Intro to Advanced Comms for the Prepared Citizen

[@HobbiesWithMike]

Definitely one of the most sensible guntubers on here

[@Andrew-kk2ry]

Oddly cringy at the same time.

[@trey0001069760]

SATCOM Military Expert here, just some quick tips about RF and what is effective long range. I have 6 years of experience and training in both commercial and military including Tactical and Strategic RF. HF (around 40MHz generally) is very efficient as a 20w backapck radio with an antenna placed on a structure or tree can TX and RX from anywhere in the US. This is because the HF modulation bounces off of the ionosphere and sends it back down from you to your D/E. UHF range is around 300MHz- to 3Ghz, also including IF range like most commercial and military modems use 950MHz to 2000MHz before up conversion and Amplification. UHF is better for areas with large amounts of solid surfaces for your RF to bounce off of. Because of this, places likes cities or small towns towns are preferred. VHF RF range 30-300MHz is better for visual line of sight ranges to cross country ranges if you have the mobile gear (antenna and power) to transmit that frequency as those Carriers. 40MHz is around your cross country RF range while your basic Baeofang radio can use VHF(300MHz) for line of sight communications generally from 5-10 miles over country, depending on your equipment and power. As always, I'm very experienced in Satellite communications but please also do you own research as setting up your comms and preferred RF carriers can set you up for success with your team/family/etc. always have RF plans and always have RF backups! Also when it comes to tracking RF carriers, use your comms sparingly as I know most of y'all don't have a FCC license so please be smart about what you say over the radio and don't give out any personal information! The FCC, government agencies, and normal civilians can track your location with a Spectrum Analyzer in MINUTES. I do this for work and trust me it's not hard at all to find anyone, especially if they are blasting a satellite or even your local comms in your neighborhood! Encryption is great but sucks when it comes to compatibility with other "units" with different systems. The big fallacy is that encryption will make you invisible, not at all. Analog or digital it doesn't matter, your RF carriers will still be visible at long as you're TX or RX

[@amacecho]

Not going to lie.. 0:31 seconds made me do a double take because I thought Nova was on the hood being an absolute baller just chilling while a shot is ringing out right next to her. Only to find out on a second watch that it was the stuffed Nova... Either way. Nova is an inspiration to us all.

[@yaboicezy]

Bro sameeeeeee i was about to cry

[@MSSynsyterGates]

Yeah I had to rewind it lol

[@Lowlyking2001]

When it comes to overmatch, patience is the name of the game. You can't beat the technology level, so you shouldn't bother. Don't go up, go down. Radios in that scenario are a last resort, emergency option. The Taliban couldn't use Radio's because they were all being jammed, so they started delivering letters on foot. And that was reliable, even with patrols specifically looking for it.

[@1olddirtroad]

It's sounds cool and tactical and all that ...but They Can Comprimise ANY Civilian Device And Will. Ask NSA😉

[@3nertia]

"Even the tiniest flea can drive a big dog crazy" :D

[@3nertia]

Guerilla warfare tactics have been fairly effective against overwhelming forces time and again but the bigger forces do tend to win the war of attrition in the end though :/

[@Dread_Pirate_Homesteader]

They used radios just where selective and smart

[@Dread_Pirate_Homesteader]

@@1olddirtroad not entirely

[@tjnlindaoconchuir1312]

I was surprised how big a difference it made in force on force drills we ran at my last gig. Someone only 90 feet away can be unreachable during a firefight. You nailed it that the benefits outweigh the risks. Another risk that's highly likely is spoofing. The adversaries won't simply listen in; they'll actually misdirect you. I remember how unnerving it was when it happened.

[@possumpatrol45]

Does my ability to fart in Morse code count as advanced comms?

[@Bitter_Blueberry]

Ahh. *That's* why they call it HAM. Don't worry bro. Does the same to me.

[@Matt-xc6sp]

The same way my paper towel tubes taped to a skateboard helmet counts as NODs. Rent the Night.

[@mikutrash5050]

Yes

[@QuestioningLogic]

Talk about a leaky faucet lol

[@flatdogfever8906]

Ass-vanced comms

[@lifefromscratch2818]

HF is also for local comms in mountainous terrain and avoiding direction finding.

[@ImperiumLibertas]

Can you explain why it's resistant to direction finding?

[@BrassFacts]

it's good, yeah, we're getting into HF as well. Was a joke mostly.

[@fallenspirit123]

@@ImperiumLibertas HF uses NVIS which is a method of propogation in which the signal bounces off the atmosphere and can travel insanely far.

[@FierceDeity95]

P25 and DMR handheld and mobile is beginner/intermediate comms in my opinion. With analog handheld being entry level. Advanced would consist of FHSS, wideband, secure HF data, secure mesh (no not meshtastic), and a few other emerging technologies that civilians can indeed own. Depends on your proposed adversary in terms of how advanced you probably should be. I can learn P25 CPS and keyloading in a day. Not advanced. I will say time spent on that is worth more than the same amount of time on the range. Reconnaissance against a nation state adversary requires secure HF, period. If your aim is to risk your life to recon a biker gang with Draco’s by using a mobile high power DMR or P25 then sure that works. I sit at a SIGINT school and advanced communications are 5G/6G, WiFi 7, free space optics, and cutting edge anti-jam waveforms. P25 makes the list for entry level in fact. Along with DMR Tier 2/3 and TETRA. Now the Temu purchased Baofeng users are the true enemy. Forfeiting their privacy and selling their morality for CCP garbage at $2.99 a unit.

[@heitorvrb]

@@ImperiumLibertas with NVIS you're basically pointing you antenna up and letting the radiowaves shower around you, so its much harder to direction find. Not impossible tho

[@Kypreparedness]

Comms have probably been the most hang up for me out of all prepping/firearms related gear. Its something you’re supposed to have a license to use, and most of the ones who do know much about comms act as gate keepers if you don’t have a license. I’ve got the radio, the comtacs, and the PTT to connect them. Now trying to learn the ins and outs of actually using the different frequencies

[@BrassFacts]

it's insanely gate kept. Which is sad, because by many accounts comms communities are struggling to get the new gen interested.

[@DJ-fd4qk]

I remember the first time taking my HAM radio Technician exam, and nearly every person in the Zoom call was some boomer who treated the test like it was College Finals, asking to see my room and even ceiling to make sure I wasn't cheating lol.

[@LeeThule]

Brass Facts is going through a Radio Head phase. love it

[@christophergreen2892]

Even if you use encryption you can give away info. I remember a guy saying that he had a scanner in Afghanistan and knew that his patrol was spotted due to all the talking on low transmit power (short distance) radios. I think the guy was NC Scout, he has written some books about radios for SHTF.

[@Get_Splooshed]

I think as long as all of us just decide what channel to talk on right now we can just have a chill cod lobby gamechat when SHTF

[@fuckgoogle8565]

Smart

[@richardrobinson9534]

Bet, what channel we trying to use? And, since it's a cod lobby....can it be a early to mid 2000s lobby? Asking so I know how far this is going to go and prepare myself for the greatness to come.

[@mentholdeathray]

I think this is the plan.

[@EvanRedka]

I don't think "chill" and "COD lobby" are synonymous

[@NoL1c]

As a 06XX this is good stuff. Would like to see you go more into HF/BLOS stuff. On the LOS side you hit it. You’re not gonna be able to “hide” without encryption but you can get pretty damn close with proper usage of prowords, prosigns and callsigns, terrain masking, and just not talking if you don’t have to. Edit: I’ll add that some of the equipment we use to direction find is commercial equipment, just VERY expensive. You can make your own jamming equipment or even radio decoys at home for cheap. Just saying.

[@BrassFacts]

we've looked into DIY stuff. ATM you're better off dropping about 1000 bucks for a DIY solution from someone else.

[@chris-zt7eo]

If you have access to a spectrum analyzer, you can just mask your radio communication with other frequencies that are already common in the area.

[@G5Tradez]

0221 here Rah….

[@raxxology]

You hit the nail right on the head. I had to explain that the digital/analog transmission difference wasn't encryption the other day to a kid on Telegram. That's why I despise the discussion of encryption because most people have no clue what it really is.

[@Shaggy_Doo13]

Brass talks to us like we're just one of the boys... most relatable and definitely one of my favs.

[@user-sq8xt9gk7u]

DMR radios with encryption are now cheap and easy to get, with features like SMS and GPS too. For analog there are some radios with voice scrambler, which is not very good but better than nothing for SHTF scenario.

[@Robbbbooo]

Great video. HF has it's place - community coordination, mountainous terrain, or distances outside 5W VHF range. As others have mentioned NVIS can be key. Man portable HF rigs with digital interface and small laptop can open up a ton of options for information sharing.

[@BrassFacts]

yeah I regret that joke. We're getting in HF as well to a degree.

[@danapple1234567MWF2]

You should look up the tech prepper on here. Would be super cool to see some sort of collab video crossing over his knowledge of comms with your preparedness in other aspects

[@ryanmcwhorter8501]

"It won't be 8 months until part 2", say the guy who made this video 10 months ago

[@SauerkrautIsGood]

Something I see many "tactical" or "prepared citizen" types completely ignore is data burst transmission. Data bursts are a lot more difficult to gain intel from and direction find, since the transmission time is often less than a second. For this reason, many EMCON plans include a level where voice transmission is not allowed, but data bursts are. For our practical purposes, what we want is a radio that has APRS functionality. APRS (Automated Packet Reporting System) has lots of features, but the one we really care about is the ability to send text messages to other radios.

[@Saltpork305]

I learned enough about comms to do some of this stuff while still hating how much bootlick and insufferable HAMs can be. HF does have a place on a community level, not squad level.

[@BrassFacts]

for sure, it was mostly a joke. We're actually looking to get into HF

[@destroyerofgear]

by far the worst part about radio is the other hams.

[@rangerjay7971]

Bootlick hams, ha! I have my ham license but it's nothing but frequencies for me, 99% of ham radio operators are old fudds who are basically the problem with our country... off my soapbox HF can be used in a digital messaging as well as a baofucked radio with your cellphone and a APRS cable. I can go on and on, but I try not to make this a 40 min. Rant lol

[@jpuddlejump]

HF is a pain because we have to set up and take down long antennas and they’re not super mobile while the antenna is deployed. It’s advantage is that it gives us any range we want from short to medium to long without the use of repeaters. A common misconception is that HF can only do very long ranges (like other states or countries). But with correct frequency selection, HF is very good at short and medium ranges too. If you’re coordinating activities with another unit in the next valley over, or your squad is reporting back to HQ twenty miles away and a repeater or cell phone is not an option then HF is you’re best/only option.

[@jhutch1470]

There are many good hams out there. I know many. We just off of the "club" repeaters, because those are the ones that are sad hams.

[@REF49]

You, Hop, TRex left out of the Elite Panel of the Gun Collective , CONGRATULATIONS, I like the patch!

[@Woodland_Warrior]

This came in with impeccable timing. Our group is finally getting into comms. We decided on Hytera HP682s. Supports AES256 encryption, DMR+Analog, Bluetooth and GPS is optional, relatively simple to program (compared to the Motorolas anywho) and more. Pretty excited.

[@ireilly2000]

great choice.

[@Token_Black_Guy]

U guys messing with atak?

[@rifleshooterchannel208]

Encryption just brings attention to yourself and the Bluetooth and GPS just guarantees you’ll be located immediately and likely tracked live in real time

[@zokhrozzWoomzy]

@@rifleshooterchannel208t. someone who didn’t watch the video nor do they know what they’re talking about

[@rifleshooterchannel208]

@@zokhrozzWoomzy Whatever helps you cope.

[@yusuf_scott82]

"It wont be an eight month break since the last video." 15 months later 😂

[@Quilgen]

Yep and still waiting ... @BrassFacts

[@QuestioningLogic]

I’m really excited for more vids on this topic, theres a severe lack of detailed content on this issue. Definitely gonna look into HAM certifications in anticipation 🤘

[@Bender_B._Rodriguez]

If you broadcast to your group radios only you don't need a loicence.

[@Sophistry0001]

@@Bender_B._Rodriguez The FCC doesn't enforce that anyway unless you're running a signal jammer or pirate radio station. There isn't a single example of them coming down on someone for talking on HAM band without a loicense. Other hams though, they might get tilted about it.

[@KREllis-vr1ix]

@@Sophistry0001 Doesn't matter if they enforce or not. A Ham license is relatively easy to get and let's you practice your SHTF scenarios legally. Plus, more radio operators will actually want to talk to you to give you data points and feedback on things like audio quality and signal strength.

[@Liam-B]

Preparedness for any and all modes of extreme camping scenarios. Bravo.

[@highdesertdrew1844]

I'm an exceptional nerd when it comes to this topic, I think you hit the important points without offending the nerds, and probably without beating the noobs over the head. SDRs and RDF devices are getting cheaper and easier to use, I tend to think a real approach here is to use the radio to make friends and gather Intel, this making your local area a bit less hostile. We regularly post signs when we're in an area for freq and pl to talk, sometimes leave a radio in an ammo can. Talking to ppl outside firing range can sometimes prevent a blue on green.

[@robustreviews]

I’m doing a video on encrypted DMR - I’m going to link to this video as it’s the only one I’ve come across that a) makes sense b) gets to the point. Kudos sir.

[@xc8487]

Keep it stupid simple. Encryption is pretty much mandatory today. Keep transmissions short and only when necessary. Have separate channels for different operations levels.

[@kden9772]

I got a pair of comtacs to use for work and they are worth every penny. They make shooting, moving, and communicating infinitely easier

[@lets-get-itgaming8075]

I must say I love your videos and have become an avid watcher of both you and Hop. I think other than your no bs content I love that you live in a desert. As a fellow Utah person I find myself struggling to find kit and prep videos that cater to the desert, especially down here in Southern utah. Everyone else's content focuses on either the woods of the midwest and pac north, or the jungles of Florida and Vietnam. I just wanted to say amazing content and please consider doing more videos with kit considerations focused on the desert!

[@pop483yt7]

A video i've been looking for a while, thanks!

[@JacobWohlClips]

Hytera PD782's with AES 256-bit encryption. Their PD982 model can even be used as an encrypted DMR mini-repeater.

[@destroyerofgear]

Woah seriously? that's awesome, a thousand dollar radio is still much cheaper than an actual DMR repeater.

[@coreyperez13]

Excited to see your encryption info. As a HRO (Ham Radio Operator) I have never looked into this side of radio use (outside of the Military use (aviation))

[@TheEnderman67]

I think we can safely say that if it gets to the point where state actors are taking enough interest in your group that they're actively sniffing your comms traffic, you have FAR bigger issues at hand, and are probably already a goner.

[@zmokeu]

Thanks for the video. Looking forward to the encryption talk one

[@snakebite210]

Brassfacts Friday 🎉🎉🎉🎉

[@johncrash13]

Radioddity GS-5B is my new recommendation for people instead of the feng. Easy to hand out, program and teach. Perfect for the people who want better than the beo but not ready to drop a few hundred on p25/dmr or have partners who wont or cant get into the weeds of those systems.

[@div2933]

Is the p25/encryption vid still coming? I'm down for a 40 min video lol

[@orpheusepiphanes2797]

I second this

[@CapBaileyASMR]

You read my mind. Was literally thinking of upgrading the UV5

[@BrassFacts]

I'll try to have the follow up to this out in a month or so. That gets into many of the options that work within the advanced category.

[@CapBaileyASMR]

@@BrassFacts heck yea, looking forward to it.

[@TheTrinityDawn117]

There are videos out there for making Raspberry Pi boxes compatible with Baofengs for real-time voice encryption. There are also phone apps like Rattlegram that give the ability to send encrypted text messaging over an inexpensive radio using your phone's speaker and microphone, or an APRS cable. Just in case anyone was interested.

[@lucastonoli3256]

All that work to avoid getting a P25 that will encrypt better, be more portable and reliable. F Baofengs altogether.

[@micwell2247]

Unlocked UV5R is very useful to "Listen". Like you said key up and your found and if you did you need to run to a new location about 5 Miles away. Currently buildn a manpac CB with SSb. There in when shft there will be tons of coms going on near you and with ssb hear the skip going on in other state and other counties

[@baron1c]

Still waiting for the next installment. Almost out of popcorn. 🍿

[@SEPHIEL1]

AWESOME I WAS SO LOOKING FORWARD TO THIS!

[@bthunder9292]

Koming to Brazz Factz is like taking a college course in Whatever. Great Content My fellow American.

[@fancyfancypunx]

My man is so fearless he shoots in flip-flops.

[@UnfiItered]

still waiting for part 2 and 3

[@DJ-fd4qk]

3:14 you don't even need a multimillion dollar network to do it, we as tactical SIGINT collectors use our own specialized Software Defined Radios that not only survey, passively collect on, and decrypt analog and digital mobile radios, but also Direction Find them and literally walk down targets. Yeah, these systems fit inside a PRC-152 pouch and can find a target inside a city-sized area using everything from Hyteras and Trunked radios to Baofengs. You are far from secure using any unsophisticated comms.

[@nunyurbyznes7611]

Learning little things like 10 codes and the Phonic alphabet will help immensely. Most people when using radios at first will have a hard time understanding what is said. This will come with using the radio. Learning how to call then identify yourself is also good radio use. "Base this is Ramrod" do you copy. Learn basic radio protocols shortens what is said. This will be help in situation with many radios. This also makes it harder for others to track you! Note: Phonic Alphabet is learning each letter as a word. Don't make them up. A- Alpha, B- Bravo, C- Charle, Delta , Echo, Foxtrot, Gulf, Hotel.... you get the idea. Guess what I is, hint it's a state. Succinct, short and understandable three must on a radio.

[@sheddingfeathers3622]

Apple, banana this is Elvis. Frankenstein do you copy

[@MedicAthlete24W]

I’d keep 10-codes out of comms and just use plain speak. It’s easier and you don’t risk confusion for people learning different codes (for example the 10 codes we have in EMS are different from police 10 codes which are different from fire 10 codes).

[@ALL_OUT_OF_BUBBLEGUM]

1:26 - Peter Steele saying "please buy our product"

[@shaneciccarelli-palmer2962]

Commenting to defeat the algorithm. Btw I’m chill with watching 40min videos

[@banannadb2213]

DMR standard encryption (even AES256) is vulnerable to rainbow tables and can be cracked by about a $4k system of GPUs in minutes. P25 standard encryption can be cracked more slowly, but has a "selective DOS" vulnerability where an attacker can disable all encrypted channels, forcing clear comms or nothing. I'd love to explain this in-depth for if you do future coverage on your channel!

[@JimYeats]

I bought a Baofeng UV-82, a better antenna, and the little handheld speaker mic. So. Yeah. I’m pretty much at Ultra Advanced Comms Level, UACL for short. I even used CHIRP to program it, which brought me up to UACL+.

[@KeltonLee-p8v]

if you're curious about direction finding based on radio transmission, S2 underground made a really good video explaining how advanced forces could track your position. It's a lot more complicated than I understood and not as simple as "if you push the ptt you die"(though that is possible)

[@BrassFacts]

there's really simple tools out there that remove all of the guess work out of it. And basically give you a range and bearing. So in theory, yes you can be located very quickly. But .0001% of the population owns one of these. They are very expensive and very fiincky.

[@amn1308]

We speak multiple languages. That's my plan for near peer. We switch it up in everyday conversations, if we're trying to be discreet it wouldn't be hard to just step it up a bit.

[@MadCow-mb3fw]

I need a Nova Facts patch. Please make more.

[@AidanShourds]

"Yes dudes, there is no chicks in this community." that shit had me rolling

[@vasilynebrezhny728]

FYI Baofengs are used on the frontline only if this is the best radio you can get, but with civvie support it’s not even the baseline and an extremely unsafe tool in conventional war. They are just fine for civvie usage though

[@joeblow9284]

YESSS!! I’ve been waiting for this series! 👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻

[@maverick9708]

Nova was being very helpful, he's making sure that he's okay XD

[@Wither_Strike]

How much are those encryption issues solved by having a business radio license on a trunked frequency? One of the guys in "the crew" has a business and we're trying to convince him that if all of us pool together for the $50/year it might be worth it to get a frequency where we are allowed to use code words unlike GMRS, which is our backup strat

[@homerj109]

Brassy I'm not seeing the link to your store, where patch?

[@BrassFacts]

i go live with it once the video goes live.

[@homerj109]

@@BrassFacts Maybe your patrons should get first crack at it?

[@BrassFacts]

@@homerj109 they never sell out. Once they do I'll do that.

[@sodajones2576]

what the magical time travel is this comment?

[@homerj109]

@@sodajones2576 patrons get an early look.

[@tylerramey4197]

Would love to see a video on encrypting with Arduino

[@stephencooper5040]

Former marine corps radio operator, and encryption defeat by an overmatched opposition is the reason I don’t have radios. Though, considering the talk of “peer or near peer” threats, I have begun to reconsider.

[@bobbobsquarepants888]

13:55 love the MW2 drip

[@CiviOperator]

Smoke signal gang 🗿

[@Matt-xc6sp]

Good luck coordinating your trireams with fires on the deck - semaphore squad 🚩

[@rapcreeperproductions3269]

Honestly, using lights(for Morse code) and flags would be best for shtf scenarios.

[@toddinfl]

Change ten codes every other week to confuse everyone and make master copy self-destruct at same interval.

[@roundrock63]

Could you do a simple video that shows the radio and y cable with ptt button and mic for the extra level baofeng radio? Or do you have a video that explains this? Looking for squad level comms. Also I currently have impact sports headset with an input port.

[@KRYPTOSPOLLARD]

That patch is hella soup

[@BrassFacts]

hella souped

[@roflchopter11]

Can you post the link to the video you baked into the video at like 0:30

[@morganestill]

Is there a follow up to this video? Can’t seem to find it.

[@pm_root_passwds4311]

Am I missing something? I have an anytone handheld that was super simple to encrypt. With applicable FCC licensing of course.

[@BrassFacts]

Recall the bar is that UV5Rs are complex to program for most.

[@pm_root_passwds4311]

@@BrassFacts Ah, gotcha. Something something, knowledge bias.

[@roflchopter11]

​@@BrassFactsto be fair, the UV5R is pretty annoying to program without CHIRP

[@TonyTwoNukes]

This will save your life from Signals Intelligence / Radio Direction Finding: Code words/Pro Words: Being able to make a 2-3 sentence operational update by saying one simple word is important. Utilizing multiple frequency bands (HF/VHF/UHF): Yes this can mean using multiple radios, but that's where mission planning comes in. The more you are transmitting on different parts of the RF Spectrum, the harder you will be to direction find/jam. Displacing when sending communications: You don't want to send comms from your hide site/base camp. Displace 300 meters or more to make your transmission if you can. Brevity (back to Code words, the longer your transmit, the more time the enemy has to find you) Transmission Power Management: Everyone blasts on high power because it means your teammates are most likely to receive the transmission, but so is the enemy. Directional Antennas: If you are running Recon and transmitting to an element behind you, and you don't want your transmission going to the enemies ahead of you, you can use directional antennas to send transmissions. Know what the enemy is using. If the enemy is using 65.5 MHz all the time, stay far away from that frequency. You can also use this to your advantage by blending into the noise, if you're good enough.

[@Acribus1]

Have you thought about doing a meshtastic or rattlegram/ribbit video?

[@StealthTiger99]

please get more of these patches in, i cant believe i missed the frog

[@Hoplopfheil]

I'm going to communicate exclusively with a subtle nod, sly wink, and a pat on the ass from now on.

[@BrassFacts]

you mean: you'll communicate exclusively with futurerama quotes.

[@jhutch1470]

@@BrassFacts Oh, that would be good code phrases. I think you're on to something.

[@Gmar69]

A couple problems with comms is they don't have much line of sight use, and if there is a EMP or a power grid blackout, they won't work.

[@justinblower7598]

According to my ex-wife and brother-in-law, both of whom used to work for the NSA, no encryption system is unbreakable. It purely depends if they are will to devote the resources, including time, to break it. If they want to, they will.

[@BrassFacts]

yep. the US has the capability to break a 256 encryption key. But it takes sometime (I think about 1-2 weeks). And represents a massive resource investment. It's almost never worth it.

[@ballistic_rph]

Good video but there are a couple things that should be pointed out. Maybe you'll touch on them in the next video but for the sake of people watching, it might be good info to have. First off, HF is not just for ham fudds. Like you mentioned, in an SHTF/grid down scenario, if all repeaters are down, you effectively have lost long range comms with the homies. If you have a predetermined RV point and time, great. If not, using NVIS HF transmission can give you long range comms up to 600 miles depending on what band you are using. Encrypted HF radios are not readily available to civilians so most of what you transmit will be in the clear. Act accordingly. HF is not nearly as easy as setting up UHF/VHF comms, but I would argue it is still an essential tool for such scenarios. The number of people who will be using it however are likely fewer even than the ones using encrypted digital radio and, like everything else, it will require testing, training and development of TTPs for your use. Regarding encryption, there are several different types of encryption algorithms, the most secure that is readily available to civilians being AES256. S2 underground has an excellent video on encryption that everyone should watch. While it is nice to have, unless you're facing a state level actor, it is probably not necessary. "Less secure" algorithms such as ADP are not likely to be cracked by an opposing civilian group. While it can be done, it's going to take a few hours at the very least and will not give real time data. The individuals capable of that are few and far between. Additionally, encrypting your own radios is not necessarily difficult. That XTS2500 in the video can run ADP encryption directly from the motorola CPS programming software. For AES256, you will need a keyloader or keyloading device, as well as the appropriate encryption module installed in the radio, but building and programming a KFDshield is not difficult or glitchy as the video states. You just need to run two programs and buy some hardware costing less than $100 total. Other radios such as hyteras and anytone 878s can also be encrypted directly from the software.

[@Meyer-gp7nq]

I heard Garand Thumb I think on his drone video say that radio is a drone magnet, which could be a danger even in non overmatch situations, as anyone can get a drone that will be able to drop bombs…

[@scottie876]

How would a peer go about doing that?

[@Meyer-gp7nq]

🤷‍♂️ good point

[@Enjoyer.762]

@scottie876 More likely the government would.

[@scottie876]

@@Enjoyer.762 yes, that was mentioned in the video

[@BrassFacts]

it's a consideration for sure. I know you didn't imply this: But recall that comms are basically mandatory, only because you can be punished for using something doesn't mean you should abandon it. Almost everything in this sphere has something designed to exploit it. Realistically speaking. No one is going to have the capability to utilize that. And ironically, I don't think the US gov cares to use a loitering commercial drone.

[@bernardbarr2354]

Good content. Good coverage

[@ECTT1776]

Well holy fuggin shit!!! We gotta guy that’s talking like a normal dude. I thought there were only 2 but it appears I’ve now found a 3rd. Unicorns by right as so many of us are regular dudes that even at our most basic level are more prepared than 97%-98%.

[@HyenaEmpyema]

Another use for radio: safely re-integrating to society after bugging out for weeks/months. If there is a massive attrition and months later the survivors re-assemble a primitive government, you might be able to return to their community via first reaching out over radio and negotiating and seeing if they want you.

[@chrisworsinger7301]

"It won't be 8 months for a part 2" Insert SpongeBob 1 year later meme

[@MrShortanswer]

As someone who suffers from GERD, I am constantly consuming studies that look into foods and GERD. Looks like I have some new studies to look at.

[@Slickone-wk9mc]

Boy, your Holier than thou!

[@redacted_platypus]

I need to know what radio pouch you use for your XTS

[@ZorroDaddy]

Great Topic, YES its so confusing. Thanks

[@WhiteCavendish]

Encryption is great if you can get it, but I served in the Canadian Forces and we didn't have encryption until well into the 2000's, so it isn't the end all be all. Radio direction finding is a real thing, but again, it's not sorcery. If you're using short transmissions and you're moving around and using terrain to mask your signal, etc, they're going to have a very hard time finding you. There's also the problem that encryption is almost entirely illegal for civilians. While I agree with you in principle on the ideal coms setup (encryption, digital, HAM bands etc) my reality is that I have nowhere near the money for that, nor the time. For many reasons, I decided to go with CB radio. If anyone wants to know the reasons, just ask and I'll lay it out.

[@Willyslikey]

OPSEC applies!

[@5GWGuerillaFighter]

@0:30 the dog 💀

[@sonicelectronic7990]

I realise this is a SHTF video but it's worth mentioning that encryption, veiled speech, codes and anything that otherwise obscures your message is illegal in some countries. This is only relevant for those few people who might go out and practice without knowing they're breaking the law.

[@pjs9912]

Is there a better way to find a place to do full kit/some kit training, I dont live in like a suburb/vacation area of florida and im limited to a couple indoor ranges. I dont mind driving up to 150 miles at max as long as i can get some decent hours of training in over a weekend or something. Any help would be appreciated

[@circlebackjen]

Good stuff👍

[@bea1tim3]

Lol "absolutely kindof" part 1... Are parts 2 and 3 up?

[@Sachiel235]

Rugged rdh-x. Durable & waterproof DMR radio, $200ish. Plug that into some Walkers or whatever hearing protection you use with a PTT cable and boom, digital comms for under $300 a person. Can still program the same frequencies as your buddies with UV5R's so you can still talk on analog when you want. Cons: Business band radio, so by nature you cannot do things such as add other frequencies from the radio or change the power setting on the fly, that has to be done when connected to a computer. Need a windows PC to program the radios and the software, which is about $30; pretty easy to use, just something to be aware of.

[@tg0003bpa]

What about the need for licenses?

[@DavidSonofDavrek]

Watching these only remind me of how dumb and poor I am. So much to learn. Thanks again (not sarcasm)

[@RAMZAVFX]

What class/course would you recommend for a mid tier user moving into squad to larger group comms?

[@Scott11B]

Takes a lot of practice and the only way is to get your general Ham ticket. HF and digital modes are key.

[@BrassFacts]

ham license for a singular path to understand what is actually going on. And then realize that for tactical gear/comms you basically need to go nuts on KZbin videos forums Some starting points: brushbeater.org/ i and db_soc on instagram. Really there's a billion and one sources. You start with one, and it just grows from there. There isn't really a pipe line though, you just sorta figure it out as a you go.

[@Blastogy]

When is p2 coming out?