Secure SHTF Communications

[@mollyhogen5036]

Been a radio operator for many years. This is a cool tool for the box. Good job Bill and thanks.

[@NukaVaultReadiness]

I can understand where these PTT radios can play a role in a "semi" phone grid down scenario. When it comes to the "big one", or a long term lights out, I think that is where the skip propagation of CB and Amateur radio come into play. Godspeed!

[@jeffedoe4189]

Great stuff. Can't wait to talk more about it

[@stamm2366]

Super Video, thank you very much.

[@DominickFighera]

I'm a firm believer on key components one being communications the ability to reach out, and receive vital information at short or long distances, and the fact that it jumps across all networks, and not having GPS is no problem if at this point you don't know how to use a compass and map a radio with someone useless to you but all in all I like all the features that was mentioned so again thank you Bill and I will keep stoked! 🇺🇸

[@mikhailkalashnikov4599]

Do I see an Ithaca trench gun? I'm diggin that ventilated hand guard.

[@AntiFederalist58]

I believe that is a Mossberg 590A1.

[@davidoftheforest]

​@@GESTALT13 my mother owns a shotgun

[@davidoftheforest]

@@GESTALT13 like a fidget spinner?

[@davidoftheforest]

@@GESTALT13 she uses a fidget spinner on me?

[@jimmyslim1628]

I don't know anything about radios but that sounds like one of the better options out there for the money and skill needed.

[@Dread_Pirate_Homesteader]

It's a limited radio with very poor shtf conditions

[@dus777]

No, just no

[@RadioExpeditionProject]

Recommendation: Learn about HF, get an HF radio, practice via POTA and work on your WAS award. You will get more hands on practice and be ready for comms on a grid down event. Comms proficiency is not easy but it can save lives. 🤝

[@cliffordfreeman7829]

Great Video on comm test ranges.

[@mikec.8556]

I’m sold .

[@jerryj3047]

good video man 👍👍

[@dennisseverns4014]

You are the first person I have seen so far, to actually make a video testing these out. I have been wondering about them. I don't have people to talk to on those, but know others who could use them to keep in touch with family in other states. I am constantly trying to improve my communications capabilities. "Any means necessary" it is good to have many different options. Made contacts on my HF radio today, with people in Illinois, California, Idaho and even some local comms on HF with someone here in Colorado. Also found a local Preparedness net on VHF Simplex this evening, net was run by a guy I heard local on HF earlier. This would be another tool to put in the toolbox. When I have money to buy more "stuff"

[@patriotordinance9695]

sounds like a great product but if it pings off a tower then they can track it and if theres any other way the gov has

[@STOKERMATIC]

Who is “they” and why would they spend their resources to pay attention to you?

[@mattmarzula]

The government is only tracking threats and you can see just how good they are at that.

[@davidoftheforest]

​@@STOKERMATIC hypothetically, I imagine they'd want to know who keep ambushing their convoys when they're trying to set up the invasion logistics

[@dus777]

@@STOKERMATIC NSA, and every agency willing to lie for a warrant, or not bother getting one for "national security", or that FISA thing

[@Ryanboy2020]

Good gouge here Top! I see the benefits to incorporating this into your overall comms op plan. In a SHTF event or disaster Im worried about the actual usefulness of this radio. We all know how fragile our telecommunications infrastructure is in our country. Lets face it, all of our critical infrastructure is at risk for attack or damage in a SHTF scenario and in any minor emergency we know that the cellular network becomes overloaded and shuts down so in a major catastrophe or disaster is this going to be useful? Where I see the most benefit and best utilization of this comm is in every day preparation. Keeping your family safe and within communication at all times quickly and effectively every minute of the day. There are all kinds of every day events where you would want to have instant comms without having to use a cellphone where this type of encrypted and fast comms would be very useful and thats where I see the true benefit. As always Top, thanks for the video and allowing me to comment. Stay safe everyone and stay STOKED!! Mako06 out here -

[@CharlesHarpolek4vud]

With MY equipment I can talk in English comfortably with my friend in Kathmandu Nepal. I have a license from the government and the equipment has a great antenna outside.

[@elevatorman7750]

Great video buddy. I was a big fan of the nextels back in the day. Loved them

[@elevatorman7750]

I think its a great idea

[@renegadearms]

That’s cool especially it being secure comms.

[@GruntProof]

Good test, but I heard HAM can let me bounce off the moon

[@STOKERMATIC]

That’s because the moon is made of cheese. 😂 Lots of things are “possible” with HF, but things gotta be just right.

[@jpuddlejump]

Back in the day, the US military used moon bounce to good effect. If your pockets are deep enough you could probably produce a reliable system for a specialized use case. Good luck. 😅

[@scottbee501]

I have one in a group of 3. I was in central Illinois another in Northern Wisconsin. It was crystal clear except for one bad spot that lasted a couple minutes. Its supposed to be coast to coast and it is very simple to use. Reminds me of the old Nextel phones that had the walkie talkie feature. It ran for 7 days then had to be charged, via USB, that took 4 hours. This is also supposed to be encrypted. It's $200 I think, no monthly payment but i believe $50 once a year. We use them in an emergency. If there is some major event we turn them on. Thats what I know. Good radios for a group. You can all talk together or individually. Warning, these radios are selling and I heard they may be on backorder now.

[@anydamaddress1]

Been an amateur radio guy for 20+ years and I'm always happy to see another tool in the box. One thing not explained in the video, or on the Rapid site is, How does one call an individual radio? How are they identified? There must be a "phone number" type of ID involved, so next q is...Are they sold like a cell phone, or off the shelf, no ID or credit card tied to it?

[@STOKERMATIC]

Each radio in the group has a # If you want to talk radio to radio - 1 button push to get into menu, scroll up/down to select radio. Just need to know who has which one. In my group is Stoker 1, Stoker 2, etc No credit card tied to them.

[@anydamaddress1]

@@STOKERMATIC Sounds very anonymous, I like that.

[@dus777]

It's just a dumb phone with less tech and security than modern ham networks like fusion and DMR; oh, and cost $

[@davidlee9299]

I love the see my breath comment..!!!

[@STOKERMATIC]

🥃

[@hawaiivolcanosquad3322]

Baofeng been working for me.

[@allanhitchmoth3099]

Those things are definitely something to have for a standard kit. I wouldn't limit myself to them, nor will I over estimate their capabilities. Here, in New Hampshire, regardless of the provider, we have a LOT of genuine dead spots. I don't mean "weak" spots... I mean nothing; zero; zilch; nada.... And, regardless of the perceived security of encryption, I still wouldn't say anything over those that I wouldn't say over a cell phone, or at a town meeting! Still a damn good addition to the tool kit though! As long as the towers, and the lines that connect them, are in operation.

[@jont1375]

I was ready to see the baofeng uv 5r lma😂

[@user-nb5qo6yb3l]

Would these radios work in the UK 🇬🇧

[@STOKERMATIC]

They have an international plan

[@alfonsedente9679]

Great idea if you dont mind everybody in the world, including the enemy knowing exactly where in the world you are standing (connecting to celltennas is a beeeeotch!)

[@joekeller4155]

I wish Nextel was still available 🤬

[@hagman1077]

Pretty cool Top. Hey, what's that jacket you have- the green camo one? Thanks- stay safe-

[@kurtbaier6122]

Nice. Thanks.

[@EvanK2EJT]

I'd say it's another tool for the toolbox. It's not going to be as reliable in a bad situation as HF radio will, but operating HF requires quite a bit of knowledge and experience to know what bands, antennas, modes, etc. to use and when.

[@ScottOwens28]

Would love to see a review on the "Base Station" version and if it is compatible with the hand-helds. Thanks! 👍👊💪👌

[@vitogriffin8902]

It's offering about the same thing we already have with cell phones and Internet radio solutions. Seems pretty handy for specific situations I guess, but I wouldn't be in on something at that price, with it's limitations as far as who you can communicate with, that uses cell towers, and we don't know where the company will be in the future. I think there's better solutions to use in many situations where this would work effectively that are less expensive and offer more capability. I see this being best suited for the exact same purposes as the old Nextel walkie talkie feature was, and that's for mostly business uses. The gee whiz cool factor is pretty high on the scale though, I won't deny that.

[@STOKERMATIC]

I feel ya on the future of the company point.

[@PreparedAegean]

I agree. This radio makes sense for businesses that need employees to communicate with each other. They pay $200 once per employee as opposed to $70 a month on a phone plan per employee. The best secure communication is Signal Messenger. If the grid goes down or you have no reception then you can use VHF/UHF/HF radios to communicate with your group.

[@dougcallahan171]

What about meshtastic? Have you looked at that

[@Dread_Pirate_Homesteader]

It's a trash idea

[@jpuddlejump]

@@Dread_Pirate_Homesteaderplease expound.

[@Dread_Pirate_Homesteader]

It's a GPS becon , that gives a away your location.

[@jpuddlejump]

@@Dread_Pirate_Homesteader the gps can be turned off on them and only used for ocasional time sync and not position reporting.

[@dus777]

@@Dread_Pirate_Homesteader BS

[@popefrancis9756]

Hey brother, can I ask where you got the radios? I'm looking on their website and they seem to only sell a different variety.

[@dennisseverns4014]

We have a major snow storm going on here, heavy wet spring snow. Listening to the Ham repeaters and one of them close to me is starting to sound really bad, probably has a bunch of snow piling up on the antennas. My power just went out for a bit. Never lost the radios because they automatically switch to battery power if my ac to dc power supply shuts off.

[@mihailvormittag6211]

👍

[@davidj6755]

I’d be nervous to spend this kind of money on hardware that is so tightly coupled to a single business. What happens if their business fails? Are you stuck with a handful of $200 paperweights? I invested heavily in GoTenna Mesh, and it’s no longer supported by GoTenna. I’m not eager to repeat that mistake.

[@STOKERMATIC]

Good point!

[@Dread_Pirate_Homesteader]

Just get a bofeng a tablet k1 cable and the ncscout guerilla guide to the bofang radio... it will honestly safe you a lot of headaches.

[@mattmarzula]

GoTenna... Had to download a historic app from the dark web to get it working again. Great system of the GPS satellites and ground stations are still working.

[@aeromech8563]

Nice toy will have its place but you cant compare that radio a beofang and an HF radio three very diffrent animals and tbh i have used my DMR in the uk and spoken to an operator in the USA also same radio i have spoken to the UK from South Australia 👌

[@gmanana3627]

Hey Stoker have you done a video on satelite phones & comparison, reception, tracking? Wondering if that would be good for shtf.

[@STOKERMATIC]

Pros and cons: expensive, everyone needs one, satellites subject to jamming just like anything else. Service can be sketchy, TRX quality shaky, but I’ve only used sat phones in the military. I wouldn’t buy one.

[@Dread_Pirate_Homesteader]

It's a literal becon

[@gmanana3627]

@@STOKERMATIC thanks 👍

[@mattmarzula]

​@@gmanana3627of you're not convinced on how terrible a sat phone is, buy one. Or just look at the used market and make an inference.

[@PreparedAegean]

Why not use Signal Messenger on your phone? It is also encrypted. You can send text, video, images, voice/video call, voice recordings, and location. You can create a group as well. The only advantage I see here with this radio is that it connects to different cell networks. I don’t see any substantial capabilities that this radio gives a prepared citizen.

[@78tooth83]

Very sad kid point made. Thanks

[@karlryan6185]

Do you or any of the other channels involved have an affiliate link to Rapid Radios so if i purchase a set for my family one of you can get credit for it? Thanks.

[@FrugalPhotog]

If this is receiving on cell networks, then it is as trackable as any cell phone and can be triangulated to 1 meter.... how do you think it received the signal?

[@757SheepdogPreparedness]

Zello app same thing and free. These are just Nextel in a radio.

[@dw6090]

I don't think u said is this gmrs, plus u would have to program a signal into it I think . It simple but not cheap, loved nextel because of satellite I could get signals even in most creek bottoms, anything is traceable or will b with A I, but I think ham is best or I do think u said this is short wave , Erich I think is same as ham unless this is on C B transmission codes.

[@mervmartin2112]

Love this Top and all in all it's a good level of comms. Remember, encrypt, don't rag chew, and keep moving. Waterproofing: You may be able to put it into a zip lock bag and talk thru the plastic. You'd have to stretch the plastic taut over the mic. It'll sound like a gertrude but should keep the radio alive. LTE (spread spectrum) comms are much better than FMRS, GMRS, and ham radio (unless it's using spread spectrum also). Recording LTE transmissions takes a radio receiver tuned to each possible channel. Then the transmission of interest has to be stitched together from its parts recorded on different receivers. And there's lots of background chatter from cell phones and other radios like yours to sort out. Good level of difficulty. If the LTE network is alive, the internet probably is also (it's disbursed). So if you can do comms on the LTE network, I have access to the internet, via LTE modem, and what can I bring to bear for tracking you? Especially since the recent improvement of AI. All in all, spread spectrum makes DFing and interception much more difficult, but never not doable. And the local street geek / gear hacker / kit basher has access to the tools to do the job. BTW spread spectrum was patented by Hedy Lamarr, the beautiful actress with brains that also has distinction of being the first woman to fake an orgasm in a movie.

[@patriotpreacher43]

They must be handing these out to KZbinrs like popcorn right now. Still need cell service to work, SIM card needs replaced annually at $50 per radio, can only call to other units in your group. No outside calls. Limited that way. Why not just use your more versatile phone?

[@STOKERMATIC]

I shared a few reasons why.

[@moonshinejesus9059]

I don’t see the benefit if your relying on cell service then my cell phone does everything that does plus texting. Maybe I am missing some point here I am not a com guy

[@matthewaustin2578]

📡

[@LukePRTR]

Smart phones for last 10 years have come with GPS built in, no service required. If you want true infrastructure-less long distance communications the gold standard for past 100+ years have been HF "shortwave" communications... with little drama some kind of communication its text based communications at the worst and high bandwidth data at the best can be made across the globe.

[@mattmarzula]

That's not a SHTF communication set-up. It's not even a fart catching a breeze set-up. This is a long form commercial advertisement for gear nerds. It's niche communication for the "look what I can do" crowd. The people who prepare for SHTF or TEOTWAWKI wouldn't touch something like this or even look at it twice. They've already got a set of instructions and a cheap Motorola radio that runs on a rechargable battery pack or AA's with a 25w solar battery bank inside a freezer bag inside an ammo can inside a sealed bucket geocached somewhere with a series of cyphers, riddles, and keys to locate the map to lead someone to it. They've had the first clue written on a piece of Rite-in-the-Rain inside the only painted bottle they rigged up as a wind chime for the last decade waiting. They've been planting the seeds by telling their closest friends that if they ever disappear to "Just follow the sound of the wind..." And the reality? They'll be the first one dead of blood poisoning when they fall down in some abandoned pump house and cut themselves on a jagged piece of metal while the rest of us are watching the news about a wine mom running into a substation in the afternoon.

[@popefrancis9756]

this is so confusing lol

[@STOKERMATIC]

Is that what “they” do?

[@mattmarzula]

​@@popefrancis9756exactly.

[@mattmarzula]

​@@STOKERMATICThey do all kinds of stuff that they hope will happen and never does. They don't even have a can of white paint to write "HELP" on their roof when SHTF. Because no one is really prepared. They live in a lone wolf fantasy world. I've seen old ladies with trekking poles and a whistle more prepared to bug out than all these wannabe suburban commandos.

[@popefrancis9756]

@@mattmarzula based

[@zhartheProprietor]

Man, we need some "tears of a commie" gear

[@Dread_Pirate_Homesteader]

Not really secure however

[@STOKERMATIC]

Elaborate?

[@Dread_Pirate_Homesteader]

@STOKERMATIC because the encryption is based on the company which the government has access to. The only secure method is a tri grams with a one time pad data bursts. That's nothing anyone could decrypt. Anything else is just a illusion

[@Dread_Pirate_Homesteader]

It's a cell based and encryption is from the company. So the government already has the access to it or it's open source so everyone does. White communication in peacetime is about all that radio is good for 😊

[@dus777]

@@STOKERMATIC If you don't own the "wires" it ain't secure. Warrants abound

[@markhaywood7307]

no man, just no. not a fan- but just go Ham. or alternative. really Stoker.......Really. you are relying on a carrier that you have no control or dominion of. stop that. promote the real deal or don't - talk about it.

[@Elias.Agg.]

Secure communications? What communications man? It's you vs everyone. It's every man for himself. Same thing I wonder why to add signaling stuff in your bob. Signal who? During real shtf you can't trust anyone. You got to be stealth.

[@mattmarzula]

I'm a big fan of radio communications and I like being able to contact people no matter what. The problem? No one I know is going to bother with any of this. They rely on me to distribute the radios during hikes and kayaking. Even then, they mess up on how to use them. Although I have heard and seen drug dealers, street walking prostitutes, and gangbangers using radios.

[@tundranomad]

Some people have friends and family they actually trust.

[@mattmarzula]

​@@tundranomadI have friends and family that trust me to come up with solutions to problems that one would think are not problems at all. Like how to get a family of raccoons out of the garage or deal with a bug infestation. You don't have to be a tactical genius or reference a military training manual to figure those things out. The problem is that I don't have family or friends that I would trust to keep a flashlight accessible and ready for an emergency.

[@mattmarzula]

​@@GESTALT13you ain't kidding.

[@othernamesweretaken1871]

Humans are social animals amigo. You won’t make it alone. Prayers for you and yours.

[@teddyb9017]

What happens if the grid goes down.