Radio for preparedness: What lessons can we learn from Hurricane Helene?

[@EvanK2EJT]

I had to remove the links because somehow one of the Amazon links got reported as spam and I got a violation from KZbin. I'll put them back up, but I need to figure out how to shorten a pile of URLs without running into the same issue. Sorry about that.

[@mattdelany6799]

Ham is useless. The average person doesn’t understand what you are talking about. Get an aircraft radio.

[@kentchristen6048]

Maybe put them in a PDF and then link to that, if you have a place to publish the PDF.

[@EvanK2EJT]

@@kentchristen6048 Oooh.....that's a good idea!

[@deborahweinstein1634]

MFJ is back open. My brother works there. Might want to reach out.

[@davidmiller3909]

Hoping to buy a good antenna for baofeng 5rm radio loved your video

[@baneverything5580]

I got stranded in 1998 during an ice storm below a hill at our fishing camp on Christmas day after checking catfish nets. I found an old Cobra CB radio from the 70s in a shed and a mobile antenna with a magnet and shoved it up onto the tin roof and used the truck battery. I had no idea if the radio was transmitting but I called all day for help. Around 4 pm a guy with a 4WD answered and brought me smoked turkey, bread, beer and smokes.

[@bowstobourbon]

this gave me a tremendous smile!

[@TIB1973]

so no training? , no license? just turned it on , push to talk and changed channels?

[@jpdoc5722]

nice 👍

[@hardwired3640]

@@TIB1973yeah CB radio like GMRS is channelized and simple. They are designed for consumers, the ham radio products are the exact opposite. Tons of adjustments that all have to set right for it to work. That’s why you have to train and learn to use ham radio effectively. It’s not for everyone. Definitely easier for GMRS for family communications.

[@TIB1973]

@@hardwired3640 so the average joe can't and won't take the time to use outdated communications which are only useful in the rarest of occasions. Once cell phones are satellite ready out of the box (next 5 years) even lack of cell towers won't be a hinderance any longer. People should concentrate on prepping and having ready resources to wait out , or better yet, survive on their own long enough to not need any help. Of course the people who's houses were swept away won't matter what they chose for prepping but the masses are just fine as is.

[@abetterfuture4787]

"If you're not licensed, it's hard to practice these things, and the time to learn is not during the emergency" (Paraphrased) A very good point that I've never considered. Will make a point to do that in 2025.

[@EvanK2EJT]

Thanks!

[@tomperone9338]

I tell people this all the time. The license isn't for emergencies. The license is for practicing before an emergency.

[@edwinmedina1029]

There are exceptions to the licensing requirement in a declared state of emergency. Check on the FCC site.

[@Язепс]

Wrong if you're not licenced It's easy to learn and practice Just don't do it frequent

[@DialM4Microcontrollr]

​@@Язепс just like owning a shooter-- why even own it if you have never practiced using it?

[@spectrrr3]

A tip I use with ALL my radios not In use (but especially the Baofengs), is to put a small peice of paper between the battery and the contacts. Stored ready to go, never have to separate the radio and battery, and all i need to do is quickly pop the battery and let the paper fall out. Charged battery every time, no surprizes.

[@EvanK2EJT]

Great tip!

[@TestSpaceMonkey]

Another version of that is a bit of packing tape (duct tape is too thick) attached near the contacts with just the end folded over so you have a non-stick flap to flip up over the contacts. This way you also never lose the bit of insulator. Just pop the pack off, flip the tab down, pop it back on. Just as fast to insulate for storing. If you really want to get fancy, include a bright bit of paper in the flap that sticks out pass the edge of the battery pack when insulated as a reminder "flag" (to you or someone you hand the radio to) that the battery is disconnected.

[@osculant]

I also do this when packing HTs in checked luggage. Don’t want it turning on in flight. But can’t pack the batteries as spare. Can pack them as “installed”. I install them with a piece of paper between the contacts to ensure no accidental transmissions.

[@spectrrr3]

@@TestSpaceMonkey I love that "flap" idea. I just played with it and rigged up something similar with scotch tape and white paper. I'm going to have to make that upgrade on my stored radios. I do use the external "remove before use"on my preprogrammed BF888 "handout" radios. I think general laziness was holding me back from doing it on my personal radios. Haha. Great suggestions, love everyone's ideas!

[@theogangryscotsman7607]

good idea

[@ashevilleronin]

I'm here in Asheville. My Suburban, my prepping, guns and ammo came through BUT I was just dipping my toes into the comms water and this happened. I had a Baofeng UV- 5R on the fly without playing with it. I really felt what you said about a radio 'sitting in a box.' Love your channel man. Thanks from a retired military dude-

[@EvanK2EJT]

Thank you for watching, and I'm glad you made it through relatively unscathed! Yeah, unfortunately a lot of people assume they'll just turn one of these things on and use it when the time comes, and find out the hard way it's not that simple. Now that you know that though, you'll be ready for it God forbid anything like this ever happens again.

[@MicajahMcCurry]

Asheville res here. Coordinated a chinook drop with a uv-5r in a remote gorge 🙋‍♂️

[@EvanK2EJT]

Hell yeah! That's what I'm talking about!

[@redrustyhill2]

Why are there people living in remote gorges who dont have the supplies to make it even a few weeks without resupply???

[@MicajahMcCurry]

@@redrustyhill2 poverty. It’s also not but 30 min to a grocery store, but then there’s no power, water, cell service, and the roads collapse, places become very remote quickly.

[@redrustyhill2]

@@MicajahMcCurry so in other words, lots of unprepared inbred hillbillies on welfare, who dont hunt, dont have gardens, and need to go to a store 3x a week for their smokes, mt dew, and cheetos.

[@redrustyhill2]

@MicajahMcCurry so in other words....unprepared inbred hillbillies who dont know how to hunt, forage, grow gardens living on welfare, who have to go to the convenience store 2 or 3 x a week for their cigarettes, cheetos, and Mt Dew

[@vonheimlerstrudel]

I have no idea how this video ended up in my feed. I love it. I subscribed. This might just be my new favorite channel. Thank you.

[@EvanK2EJT]

Thank you! I appreciate it

[@sonyaserrano5839]

South Carolina here! I’m a complete newbie to the radio stuff, spent some years in the military but this wasn’t my expertise. Hands down, this is one of the most videos on YT about how to prepare yourself, family, and friends in an emergency! Great video and thanks for sharing!!

[@EvanK2EJT]

Thank you for your service, and thanks for watching!

[@SparkyTom1]

K2DGM was a rock star! Good on him for saying he didn't care if people had a license or not in this emergency situation. A VFW club just used their club number as their call sign to arrange water with their pre-programmed radio.

[@dasy2k1]

And another thing about licences in a situation like this. If you have a Tech licence and a callsign in an emergency you can use any band or mode you need to. Even in the extra portion of the HF bands if necessary

[@BlueRidgeRider]

I’m brand new. I’m outside Asheville. The worst part for us was not being able to tell anyone we were still alive. I ordered a couple of Baofengs and a study guide from Amazon. Unfortunately, Amazon hasn’t delivered anything in two weeks. You presented a lot of information. My goal is to learn what I need to know for the next one. And there will be a next one. Thanks for sharing this.

[@EvanK2EJT]

There will be a video dropping tomorrow at 8pm Eastern that goes through EVERYTHING on how to get a Baofeng up and running....from putting the radio together, to understanding bands and band plans, to figuring out what frequencies to program, and how to actually program the radio both via the computer and via the keypad. Hopefully it helps get you up and running. I'm glad you and your family are safe!

[@MicajahMcCurry]

@@BlueRidgeRider Weaverville res here. I was coordinating supply drops with the same people radios you ordered. Ems dispatch was making calls updating the public of which roads were open and which were closed and such. Very clearly informing the public in between 911 calls.

[@ElyFrankes]

If you know someone with a modern iPhone, you can use satellite to send and receive text messages, even with no cell service.

[@ElyFrankes]

Using a smart phone with a satellite to send text messages. kzbin.info/www/bejne/nJyllXx_Za6Xm8ksi=osMCJH6zs_iLfdgv

[@BlueRidgeRider]

@@ElyFrankesmy understanding, and I could be wrong, was that the SOS function was only for real emergencies like a 911 call. I just wanted to get the word out that we were ok. Just cut off.

[@seansolina895]

Dude...the brass tacks, practical knowledge this guy has...amazing. My new American Idol.

[@EvanK2EJT]

LOL thank you

[@OzBoss420]

First time viewer, EVERYONE NEEDS TO WATCH THIS VIDEO! Very impressed!

[@EvanK2EJT]

Thank you! I appreciate it!

[@justanotheramerican8394]

I live in one of the areas affected by the hurricane in north Carolina and your intro was spot on. I was fortunate in that power came back on the same day it went out, but cell service took a week to come back. I realized just how ill prepared I was and how important communication is. I've been studying for the technician and general exam and I'm going to do my best to learn all I can and not be caught off guard next time. Great video!

[@EvanK2EJT]

Thank you, and I'm glad you made it through the storm safely! Good luck with your tests, and if there's anything I can do to help, give me a shout

[@RowanHawkins]

Very occasionally you'll come across a ham who doesn't want to help new people learn. Just ask another and they will get you on your way. that's the best thing about this community. Even if we are personally not Radio-active we still are willing to help others start the journey.

[@EvanK2EJT]

@@RowanHawkins Absolutely! Most of us are more than willing to help anyone new to the airwaves!

[@BryanFussell]

I got my tech license several ears ago and I'm embarrassed to say did nothing with it. I have never been on air one time. This disaster has been the kick in the behind I need to do something about it. Ill go to the local club and get involved and learn what I need. Enjoyed the video.

[@EvanK2EJT]

You're not alone. There are piles of people just like you. Now that you've seen how useful radio can be in a disaster, start playing with stuff and see what works and what doesn't. Good on you for realizing that gap in your skillset and working to fix it!

[@BryanFussell]

I subscribed but would also be interested in the other content you mentioned. I'm 61 and always looking for new skills.

[@AA0Z]

Great video evan. Your comments about knowing what bands to use when is spot on. I've known hams who have been licensed for 30 years, make regular HF contacts and still don't know when to use 20 M vs 40 m when trying to make a contact with a specific operator in the world. Just turning on the radio and listening throughout the day gives you a sense on where the bands are open based on the time of day.

[@EvanK2EJT]

Yeah, it's vastly more complicated than most people realize, and the only way to figure it out is to use it and see how everything works.

[@toddhowell2299]

I learned this summer that HF stinks in the summer. I had to have a bunch of busted POTA activations to learn it.

[@EvanK2EJT]

@@toddhowell2299 HF in the summer during the DAY stinks... Hop on 40m in the morning or evening, or 80m at night, and you'll get insane pileups. It all goes back to what I said about really needing to learn how this stuff all works. You put in the effort and learned what DOESN'T work, which is just as important as knowing what does!

[@KPVFarmer]

Great advice for realistic preparations for real world situations. Thanks for sharing your expertise!

[@EvanK2EJT]

Thank you, and thanks for watching!

[@thequackhouse4658]

Hey Evan, Thank You so much for all this info! We can never stop learning. Really Appreciate Your Time my Friend

[@EvanK2EJT]

Thank you for watching! I appreciate it

[@crabbyhayes1076]

Here in Black Mountain, our electricity, water, and internet/cell services weren't working, BTW, I am about 11 miles from Mt. Mitchell. Fortunately, I have a very old Sony AM/FM Walkman. It works with a single AA battery, which lasts for a long time. Back in the day, AM stations were how we got all of our local news. We also had land lines, which were very reliable. What really helped after this storm hit, was the local iHeart FM stations in Asheville and Greenville, SC, that worked together, interrupting their regular programming to bring us real-time news, and taking phone calls from the local residents who had service. Their actions were truly heroic - thank you so much. We also came together as a community - exchanging information and helping us to know what was happening. As a result, we were able to help each other until we were able to find a way out of the area a few days later. I guess the only thing I want the next time is a better radio - giving higher quality reception, and maybe even NOAA weather radio (like the Midland units).

[@EvanK2EJT]

Very useful information! Thank you! I'm glad you made it through safely. A decent radio, especially one that can run on multiple power sources, is a great thing to have. I agree on the NOAA weather stations as well. Thanks for your input, and thanks for watching!

[@sheisatabbym6014]

My adult daughter went out to visit friends in Asheville just before the event and I, in Utah, had no idea if she was alive or dead. So stressful. Trying to find info on it all, I found IHeart radio's broadcast which was being shown on KZbin. Still took me hours to hear from her after she traveled to Marshall(?) where they had power by generator, but it was great info on whether the airport she needed was open. I would take info from the radio station broadcast and text it to her because the friend had no radios, and the cell service was spotty after it was restored. I probably only got 5 messages to her during the next 2 days. So scary. She has learned to always carry a power battery bank with a solar panel, and her friend learned to always have an AM/FM radio in the house. Luckily my daughter's rental car had a full tank of gas so she could get to the airport after three flight cancellations. But I LOVE IHeart Radio!

[@averageguyyoga5638]

Ive watched many hours of HAM content and this is by far the best breakdown for newbies. Thank you for your time and for providing ego free content that is clear concise and helpful.

[@EvanK2EJT]

Thank you! I appreciate it. I have more on the way

[@lilblackduc7312]

I can appreciate an "Electronics Junkie" because I've been one for decades. You sir, are a winner!!! Thank you...🇺🇸 👍☕

[@EvanK2EJT]

Thank you, and thanks for watching!

[@DarenBitter]

LOVE the idea of a general survival skills channel that you mentioned at the end of this vid! Would benefit greatly from that! Thanks also for this no-nonsense, all things radio/HAM vid...VERY informative.

[@EvanK2EJT]

Thanks for the feedback! I appreciate it

[@Dave-jd9qn]

Excellent presentation, clear, well organized, chock full of useful information. I suggest including links in your comments with the radios you describe.

[@EvanK2EJT]

Yeah, I should have done that. I threw this together fast, and neglected to do that. I'll have to go back and add links in the video description. Thanks for watching!

[@erikpearson5310]

Thank you, I am learning about radios and this was a very informative video!

[@EvanK2EJT]

You're welcome! I'm glad it was helpful

[@sdoville]

Great presentation. All this information is available across many channels but you brought it all together in one shot 👍.

[@EvanK2EJT]

Thank you, and thanks for watching!

[@KC2BKM]

Great stuff! The hurricane down there and listening to that net. Has motivated me to get involved in my local club and up my Emergency Comms game at home where its lacking. I HATE doing it in my off time because its what I do and have done for a living in one form or another going on 20 years now. Dan k2dmg is awesome!

[@EvanK2EJT]

Yeah, anything you do for a living becomes a chore. I loathe working on cars for that exact reason.

[@THESPORTINGCAMP]

POTA is a great learning opportunity. The hands on experience you will gain is priceless. It’s fun too. I just need Alaska for my worked all states (WAS).

[@EvanK2EJT]

Alaska can be a tough nut to crack. It's much easier on CW or digital, but it's doable on SSB if conditions are favorable.

[@truckinguy92]

@@EvanK2EJTI’ve had no issues getting Alaska on SSB, now Hawaii on the other hand is tough. I will wait and be patient to get it on SSB. Digital just isn’t my thing and it’s not the same feeling of accomplishment letting my computer do it for me.

[@EvanK2EJT]

Yeah, Hawaii is the only state I don't have on POTA. I've worked HI, just not POTA. I'm almost 100% CW which is almost like cheating lol. 5w on CW gets out about as well as 75w on SSB. 100w on CW and Asia and Australia are no problem. I agree about the digital thing. It has its place, but I agree it takes some of the satisfaction out of it.

[@THESPORTINGCAMP]

@@EvanK2EJT I was fortunate. I got HI one evening after work from the dining room table on a Yaesu 857-D and a N9SAB EHFW antenna on 20m. The ham alert came across and I scrambled and got lucky. Never say never. 🤣

[@ShonCooke]

Thank you , this information is truly useful and answered several questions I had. It will help me get started in the right direction. I wish there were more videos on KZbin as helpful as yours .

[@EvanK2EJT]

Thank you so much! I appreciate it!

[@windspace7582]

Thank you for spending the time to make this video. It's the best practical info video I've seen. I'm just learning about Ham radio and not licensed…yet. Again thanks for all the info!

[@EvanK2EJT]

Thank you for the feedback. I appreciate it!

[@kinch613]

FANTASTIC INFORMATION! Im a horrible HAM technician and Ive learned more about what I dont need as much as I do in this 45 min video. I have commo folks in my mutual assistance group, and between you and Evan at Radio Made Easy are EXACTLY what the folks need. Thank God for for folks like you. Subbed!

[@EvanK2EJT]

Thank you sir! I appreciate it!

[@GEAE_Denny_L]

I remember while in Vietnam in 1971 serving in the Army no phones, internet, or cell phones the one time I could call back home was MARS. Government was utilizing civilian Ham radio operators by some method called MARS which we could make a 5 minute call. After each sentence my family and I had to say “Over”, to let the operators know when to work their magic !!

[@EvanK2EJT]

First off, thank you for your service! Yes, radio can fill a role that's hard to replicate any other way. Thanks for watching!

[@bendeleted9155]

Might have to do it again. Thanks for your service. 💪🇺🇲👍

[@margiegandy9189]

I remember being a very small child listening to my mother speak to my father while he was in Vietnam. I remember the “over” after each exchange of words.

[@GEAE_Denny_L]

@@margiegandy9189 ~ Yes, way back then it was considered very high-tech !!

[@COUNTS1096]

We still used MARS in Mogadishu in 1993. It was weird saying “over” to dad lol

[@ntvtexan5015]

I finally broke down and got 2 BAOFENG's a couple of years ago. Fell into that group of "Got it, can't program it", even though I bought the cable, the CHIRP software, all the goodies. Then dad passed away 2 years ago, now mom is in and out of the hospital with congestive heart failure for the 3rd time, and I had a Triple-Bypass back in February, I'm 62. So really finding the time to catch up on all this for North Texas usage, or even setting up a repeater or just my personal radios, has been pretty much nil. Thanks for a GREAT video !

[@EvanK2EJT]

If you take a look at this video it walks you through the entire process and I try to make it as simple as possible: kzbin.info/www/bejne/rIrSoWOdart2m7csi=JL0fqBw6hFzslPlB Thanks for watching! I appreciate it.

[@peachfuds]

Thank you for not having a HAM fudd mentality. Great video

[@EvanK2EJT]

No problem! I don't for the life of me understand the gate-keeping mentality that some hams have. In an emergency, I could care less if someone has a license or not. Thanks for your feedback, and thank you for watching!

[@ThePyleDriver]

Thank you! As a low time tech ham who has long been focused on prepping I found so much value in the knowledge you shared. I'm adjusting my equipment AND my training / practice priorities to fill some gaps accordingly. I'd love to see a channel focused on your non-ham skills. Cheers!

[@EvanK2EJT]

Awesome! I'm glad you found the video worthwhile. Thank you so much for watching!

[@reloader7sixtwo]

Excellent video, Evan. I got my GMRS license about six months ago, and it's been a fun experience learning about different radios and how to program them along with repeaters and experimenting with the radios and different antenna to find out their limitations. In my locations, I can hit about eight different repeaters that range anywhere from twelve to forty-five miles away. Several of my HT's and mobile I use as a base are hooked up to my Ed Fong J Pole antenna, and it works great even receiving 2 meters and 70 cm. I have various ways to power up my radios, using solar and battery packs as well, it came in handy when Helene came through and knocked out the power, internet, and cell service for several days. I was able to communicate with my brother that lives about forty miles away, and he could communicate with my elderly parents that live a couple of mile from him.

[@EvanK2EJT]

Excellent! This is precisely the type of setup I encourage people to get. It's incredible what a 5 watt HT and a J Pole will do! GMRS is a fantastic tool, and if I'm being completely honest, my GMRS HTs get more use than my ham HTs do.

[@AntoineMcAdams]

Great Information! KC2MSR here, got my license back in 2004, once you have it, you never stop learning...

[@EvanK2EJT]

That is very true! Thanks for watching!

[@Stangmaster]

GMRS was of no use during the last two hurricanes here in Florida. I have a GMRS base setup. BUT, good ol' CB radio was very useful. I was able to relay from cop to cop, and relay other base stations to other people. I just used power from a neighbor's golf cart. Cobra 29, Antron 99 antenna, stock mic. No linear.

[@EvanK2EJT]

It's very area dependent. Some places, GMRS is very high use, others not so much. Here where I live, ham radio would really be the only option. The GMRS repeaters are dead silent, and CB is basically useless due to the terrain (unless propagation is good, but then you're not communicating locally). Use whatever tool works the best. If that's CB in your area, use it!

[@faradayinacage]

Thank you for taking the time to explain. Great overview to this newbie.

[@EvanK2EJT]

Thanks for watching! There will be a video dropping Saturday at 8pm eastern that goes over setting a radio up from scratch, including explaining what bands are, what a band plan is, how to figure out what frequencies to program, and how to actually program the radio for emergency use.

[@daniebiermann5361]

Good luck over there. Thanks for the info as well. Regards, ZS4DB.

[@daveroberts4909]

I’m sure you could have another hour with this subject. Thank you. This video generates things to think about. Great coverage. And in an emergency, one doesn’t have time to understand ____. Even the idea that one might be outside, in the rain, ground is muddy. - how to keep radio dry? - how and where to set up the antenna. - presets on the radio - work out a radio plan for the family

[@EvanK2EJT]

Thank you! Yeah, there's a lot to think about, and a lot to understand.

[@hipal2271]

You give good information. Not just options but why and how each option works. Pros and cons. I am a licensed amateur general and I have a GMRS license. I have an emergency comms plan with my family. We practice comms every day almost. I am in a vehicle and mobile around town all day. My step son is working from home and next to a radio. He’s also a amateur general. My wife has a technician license. As a family we operate under my GMRS license. At least once every 3 months we go out in the field and set up field operations. We have a plan for just about every situation. One thing that’s important is not just for one person. Make it fun and get the whole family involved.

[@EvanK2EJT]

Wow! I'd say you have your comms down to a science! You're better off than 99.9% of the population. I'm impressed!

[@elvisammo]

Thanks for really trying to help in real emergency situations. Keep it going 👍

[@EvanK2EJT]

No problem. Thanks for watching!

[@_RadioMadeEasy]

Thanks for the shoutout! Great video.

[@EvanK2EJT]

Thanks man! I feel like a lot of these folks could benefit from what you do

[@betsygodwin8938]

Wow, thank you! I know nothing about these radios but since the hurricane disasters, I see why I should know something about this!!!

[@EvanK2EJT]

Yeah, the ability to communicate doesn't seem that high on the survival ladder until you don't have the ability to do it LOL. Thanks for watching!

[@LoreTunderin]

Those back size folding solar panels are awesome, definitely worth having. The jump packs I've had problems with the battery discharging too much and not being able to to recharge them, and also with the battery inflating like a spicy pillow when left plugged in to charge for too long.

[@EvanK2EJT]

Yeah, you do have to be careful with them. I use them in my professional life a ton (I teach auto mechanics), and I've had good luck with them for the most part.....but they can definitely get interesting.

[@littlehomeinthevalley]

This is not discussed enough. Thank you for making this video. ~ KC9JLJ, Jennifer

[@EvanK2EJT]

Thank you!

[@thuff3207]

Thank you for putting this together. You make a lot of sense. We always also filled up our vehicles with fuel before. You may need it but if you have radios in them make sure they can cross band to get your HT more range. Running a vehicle for a few minutes to get coms out is not much fuel.

[@EvanK2EJT]

Fuel is something that most people definitely don't consider until its too late, and once the power goes out, it's beyond too late. Thanks for watching!

[@lauriepalmeira7519]

Love this video for all the information and the purchase links. Yes! I would be intersted in your new channel plans for bush craft!

[@EvanK2EJT]

Thank you for watching, and I appreciate the support and feedback!

[@scotthays2376]

Thank you for bringing up the charging cradle and water rating!

[@EvanK2EJT]

Absolutely. Those are things people don't consider, but are hugely important.

[@chrisengstrom8247]

this is excellent. good realistic info for beginner and experienced

[@EvanK2EJT]

Thank you!

[@dizzystick9]

I am in Franklin NC and I was without internet and cell and we lost power for a day so we were lucky, we didn't get hammered as a little east. However we learned how important a radio was. We got all of our information from the net. My brother Dan Gallagher (N4XDG) has been teaching me everything and I am currently going for my cert. I have also been listening to Dan (K2DMG) and he is amazing as well. He has helped so many people. My point is I had a UV82 and a UV5R and we though no worries I can listen to the repeater and my brother can reach it as well. But our plan went out the window when the Franklin repeter was down. I could reach him but still could listen. It was good to have it but I should have tested more when everything was working and had an alternate plan. I now have Starlink and I will have a battery backup with solar, along with my Ham license and a mobile radio set-up. I am thinking also a digital option? Great video and good to get the advice out on what we went through and learn from it.

[@EvanK2EJT]

Firsthand experience is always the most sobering. I'm glad you and your family are safe, and it's good that at least you had some semblance of a plan beforehand. With what you have now, and what you're working towards, you'll be in good shape God forbid anything like this ever happens again. Thanks for watching, and the entire nation is with all of the folks down there.

[@dizzystick9]

@@EvanK2EJT Agreed and I am just finishing up on the vid and fantastic, I am currently sending this to a few friends that were considering a radio and this said it all. Thanks for the info.

[@harmzyd]

Studying for my tech license test now. Got my GMRS license in the meantime (WSFR415). Thank you for this video.

[@EvanK2EJT]

GMRS is a great tool. I actually use my GMRS HTs more than my ham HTs because I share them with my family. That's one of the great things about a GMRS license. Thanks for watching!

[@gordonmiller4439]

Excellent job with this video, Evan! I'll echo the need to practice before the emergency event is upon us. No repeaters in my rural county. I have to depend on the repeaters in adjacent counties for 2 M and 70 CM. I had to determine if I could communicate with a weekly 2 M EMCOMM net in an adjacent county. I only have an FT-65 HT with a Signal Stick antenna. I could receive the net fine, but they could not hear me adequately with this set up. I made a homebrew ground plane antenna in order to communicate effectively with the net. I was welcomed to the net and now I know my setup will work if needed. 73 de Gordon

[@EvanK2EJT]

And there you have it. That shows the importance of knowing what works and what doesn't. Thanks for watching and thanks for the helpful comment!

[@KO4GAR]

N9TAX makes a great antenna for your HT. 33 dollars.

[@Robbie-sk6vc]

Exactly! Too many of the GI Joe wannabe crowd really don't have a clue about radio operation. They don't care to know either, which is very sad! They want to save the world, but don't really want to learn how. Keep in mind, a lot of these folks are paranoid as well! Thus the "I'm not getting a license" attitude. Those are the most worthless kind in a situation! But a lot of them are to stupid to grasp that sadly. Your exactly right. You need to KNOW what's going work BEFORE you need to use it! Comms is a very wide discussion, with a lot of aspects. But people need to be SMART about it, to get the most out of it! And that's the problem, as most of these kind aren't very smart. Just some thoughts. 73 de kd7cjo

[@shawnsmith8947]

Great video! Thanks for taking the time to put this information out.

[@EvanK2EJT]

Thank you!

[@THESPORTINGCAMP]

The 1985 Mexico City earthquake got me interested in amateur radio. I learned the importance of HF communications.

[@Edgewood21]

Wow! That was a lot of info and I will have to watch this video a few times to absorb it all. However, thanks for the education.

[@EvanK2EJT]

You're welcome, and thanks for watching!

[@bendeleted9155]

Great post for people wanting to make the most of radio for preppers or emergency comms, but on the fence about licencing. It's hard to het much of a network up and running without any kind of license. Hint: Get a P.O. box BEFORE starting the licensing process to leep your address off the radio karen website.

[@EvanK2EJT]

Yeah, if you're worried about public information getting out, a PO box is definitely the option you'd want.

[@LMaGillicutty99]

“Radio Karen” ROFL

[@RowanHawkins]

​​a PO box is handy if you have ham plates and don't want to give your address to every other idiot on the roadways. other thing, I have a passport. It doesn't have my address on it. Because I have a passport I don't need an enhanced trackable drivers license with my home address on it. My DL has my POB on it with all of my other registration information. Only issue is every time I renew my DL, they try to foist the enhancement I don't need or want on me.

[@canzonan]

This was a great video and Thank You for it!

[@EvanK2EJT]

You're welcome, and thanks for watching!

[@GTAGTA-j4z]

Just the video I needed, thank you

[@EvanK2EJT]

You're welcome! Thanks for watching

[@ropehnd]

Lots of good info crammed together (I say that as a complement)

[@EvanK2EJT]

Thank you! Yeah, I know......it was a lot to digest at once. I threw this together on the fly.

[@bryanepp5340]

"Someday it might save your life." Really it should be, "Someday it might save someone else's life." Great video. Lots of abbreviations 😁.

[@EvanK2EJT]

Yeah, all of the above LOL. There are lots of abbreviations and acronyms in ham radio. I try to break some of them down so they make more sense in some of my other radio for preparedness videos. Thanks for the feedback, and thanks for watching!

[@ZzedZed]

This man speakes common sence. Learn while its easy, don't be left out when its not.

[@EvanK2EJT]

Thank you for watching!

[@jaybarr3307]

Terrific video. Very useful information, well presented. Thank you.

[@EvanK2EJT]

Thanks for watching!

[@thegrassisbluer09]

Your recommendation of G90s and 5Rs is gonna rile up some people, but you're absolutely right if you're not talking to hams who are hams for the hobby's sake. The fact that an everyman can get so much comms for $500 is great and I'm glad the market doesn't have to scramble to get something out that should have already been there.

[@EvanK2EJT]

Yeah, hams can be really snobby about gear (I'm guilty of that myself sometimes), but the reality of it is a G90 or even a G106 and a few Baofengs will do everything you'd need in a disaster situation without causing you to go broke. If it works, it works. Thanks for watching!

[@kg4gav]

Funny you mention that. I have been in the hobby for a few decades, and my go to radios are a G90 and a TidRadio H3. The G90 is set up for JS8, and I can work most of north america on a couple of watts. The H3...I can run as a ham radio, but if I need to go simple and hand a GMRS radio to a family member, a keypad sequence on reboot makes it a pre-programmed GMRS simplex radio. My local GMRS repeater is open squelch, so tone programming is not even needed. Yeah, I have better and bigger HR rigs, better HT's, and mobile rigs in the vehicles, but the inexpensive and easy to use stuff is much friendlier, I think. And when I'm on the air, no one can tell if I'm on the $30 radio or the $300 radio. That's what matters, right?

[@EvanK2EJT]

Right. Nobody knows if you're on a $4000 radio or a $400 radio. If it works, it works.

[@dasy2k1]

If I could only have 2 radios in a go box (for the USA) I'm picking a G90 and a Wouxun Q10 (6m/2m/1.25m/70cm handheld)

[@EvanK2EJT]

@@dasy2k1 That'd be a GREAT combination for a go box!

[@williamlutz465]

Great video; really made it clear and to the point! Greatly appreciate this! Gonna subscribe now!

[@EvanK2EJT]

Glad it was helpful!

[@ericblair3009]

I have an old uv5r that I bought 2 decades ago and used EDC. I used it more than the Yeasu mobile that I got around the same time. I did turn that first uv5r into my base station with a picture of the face next to it-- the numbers ect have worn off from carrying it around every day. --Good video BTW -- CB is also a good way to go too - Walmart does not carry anything that does not turn a profit for them and last time I checked with them, they sell on average 20 CB radios a month.... TIMES however many stores they have... that is a lot of radios.

[@akiddoo8113]

Good job, well presented. Yes a series is a great idea.

[@brianr0159]

Solid overview.

[@Devilsmed98]

Thanks for the video, going to binge your channel a bit. Just got the general license after listening to the Mount Mitchell repeater during Helene. Had the Baofeng for listening to local repeaters will add a few more to the wish-list, now have the G90 on the Black Friday list. Need to figure out the antenna setup next.

[@EvanK2EJT]

I'll be going into antennas soon. HF antennas are a bit more complicated, but not insanely so. You can build one for a few bucks no problem. Thanks for watching!

[@sirtango1]

This is why I wish more non hams would show up during field day. Folks are ALWAYS happy to answer questions. When the SHTF often hams are the only means of communication. We need more young folks getting involved. The last radio club meeting I went to, I saw one guy in his 40’s. He was the “baby” of the group. The majority was in their late 50’s and up. There is so much to do in ham radio. ARES, RACES, SKYWARN, MARS, contesting, etc. you can get as deep into it as you want!

[@EvanK2EJT]

It's tough to compete with all of the stuff that grabs kids attention these days. That being said, the one thing I do that seems to interest more people than anything else is CW in the field LOL. I'll be out doing a POTA or a SOTA, and it's like I'm the Pied Piper, and my beeps call people to come out of the woodwork

[@gastiresoil9758]

Your community gate keeps so bad it killed the hobby.I tried to get a license a couple of years ago and the local club was a nightmare to deal with. I got the gear I will never get a license.

[@sirtango1]

@gastiresoil9758 I don’t know what experience you had but that “gate” is there for a reason. Anyone who can’t pass the test needs to stick to other means of communication. I remember in April of 2011 during the big tornado outbreak some idiot just keyed the mic while we were performing SKYWARN operations. He didn’t know it but SKYWARN now falls under the department of homeland defense. He knows now! Just because you can buy it, doesn’t mean you should use it, unless it’s an emergency! The FCC doesn’t take these matters lightly. Just search “fcc fines man for interfering with radio operations”. So if it isn’t an emergency people had better think twice before hitting the transmit button! There are good reasons why passing the tests are mandatory! Just like getting licensed to perform medical procedures to performing aircraft maintenance. If you don’t know what you’re doing you’re going to end up hurting yourself or someone else. A lot of people think no one is listening others just want to be a horses rear end. Either way the FCC lightens their pockets and often sends them on an all expenses paid vacation to visit Bubba.

[@bretaschleman8289]

Great video. Very informative. 👍

[@EvanK2EJT]

Thank you, and thanks for watching!

[@bradlafferty]

I would be interested in a channel if skills. Especially beginner, friendly, emergency communication set up with recommended links. By the way, I am not a radio operator at all. Yet I understood 90% of what you were presenting here. Appreciate the way you laid out needs and capabilities plus budgetary considerations. New sub.

[@EvanK2EJT]

Thank you and thanks for watching! I'm definitely considering starting a channel dedicated to survival and preparedness skills. It'll be a lot of work, but I think it'd be worth it.

[@joeanderson9113]

From an extra, excellent overview of gear with emphasis on knowing how it works! ~ 73

[@EvanK2EJT]

Thank you, and thanks for watching!

[@houseofstylz]

Great info, been kinda tryin’ to get a radio plan together for a couple years…time to get serious.

[@EvanK2EJT]

Yeah, recent events kind of put things in perspective and make you realize where the gaps in your plan are.

[@HamRadioBytes]

Great video! I enjoyed the points you hit and for sure agree with if you bought it and still in the box.. when the time comes you wont be able to use it. 73!

[@EvanK2EJT]

And there are a LOT of radios just sitting in boxes waiting to magically work when needed. Thanks for watching!

[@willkrummeck]

I grew up in a place that flooded and radio was essential part of life. Felt naked since all cars dont hqve it in the city. All trucks should have radios.

[@hosthoof1716]

Great video and valuable information. Thank you

[@EvanK2EJT]

Thank you, and thanks for watching!

[@TerraMagnus]

The roll up J pole is small enough to put in the go bag. And it makes a TONNNNN of difference. It’ll be easier to hang up high with some paracord over a tree branch to hoist it up.

[@EvanK2EJT]

Yep. That's what I use as my main UHF/VHF antenna. You're 100% correct

[@georgep9473]

Great video, straight and on-point

[@EvanK2EJT]

Thank you!

[@LoreTunderin]

Nobody was ever refused rescue because they called for help on a Baofeng.

[@EvanK2EJT]

100%

[@nolangillentine773]

Lol, I dunno, some hams will attack you with a dinner fork if they see one on your desk.

[@EvanK2EJT]

@@nolangillentine773 I'm in better shape than 99% of hams, so I think I can either dodge the fork, outrun them, or distract them with donuts 🤣

[@nolangillentine773]

@@EvanK2EJT 😂 I'm not. But I'll take my chances.

[@EvanK2EJT]

@@nolangillentine773 🤣

[@shovelyjoe1059]

Recommend Dan for the Presidential Citizens Medal.

[@waylonk2453]

Thank you especially for showing how approachable HF is. The high radio cost and large antennae, along with the general test have been a barrier for me. I feel solid with handhelds but you've convinced me that HF is irreplaceable

[@EvanK2EJT]

HF is amazing. With an NVIS antenna, you can talk to a guy ten miles away or 300 miles away. Get the antenna up a little higher, and change bands, and you're working the world. Thanks for watching!

[@EvanK2EJT]

I put links to the vast majority of the stuff I talked about in the video description. If you see something I didn't link in the video, let me know and I'll find it for you

[@imark7777777]

I think you might've missed the tuner?

[@EvanK2EJT]

@@imark7777777 I didn't have one out with me, but I'll link the ZM-2 I'd recommend. I also forgot the Noco jump pack. Thanks for pointing that out! I'll update the links tomorrow

[@Joe-hu7di]

My son is a HAM N4ANE. He was listening on several emerging channels but we still had no idea things were as bad as they were. I heard Biblical level flooding on WWNC and it still brings chills up my spine because now I have seen it.. This situation has brought my wife and I to the decision to get our licenses.

[@EvanK2EJT]

@@Joe-hu7di I'm glad you and your family are safe. Having a way to call for help when everything else has failed is a wise decision!

[@stevek4438]

Excellent info many thanks I Hope you guys get through this best regards from the UK

[@bevinalexander7681]

Fabulous presentation. Your recommendations are spot on. I am also a G90 fan. Bravo! K4ALE

[@EvanK2EJT]

Thank you, and thanks for watching!

[@mweb586]

Hi Evan, first time commenter. I have a video idea for you. I've only been licensed about a year and I think what a lot of people breaking into radios need to see is something like A-B-C packages/tiers/levels. I'm gonna sound schizo for a second but I think you'll see what I mean by the end. In our case, a Boafeng, programming cable, a good antenna and some of the better battery options are a great start under $100. Something like the TYT-390 is a much better option for just about double the price, which, is still pretty affordable. This package "A," and maybe offer a few other radio options basically brings you into the technician level and far ahead of someone that is just using a walkie-talkie from Walmart (while also allowing you to hear them and pass on FRS traffic to other places). And as you discuss, I agree, I don't care if you don't have a license, you are going to take it next week or your have been a HAM for 50 years -- in an emergency just send you traffic the best you can. In aviation we say that radios are self correcting, if you make a mistake, the person on the other end is going to help/correct you and make sure there is mutual understanding. We need not be afraid of the PTT button. Anyway, onto package "B," that might be something like a quad/all band mobile that is likely QRP to start. There are lot of great options like the G90, some Japanese clones and maybe even used FT817-818s. Of course antenna choice is the biggest issue here, picking the frequency, the digital program if using data and other such issues like this is quite the pain and something that dedicated HAMs spend years to learn. This is the stage I am going through right now. I'm not sure if you follow S2 Underground, but if you get nothing else out of this comment, I HIGHLY RECOMMEND you check out his videos on the ghost net and download his comm card. They do weekly check-ins on Thursdays and their ad-hoc network has been helping people in the Appalachians by forwarding reports. Tier C is of course the good life, a hamshack with nice amplifier, maybe a tower in the backyard all the way up to having your own repeater. Okay so to recap. Maybe do a video on Level A-1 is Baofeng, Level A-2 is using TYTs, Level A-3 are good solid Yaesu, Icom, Woxun, etc as far as purchases prices and levels go. Level A knowledge requires knowing how to program frequencies off repeater book, radio reference as well as make simplex channels. Level A also requires TALKING TO NEIGHBORS, local clubs and having a plan to talk to people you care about. Level B is the hard one. Perhaps offer a budget, intermediate and a luxury option as far as loadouts, but reinstate THE SKILLS. Last time I went to a HRO there were too damn many options, I went in thinking I knew I needed everything on my list but the gentleman that helped me completely changed it, for the better, haha! There are no set 'load outs' like some military style video game but having a package of a HAM stick, some batteries, and a decent HF (or multi-band) radio is a good start to get people over the paralysis I have been feeling when it comes to radios. When you talk about the nuances of individual radios I feel like I am at the gun store with the well-intentioned aficionado on the other side of the desk discussing the intricate trade offs between chrome lined vs cold hammer forged, milled vs forged, etc. etc. I just need simple packages that will work for me, and as I learn more can scale into greater levels of depth. Yeah sorry that was probably kind of schizo but maybe you could make this happen.

[@EvanK2EJT]

EXCELLENT feedback! Yes, I have subscribed to S2 Underground for years. He has some fantastic content. It's funny you say this, because I actually have a video that will drop Saturday that basically goes over the entry level tier, complete with radio, antenna options, how to find the frequencies, how to program the radio both via CHIRP and by hand, etc. It's already shot and scheduled. Great minds think alike LOL. I'll do more as we progress, but I really like your idea about the different tiers. The HF stuff will take some time, as that's much more complicated than the V/U line of sight stuff, but I feel it's very important as well. Thank you so much for the fantastic feedback. I really do appreciate it!

[@mweb586]

@@EvanK2EJT That’s awesome to hear! So I remembered something earlier today when I saw you commented back. Overchoice or ‘choice overload’ is a psychological phenomenon that paralyzes your decision making because there’s too many choices. And oh man, I really feel this one when both shopping for equipment and looking to find videos certain skills. I remember from a marketing class a while ago that you should never give a customer more than 2 or 3 choices or they’ll get confused and you won’t make the sale. Obviously you don’t get a referral when someone passes their test or someone leaves a good review for a radio you praised haha. But the currency I think you are seeking is getting more people a basic level of preparedness, sharing useful information and protecting the life and resiliency of our communities. To that I say, Thank you and God Bless for what you’re doing here.

[@jerseystotler3615]

Wow, you made some great points on the tiers of buying certain radios for Newbies like me! I think if I had to go into a store to buy a radio I wouldn't even know where to start!

[@bwillan]

Great video and timely in the light of recent events. Unfortunately few will take action on this information, and normalcy bias will kick in when infrastructure and supply chain get restored to a large degree.

[@EvanK2EJT]

I suspect you're absolutely spot on unfortunately. Hopefully a few people get the message

[@evocati6523]

FYI when cell phones were in their infancy, a choice had to be made between towers or sat. They went with towers. We could have had worldwide sat coverage for decades

[@stevecooper2873]

SATS were not as common in the early days of cell service. Tech was not as advanced as it is now.

[@masongrainger2271]

You must not know much about solar weather.

[@AD2DU]

This was excellent information-well done.

[@EvanK2EJT]

Thank you, and thanks for watching!

[@cucvfarmer]

Another cheap radio is a Baofeng AR-5RM. That radio is "Unlocked ". You can talk on GMRS, MURS, 1.25m, 2m, 70cm. Very good radio for the money. I bought a good triband antenna and I can pick up repeaters that my Baofeng UV-9RPRO can't. My Baofeng UV-9RPRO does have an upgraded antenna.

[@EvanK2EJT]

I'll have to check it out!

[@bossdawg165]

Man radio made easy is doing a class in my area in 3 days. Found it after looking up the site from this video. I’ll def keep an eye out for next time they circle around.

[@EvanK2EJT]

Yeah, Evan is a good dude and he makes this stuff much easier to understand!

[@Swamp-Fox]

Great video Evan. I live about 1.5 hrs from Asheville and can hear the Mt. Mitchell repeater from my home. It has been surreal listening to the traffic. I like your new channel idea and am definitely interested. 73, Patrick KF4LMZ

[@EvanK2EJT]

Yeah, the traffic on that repeater has been nuts. I'll probably start another channel for the other stuff. I've been thinking about it for a while.

[@W9BTM-WQNX906]

All good stuff brotha, Stay safe out there everyone. From Sheboygan, WI, EN63 DE W9BTM saying 73

[@mac-be2me]

absolutely ! Radio and my scanner where the only way to get any information. All power , internet and cell service was completely shut down ! On day three i was able to get information on the Radio about where the Hot Spots linked to Star Net where being set up around Buncombe County to be able to get calls out to Family that we where ok.

[@EvanK2EJT]

Man, you were in the thick of it! Glad you're okay, and I'm glad you were prepared so you had at least some form of communications.

[@mac-be2me]

@@EvanK2EJT it sure opened my eyes as to how I can improve being more prepared, especially having cash on hand. All stores that opened had no power and where taking cash only.

[@EvanK2EJT]

@@mac-be2me Oh for sure. Cash is king when there's no electricity!

[@denisestarr2314]

Whao . Solar should be a part of any emergency preps . As far as licensing. That's fine if you are learning and playing . For emergency, I have a ham gmrs, I just want to listen unless I'm severely injured . Am,Fm radio is a must . Noaa radio is a must . But have a solar , handcrank , rechargeable .

[@EvanK2EJT]

100%

[@jmbagby0404]

Hey thank you so much for your time great info!

[@EvanK2EJT]

Thank you for watching!

[@wanlilin301]

Most American don't know Huawei cell phone have satellite call function. I am in Taiwan, and a lot my friends open a satellite sim card cost $1.5 per M. When we in mountain or oversea, switch the cellphone in satellite phone function. It cost $1 per min when you make satellite call.

[@EvanK2EJT]

I'm aware that exists. It just doesn't here unfortunately.

[@revbikerbigd8664]

Evan thank you for taking the time to make this video, God bless you 🙏👍 maybe add links to some inexpensive stuff for basics!

[@EvanK2EJT]

Thank you! I intend to. I threw this video together pretty quickly, so I didn't have time to get the links in. I'm going to work on that today. Thanks for watching!

[@kentwinrich6595]

SOTA Summits on the Air is a perfect way to practice! I was in the area. Cell was dead! Be prepared! K9EZ

[@EvanK2EJT]

Yep. I love SOTA!

[@user-im6fy4qp6m]

really appreciate the information man you gave me a lot to dig through

[@EvanK2EJT]

Thanks for watching!

[@ibejammin2878]

Allegedly, some preparedness folks are using QRZ to find active call signs to use and practice with. QRZ will give you the name and location of who owns the call sign which is needed to not raise any suspicion when making contacts. If you watch a few videos of Hams making contacts you can pick up the lingo easy enough to get on the air and practice. If you raise suspicion and get called out, just change frequencies and use a new call sign. While I personally do not condone this behaviour and advise everyone to be licensed, it does happend all the time and the FCC don't care enough and will do nothing about it.

[@EvanK2EJT]

Yeah, people will do sketchy things. There's not much you can do to stop anyone. Fortunately I'm 99% CW, and people know what my voice sounds like, so if you hear my callsign being used on phone or see it being used on digital, it's most likely not me lol

[@patina_turner6791]

I’ve preached the importance of handheld radios to countless amount of friends. So many uses, and even if you never use it til you really need it, fully worth having around. Also nice Anso shirt !! 🤘

[@EvanK2EJT]

Yes sir! I'd rather have one and not need it than need it and not have it! As for the shirt, I got this from Jens in I think about 2004 or 2005 LOL. He makes really nice stuff. Thanks for watching!