Secure and (Mostly) LEGAL Radio Communications | Prepare for SHTF NOW!

[@STOKERMATIC]

Break, Break Thanks for watching Team! I’m *STOKED* that you chose to spend some your time here on the channel! If you want to *STAY* *STOKED* - get yourself an official shirt amzn.to/3O20N3b Every sale goes to making a commie cry! You can also find me on: *Website* www.Stokermatic.com *Facebook* facebook.com/groups/391967792881354/?ref=share *Instagram* instagram.com/stokercraft/ *Amazon* www.amazon.com/shop/stokermatic

[@johnnyrebel5458]

I’ve been searching for radios to take on a backwoods trip, myself and a friend are going. He’s on leave before heading to Syria. Long story short, what would be the BEST option for legal radios? We are going for 6 days and just bringing what we can carry.

[@STOKERMATIC]

@@johnnyrebel5458 if you want to operate without a license - FRS and MURS are your only option. Both are limited in regards to wattage. If you don’t mind spending $35 - you can pick up GMRS radios - and can push more power. Oddly enough, most FRS/MURS radios cost more $$. Cheaper to get GMRS license and Baofeng GMRS radio. I’ll have a video dropping in a couple days on how to get license (no test - just $35)

[@wesleypayne5924]

I want to make a comment video on this video. It's darned good!

[@JJ-JOHNSON]

I'm a license Ham Radio Operator, I've talk around the world on 5 watts on the HF frequency, you can split the frequency, talk on one frequency and receive on another frequency, as of today I have QSL cards from 168 countries, people that I've talk to on HF radio.

[@STOKERMATIC]

Outstanding!

[@br6145]

Same, with my 817nd. Never ceases to amaze me.

[@oliverallen5324]

QRP master!

[@dus777]

OK, how out your State and region? NVIS, is a good challenge

[@TomRolfson]

An interesting thing I heard (but did not personally witness)- it was reported that with the last hurricane that hit FL that ALL HAM repeaters were down(or taken down) while only one GMRS Repeater stayed online throughout the storm. Recognizing the risk of static electricity damage or antenna damage from high winds - people need to be aware of this possibility if they are counting on these comms during a storm. My suggestion would be for your family or group to setup specific time intervals to turn on your radios and potentially repeaters as well. EXCELLENT VIDEO!

[@kirknesbitt101]

Great video man ! You asked for input from hams. I am one, just a few years in though. I think everyone should have a license for two reasons; in GMRS, most repeaters are privately owned by a club or individual. They probably won’t give someone the access tones to the repeater to unlicensed operators. It’s $35.00 for 10 years for your whole family Ham radios licenses require a test, but they’re not that hard. You get a 10 years license, but just for you. People complain about Big Brother having their information when they license. All the FCC requires is your name and address and that’s all they publish in the registry, no more than the phone book has. Besides, if you pay income tax or has a driver license, Big Brother knows where you live. Again Stroker, great video. Keep ‘em coming.

[@dennisseverns4014]

Every year there is a two day or 24 hour exercise that many hams participate in. Amateur Radio Field Day is always the last full weekend in June every year. This year it is June 24th-25th. This is where Ham Radio Operators go out and practice communications without using grid power. Many Ham Radio Clubs and individuals will allow the public to come out and check out their setups, and maybe even have a chance to get on the air. You can contact local ham radio clubs to find out about these events. Great way to see how to set up communications without being on the grid.

[@STOKERMATIC]

Great event to participate in!

[@dennisseverns4014]

@NC Grayman heard there is now a winter version, have never participated, don't know the dates.

[@dus777]

I'll be in the woods on battery

[@brentwentfishing]

Great video Top! I have a Midland mobile 50 watt GMRS radio and the necessary license. I pickup all kinds of local FRS chatter from the big box stores. More truckers are starting to use the GMRS radios too. Never a dull moment out there! Yes, I can hear anything they are putting down even when they are using privacy codes so it's not private at all. 😁😎

[@STOKERMATIC]

Right on Brent!

[@pengiethebird]

The privacy codes should be renamed nuscience codes since all they do is keep you from hearing conversations that you don't want to hear. If you want to hear it all just turn off privacy codes on your radio.

[@TheGeekiestGuy]

I literally just got out of my licensing exam. Passed for my tech license again and took the general exam, and almost nailed it. The exam questions for the general class tests are changing in a couple of months. If you're studying for the general, go take it now before all your test material changes. I'm stoked you made this vid, brother. More people need to know how to use coms these days. A lot of people buy a radio but have no clue how to use them. I hope you and Riggs are having a good one out there. 🤙🏽

[@STOKERMATIC]

Congrats!! That’s great stuff!!

[@TheGeekiestGuy]

@STOKERMATIC I gotta say. I soever you always reply. I think you're doing great work, brother. Take it easy out there. Maybe we'll make contact on the airwaves someday. Give Riggs some pets for us. You could prob make a whole vid on just giving that good boy a scratching. 😆🤙🏽

[@davidbruner9263]

I have had my general class ham license for a few years so still no expert but I will say you covered the topic very well. I have been experimenting with a setup that has been working well for me. Without going into too much detail I am running a true dual receive digital radio with one radio set to do digital on vhf for transmit on the a band and digital uhf on the b band for receive and have the wife's radio set to the opposite. That way when I transmit on vhf on my a band she hears it in her b band but when she transmits on hers she is set to uhf on her a band and I hear her on my b band. Still not a perfect system but it is better than no system at all.

[@tomcreekdevil5967]

Bill! On a scale of 1 - 10 this video is a solid 15+ plus! It's SPOT on with excellent techniques you don't even get in your ARRL material. Keep this stuff coming!

[@aaotcis]

This skill set insofar as RF communications has peculiar ramifications that no one public content provider can adequately prepare the public for SHTF comms. However, there are content providers that distill it into usable chunks w/o delving to deeply into the technical terms. One provider is S2 UNDERGROUND (YT) and puts out quality content that leverages both the technology coupled with practical application in austere environments, notwithstanding rural and remote operations.

[@CzechSixTv]

Some of the older analog Vertex, Motorola and Kenwood LMR radios have a voice inversion(rudimentary scramble) option built in AND carry a Part 95 cert for GMRS. It's just illegal to use that option on GMRS. They can also be a pain to find programming software and cables for. Retevis currently has a few cheap HT's that can operate either on GMRS or MURS and have voice inversion as well, but again not legal.

[@jpuddlejump]

Ask for a comms video, get a comms video. Wow! Thanks Stoker!

[@Jupiterxice]

I have Boefang and glad that I got these radios

[@joannmcclure3056]

Just watched your greyman video I wanted to add this you have to check your fear and I mean check it deep because these people your moving through are predators and predators can literally smell fear so you should act like walking around dogs nothing sudden minimal eye contact but keep your radar up stay safe and God bless

[@gusesteves2042]

Great job! Many people do dismiss a CB with USB-LSB and FM capability communication will be critical! Again great job! Oh I’m a licensed Ham!

[@Stoney_AKA_James]

Second try to make a comment: Having good comms is vital and a good topic. I have an older Lincoln ham radio that has additional chips for CB radio frequencies. I have been wanting and needing to get a license.

[@johnk23705]

Good content and tips. First time seeing your channel. I will click all the right buttons and watch....Thanks. The following won't stop everyone from hearing your transmissions, but will cut down on who can hear them. Low Power, and for close in transmissions: VHF and UHF both use vertically polarized antennas. If both of you hold your radios so the antennas are Horizontal, it will cut down on the distance someone with a vertical antenna can pull in the signal and will make them a little more directional (off the long sides of the antenna). If you both use a horizontal handheld beam antenna and very low power, you have a great set up. Better radios like some of the Yaesu's have lower power settings than the Baofeng. Some all the way down to 500 milliwatts. This cuts down on the distance your transmission can be received. A small, stubby antenna will also not have the reach a full size antenna will. Next is to figure out what the most popular modes of digital is in your area. Where I live, there is some DMR, almost no D-Star (no D-Star repeaters). Most people in my area who use digital, use Yaesu System Fusion as we have a couple Fusion repeaters. So in my example, if you and the other person both have D-Star, you are cutting down the number of people who can understand you. Also, except for Walmart, MURS is quiet as a church mouse in my area. I never hear anyone on it. Not private, but not really used at this time. Next, "LoRa Meshtastic" transmitter/receivers that operate in the 900 Mhz band are AES 256 encripted and can exchange text messages at a decent range (5 to 7 miles). Few will be able to decode these transmissions as you use a key that both of you have put in your transmitter (Uncle will for sure be able to listen should they wish to). They can also form a Mesh Network when multiple transmitter/receivers are used. With enough transmitter/receivers out there (all on the same key), you can send messages many, many miles. The transmitter/receivers cost about $35.00 each and use a 18650 battery (one charge lasts about a day depending on use) or other 3.2 v power source. You link them to your cell phone with bluetooth from the LoRa unit for a keyboard. No cell service is needed. 99.99% of the public won't even know you've sent a message. Messages are sent in very short data bursts. Ham Radio Crash Course, KZbin channel has a couple good videos on these units. And, they use very short antennas. A 900 Mhz antenna is very easy to hide along with the small unit, up high for even greater range. Not legal, but if you use a one time pad to write your texts, it is pretty much unbreakable....Look up "One Time Pads". Last: You touched on it, but using Terrain to block your signal in certain directions can be a big help. Use terrain to your advantage whenever possible. Like having a hill behind you to block signal in one direction. When using H.F., set up a NVIS antenna (portable if possible)for regional transmissions on 40,60 and 80 meters. It will cover a distance of about 300 miles, including very close in to where you are and using a low antenna with 5 to 20 watts in the NVIS configuration makes it much harder for someone to locate you. These are all legal ways to communicate provided you have the proper license.

[@STOKERMATIC]

Good stuff, thanks for sharing!!

[@macnottsuk]

for most prepping for SHTF a handheld 4w CB is all you need. in the UK CB is still relevant and going strong. You stick a mag mount on the car for greater range and use the car battery for power. You will make more contacts for local intel using a CB. Regarding privacy, only necessary for the family so we have a self developed radio code/procedure and a cipher for location Lat/Log. And its all legal so we can practice our radio comms with impunity. All the above is low cost, low power use for SHTF and most important simple to use. Wait until your belly is stuck to your backbone and try to remember and operate all your clever techy stuff. KISS.

[@This_Month_In_History]

Lots of good info for people that may not know about radios. Also with digital ham radio, there's groups inside rooms that can use codes to even privatize even more. I use a 5 watt radio to talk around the world also locally. So good stuff. Keep up the good work!

[@KOAOutdoors]

You mean you use a 5 watt radio to connect to the internet to talk around the world right ?

[@dus777]

@@KOAOutdoors NO, I reach half the world on 5 to 10 watts on digital modes. that's the point. If you RX digital, you probably get the messages .

[@davidalbright7335]

Notice, ladies and gentlemen, how this content creator refers to radio communication as "comms." If you watch any other preparedness or instructional channels where they refer to communication as "commo," rest assured that you are watching someone with no military training or experience- just a G.I. Joe wannabe. As a former Army soldier, myself, I can appreciate Stoker as an authentic voice in a sea of commo posers. Thank you for this channel.

[@reggie9997]

Having a working knowledge of antennas is important for handheld and base radios. You have to buy or build antennas for the frequency you will use. The ones which come with walkies are usually insufficient.

[@mervmartin2112]

Wow! Bill great info. You do realize that you've barely covered the open door of this rabbit hole. A 5 volt gel cell battery, a single board computer (SBC), and a radio that can be used as a digipeater, enables you to send encrypted message traffic over your network. If you don't have a digipeater, you can use the output of a software modem (on the SBC) sent through a speaker as the voice input for your portable radio. It will sound a lot like the old 56k modems did when syncing. The distant end should pick it up. and decode by micing the voice output into it's software modem. The rig will remind you of the old telephone handset modems. And yes, everyone on the net has to have the similar gear. I wont get into freq hopping controlled with an encryption device (the SBC). :-D Someone else has mentioned Morse code.That's definitely another resource. A 1 watt radio broadcasting in the HF spectrum, using ionospheric bounce can send a CW (morse code) signal around the world (QRP). Morse code can be sent line of sight with a rag in one hand (Boy Scout wig-wag method)

[@STOKERMATIC]

Good stuff Merv!

[@ShortLivedSaint]

You can unlock the baofengs to operate on frs and gmrs as well as ham bands

[@vitogriffin8902]

I found the old 49mhz walkie talkies my brother and I played with as kids while visiting mom... They were old when we got em and they only covered our yard and the neighbor on each side, but I doubt anyone's listening on those frequencies anymore. Guess I can check comms off my list of things to get buttoned up.

[@tomperone9338]

The only thing I'd add is that scrambling or encryption is generally prohibited in most radio services, and using it will do little more than draw unwanted attention to your comms. Use with caution if you must - at least during 'normal' times.

[@dennisseverns4014]

Great to the point presentation Top. Thanks for the information. I am working on building a couple of Ham Radio HF Military Style Manpack Radios that I can carry in a backpack and set up to operate from any location, such as a mountain top for Summits On The Air or any similar remote place I want to communicate. Allows you to operate on the move with HF.

[@STOKERMATIC]

Awesome!

[@-HOSS-]

Master class in the brass facts Comms 👍🏾

[@mikewazowski8013]

Have you tried any of the covert arms stuff like their mic for earpro?

[@bradmeyer7612]

Two quick things. There is Chirp and Chirp like programs that will expand the frequency ranges, I have a UV5R that is now a triband with frequency ranges 127.800-178.160, 141.700-285.990, and 384.000-570.600 mhz. This allows for some flexibility for local traffic. For secure messaging you can use a Vernam Cipher and couple it with burst transmission using ANDFLmsg, a tablet and a special cable. Needless to say the receiving party will need the same Vernam Ciper pad. These are illegal but I have found in an emergency situation a lot will be forgiven

[@StrategicSelfRelianceDefense]

Well said Bill. We use a mixture of FRS. GMRS. MURS DMR and HAM for our school and area comms depending on what we are doing. .5w up to 100+. Your dual radio concept and low power for the terrain is spot on. All numbered sequences send and receive to relay info. Good stuff brother.

[@STOKERMATIC]

Good stuff!

[@FriendBears]

Bill, you may want to talk about pre agreed pro words too.

[@angrybear86]

Security through antiquity.

[@marclucier2533]

Awesome information great new ideas I’m going to try. Keep up you’re great works

[@NavyFE]

Outstanding video! Definitely a keeper

[@skylongskylong1982]

If you have problems remembering this info. Use the noumonic SAD Security Accuracy. Discipline.

[@MichaelR58]

Good informational video , thanks for sharing , God bless !

[@richardstyron5716]

Thanks for sharing, stay safe!!!

[@johnstevenson9429]

Thats a coincidence. I commented on a previous video and askedwhat radio you had in your chest rig for comms. You said it was a baofeng uv 5r. I since got my gmrs license and bought two radios. Im trying to figure out now which freq. I can legally transmit on because they are 8 watt radios

[@STOKERMATIC]

Congrats man! Technically, the UV5R isn’t FCC approved for GMRS, but I doubt you’ll have any issues. Scroll to the bottom of the link and hit the data button for freqs www.fcc.gov/wireless/bureau-divisions/mobility-division/general-mobile-radio-service-gmrs

[@johnstevenson9429]

@@STOKERMATIC thanks for the Intel Top

[@runningman1156]

This id definitely something I need to work on more. But it seems a bit confusing.

[@reddog1171]

Thanks, Reddog out

[@diego5131]

Good video. Thanks

[@streetpunk99]

Alot of radios now have cross band duplex capabilities. Finding a single signal on one band and letting the second band scan doesn't seem that far fetched especially if you're using a waterfall display.

[@pengiethebird]

So if I heard you right someone could upload 100,000 encoding tables to a publicly accessible location and then use them in a random order that only you and your buddy agreed upon you'd be legally ok and still have a slim chance of anyone ever figuring out the conversation.

[@dus777]

allegedly

[@davidalbright7335]

There have been lots of arguments made against getting your Ham radio license. One of them being the clause that the FCC reserves the right to inspect your radio station at any time. I get it. I think the knowledge gained by studying for your license trumps the threat of the FCC. It really isn't likely to ever happen, unless you are seriously breaking the law or doing some underhanded crap. Keep in mind that legal, knowledgeable and competent operation of an amateur radio makes you a member of a worldwide club. In a SHTF situation, you are likely to encounter contacts on the HF (high frequency) bands who have studied, trained, and waited for the opportunity to forward traffic (messages) to people in a grid-down setting. They have waited their whole lives for this moment and spent a ton of money on the gear to make it happen. Let's say cell service is gone. A Ham operator would hear your request (CQ) for someone in "XYZ-ville" who can forward traffic to family. Rest assured that many Ham operators would go to extreme lengths to forward that message and reply with a response from your family. HF Ham radio, specifically the 20 meter band, is excellent for this purpose and I strongly recommend that you overlook the negative comments and go get your Ham license. You will want to study for the Technician and General, at the minimum. The higher the license, the more frequencies you can legally use. Legal is important. If you follow the rules, you have 95% of the Ham operators as your friends. Search online for a Ham radio club near you or visit AARL on Google.

[@badger31738]

I’ve been wanting to learn how to use a ham

[@dus777]

Now

[@jerryj3047]

awesome video 👍👍

[@DaveJohnsonad5nm]

Having been in the communication field as a hobby for more than 50 years I can safely say that there is no security in wireless communication. However, in a hostile environment, rules do not apply.

[@STOKERMATIC]

Not untrue, but unless your on the radar of a state actor, it’s easy enough to have a reasonable degree of security.

[@DaveJohnsonad5nm]

@@STOKERMATIC I fully agree. I simply didn't want anyone to get complacent in 2 way security. Complacency will lead to failure and failure is not an option.

[@STOKERMATIC]

Truth. And Semper Fi. I’m in comms myself - and the emerging tech is insane.

[@Shihabdeenrecreationalcyclist]

What about somewhere where we can't use a ham radio not legal

[@U.S.Dept.ofHoeflation]

Help me Jesus i need a neighbor like this 😂

[@joefennell7535]

Cool Top.

[@TheHexCube]

👍👍👍

[@ralphday4842]

My wife insists this guy looks like Kenney Chesney. I think that's the only reason she watches this channel.

[@TheGreenWelty]

Without your beard you look like a young Bruce Willis😂

[@tstrongarm77]

Got a UV9r. Instructions are crap. Can't even get it to scan

[@STOKERMATIC]

Hate your having issues with your radio.

[@chezoreo1336]

Google it. Those instructions do suck. Some dude made a video on it, guarantee

[@chezoreo1336]

I got a gt-3wp. Took a long time to figure out the menu. I will say that spending 90 bucks on a yaesu, made things easier. Better menus, better internals.

[@tstrongarm77]

@@chezoreo1336 I'll look into that. Thanks

[@Z7d3nR4]

Bravo 6 Sierra, this is Foxtrot 2 Victor Got you 5x5. Negative copy. Say again all after, "two radios". I don't speak geek. How copy, over.

[@STOKERMATIC]

Solid copy. Standing by to replay. 🤣

[@paul7754]

Lots of info - maybe too much for novices like me. My hunting buds and I use FRS and a couple guys used to have CBs before they were taken over - that's the extent of my comm knowledge. I need to upgrade my comm skill/ability but don't want to become a 'radio nerd'. Most of you guys are discussing comms now so I need to get busy. There seems to be plenty of info on internet. I'd be open for 'book' recommendations (very basic 'intro' type) if anyone has suggestions.

[@STOKERMATIC]

GMRS is basic initial step - operates like FRS but with more power (range). I’ll drop a video soon on just how easy it is to get your license (no test and $35)

[@paul7754]

@@STOKERMATIC Funny familiarity with GRMS 'B4' FCC rules and 'license requirement'. Own Midland .5/5W Hi/Lo FRS/GMRS radios - pre ban. Applying for 'license' of the free air waves gets my back hair all itchy....

[@STOKERMATIC]

I feel ya!

[@xionix4]

Signal mirrors and Morse code. ;P

[@chezoreo1336]

Wait. Aru you saying one time pads are illegal on ham bands? I thought electronic encryption was regulated. If you say same numbers, anyone can write it down. Not my fault they don't have a key.

[@AndrewJackson1841]

I have an amateur general license. To the best of my knowledge, obfuscating your communication using encryption, "code words" (in the sense of something that's not public domain) or any such thing is strictly illegal on HAM bands. That said, anyone wanting a basic, working knowledge of radio would be well-served by studying and getting a HAM license, even just the amateur technician license. That's the whole point of the program. There are probably at least an order of magnitude more unlicensed baofeng owners than licensed owners. I suppose we have Amazon to thank for that but I digress. People buy these tools without the faintest idea of how they work, "just in case". Imagine someone using their radio for the first time and trying to hit a repeater that requires a CTCSS tone, for instance. They'd probably not figure that out. FYI, CTCSS/DCS tones aren't for privacy, they're just so that people can communicate using simplex on a repeater's uplink frequency without interfering with the repeater. The video was a bit vague there. If I were truly concerned about having to communicate securely during an emergency (or generally some circumstance wherein would be hypothetically legal/lawful to do so) I'd make up a bunch of one-time pads and hand them out to those I'd need to talk with beforehand. This seems unlikely though.

[@robertbriglia4805]

What's popular if anybody knows and can give me advice on Broome county New York Southern tier New York it'd be greatly appreciated thank you

[@davidwright5580]

I have a cb in my motor home.

[@STOKERMATIC]

Right on.

[@VictorButler-x7c]

⚜️⚜️

[@dus777]

Be prepared

[@canesser1]

Tried to listen to this Bro but the combo of that background music and not being as familiar with the tech was so distracting had to give up.

[@STOKERMATIC]

I have a pdf at Stokermatic.com that goes through the basics if your interested.

[@canesser1]

@@STOKERMATIC Thanks. More my speed!

[@dus777]

Brian, Brian, this is Dan, over. This is Brian over. Brian, we are going through the drive though, what's your drink order, over. Dan, I want a shake with a straw and a napkin from inside; over. Brian, order received, will bring to the party; with your change. over. Copy, leave receipt on the porch, over. Copy, bringing extra mustard and ice. Dan, the payment is slow; wait for service. Brian, I copy, will use parking lot. Dan, Out. Not rocket surgery.

[@anarchytelevision8445]

👋🏻👀

[@septor-og6hi]

If it's SHTF and your worried about what's legal or illegal you are already half way to failure.

[@yungsmile7546]

😂😂😂😂😂😂😂

[@yungsmile7546]

FCC rules are NOT LAWS. 😮

[@Tater26013]

Sir you know nothing about radio, maybe you should stay in your lane, try a radio that provides encryption, having a baofeng is like drinking Bud Light in the world of radio!

[@oczhaal]

I was looking for a new radio to replace mu UV-5R, you made my day. Thanks mate !

[@Queensryche230]

Hold the xmit button less than 3 seconds

[@rigger4695]

just add frs and gmrs to the baofeng.

[@remsound5521]

Meanwhile this day's.... Ham licences in case of... kzbin.info/www/bejne/d3nTZ3qHd5qAa8Usi=Ye0BFZcbyYOjy4x4

[@robduncan599]

If SHTF having secure communications will be the least of your worries ? If Armageddon is on your front door a few peppers running around with secure coms will have zero effect on anything or anyone? Just as having a bug out bag with a arsenal of weapons, will do Jack ? Don't get me wrong, I am not against having a emergency plan for a bad situation, and having extra food and supplies for a emergency. But in the grand scheme of things it might buy you a few extra days or even weeks . But nobody is going to put much effort into cracking any secure communications of a prepper? If you feel the need for extra security, old fashioned Morse Code will avoid the need for internet, mobile, cell . A few simple code signals might be fun learning and if all else fails cw might save the day . MM0UDI.

[@STOKERMATIC]

Hard to argue against having reliable comms though.

[@DaveJohnsonad5nm]

Secure wireless is a thing of the past. Even complex voice encryption is pretty much history. I can't go into detail but there are devices now in play in the intelligence community that would blow your mind. I'm no expert but I've been around the communications field for over 50 years with 28 years in the Corps. I watched communications transition from tubes to solidstate and now micro computers. Someone somewhere will always crack your security.

[@robduncan599]

@@STOKERMATIC Fair enough, thanks for taking my rant so well . TU

[@chezoreo1336]

I feel like percentage wise, you might be better off with basic open comms so more can access it easily, rather than you and a buddy on secure comms. You might even want to try one time pads. Sounds slow and rough. Like iron curtain days.

[@jerryj3047]

@@DaveJohnsonad5nm yup it fits in one big van pretty cool stuff

[@apar1560]

👍👍👍