accomplish with it" much like you would with a gun as in your analogy. You wouldn't use a .22 to engage targets 600 yards away. The Bao Feng radio you shown in the video is good for local comms up to about 30 miles away. HF bands (10 meters all the way to 160m) have their place too. Some work better during the day and others at night. That's part of the never ending learning process that is ham radio. There's alternate power systems, antenna design, and Go-kits, each separate fields of interest in their own rights. You can even send email (including attachments like spreadsheets and pictures) entirely by radio. Get licensed at least to the "General" level. Find a local club. Don't be that guy that says, "Oh yeah! I've got a radio!" and when the manure impacts upon the oscillating ventilator it's as useless as tits on a boar hog; because you've never used it. The way you train will be the way you fight (metaphorically).

[@jamesk0ua]

Excellent reply... 73 James K0UA

[@aaronrobinson717]

Richard Slusher when the manure impacts upon the oscillating ventilator 👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾

[@markhadley1545]

Agreed. There are SHTF situations where the LAST thing you want to do is send a signal any further then is absolutely necessary

[@kubinb]

So can you help me?

[@snazzysnazzergryphon8550]

Excalty right some system's are better at night same for antenna's

[@josboersema1352]

I've noticed on footage from the war in Ukraine, Donbass, that the Militias used a lot of walkie-talkie like equipment. I don't have a clue as to what type, but I can imagine that it can be useful at whatever technology level, even children's toys (?). It could be very handy later that a lot of these people mentioned in the video, who don't get bigger equipment and experience, have a handheld somewhere, even if they never used it ? Another thing that was interesting about Donbass: the war was on, but people still needed to charge their I-phones to chat with friends, and they repaired the grid all the time too. Things are not necessarily all-or-nothing, every tool and skill you have is another option for use, it all depends on how it goes. If nothing happens you increased your skills and didn't become a drug addict, all positive, all good things at whatever level of interest.

[@IDWIE]

You can do a lot more than "talk around your neighborhood" with handheld radios like the Baofeng - if you're using repeaters obviously. Using my factory Baofeng UV-5R, I can easily receive and transmit anywhere within at least 30 miles of my home. It irks me when I hear people make comments that drastically under sell the realistic capabilities of these radios.

[@4313Ap]

I disagree with much of what you said, but mostly with regard to presentation of information, first in that you can't transmit well in a car because you're "surrounded by glass and stuff" it's not the glass, is the metal and certain plastics etc... You're partially surrounded by a Faraday cage... Next, you are very limited with a standard HT, you're right to a point, the antenna system is more of a problem than the radio, explain gain and directional antennas... I've talked on a Crystal controlled HT from Mobile Alabama, to Nova Scotia... On less than a half a Watt. Weather plays a part in this though. As for availability of interstate communications for a technician? 6 meters, especially with a directional antenna often can communicate over a larger area than many states. There are also 6 meter repeaters that cover large areas, as well as 70cm, 1.25M, 2M repeaters that input on a higher frequency band and output on a lower frequency band. Depending on the "shtf" scenario, they may or may not be affected. The band technicians would not be able to directly access would be the 10M band, but, they can access a higher frequency band repeater that can access it. There are at least 2 currently sold Mobile radios that cover 10M, 6M, 2M, and 70cm. The interstate and worldwide coverage on the higher frequencies is less likely than the lower frequencies to a point as well (think D Layer) these are things that could be explained easily...

[@billyjack5612]

Great video! There are so many videos for the beginner.... this one is very informative. Thanks!!!!

[@PsychoPlantLady]

Do you know if there are any good apps that help you learn the basics of ham radio or that possibly simulate having a ham radio so that I could get a feel for using one? I don’t know anyone who owns one.

[@montanaactualsurvival8769]

The ony thing you need for survival purposes is a 75m/80m receiver. Transmitting just gets you found

[@thecandyman9308]

Good, honest take on what to expect. Thanks for posting!

[@Majestiicc12]

Brand new here. Thank you for your down to earth explanation.

[@BasicPoke]

Thanks Dale. Great info. I have been listening to your podcast for a long time but this is the first time I have seen your face. I really appreciate all you two do.

[@marjamada]

Thank you for attempting an intro to Ham radio for preppers. I would suggest, for your next video, to use an outline and bullet points for your own delivery, so you cover material that is useful to beginners in a logical sequence. The limitation is not only the radio, it's your license privileges. A Tech cannot operate on HF, except a little CW. You generalize about SHTF and what services will be working - some repeaters may be up - depends on what has happened. One can use solar power, but there are alternatives. As an Extra class Ham, operating remote on solar power and batteries on HF exclusively, may I suggest getting your General so you have a better understanding of who can do what on what bands and what equipment is required. 40m is indeed useful, but you overlooked 10, 20, 80 and others we Hams use every day, like 15, 17, 6 etc. Good video anyway. K7MJA

[@solidcomms3136]

Not according to the FCC tech holds phone privileges from 28.000 to 28.500

[@37south47]

Excellent video!!! Only reason I haven't purchased ANYTHING or done ANYTHING in this area is because it's overwhelming and so much info bouncing around that it's actually not helpful. I need "the basics" on where and how to start.

[@kc5vip366]

37South, I hope I can be of some help to you. Being in ham radio for 21 years I would suggest first looking online, there is a lot on information on ham or amateur radio. Second take a look around for a local amateur radio operator, in most cases he or she would be glad to help you along. Some clubs place adds in news papers announcing events such as meetings, field day and hamfest. Most events in adds have contact phone numbers. Learning Morse Code is no longer required to get your license.

[@t3fLoN77]

37South I didn’t even know a ham before I got my ticket. I studied the material, both using the ARRL Technicians book and online test prep websites, and simply googled “ham test locations” finding (unbeknownst to me at the time) one of the largest groups in our area. Once you go and take that test you will automagically start to meet people and become part of the community. They will become a tremendous resource for you as you develop your skills. Just get your tech ticket and you’ll be good to go.

[@davidbrock4104]

Nobody talks about packet but it used to be used quite a bit & can be pretty useful in emcomm situations

[@ghettocracker5005]

My AM/SSB Roadtalker Slantface will do just fine. The switch in the back even works still... 😜 💣🇨🇳

[@annoying.solicitations8319]

. Great post Prepping for all scenarios Is easier to understand So thanks for your video Looking to get technical and General license with study time Be Well God Bless Thanks again ...

[@J_David_Worthington_III]

Great video! Thanks for sharing it with us! You really should consider the Yeasu FT -897D or the FT817ND in your com plan! 73's KD9JEO

[@janbrittenson210]

It's worth noting that most comms ARE local, and mostly for convenience and time efficiency. Without phone service a VHF/UHF handheld is a premium item. Cheap little HTs also make fine auxiliary stations and let you be HF callable via UHF anywhere on your property and often miles around. You just need a General license and a suitable base station or setup. (FCC regulations apply.) If your neighbors have T class licenses they too can use your setup for HF communications. A $25 UV-5R will handle that role just fine, out of the box. I'd absolutely encourage everyone I know to get a T class license and a cheap handheld - the more that have it, the more useful it is as a backup for local use. (And, if you operate a cross-band HF/UHF repeater or base station, the more useful YOU can make yourself.)

[@danielguardado8842]

You sir have earned a subscriber with this awesome educational video. Awesome schooling.

[@joec369]

Got my Technician License, got a TYT UV8000e 10 watt hand held for $85. Dual band 2m and 70cm. I can get repeaters on a mounting 20 miles away, Transmit and receive. I can talk to people in my region. And if they use ECO link further. Not bad for $99 ($14 test + $85 handheld). Many repeaters have a backup power source that would be good for a few days. But like you mention getting General license for short wave would be better for prepping. I plant to get mobile unit, and base station, and of course General License.

[@omzkilet56]

You can also use car batteries to power your HF rig and communicate across the world ( with your technician class license) in a grid down senerio.

[@solarfly_]

But only with CW (morse) or data modes.

[@stevelacy316]

Actually you do have voice on a portion of the 10 meter band.

[@uquilly]

In an SHTF situation, I’ll be using voice whether I have the right license or not.

[@stevelacy316]

uquilly you might but vary few will answer.

[@patrickslevin6424]

If that's your plan I urge you to start listening to HF radio now. Understand how these people talk because they'll spot you as a newbie...which will probably be OK but you'll put yourself that much ahead if you understand the Q codes they will be using.

[@PsychoPlantLady]

Your video was very informative. I’m really interested in getting a ham radio. It seems like a fun hobby with practical purposes. But the whole process of getting a license is very intimidating. It seems like you need a lot of technical knowledge to get started too. Do you have any recommendations on websites for beginners to look into? This seems so complicated.

[@mikeharnett2410]

You might also add that Technician class licensee's have free reign of every ham band from 50 MHz and higher, as well as voice from 28.300 to 28.500 MHz in the 10 meter band. And don't be so quick to write off repeaters as "failing along with the infrastructure", many MANY 2 meter & 70 cm repeaters are fully equipped with emergency backup power and solar/wind recharging capabilities to be able to stay on the air indefinitely during a power failure.

[@davidcline7883]

Neglected to talk about 10m which is avalible to techs. I have talked from NJ to FL on 10m in the tech's privilages (Gen class KD2SIN).

[@MuckyWaters]

Living in the mountainous province of BC Canada the basic licence and 2 metre hand held radios have been a great safety asset when engaging in outdoor activities in the wilderness where cell phone service coverage is at best spoty but more generally non existant. The abundance and far reaching coverage of local club 2 metre repeaters gives you a gratifiing sense of security when treking into far flug areas of the bush knowing you can nearly always call for help in case of an emergency or much needed help,,,, providing you carry a properly working 2 metre radio with a fully charged battery with you. A basic amatuer licence and a $200 hand held 2 Metre radio is all you need if you want that kind of extra security.

[@eliinthewolverinestate6729]

You can get a 10$ to 35$ pi and build satellite communication in with radio. Or get a full radio that runs all bands. You can buy an amplifier. Skip at dusk and dawn sometimes other times of day. We use UHF and vhf on boats. Working on Charter license so need radio licenses to go with. You can make simple dirt battery in grid down. Check out earth batteries or ground batteries to provide constant electricity in grid down or get off grid. Penny batteries would work too in a pinch. Crystal radio and fox hole radios run no batteries. It is easy to make electricity. They don't want you to know this.

[@jeremyc9641]

Wow! Thank you for this video! Well said and simple enough for me to follow. I appreciate your time.

[@danhober150]

Good video. I’ve been a ham for almost 10 years. I’ve got my general license and I’m pretty experienced with Hf, digital modes satellite, echo link, DMR, C4fM irlp, aprs, fl digi, etc and I’m a CW (Morse code) operator. I can tell you that in a real SHTF, “grid down” situation. Vhf/ uhf (2 meter 70 cm) is the last place I would go for help or info. Every Tom,Dick and Harry prepper that bought a Baofeng (licensed or not) would be gumming up the repeaters, even if they had back up power. In garden variety local disaster then the local repeaters will be fine. For a real shtf situation you’ll need more than 40 meters. (The antenna length of the common dipole arrangement for 40 meters is about 66 feet long by the way.). You’d need to have the skills and equipment to use multiple bands at various times of the day, season and latitude. Chances are, most people that start the hobby won’t stick with it long enough or want to spend the $ to go that far but that’s where sticking with ham radio clubs is a good idea. Here is a rhetorical question. In a shtf ordeal, how often will you (personally)really need to talk to people out of the state and out of the country? Who would you talk to? What would you talk about? My recommendation is to Join a club that has experienced operators and build a network on a local basis.

[@joewilson2258]

What he forgot is that you have the ability to transmit on the 10 m band , the 6 m band and all the bands from 2 m to the gigahertz bands . Then again with the 2 m and up you can use the satallites to communicate .

[@davidbrock4104]

For those interested, Techs have privileges in 80,40, 15 & 10 meters in HF. Use a computer, etc to send & receive if you have to in an emergency. They do it in contests anyway.

[@Joe-po9xn]

So with HAM radio you can communicate with people in other countries, even the ISS in space. I know a guy who's a ham enthusiast who does that periodically (I believe it's VHF vs UHF if I recall correctly). Would that still be possible in a SHTF situation, assuming your equipment isn't too bad?

[@Fitingbros101]

Im a newbie, about to start studying for technician license. I understand that being part of a ham group is very important, because nobody is going to trust you if you tuck your radio away after purchase and whip it out when shtf. That being said HF long-distance radio seems like it could have many uses like finding resources/opportunities or other groups in other states, for example. excited to start learning more, i'll probably just pay for an online class, rather than source all the info elsewhere online as that will take much longer

[@JDK45ACP]

Appreciate the straight forward and useful information.

[@donnymazinga5295]

Great video! It’s very helpful and informative, so you’ve gained a new subscriber. Thanks for posting...

[@n8nkqrp595]

Any ham that intends to use HF in a prepping situation would be crazy not to include a multi-tap UNUN in their bag/kit/etc. You can obtain simple wire almost anywhere. With the UNUN you'll get on any HF band with no tuner at all, and if not a perfect match, one that's well under 1.5:1. I've posted lots of videos on this.... 73 OM

[@jfrphoto01]

The only ham band that is channelised is 60 meters, 5 channels in the 5 MHz frequency ranged. These are shared with the US Govt/military. Auteurmateur Radio Operaters are secondary users there and must yield the channel (change channel/frequency/band), when told to do so, by any Gov't user! All other bands/frequencies are controlled on your HF/VHF/UHF rig via a VFO (Variable Frequency Oscillator! As a Tech, you have access to the 80/40/15 meter bands, CW only, as well as the 10 meter band, CW (28.1-28.3 MHz) and USB (28.3-28.5 MHz).

[@drnv150]

You should get your license because you want a life long hobby, to learn new technical skills, meet other hams and if you're lucky get to help volunteer with various clubs, agencies and community organizations. When I was younger, HF was the reason I got my license. I talked to between 150 and 200 Countries back in the late 1980's and 1990's PSK31 works well, with relatively low power (20 to 30 watts) I have met alot of Hams and some are life long friends. Solar cycles have made it tougher, but there are still communications openings to most of U.S. and many Countries depending on the time of day and the band you are using, several days of almost every week. I use portable HF radios with magnetic loop antennas because of HOA antenna restrictions, run, 100 watts with 20 amp hour batteries, 50 watt solar panel with a charge controller designed to monitor, charge the battery and protect radio gear. I use at many volunteer events, outdoor events or just camping. I was driving to the store mobile a few months ago and talked to Siberia Russia, when the band conditions were projected to be bad, so you never know who you might get to contact.

[@troystutsman1400]

Would you please explain what HF is and how does it differ...? Thanks for sharing this information with us. Have a great day and be blessed.

[@scottmcmullen6782]

HF is usually considered to be about 3-30 MHz. The antennas required are larger, and at times, communications can span hundreds or thousands of miles.

[@brucelitteaur7623]

Great Info. I'm a newby with a Tech license and studying for my General. I just need to get some decent equipment.

[@joesixpack7551]

I'm new to this but bought the Baufang cheapo radio to get my feet wet. You mention that the 'repeaters' will be down in grid down situation, but since the Ham Radio guys have an interest in that, do they get involved with the maintenance so they can 'make sure' that repeaters are up in grid down? Assuming resources like backup electricity, etc is available?