How I Make My Field Cards - Get Ready Now

[@owlcricker-k7ulm]

I used to have loose notes in my bag. The laminator is a game changer. After a long time or if things are hurried or tense, the cards save time by making fewer errors. There is a reason pilots use check lists for EVERY FLIGHT. These just make you more efficient in the field.

[@TheTechPrepper]

Exactly. Pre-flight check lists are a must. I maintain a few these for the start-up process for certain digital modes that I don't use very often. Laminate everything!

[@user-zt8ri7pw6j]

@@TheTechPrepper All Bosses, are bout the sleeve roll, especially when their being filmed. Showing themselves as true Sigma bosses !

[@adubs.]

This series plus the work S2 Underground and OH8STN are doing is really pulling me into the rabbit hole.

[@TheTechPrepper]

There are tons of rabbit holes to explore on the comms side. It's a blessing and a curse. Enjoy.

[@The_Duck_Pond]

I’ve taken this concept a bit larger … that is, I’ve created “cards”/sheets which fit on a pilots leg board and use when off road/hunting/shooting. Some cards are laminated and some are on rite-in-the-rain card stock. They are colored coded forGeograpic/Maps, “Comms/Radio”, Med/SAR, DOPE/Bullet Drop and general notes. Work in concept.

[@TheTechPrepper]

My brother from another mother. I do something very similar. My commo plans and offgrid reference material is printed on a combination of card stock paper and Rite-in-the-Rain paper, then protected with faux leather covers and lastly spiral bound. I actually cut down standard 8.5" x 11" in half length wise so that these are more compact.

[@rhoy1859]

Purchased and followed everything in the video and have made several sets of field cards, they came out great. Recently put together a reference binder using 5x7 laminates, 6-hole punch and a Rite in the Rain binder/cover. Using slides makes it easy, thank you for sharing your knowledge!

[@TheTechPrepper]

Glad you like them! Very nice approach. That's a nice little form factor that you're using. In fact, I'm working on a set of field resources for the exact binder that you have. My Rite-in-the-rain paper for my printer arrives this week. You can actually print two sheets per 8.5x11 sheet.

[@wbaisjeff]

If you have a laser printer, you can print the cards on write in the rain paper to protect this valuable information from moisture just in case the seal breaks on the laminate

[@TheTechPrepper]

This is a great tip. I'm a big fan of the Rite-in-the-Rain paper and notebooks. I use their paper to print my custom maps. The only reason that I picked up a laser printer last year was for that application. Thank you for mentioning this.

[@gunny2444]

Circling back on this video.... just put together my "admin" desk with laminator, printer the sort. I'm planning on making these cards for the wife and kids emergency ration kits I've put together for them. These cards will guide them from the "run, fight, hide"... to once your are in a safe place open radio and follow along with cards to make emergency call. Thanks for always keeping my mind moving. Just connected to JS8call as well. Have a good one. S/F

[@chrisanderson119]

Used to do this in the 90's and forgot about it. Thanks for the reminder!

[@TheTechPrepper]

Any time!

[@kerbalairforce8802]

I'm copying the basic form to hand out ref cards in my avionics class for HF, UHF, VHF, Satcom radios.

[@toothnfang69]

Not all hero’s wear capes. Love this content for self sufficiency.

[@DSD]

Really appreciate this video this is something I've been wanting to do and I like your logical setup for doing this. Thanks! Definitely learning a lot from your channel!

[@henryslab]

Please continue this series

[@jorgecamacho1386]

you can hole punch those cards(corner) and put it on a keyring or book ring. better than stuffing a wallet and pick ones you need. You can attach it to a carabiner. Good vid 👍

[@TheTechPrepper]

Thanks for the tip! I've done that too. Works great.

[@byroncudworth382]

Ive taken inspiration from your method and a slightly different approach. Using the Rote in Rain 1/2 capacity field binder and scotch 4.3 " x 6.3" lamination. I have created a 'battle book' for my work. Ill probably buy another for HAM and stuff. Bigger? Yes. But also allows me to keep alot more info in a small go-bag or my EDC truck bag. Hope this helps someone.

[@TheTechPrepper]

I used to use that exact size for my original 3" x 5" cards. They were just too big, but they worked great for the first few years. Here was the original video: kzbin.info/www/bejne/pnOrY4GtgN9moaM

[@kendebusk2540]

Thanks for these tips! I have about 10 pages I need to laminate and the local quick-print shop wants an arm and a leg each, nearly $4. For what I'd pay to do those, I just ordered the machine and enough empties to do those and more. So, after this batch, it's all gravy :)

[@TheTechPrepper]

It's a good investment. I've had this laminator for a few years. I've laminated maps and just about anything that needs additional protection. Happy laminating.

[@muhammadslwaey8829]

Thanks

[@TheTechPrepper]

No problem. Have a good.

[@pewtuber243]

Very handy thank you for sharing this idea.

[@TheTechPrepper]

You're very welcome!

[@user-zt8ri7pw6j]

There she is, I see here. That beautiful IC 7200, gleaming her bright school bus colored screen glow !

[@TheTechPrepper]

The 7200 is a wonderful rig. It has replaced my FT-897D. It's a great rig for digital and voice.

[@darrinpearce9780]

Great tip, thanks for sharing. 73

[@TheTechPrepper]

No problem 👍

[@tomeidam8897]

Good stuff, may I suggest looking for the badge style laminator pouch, then you can put on a key ring to keep together. you could use a hole punch but not water tight then.

[@TheTechPrepper]

Great idea! But, I prefer to keep mine in my wallet.

[@bt1959]

I'm in for any basic series.

[@timreasoner3744]

Another (why didn't I think of that) great video Gaston! I am really looking forward to your take on DMR!

[@TheTechPrepper]

Thanks, Tim. I almost did not make this video as I assumed most people were already doing something along these lines. The DMR one should be interesting. I'll approach with my spin and PoV. Take it easy.

[@genebalinski645]

Brilliant. Very military-esq. Takes all the worry out of moving from radio to radio and mode to mode, **especially** when under duress. Well done. Please keep up the great work.

[@TheTechPrepper]

Will do. Glad you found it useful. These cards have proven their weight in gold many times on the communications side. More or the way!

[@Sean-AI7EQ]

That laminator is a great idea. Thanks for sharing.

[@TheTechPrepper]

It really is! Live long and laminate everything.

[@mateo1726]

This was a great video as it contains info I need and couldn’t really find a good video on

[@TheTechPrepper]

Glad it was helpful! Thanks.

[@tomsmall6220]

Great info on the cards. Really looking forward to the 878 series - not much good info out there. Thanks for your hard work!

[@TheTechPrepper]

You're welcome. There will be more cards coming, especially a set for the AnyTone D878 UV II Plus. I've been meaning to port my older and larger 3" x 5" cards to this format. The BMAC group will be the first to be notified when these are posted. Thanks for the support!

[@WildMedGuru1]

Loved this info - thx !!

[@TheTechPrepper]

Glad it was helpful!

[@myockey]

I operated on HF for the first time two weeks ago and my very first takeaway was that I needed a privileges reference for my General class license. This is perfect.

[@TheTechPrepper]

Yes, this was one of the first type of cards I made for myself when getting my General class privileges a few years back. They were made on 3" x 5" index cards at that time.

[@kj7a--]

Finally got around to buying this setup (using your amazon referral link of course), everyone who subscribes to your channel needs this, there are a million uses for this thing! Thanks for sharing it with all of us!

[@TheTechPrepper]

Thanks for picking one up and for the reminder. I need more laminating pouches. 73

[@K6SUD]

Great video Gaston!

[@TheTechPrepper]

Glad you enjoyed it

[@nickforcum3964]

Those might be the only DMR videos I want to watch

[@TheTechPrepper]

This will be a different perspective on DMR. I hope you'll enjoy it.

[@pale_2111]

Great video on the cards. One thing I might add is to put the AM call frequencies on the bands and FM on 10m. That way you're not always in SSB. Having data watering hole frequencies wouldn't hurt as well. I'm interested in the DMR videos. Already got D-STAR and YSF. Just don't have DMR capability yet. D-STAR is the easiest that I've used so far. YSF is a bit more complicated because one doesn't have repeaters preprogrammed into the radio, unlike Icom. Having a digital voice radio capability is a nice way to have mostly secure communications. Keeps away prying ears. By the way, try a DMR repeater or hotspot and link into a reflector/chat room. You might have some fun with it.

[@TheBoris0175]

Again, good stuff!

[@TheTechPrepper]

Glad you enjoy it! I appreciate the support.

[@TheTechPrepper]

You have that right. There were a lot of lessons in this one. It's time for an update video as I made a lot of changes to the load out since this was first recorded. I still believe that bugging out should be a last resort. Hunker down with your community if you can. Take care.

[@mastersili]

🎯 Key Takeaways for quick navigation: 00:42 📚 Field cards are small pieces of information used as memory aids in emergencies, containing essential instructions, frequencies, and contacts. 02:33 🖨️ Creating field cards is easy using software like PowerPoint, Keynote, or Google Sheets; print, laminate, and cut for durability and weatherproofing. 03:01 🎨 Customize field cards with relevant information, keeping instructions simple and contacts limited to a select, trusted group. 11:09 🖨️ Printing multiple copies allows distribution to family, neighbors, and mutual assistance contacts, increasing the network's effectiveness. 14:33 🎒 Create redundancies by carrying field cards in everyday carryitems, emergency bags, and notebooks, ensuring access in various situations. 16:04 📻 Explore DMR radio technology with a focus on practical prepper applications, emphasizing real utility over internet-connected functionalities. Made with HARPA AI

[@TheTechPrepper]

Thank you for the excellent summary, Mr. Bot Man.

[@notshared2543]

Looking forward to the DMR. Also interested in your take on Bluetooth headphones with the anyone. I've got a regional map with the repeaters called out and channels that's been handy.

[@kj7a--]

Great info, but now I have another thing to buy!

[@TheTechPrepper]

These are great for maps, too. You can mark them up a dry erase marker. It's nice little investment.

[@drdiesel1]

Although I absolutely agree on the usefulness of such cards, I hesitate to include friends and family with contact/ID info due to how that could be abused in certain situations. Unlikely but possible.

[@TheTechPrepper]

I was going to suggest the same thing. You can do this with passwords. It doesn't not take much to obfuscate the information. A simple substitution of a couple of characters works well.

[@genemcphee8053]

Outstanding presentation. I will be planning on putting these cards together for myself. I CANNOT wait for the DMR lessons. I have two and I'm totally lost. 73, Gene, N3XUS.

[@TheTechPrepper]

I've been putting DMR off for two years largely because it sounded like a very steep learning curve. It's really not that bad. Spoiler alert, I am taking an incremental approach to learning it, starting by getting familiar with the radio and software by using it for analog first.

[@sandybottom6623]

A very good idea! 73s

[@TheTechPrepper]

Thank you! Cheers!

[@kb6lcw99]

😊

[@enriquediaz7547]

Good stuff. Sometimes “low tech” is the best tech.

[@TheTechPrepper]

Low tech and simple are great for high stress situations. No batteries needed.

[@Scout75PortableRadio]

I looking forward to you take on utilizing DMR. I have a DMR H/T that I really haven’t done much with. I see real world applications with using it in simplex with a group. Interested in seeing that from your perspective.

[@TheTechPrepper]

Here's an early access drop that I shared with the BMAC members. It will go live publically on Friday. Enjoy it now ad-free. Keep up the good work on your channel, bud. kzbin.info/www/bejne/f6nNhYujmpZnpsU

[@TinyTJ04]

Looking forward to the DMR series!

[@TheTechPrepper]

Me, too. I've been taking lots of notes for the last two weeks. I am looking forward to sharing it with you and the community.

[@TinyTJ04]

@TheTechPrepper I wouldn't be interested if it weren't for your approach. I'm not a rag chewer. My random contacts are via POTA and are just for fun. Having a more significant use for DMR has me interested. I did some testing with DSTAR and it's got some good features for preparedness too, but I'm not sure how it will compare.

[@TheTechPrepper]

@@TinyTJ04 I am going with DMR for a very specific reason over the other digital modes (e.g. CF4M and DStar). Stay tuned.

[@firstmighk]

Yet another great vid! Looking forward to your take on DMR. Also really curious where that XTS5000 fits into your plans.

[@TheTechPrepper]

It's interesting that you mentioned the XTS5000. I've had that radio for the last 18 months, but have not really done anything with it until recently. Initially, I was drawn to them as rugged radios that could solve my encryption use case as survive the Sonoran Desert. Sourcing the UCM encryption boards, building the keyloader and tracking down the Customer Programming Software (CPS) and then programming was a bit more effort than I had time for, so I put it on hold. When I discovered DMR and found that the D878 UV II Plus. could to encryption, I decided to explore radios like the AnyTone 878 and surplus commercial MOTOTRBO radios to be a better replacement for the XTS5000. I am already finding plenty off issues with the 878, so I am diving deeper in commercial HT's that can do DMR. I'll talk about all this during my DMR series. I usually have a reason and plan for selecting and vetting certain hardware. Stay tuned.

[@firstmighk]

@@TheTechPrepper Excellent! Looking forward to more. Your planning and reasoning is what keeps your channel on my short list of subs I actually frequent. Fortunately, the moto CPS (even Depot) has gotten easier to come by. I recently made the plunge and have a few 5000s on the way. We'll see how that goes. @commsandlogistics has a decent video on getting going with the CPS. On DMR, I jumped in and got a couple radios and a hotspot a couple years ago, but I'm like you - not much for random rag-chewing, so the hotspot will either get sold or go in a drawer for now. I haven't messed with LOS DMR yet. Since you're planning on covering that, maybe I'll hang on to the radios for a bit and make some time to play with DMR again.

[@TheTechPrepper]

@@firstmighk It seems like we are on the same page. A supporter is loaning me a hotspot, just so that I can see what the fuss is about. It was an expense that I was not willing to make, but it is worth trying it once. I am diving into DMR for simplex as well as for building local, secure data networks over RF. Stay tuned.

[@seanboyle951]

Has anyone mastered getting these to print double-sided and have everything line up properly? If I use waterproof, no-tear paper, I could eliminate the laminating and make the stack thinner, just using thicker stock for "covers".

[@radiomancommunications9192]

Consider putting ALL your gear not in use at the moment into good faraday bags or cans so all your gear will not get trashed with EMP or other brownout or blackout caused damage by events such as solarstorm . It looks cool on shelf but it puts it at risk

[@kevinc9416]

Lets get the DMR video going😂😂

[@TheTechPrepper]

It's in-flight. DMR coming to a theater near you.

[@jamesyoung159]

Can't help but tell you after the first time I saw you use Field Cards, I made a set for the many modes on my 857, and under stressful situations, have saved me, by using the guide to be sure I had the correct settings for what ever the comms plan. Thanks for sharing and looking forward to the next in the series.

[@TheTechPrepper]

Good for you James, I did the same thing for my FT-857D when I first got started. They come in handy under stress. I need to port these cards to the new business card format and share it with you guys.

[@jameslee522]

Time turning backwards. Back to the rolodex!

[@TheTechPrepper]

That's how I roll. If I could get a landline, I would. ;-)

[@K9TPT]

Another great video. Can you tell me which bag to get for my FT-891 with side rails on it please ? Thank you !

[@TheTechPrepper]

I no longer make my bag for the FT-891, but the PRC/117G pouch from High Ground Gear works great when used with the TPA pack frame from ARMOLOQ. I did a video on this. Search for manpack and ft-857d on my channel page. The 857 is the same dimensions as 891.

[@K9TPT]

@@TheTechPrepper will do Thank you

[@jonram3923]

Hi, I’m new to radio and comms, how do you build up on of your paccks?

[@TheTechPrepper]

This is the first in a five part series on how and why. Military-Style Radio Manpacks for Civilians - Part I kzbin.info/www/bejne/aWWXgo1tbsRoe7M

[@gmdavisphotography3422]

Awesome layout for your cards! Would you be willing to share the document for easy reproduction?

[@TheTechPrepper]

At this point, this is a member perk. But, these are really simple to make using presentation software and by dropping a couple of text fields and boxes on the slide. I covered the exact dimensions early in the video. Thanks.

[@gmdavisphotography3422]

@@TheTechPrepper Great Idea! That is definitely a worthy perk. Love your channel. It's a huge driving force behind getting my general class recently. Not wanting to sound like a shill but I follow S2 Underground as well and he has recently begun an emergency comms segment he did in an overview video titled "Introducing: GhostNet". Immediately thought of you and that with your technical expertise and his background, it would make a killer collaboration. Thank you again for all of the hard work and dedication you put into the art. 73! - KQ4JOC

[@TheTechPrepper]

@@gmdavisphotography3422 There are a few other perks. I am glad that you're finding value in the channel, Gregory. I've been trying to connect with S2 Underground as we have some overlap in what we do. In fact, I think he borrowed my idea on using the Panasonic FZ-M1 Toughpad as a field computer. More content on the way. The DMR videos should be fun.

[@chuckchamplin6627]

@The Tech Prepper......Gaston do no a second hand marked where i could find a ft-818 .ebay only has Japanese version.anf Thank you for the and for getting me into ham radio......i am takeing my tecknition test in to weeks.

[@TheTechPrepper]

Great question. Avoid the Japanese version at all costs. It has a number of limitations in the US market. My advice is to try the classified section on QRZ.com or eHam. Personally, I find the best prices at local hamfests. Get there when they open and bring cash. Good luck with the license.

[@chuckchamplin6627]

@TheTechPrepper gaston eham is a good sight but i dont have my tech license yet that will be to weeks.and they have a 897d for 700 bummer .i dont know and one here that is a ham.sucks.i'll keep looking.thanks any ways.....Charley

[@chuckchamplin6627]

We keep texting like this, we will have to exchange Christmas cards lol

[@mervmartin2112]

A small hole in the corner of the card and a split ring keep your cards together. I have a clumsy problem when I'm holding things like your cards.

[@TheTechPrepper]

Great tip!

[@vironpayne3405]

Yawn material, but important material. Sorta like dry socks and dry powder. Maybe someone like Vanna White showing the cards might spice up the presentation. ; )) 73, N4VEP

[@TheTechPrepper]

Like I said, no sexy. But, boy do these coming handy. I have been delinquent in finishing out my stack of cards, so the timing worked out. The DMR series will be more interesting. Stay tuned.

[@SilverBackGeek]

Great idea and video. I am really wondering how you made the "data" boxes on the cards. I can't really afford the $25 level and the $5 level is sold out. Did you use the "Slides" app alone or did you build the data in "sheets", make a chart and import it? Or what?

[@TheTechPrepper]

Glad to hear that you found the video useful. Also, thank you for bringing the Basic membership issue to my attention. I forgot that I capped the number of members. If you are still willing there are slots open now. 1. I used Slides alone to make all these cards. 2. Everything was manually entered by hand. 3. I did not use any fancy tables. I only used two objects: text and the rectangle box. 4. The trick to displaying tabular data, is not to use tables. I just use a text area, set the font to Courier New (since it is fixed width), and then just highlight the text.

[@SilverBackGeek]

Thanks a lot! @@TheTechPrepper

[@alexahedo85]

If I sign up for the basic membership for $5 will that give me access to download the template for the cards that you make?

[@TheTechPrepper]

Yes. All the past member content is listed under the Posts section, including the template. You'll also get early access to videos (ad-free), access to limited products, a member live stream, and access to a private Discord.

[@alexahedo85]

Thanks. I have another question is it possible to program gmrs simplex frequency to a btech dmr 6x2 radio? If so how?

[@ALL_OUT_OF_BUBBLEGUM]

Anyone know if we can get special printers to print on Rite In The Rain paper?

[@TheTechPrepper]

You just need a laser printer. I only purchased a black and white laser printer so that I could print on Rite-in-the-Rain paper. These are great for printing maps and field manuals.

[@ALL_OUT_OF_BUBBLEGUM]

@@TheTechPrepper Sounds awesome! You should do a video on it! 😏

[@TheTechPrepper]

@@ALL_OUT_OF_BUBBLEGUMHere is the original video that I made. It used the same laminator. The only difference is that I switched to black/white laser printer and Rite-in-the-Rain paper. kzbin.info/www/bejne/aXPdkJuOfrqcmMU

[@otakurj]

Ah yes, another Notch hat wearer 👍

[@TheTechPrepper]

Man, the Notch is great. It's perfect for sun glasses and ear pro.

[@zeebraeend]

I'm looking forward for the dmr videos. With or without the global connection. 73's de PD1XAN

[@TheTechPrepper]

It looks like you watched the video to the end. ;-) I plan to present DMR very differently. I'm still ramping up on it, so will be presented simply and from the perspective of a newcomer. 73