What radio is the best for the prepper in an emergency? For your home and to give out to others.

[@southernprepper1]

Retevis RT21V Murs amzn.to/44i9RG0 6 pack Retevis RT21 FRS amzn.to/46rteyb Retevis RB27 GMRS amzn.to/3JBxXUm Retevis NR30 amzn.to/46ilCho 6 pack. Retevis NR30 amzn.to/3NRO1na 2 pack If you need any help send me a email to [e-mail] and we can talk on the phone and see what would be the best for you.

[@thewheelchairprepper8070]

THANKS DAVE FOR ALL YOU DO FOR US ALL!👍🙏

[@CabinGRL]

Thank you and God bless you and your family

[@неостанавливаемый]

Yeasu radios can be Mars moded. VX6 is water proof. Motorola 2500 has military grade encryption. Cheap radios uvk5 quansheng and baofeng uv5r

[@tazcountry4828]

Be nice if you would help a veteran

[@OldBiscuit54]

I have YAESU FT4x .....very happy with it

[@bobbader4789]

CB Radio is underrated.. Inexpensive, simple to use, no license needed, doesn’t rely on repeaters, my antenna to yours using AM Radio waves, have a small battery bank and solar system to run mine and backups for both in a faraday cage ~ Grasshoppa

[@chrisl2632]

CB is great until you have to try to get through all the cussing, screaming, insults and illegal users.

[@bobbader4789]

@fancythat5136 I have the base station Galaxy I really like but any CB will work with a decent antenna, I have a Antron 99 that’s real simple to set up and kinda stealthy if you do it really right

[@bobbader4789]

@@chrisl2632 SHTF and 90% will be off the AM Radio Waves…

[@armageddonready4071]

Citizen ban is great, but your missing out on the best ninja communications system, and that’s a Marine ban, used specifically for water, but when SHTF the fcc won’t be checking in. Yes the new digital radios are great, but you can still get analog bands at some old shops.

[@Romin.777]

​@@chrisl2632No such thing as illegal users on cb where i live that is.

[@debsmith5971]

Thank you Dave! Prayers for you and your families!🤲🇺🇸🎚️🙏☮️

[@floridaprepper751]

My wife and I are licensed ham radio operators. A good 2 meter mobile or base station radio is an icom 2300h model. A good work horse hf long distance radio is a yeasu 450 D model. with a GR5V multiband antenna. You have to be licensed to talk on it. But you do not need a license to listen on it. A good 2 meter base station antenna is an arrow GP146. I hope this helps some one.

[@laurahoumes2960]

I’m in Central Florida, my daughter is in Mississippi Gulfport Navy Base can you share any Ham radio options for me to learn more to communicate with her? Is a satellite phone a better option? I also wonder if these communication venues could be ever shut down? Any advise is appreciated.

[@floridaprepper751]

@@laurahoumes2960 I think a satellite phone may be your best option. Since she is on base, for security ops, best if she calls you.

[@damiion666]

Are you and your wife boomers?

[@floridaprepper751]

@@damiion666 We are in our late fifties.

[@damiion666]

@@floridaprepper751 ok makes sense

[@teresashoot999]

Finally someone like me “ no tec” that I can understand thanks for explaining, plan on looking into these

[@shecanhomestead]

In our are of the North Georgia mountains, we have 6 neighbors on FRS just in case we need to communicate. One has some static because she is down a bit in a little valley and limited line of sight. Several of us also have HAM licenses and HAM setups. We are working the same plan so I enjoyed your reviews and your advice.

[@shecanhomestead]

OH! and we came up with nicknames so we don't use our names when we use the FRS communication

[@thewheelchairprepper8070]

@@shecanhomestead GREAT IDEA...THANKS

[@expert244]

Good vid Dave, thanks for posting. These radios are great as "handouts" to establish community comms. A few comments from personal experience: 1. Cheap Chinese radios provide us with great options that we didn't have years ago, but know their limitations. I own many CCRs and they have a much higher failure rate vs the more expensive Japanese radios. If these are being used in a critical role, always have/bring TWO radios for when one fails. And yes, we all know someone who has a Baofeng that hasn't broken but overall they fail at a much higher rate. 2. 1,000,000 watts won't go through a hill, but 1 watt will reach the International Space Station. Line of sight/antenna height > power. Power is nice to have but LOS is necessary. 3. The "privacy codes" keep other people from talking to you, the DO NOT stop other from hearing you. Privacy codes are really only good for 1. kids, so weirdo can't talk to them 2. several people on the same freq and you want to reduce unnecessary chatter/interference. 4. In addition to the other security measures you mentioned, people should also look into directional/Yagi antennas if the application allows. God Bless the USA!!!!!!

[@ApocGuy]

true, but i'd rather risk trashing cheap BF when diving for cover than yaesu/kenwood that cost 2-4 times. im sure there are rugged models out there, but most "survival communities" has limited budget and dont need top of the line stuff. agree that if you can buy, buy best you can afford.

[@whiteyfisk9769]

Do you have any advice on a cheap emergency NOAA radio that isnt a gimmick

[@ntxcharlie2929]

Just recently took (and passed) my Technician test. Wasn't that difficult, a week or two of study/practice test time. I would suggest adding a low-cost simple/small mobile 2-meter/70-centimeter transceiver (like what goes in your truck) to your kit. Cost of these is in the $200-$300 range. You can power with a lithium-ion battery, recharge with solar and with a simple lightweight Dipole antenna (string up and spread out tree-to-tree). These give you 10x power of uv-5r so would be a good mobile base station or base to base much farther than uv-5r to uv-5r.

[@lieutenantcolonelnicholson9228]

BINGO!

[@mikenorton8709]

I hope you'll check out the 10 meter band. As a tech you have access to a small portion of it. When band propagation is cooperating you can get some serious DX (distance) out of it. One time I sat in my truck with a magnetic roof mount antenna(hamstick and a Xeigu G90 @ 20 watts) & made a qso with a gentleman in Argentina - 4800 miles. Planning on taking my General in two weeks.

[@Favorite-catNip]

Wow. How interesting. Good family project.

[@ntxcharlie2929]

@@mikenorton8709. I was just suggesting 2m/70cm for low cost and uv-5r (and equivalent) compatibility. A full tri or quad would really increase overall capability but cost and power come into play. Thx for the reply

[@tomfoolery333]

Can you direct me, a radio newbie, in the right direction to learn to the level you describe in your post? Thanks in advance for any help.

[@Tom-qx5nl]

I keep a bunch of BF888 UHF radios for handouts. They're inexpensive, small, simple, and decent range. They also accept an inexpensive speaker/mic (about $3.00 ea.) Good info Dave, thanks for another great video.

[@icanary64]

I thank you for doing them all in the same video.

[@sharonself758]

Our AT&T tower caught fire during a storm last week, and we were without communication! ☹️ Thanks for this informative video!

[@tcathunder]

I love GMRS license 30.00 for 10 yrs... I love it.. Most repeaters are battery backup. Police use them

[@angelabeckman2647]

Where do you go to look into a GRMS license? Is that by state?

[@irony11]

​@@angelabeckman2647A simple internet search will show you.

[@donalderickson-si8ww]

NO you call thay walk you through it had call sign before I hung up paper trail four days later $ 35.00 dollars 10 years got mine in 2023

[@StormsRadiosCats]

Yes, most vhf/uhf radio's are FM which is best at Line of Sight. 900 Mhz isn't too bad... 1 watt license free and can travel up to 5 miles -+. I have been using GMRS for years in the hills of Kentucky, every radio service has it's weaknesses. CB is a no go here with all the idiots in my area. Also keep in mind, FRS shares channels with GMRS also the Baofeng UV-9G and some of the other variations can scan "privacy tones" as long as the party you are trying to hear transmit long enough for the radio to lock on to the CTCSS/DCS tone and display it on the radio's screen.

[@terryoneal4089]

As far as availability and price right now the Beofeng UV5R is probably the best value, yes they are complicated to program but like you said if you can gain some altitude the line of sight is really increased

[@youtube6817]

Which generation? Beginner here, Thanks 🙏

[@angliscmight7168]

How are they programmed?

[@angliscmight7168]

How are they programmed?

[@angliscmight7168]

How are they programmed?

[@PaulAtreidesMuadDib]

Because of your vids I have purchased GMRS, FRS, HAM and MURS and am studying for my Ham License and got my GMRS license. I also have several old CBs because when TEOTWAWKI happens Comms will be everything! As with all my preps I have layer 1 down and will come back around and get Mobile ones for my Truck and simple Base Stations and put an antenna up in my attic since I have basically a 3 story Attic and that will keep the existence of the Comms hidden. Eventually I may run one up one of the tall trees in my yard.... One layer at a time. Need to save up for good night Vision Now

[@toejammin77]

Not really sure you have thought this through. If a true SHTF happens. Nobody, and I mean NOBODY is going to give a flying f..k that you are transmitting illegally. Just take a moment and think about the state of society if we are brought to the point od having to use this kind of communications.

[@PaulAtreidesMuadDib]

@@toejammin77 Not concered with the Legality after SHTF. Getting the license requires you to learn the how to use, troubleshoot & etc. SHTF is not the Time to "figure it out"

[@toejammin77]

@@PaulAtreidesMuadDib true dat

[@wadavis5252]

All these smart comments and technical talk with your acronyms and “set-ups” remind me why I have simple radios. KISS!

[@DR4296]

What radios do you have, then?

[@wadavis5252]

@@DR4296 The cheap, simple radios Dave showed.

[@Aikibiker1]

From personal experience radio communications DURING a disaster is not going to be very useful if you are just handing out radios. I tried to do that during flooding after hurricane Ian. My neighborhood was underwater with many people unable to get out. I evacuated my family in a borrowed canoe and then a bunch of neighbors with boats and myself spent hours helping others get out. To help with this I passed out some of the Baofeng BF-888 radios I had stockpiled. It just made things worse. No one knew how to operate a radio. Normal people that have never held one before just cannot pick up a radio under stressful events and use them. We had one guy that somehow activated the VOX mode on the radio I gave him and took out our net for over an hour until we tracked him down. If you plan to hand out radios better print out instructions to go with them. Also plan on not being able to use the radios until after whatever initial event causes the SHTF and you are in the post collapse phase and can get the time to teach people. Also the Baofeng BF-888s are not all programmed the same from teh factor. So if you buy one set and then buy more later the frequencies either may not line up with the channels or may be entirely different. I used Chirp to and was able to figure out how to remove the privacy codes and get every radio to have the same frequencies on the same channels. That said the BF-888's were solid. One even survived when I went swimming after falling out of a kayak.

[@davidhawkins847]

I would say it's the programming that is the biggest thing to figure out for group communications and getting every radio programmed the same. Simplifies everything as you can just say change to channel #. Better yet if the radio has a keypad lockout to prevent accidental changes.

[@paul.phillips]

The cheap radios are good for passing out, but for your own use I would highly recommend getting a quality radio like a Yaesu.. even the Yaesu FT-65R can be easily unlocked to work on ham + FRS/GMRS and more. They are cleaner in their output, and they are much better construction. I dropped one of my Baofengs from waist height and it broke. Those handhelds that advertise 10 watts almost never output 10 watts. Best advise I can give: Get your ham radio license (tech or general) and get some experience, that experience will pay off BIG when the SHTF.

[@lewis9888]

I have a group that will be here on my farm when SHTF, so we will definitely need coms. Be safe my friends.

[@mattpelter]

I’ve been struggling to learn ham radios for about two months now. I love the concept but I’m not doing great lol

[@ericblair3009]

Great overview on this topic. Seems like most folks want to go about this the hard way, I like your KISS system for local comms. Keep up the good work! BTW a few weeks ago Eggs had been $14.00 for 5 doz and of course that was a good price locally so I got 2 of them. the next week they dropped to $6.00 for 5 doz.... and now today they were about $8,50 for the 5 Doz.......all at the local Walmart in SE Wyoming. Lard is now about $2.70/lbs We are not out of the woods by a long shot. Keep prepping

[@bruceforster3709]

Another VERY Capable radio, albeit a bit more $$$ is the Yaesu FT-65. They are keystroke modifiable for FRS, GMRS, MURS, and most Public Service Agency Frequencies. They currently sell for $100.00. I have two of them in addition to my VX-6 and my VX-8. My Wife's Radio is a Yaesu FT-4.

[@donaldatkinson7937]

How far will they transmit?

[@floridaprepper751]

My wife and I are licensed ham radio operators. The best local ham radio is a 2 meter base station or HT. For long distance, we go on 20 meter, and 40 meter. And some 80 meter.

[@donaldatkinson7937]

Do you know anyone who works on older multi band radios? Someone gave me a older Sony, but needs work. Thank you.

[@floridaprepper751]

@@donaldatkinson7937 Sorry donald, I do not know of anyone who works on the old radios.

[@donaldatkinson7937]

@@floridaprepper751 thanks anyway

[@steve8189]

Thanks Dave! A Ham here. Line of sight (LOS) can be incredibly impressive under the right conditions. Every time the International Space Station circles the earth, about every 90 minutes, you can hear them and at times be able to communicate (allowed more in the past, now more schools and clubs) with a UHF/VHF radio, which is the same bands as the Baofeng, so long as the ISS is above the horizon/high enough to overcome ground interference. When I started doing the HAM thing I though for sure they would be using High Frequency (HF) bands only, but that was not necessary. The ISS downlink frequency (437.8 MHz) is the one to be used to listen to ISS traffic, AND CAN be heard with a simple handheld. On a related note there are YT channels that will show you how to build different types of repeaters using handheld devices set to VOX. Add a weatherproof box, extra battery, and a small solar panel, and you've got a repeater that will send messages over hills/even mountains so long as the LOS is maintained (depending on power. Both simplex and duplex repeaters can be built with handheld radios with a little effort and can be well hidden if there was ever an emergency need.

[@chrish42000]

Only problem is, even in the military where it was always high priority, the batteries would always end up dead. Take away- Get twice as many backup batteries/charging as you think. They make 12v car outlet with wire conversions for Baofeng (i paid 10 bucks) Would be cool to use for car convoys. And at the prices of replacement batteries ranging 10-20$ it makes more sense to buy the entire uv5r baofeng radio set (some come with extra battery) for 20-25$.

[@chrish42000]

Baofeng radios aren't too bad if you keep a little note card cheat sheet on the step by step functions.

[@thewheelchairprepper8070]

I just order a six pack of these Retevis RT21V Murs Radios thru your link Dave! I have been a HAM Radio Operator FOR WELL OVER 45 YEARS...But none of my neighbors are HAMS! I got these so I can/will give them each one now beforehand (for free)! THANKS DAVE FOR THE GREAT REVIEW!!! NOW we will all have COMS.👍🙏

[@krysium]

I have several gmrs and am lookibg to install a repeater on a tall grain tower. Should extend range to all 3 small towns 8 miles apart locally

[@floridaprepper751]

The range of a meter base station is 5-8 miles with no repeater. With a repeater, around 35 miles. A hf base radio can go around the world. A 2 meter base station will run you around 280 dollars. an hf set up will run you around 1500 dollars on the average.

[@Mr1MOA]

Excellent video, I purchased the MURS radios for my community. I'm a HAM radio operator, and I agree........having something simple for your neighbors to use is key. I have the versatility to communicate HF as well as VHF/UHF, but I would not expect my neighbors to even know how I do this. I could serve as the point of contact for HF long distance and regional communications.

[@toejammin77]

I have a tech license but I also realize that if sHTF ever takes place where we are left with having to communicate on a handheld ham radio. Do you really think in your wildest dreams that anyone of authority is going to be searching for me because I am transmitting illegally. If so, then you really dont understand what state of distress the world will be in at that point.

[@CzechSixTv]

@@toejammin77 It's not about legalities "when SHTF". It's about becoming proficient beforehand, which your neighbors aren't going to do. The point SP1 and @Mr1MOA were making is that MURS radios are dead simple. In an emergency you can hand one to a barely functioning idiot and they will figure it out in under 5 minutes. Hand them a UV-5R, they'll end up on the wrong band and frequency in under 5 minutes...

[@northwoodsyankee3528]

FYI All- Don't get the "privacy codes" confused with encryption. Your voice will still go across the air in the clear no matter what privacy code is used. All the privacy codes do is create a tone coded squelch so that a receiver doesn't have to listen to any unwanted traffic. Some might be using the CTCSS tones, others might use digital coded squelch. They aren't using speech inversion (weak), DES (56 bit) or AES (256 bit) encryption. "Privacy codes" and "Encryption" are two completely different things. If you do not have encryption, anybody with a receiver using carrier squelch (an analog scanner or another type of a radio not using any type of tone coded squelch) WILL hear you if in range.

[@donalderickson-si8ww]

north wood's your privacy cone is so no one can talk to you if thay don't have your code thay can still hear you only.

[@northwoodsyankee3528]

@@donalderickson-si8ww Privacy codes are tone coded squelch. Anyone will receive the transmission who is using that same CTCSS "PL" tone on their receiver or is listening with a carrier squelch.

[@donalderickson-si8ww]

I am a gmrs license holder I get it

[@donalderickson-si8ww]

I have a g m r s license holder I get it I just worded it wrong

[@donalderickson-si8ww]

@@northwoodsyankee3528 I know I was just trying to use plain English for the new commers W R X N 824

[@deancoburn9352]

I appreciate this video babe this is gonna help a lot of people... I was looking for some comms And didn't know where to turn to. So I just went with Cobra because I knew them from back in the 80s boy, was I wrong! I also had bought a pair of the retevis and wow big difference!! I'll be adding a few of the others you showed,appreciate it sir,keep up His good work,Gods peace

[@deancoburn9352]

didnt mean to call you babe,lol..voice text not working so great! (embarrassed) lol

[@garrettyamada9821]

The Rambo eBike that CP sells, is top notch, and can be charged out in the field using solar panels. Pricey, but well worth it, for those that can afford it.

[@iallreadyknowsunshine57]

Baofeng radios are illegal here in Australia unfortunately. So I got a 5watt oricom radio with a bigger aerial that is awesome,it has duplex so if in mountains I can boost my signal strength. I also got a very good car cb radio with sideband that I can communicate with other radio operators hundreds of miles away. We have many repeater stations up and down the east coast of Australia so coverage is no problem.

[@randlecarr3257]

Good call on using different transmit/receive stations.

[@mikewood8208]

Thank you for the quick response to my question, keep doing what you do whilst being a positive influence on those learning how to prep and why.

[@explanger527]

Good Quality content here Dave. Retevis radios are good quality and affordable. Going with pre-programmed set channel radios as community give-aways are a great idea. With a plan and a guide sheet everyone will have ease of contact in most cases. Proper weekly tests and use will get everyone in your network comfortable with the use and know what areas work best for there comms. I have radios out the wazoo but also want a few like these that I can give to family and such in a catastrophic situation. My dad and I talk radio a lot, he's in Air Force CAP and I am a HAM/Prepper. With both of us being from public safety, we get it. Rule of thumb, MURS is VHF, good for woods and mountainous areas. GMRS/FRS is UHF good for more flat areas and distance, longer range. Do be careful with power output on the frequencies used. A lot of the issued bands have power restrictions, most of the time you can find that information easily. In a total SHTF event, that won't matter, but in testing and current common use, follow the rules. Just a few things to add here for some looking. Not to bash on Dave by any means. If you're not sure, ask questions. You don't want the FCC coming to you and taking your equipment for misuse. Happy prepping, Matt

[@citizensurvivalplan]

Get into GMRS basestations they go to 50 watts and will really increase range. Also set up some of your own repeaters you could cover 30 to 70 miles with the right set up.

[@lukethompson7292]

Very important subject very thankful

[@richardrowland7044]

dont forget you need some small portable solar panels to recharge batteries on portables in the case of a grid down situation.. you can buy a Rohn 50 foot telescoping push up pole,and a high gain comet or diamond dual band base antenna and adapters and mini 8 coax to connect a portable to coax feed and plug in a surecom simplex repeater controller and obtain several miles of coverage.

[@johncosmo]

Great video especially for people that do not know what they need for communications. Make sure you get a nice base station going with an end fed antenna you will be able to hear far. And transmit. Icom 7300 it's great tried-and-true! Thank you brother God bless Godspeed!!!

[@VickyGeagan]

Just a suggestion with murs radios their is no antenna height requirement in the USA. You can get an adapter for were the antenna mounts, and connect it up with a good coax cable to a base antenna mounted in the highest location that you can. The radio you use can act as a base radio. Their is also the old CB radio wich now includes FM no license required. I also suggest a connector adapter kit.

[@janetcalvert3959]

I think people who are not involved i.e. prepping, emergency paredness ect. Will become VERY motivated to use a system such as u explained if they find themselves in such circumstances.

[@CALFireRescue]

Look into licensing “itinerant” frequencies (UHF or VHF) as a private business. It doesn’t require frequency coordination ($$ pricey!) and will cost you $210 for a 10 year license. The benefits? You CAN use encryption. Very few people will bother trying to listen if they can’t find traffic on GMRS freqs, etc.. You can find used radios in good condition that will do a great job and are very durable. Motorola or Hytera radios are a great choice. Analog AND digital (P25 or DMR) and they are not too pricey. Ex. Motorola XTS 5000 can be had for a few hundred bucks and is virtually indestructible. (New, the XTS5000 model 3 were approx $4500 when first released) Thanks for a great channel.

[@twboegel2918]

@7:36 It's referred to as split frequency. Many comms have this capability ... ain't for sure but the bo fangs may be capable.

[@KipKil1igan]

please give the Guerrillas Guide to The Baofeng Radio a read if you havent. Written by NC Scout ex special forces reconassance unit. Remember depending on the situation, keying that radio can get you killed fast too

[@milwaukee_69]

I seen at Walmart a pair of cobra business band radios for 90 dollars and some change that are licensed free and have a strong signal for the money spent.

[@chrischapman1613]

Excellent presentation Dave! Stay frosty

[@Prepologyblog]

SP1 great video, something to add, while more expensive and with a higher learning curve don't overlook digital radios (they also do analog, what you are using) the increased capability and features you get out of digital (sms, gps, true encryption if you apply for the license, and more) can not be understated, Food for thought.

[@victoriagarcia-xb8ki]

Dave, Thanks for this information! I had been wondering this, but have no experience with radios at all. Lol, It can feel overwhelming at times with so much to learn! God bless you and your family!!

[@esincl52]

If you have a gmrs license, your family can use the radios also without getting another license

[@improvisedsurvival5967]

Got an old pair of realistic walkie talkies. One for fob and one for when on patrols. You can talk in code so who cares who’s listening. They would have to be able to decipher your code talk to figure anything out. Good luck figuring out what I’m up to

[@LIVINGRETIRED310]

Very good video. Many may not have grasped your message. But radios are my thing being a commo guy. One thing to remember is during a shtf and wheres there no law of the land present. All laws or rules becomes null. You use what you can to complete your daily SOP.

[@JohnSmith-hm7eh]

Without communications, it would be like wandering around in the dark 24/7. SouthernPrepper1 has more videos on communications, than just this one.

[@ssh0111]

I've got BTech and Wouxun GMRS radios. Good stuff for fairly flat land. I need a 50 watt GMRS for a base / mobile unit.

[@derekohio9871]

I just received my gmrs license. Live in central ohio. Alot to learn.

[@mitchelljones5481]

Thanks Dave I was just looking at radios this morning trying to figure out what to get

[@kevinlarrimore]

Add a local repeter station at the top of one of the hills near your home add distance and functionality for your area

[@sherrib2023]

Dear Southern Prepper, I need help finding, meeting,etc like minded folks. I'm a widow, now 58. Have lived a life of honor, dignity and respect for the freedoms of good people. I've tried n tried...joined a group of local and after a year,really nothing was accomplished,not even a community garden. I am at the western end of Oregon...feel alone and vulnerable as my small family are good ppl,but refuse to embrace the depth what's happening or maybe the fear has them thinking it cannot fall any further 😔 Thank you....salute for your efforts

[@txpatriot7038]

I would recommend a cb with an amp. Amps are illegal but ok and they are a no brainer. Plus the freq goes futher than a ham or gmrs bearfoot. Im a ham and will use HF for long distance (world wide), cb and gmrs (short mid distance) family radios are great local. Good vidieo.

[@davidhawkins847]

SP, A couple things in relation to your communication plans: First, check with your community government, they may already have a plan set of frequencies in use or may have frequencies they monitor for civilian emergency reporting. They may also be able to point you to any radio clubs in your area. As you mentioned there are legal concerns on each band that I'm not going into and if this is just for emergency use only they don't apply. They do come into affect for everyday use and you should be using them to be familiar with it. There is CB, murs, frs, gmrs, & ham. All but HAM use channels and all but CB are in the same frequencies as basic Dual-band HAM radios. Pick one for simplicity, but GMRS has the highest legal transmit power and available features outside the HAM licensing. Personally, I would consider a 2-band HAM radio (2M & 70cm) as these can be programmed to monitor any of the other radios' channels. Develop a radio plan, as mentioned earlier there may be clubs around you that have a plan. Start there. If all your radios are the same and programmed the same its much simpler for group communications. Considering you're in hilly country, you might consider finding a good location to setup a repeater, or maybe there is one already near you. All of these are line of sight operation, so regardless of transmit power, you're likely to experience issues. You would need to be using GMRS OR HAM if you want to use a repeater. I'm not familiar with the Reteviss products but i think they have models matching Baofeng. The big one for Baofeng is the UV5r and its various newer models like the BF8HP i think. Personally i prefer the UV-S9+. Its similar to the BF8 but has USB charging built in so it can charge from your standard battery pack and not need a cradle. As you mentioned all of these can be programmed in CHIRP.

[@laurahoumes2960]

Hi! Newbie here. I was looking into Ham Radio vs Satellite Radio. My daughter is at Mississippi Navy Base. is there a one that would be better for communication that distance? Then I’m curious if the service could have a chance of being shut down. Any advice is greatly appreciated.

[@laurahoumes2960]

Oh I live in Central Florida! Space Coast!

[@davidhawkins847]

@laurahoumes2960 not real sure as I don't have experience with satellite phones. Kinda depends on the scenario you're considering. The satellites would still be up, but I don't know how much they require ground based systems for tracking. For example, you're on one satellite and the other end is on another. Assuming distance, you would both need HAM licenses and equipment because you'd need to skip off the atmosphere. Depending on level of service loss, you could also use repeater to Telcom connections, but that gets in deeper than I'm familiar with.

[@TheDoug625]

I've bought 4 baofeng UV5R's from Amazon in the last 2 months and they'll all transmit on any ham or gmrs frequency right out of the box.

[@debbiecurtis4021]

I got Ham Foundation in March. I'm busy until September, but want to do Intermediate next.

[@chrisnorthridge4953]

I got my gmrs license other day bought a radio and extra big ariel antenna for longer range

[@vester681]

I have a couple cobra walky talkies their good for a mile or so,and a truck cb with a lithium battery in a carry bag for portability and reach out further, I'm sure you have real night vision, but I ordered the $35 r7 night vision monocular, I know the Ar light is a giveaway but just for seeing someone or a animals on your property, I was totally surprised how well it works, if you are like me an cant afford the real thing its awesome I'm gonna order another one .have a blessed day

[@knikhusky]

Do you have a link for that night vision monocular?

[@patriciahobbs9184]

ALASKA Prepper talked about 35.00 night vision . I didn't see that video. Is this what he recorded? Link??

[@vester681]

@@knikhusky I bought it off temu but I think Amazon has it also

[@forgottentechnology]

FM transmitter 24 hour, for a compound and 1/4 mile or less. Run music with special toons for alerts. Everybody has a FM radio. Then only us walkie talky when you need 2 way comms.

[@iyot1020]

for prepping im using motorola xts 5000/3000 and programmed p25 freq for privacy

[@datgoose5484]

Great video thanks for the research and thought you put into this

[@Marcus-rg7bg]

The best radio is your mind if its in tune. On right channel.

[@Hatbox948]

Dave, you make me realize how unprepared I really am.

[@donaldatkinson7937]

You will be fine, well, until that mob from Charlotte descends on you lol

[@debbiecurtis4021]

We all started somewhere. Just prep what you need for your situation.

[@sweetnspiceyone]

Can you talk about Bevy sticks, Satellites phones and Worldwide radios in another video if you didn't mention it today? Thanks for putting out such wonderful content. We all appreciate you and look forward to your very helpful videos!

[@thetribesman8658]

Gteat video... thank you. Could you please talk about your base units, Dave, and how those are set up and interact with the hand helds.

[@BigT683]

Thanks Dave for the video I have the baofengs for my home and my mag and yeah they can be overly complicated

[@keithgarland3404]

Lots of info, thanks Dave, from the UK

[@annietaylorsmith3876]

Been prepping for a while and have the Wouxun programable radio.

[@alexandroshellas8524]

I have a bsofeng I've 5. I am in the ham radio club. You guys can have antennas. Ham radio is needed for emergency communication.

[@happymark1805]

Just learn for ham radio, not only you have more possebilleties but you also get the knowledge to build antennas and other stuff and that will come in handy when all goes to hell

[@bruceforster3709]

My FT-65's Line of sight can talk over 100 Miles! They can also be adjusted DOWN to o.5 Watts for short-Range Comms.

[@AmericanConstellation]

Get your HAM radio license and learn how to use these things. Get a high powered VHF, UHF and HF radio. Get some antennas and learn how to use them. When everything goes down, HAM radios still work.

[@jpbrown1963]

Murs radio seems to be more private in my area

[@davidhawkins847]

That's most likely because so few people use MURS these days, especially with the limited channels compared to GMRS.

[@bamabythebay]

Also you can get a bigger antenna and helps with the range.

[@lowerpower]

look at metastatic, sort of a lorawan replacement, not voice, but text and data. Can go upto 20km and battery powered. Encryption is better and the Sig Int guys cannot tell if its your power meter or any other Lorawan device (like helium) or an amazon sidewalk. It blends right into those services. You can drop $20 nodes all over your town and get perfect coverage.

[@joshweitzel6788]

Good video Dave, easy to understand.

[@Texasgirl10Growing]

Old school code book for each family member that you create yourself. I think I’ll do that for my sons and close family. 🤔

[@h9hkk6155]

Get backup batteries for them, and AA battery boxes. Batteries on them die frequently

[@LavenderLori406]

Great info, I know nothing about this and didn't realize i could get one so cheap. Do they have rechargeable usb plug in batteries? And All the different kinds can communicate with each other, yes?

[@alexandroshellas8524]

You must have FCC call sign to transmit ham radio. I got my license last year.

[@elizabeth881]

That’s all great but you failed to explain how we remove the code and what’s the reason? We really need details. What does it help to get one if the codes are in the system?

[@donalderickson-si8ww]

D D YOU READ THAT THE the Reture radio is for business radio 2 thousend square FI and has a range of 12 floors strate up

[@mfults6915]

I have older ge handheld cb radios that are pushing 7watts. The older ones seem better and more wattage. My cb in my truck also have a good older base radio. Make sure you have rechargeable batteries

[@serenitysealed485]

Thank you Dave.

[@knikhusky]

Thanks Dave, excellent information. Any chance you can provide a link for the chirp cable you have?

[@seedy-waney-bonnie4906]

I was giving some cheep ones, CB and FM transceivers.

[@Johnkb2059]

I am not a big believer in e-bikes I keep a traditional 10-speed around for emergency

[@howtodave1725]

Please look up the 3-3-3 prepper and survivalist shtf como plan. 3-3-3- radio plan. I am using hand-held CB in combo with litle will car antenna.

[@jamesosborne5950]

When I hunt behind my home in my blind I have a two way and so does my wife at the house just in case I get hurt . Great idea to have one and I have a ham to

[@Tom-qx5nl]

Same here. Anytime one of us goes out into the woods we always have a radio on us and monitored at a base station.

[@randlecarr3257]

Pick up a receive only radio FM/AM/VHF/UHF with spare batteries and/or hand charge. And those of you who are not in HOA’s and/or live on a little property you really should have basic transmit base station radio with a wire in a tree. Take the test to start. The ability to speak locally and LISTEN regionally is so important for your information and decision making.

[@randlecarr3257]

It’s amazing how simple a wire in a tree can be

[@BobBob-il2ku]

Anytone 878 $220 aes-256 encrypted if everyone has the same radio. Best radio for your crew/mag ect for the $

[@jeffreygillispie8780]

Great video but if you could mention next time or another video about EMP proof boxes, that would be awesome!

[@Prepping_mimi]

Great info! Thank you, Dave.

[@MasterK9Trainer]

That was very helpful because instead of giving us a lot of information you basically said this radio is good for this and this radio is good for that. Yes I know you can get the baofeng radios ridiculously cheap but they can't give those out to people who are going to be stupid and play with the buttons and then get your ass in trouble. Now unlike you I really couldn't afford to be giving stuff out and it goes against my experiences with people being very neglectful and I don't really have pepper friends or peppers in the family but it's still nice to see how inexpensive the radios are and being that I know you would not trust your life to garbage those radios are too damn cheap not to have them. $42 or $60 for 4 or even 10 radios is a very cheap prep. What I would suggest to people and this was what I would do, if the talk to other people and encourage them to get some radios and if I think it's worth the money I would consider buying a group of 10 radios or maybe more because when the crap hits the fan I can sell them or I could trade for other things