What To Do When The Cell Phones Go Down (AT&T)

[@John_Ai9D]

This is when I got into ham radio. Since then I've gone from Tech to Extra. I'm so glad the AT&T outage happened. THIS VIDEO started the journey.

[@HamRadioCrashCourse]

Damn son! You moved up quick! Good for you!

[@ItsaMeLeah]

I definitely sent a message that said those exact words while grocery shopping to feed our family nutritious food.

[@Spencer.76]

😂🤣 In those exact words 😂🤣

[@Eric10179]

The 4th wall deadpan got me good 😂😂😂

[@milliardo279]

That look was probably the best part of the video. Nothing else matters but that!

[@myrealname2022]

Blink twice if you are being held against your will? lol.

[@thedwighty]

Better get yourself the new Kenwood HT. For maximum connectivity. Safety First.

[@kenofken9458]

I remember life before cell phones. It really is possible to survive for a few hours or a day without texting and checking your social media feed 10 times every hour.

[@aqdrobert]

I enjoy TCAS tech, Two Cans and String.

[@Baumeister40]

I can live without those things... but sometimes I really need the Google Maps. Or I need to reference photos, drawings & email to get my job done for the day.

[@BrayJaythe2nd]

Indeed. And back then a lot of repeaters had a phone patch.

[@xephael3485]

Yeah the wife thanking him is pure fiction 😂

[@SBPepperminion]

Will the female units ever understand?

[@thomasthomas8091]

Best minute of cinema right at 1:48 with the slow turn. LOVE IT!

[@platinumfalconm3891]

I literally LOL'd

[@ElectricityTaster]

I agree.

[@aaroncook5928]

I laughed so hard. subscribed and upvoted. I'm just learning about HAM and have no clue at the moment

[@NukaVaultReadiness]

Comms is the main thing I have focused on in my "readiness" lifestyle. I wish more people would pick up on the message that old school analog is foolproof, at least 99% of the time. Great video as always Josh!

[@knowmeaning]

That look at the camera after reading the message from the wife... 🤣

[@SBPepperminion]

That's the sign a wife would never say that even if they tried.

[@rbmwiv]

My niece and nephew have radios and use my Gmrs license and that outage didn’t really affect us. I gave everyone a radio lock on the local repeater that covers the whole county.

[@leroymay8156]

There is also NPR70. "New Packet Radio over 70cm" This is very nice to create a transparent Ethernet connection in UHF, so it is great to connect e.g. a PC to the Internet or the Hamnet. I do access the Hamnet in this way, since I don't have line of sight to a 6GHz access point. Fairly slow, but quite stable.

[@Ammed_KN6STX]

Josh, can you do more in-depth dive on Meshtastic? Setting up the units??? Great Video Josh!!!

[@HamRadioCrashCourse]

I’ve done it, in live stream and an intro. See links in description.

[@JackBQuick79]

Having full blown conversation with yourself shows just how into communication you really are. You got my attention.

[@yourbrotherbilly9974]

I passed my technician test Saturday thanks to Josh’s videos. He also made it very easy to find all the info for online test. Literally a one stop shop!

[@HamRadioCrashCourse]

That is awesome! Congrats!

[@michaeleber4752]

Good evening HRCC! NotARubicon sent me here. Then I realized I've watched several of your videos so I subscribed. Just starting HAM (the only radio type here in Colombia) so I have a lot to learn.

[@HamRadioCrashCourse]

Awesome! Thank you!

[@CrackerFL]

Hurricane Helena really changed my mind on getting my ham licence! I will start out on a low budget, but learn along the way. I have a local ham group where i live.

[@calebstrout6022]

The hurricane gave me a new interest in radios and communication

[@colebronson3392]

Hey just wanted to say this format is super useful and easily digestible! Took a lot of stress off the communications I’m lacking while also making me feel excited rather than stressed to get more into it!!! Being prepared can feel like a black hole and you make it a much happier hobby/lifestyle

[@paulamoors]

Josh I passed my test!!! 33/35. Thank you so much for putting up with me.

[@HamRadioCrashCourse]

Congratulations, that’s amazing!

[@paulamoors]

@ exactly! I barely got through High School!

[@theodorepeterson1658]

OMG this is hilarious. More skits please. Also, just got my Winlink working with th-d75 because of your video explaining how to do it. so happy to be following this community. You guys have built a great, informative channel and supportive community

[@HamRadioCrashCourse]

Thanks! I’m glad you enjoyed it!

[@MR-nl8xr]

​ @HamRadioCrashCourse FYI: Your Cheap Meshtastic Starter Device is currently unavailable.

[@dewrunning]

Other than the timely and informative information, the text from wife at the beginning of the video, and then Josh looking at the camera, resulted in a welcomed laugh, which was much needed - Thanks !

[@HamRadioCrashCourse]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@TotallyDapper]

I’d been idly considering getting a HAM license for a while, but Hurricane Helene and listening to the good work of the folks on the N2GE Mt. Mitchell repeater spurred me to finally go get it. Watched some of your videos and went through all of the flash cards on Hamstudy and passed with a 34/35! I’ve got a cheap HT with a signal stick on the way, can’t wait to dive deeper into radio. Thank you for all of the great information you put out. :)

[@M9A1MAN]

Good video bro. The gird will go down, not a matter of if, but when... be prepared folks.

[@edwardlemley5222]

I have first net and while everyone else in my area was out. My first net kept on like normal. But I’m in the process of setting up Meshtastic nodes in my area for backup comms. Great video!

[@GoAmateurRadio]

Josh, well done. You are the best communicator in amateur radio on KZbin! 73 Nate W4NDK

[@jacquesredmond]

Thank you so much for managing to find the time to throw together such an informative video immediately after the AT&T "incident". Ham operators already know this stuff, but this is one video that we can all share with our non-licensed buddies, using the "incident" as a wakeup call to what could, and most likely would be a very serious problem in the future. Thank you once again, and 73 J.D. - WW1ZRD

[@HamRadioCrashCourse]

That was my master plan!

[@barrelandhatchet]

This channel is legit! Def a great resource for the preparedness communities as well! Awesome video! Maybe a collab in the future!

[@BenshobbyStuff]

people are going to be sooooo screwed when the internet goes down. my coms revolve around the internet going down so should be good. hope you do the same mate.. love the shows you produce. keep up the hard work buddy :)

[@Hornman120]

I found this to be one of the most interesting videos that you have produced. Similar to you, I have over 45 years of experience as a Software Engineer with Bank of America--now retired. Played with a computer in high school, in the late sixties that had 4K of core memory and no operating system. I just obtained my Technician License last month KF0PBA and plan to go for my General in about 2 weeks. Thank you for putting this video out.

[@NickFrom1228]

That Wouxun 935G is a good radio. But since we are talking a potential shtf scenario I would recommend the sister radio to that one: UV9GX+. Mark at Better Safe Radios has helped create these and preloads them with almost 1000 frequencies already setup. Good unit. A little more expensive but a very good rig.

[@danielturek7334]

Thanks!

[@HamRadioCrashCourse]

No problem! Thank you!

[@peck4933]

This is incredible. You are a one stop source. Thank you!

[@HamRadioCrashCourse]

It’s taken a while, but we’re getting there. 🤣👍

[@Alex-em9ij]

A few months back happened nation wide outage Telecom in Czech Republic. This can save your life

[@mkodom88]

Super realistic . We had no internet , no cell signal region wide in wnc for almost a week .

[@kc1qch]

Thanks for making this video Josh, I shared it to a few of my friends that have been on the ropes with ham radio, but thought it didn't have purpose in their daily life's. You really nailed it on this one.

[@n9go]

I remember Christmas morning of 2020 when that crazy guy blew himself up next to the ATT building in Nashville. I live in Murfreesboro and had just woken up around 10AM, first thing I noticed was my phone not connected to the home internet. Thought it was normal, our router isn't the best thing and sometimes just goes down. I decided to check the cellular to find that was offline too and I started to question what was actually going on. I turned to my NOAA Weather Radio to listen to the morning forecast in spite of the internet being down. When I turned my radio on to 162.55MHz I heard nothing but static. That was when I genuinely started to worry if something huge had happened. I grabbed my baofeng and listened to an FM talk station to listen about the crazy dude and his RV and felt relieved it wasn't a huge national emergency. Man it was quite scary not hearing NWR at all on during this and also makes me frustrated as to why NWR uses phone lines to begin with.

[@blueboy1183]

Great video!! Videos like this will get more people into ham radio!! I recently got my general license and will go to extra in a few months!! Thanks for all your videos!! I look forward to all the videos!!

[@GeezerWheels]

GREAT video! Thanks for addressing this phone outage issue. Wife and I are licensed hams and have also given one neighbor (1.2 miles away - we live in the country) a Baofeng UV-5R GRMS for emergencies and power outages (common here in winter). Thanks for your practical, informative videos that are also entertaining! BTW, have you addressed solar / battery backup power? Love your vids!!! W5AQZ in SW Colorado.

[@m809krazee]

The stare at the end of “it pretty nice huh” Oh you looking at me the viewer 😂. Im new to radios. And this past att fiasco triggered it for me. Videos are great! Thank you

[@MarvinBowen]

This is a great video! You covered so many bases and saved people so much time from having to hunt around after all of these things. Well done!

[@HamRadioCrashCourse]

I am really glad you found it helpful!

[@DoctorPrepperMD]

Started with GMRS. Now getting into Meshtastic. Will get HAM one day. Recent events had me go through all my radios and contents of my “faraday box” today. I’m all set. Base station. Several HT’s and a small suitcase GMRS repeater if needed. CountyComm SW radio. What are your thoughts on the “Ghostnet”??

[@fergiebiker]

Just bought a Mobilinkd last night. I live in an APRS dead zone, but there’s a lot of activity south of me in Louisville, so we’ll see.

[@zmokeu]

Thx for all the hard work. Fellow so cal so appreciate the local knowledge

[@ToddDunford]

Great video Josh. Love the practical cross over to prepping. Our club is just getting into mesh networking and it's always fun learning from the other hams what projects they have started.

[@gregsmith1116]

Cool video, Josh! Thank you for starting the ball rolling in my neck of the woods!

[@nedlyest]

For local communication, i have a couple baofang hand helds. The number of channels they can connect to is pretty cool.

[@microbeguy]

Love that 4th wall break stare after the layered comms comment!!!!

[@RicksHamShack]

Good bit of information packed in a 22 minute video. Nicely done.

[@AllFouRoux]

I am doing my part by liking and commenting to help this video get more reach and hopefully inspire a new horde of HAMs.

[@BeeHamGuy]

Thanks for the enjoyable video, Jason. You did a nice job of logically walking through a variety of capabilities. I would love for a video on a similar flow of power options needed to maintain the chosen comms. Bravo.

[@HamRadioCrashCourse]

Thanks, I’m Josh. 🤣

[@BeeHamGuy]

Sorry! It was in my head right, but not in my fingers! All you guys are such a tremendous gift to our community. Thank you.

[@davidg5308]

Well done, Josh - sounding like the next iteration of the Guru from Costa Mesa! Great info on the differences of freqs and the 2 freaks in the intro! Thanks for the HT antenna worx - picked up the Long Ranger at HRO for a big SOTA activation coming up and gave you the credit - you get a commission, no?!? Cheers!

[@HamRadioCrashCourse]

Good luck on the activation! Let us know how it goes!

[@DMF716]

My phone went down in March then last week. Glad im a General class license and radioed up. I also have a program too thats a means to text and send like your doing

[@janiceemery2008]

Fantastic video Josh. There should be no reasons why someone should not be prepared for a comms down situation. It doesn’t have to be difficult. Thank you for the presentation Josh.

[@redrustyhill2]

Nobody i know has the time and money to be "prepared" in every aspect, especially buying expensive radio equipment and time learning/getting licensed

[@RustyZipper]

People who don’t have “time / money” as they stare for hours at their $1300 iPhone … same people who don’t have guns, generators, gasoline and 2 weeks of food & water nor cash at hand

[@redrustyhill2]

@RustyZipper typical dipshite response. I have a years worth of basic food items More guns/ammo than most. Generator. Fuel. My phone is 2 years old and only reason it isn't 6 years old because my last phone was no longer compatible with the system, and no, its not an iphone. So......wtf is your point? I have too much going on to have time to learn a new hobby. I dont even have a "team" to communicate with, so radio gear is pretty much pointless.

[@WW_SHTFF_WW]

Bub...do some shows on how to use HAM radio in SHTFF for the unlicensed. Not how to broadcast, but how to listen to the chatter / news.

[@RustyZipper]

Bub… do some research on the local repeaters in your area. Punch in those frequencies and find out when they have local “nets” to hear which repeaters you can receive. If you think when SHTF you are just going to turn your radio on and catch the action like you would a CB you are in for a smile turned upside down ☹️

[@Niteskate1]

Thanks Josh, good information as always and will give me some new things to check out. Oh and nice Hallicrafters TW2000, I have that same radio. 73 de VE7WNO.

[@netnhamradio]

Ham radio to the rescue (and landlines too!) Had no issues, and use my landline more than cell honestly (I'm old fashioned I know), and yes, I'm in my 20s. Also, it's good to just not rely totally on electronic communications and be addicted to them. Word of mouth and listening to broadcast TV and radio is pretty adequate. Remember only in the last 150 years have people been able to telecommunicate.

[@JustShyof40]

Thanks I just ordered the meshtastic nodes, just wondering the bluetooth range is so I can see if I can put a solar node on roof.

[@renterp]

You earned a Sub today homie. Very fantastic video. Great information, and a fun learning experience. Thank you.

[@HamRadioCrashCourse]

Thanks for watching!!

[@chrischristopher36]

Great channel dude. This is good stuff

[@Deano_K5MPG]

Outstanding video Josh, thanks

[@annerikson8720]

Really enjoyed your video. Very good overview.

[@Martin_Lynch]

Excellent amusing content, well done.

[@kourgath007]

Total number of folks affected was roughly 1.7 million subscribers. The originally reported 74K came from folks that reported via Down Detector.

[@45auto]

But, in an emergency situation, how do we communicate with family that is, say 800 miles away, and have zero interest in getting licensed? Any solutions?

[@ALIENdrifter66]

Satellite communication devices for example, there are multiple options, from simple rescue signal sending ones to ones with text or voice options. Garmin offers a few options, you can check that and search for other similar devices

[@HamRadioCrashCourse]

Carrier pigeon or CB

[@thedwighty]

Ravens or crows, just watch out for arrows and dragons.

[@lisaannwhite4080]

My son will be about 800 miles away this summer. So, a cb will transmit that far? Total newbie here

[@user-Rexx4360]

@@lisaannwhite4080. No, a CB will get get you 5-10 at best.

[@AskIveSolar]

I wish the mesh tastic could create an umbrella and two devices could connect instead of needing two nodes. This would be relatively close range comms but my wife are usually very close to each other in our day to day. Think like in a shopping mall or cruise ship. I know that's not what this video is about but I love the idea of meshtastic

[@sdoville]

So awesome Josh!

[@truthmirage]

Shared. On a side note ? Wondering if Chirp software for baofeng ht’s offers tnc capability and if so,would there be a techie way to access Meshtastic side of things through the Chirp software ? Great stuff man. Should have never let ticket expire ! Take care

[@amazingpower2761]

Adding a few things here. The Maui disaster was silenced, no broadcast radio working there. I would also highly recommend getting a simple solar setup.. power will definitely be shut off.

[@JD144-]

Enjoyed the video, lots of good info. The part where I’ve really messed up is the part where your wife goes to work and you’re at home. Could you please explain how I can make that happen? 😃

[@robertdaniello5717]

Bro cause of you on fieldcraft I got my license, even bought the Kenwood TD? Life hit me and I've been doing nothing to get started delving into the HAM lifestyle...any suggestions. I know your channel is loaded with suggestions...im in Naples FLA

[@HamRadioCrashCourse]

Definitely review my “are you new to radio, start here” playlist and consider finding a local club.

[@GMRStwowayradio]

Two cans and a string always works!!! Well, unless you have an "execution of an incorrect process" someone cuts the string! 🙂

[@IndependentNewsMedia]

Nice explanation for non Radio Amateurs who have woken up due to the national outage, God bless.

[@YouFLiar]

Could someone pls explain the next questions... - what is the difference between dual band, tri band and multi band? - I hear and read a lot about 2m and 70cm band, does this mean the wave length is 2 meter or 70 centimeter long? - HAM radios, like Baofeng, have names like UV, GM, DM, what does that mean. It's so confusing - I heard there is analog and digital signals, do you need internet or apps to use the digital one? - What portable HAM radio would you recommend to someone who will get his first HAM radio license, many talk about Baofeng UV-5r. I like to receive as much a possible without breaking the bank PS. I tried to google this, but every answer is about internet and wifi connection Thank you in advance

[@One-Eyed-Willly]

been flowing for awhile. Great advice except for the USB GPS device. Going back to the topic though, i find this interesting. is there a way to look if people in the my area has this, before i commit, I find interest in the data modes and also dstar data. I tend to find that I am alone in the dark.

[@HamRadioCrashCourse]

Why wouldn’t a usb gps device be useful? 🤷🏼‍♀️

[@One-Eyed-Willly]

@@HamRadioCrashCourse Sorry, i meant the one specifically. I forget what model it was but it was in one of your older videos. I was never able to get a lock on any satellites

[@JacTriper]

Best video that explains everything...

[@MikeN2MAK]

Fantastic job with this video.

[@fuzzebeara]

Josh. Great, great channel. I’m 78yo, a Tech Lic & Very unsteady with my hands. I’d like to get a plug& play setup to access the Winlink Sys, especially the East Coast reflectors. Can you direct me to a company or site that handles such a thing?

[@HamRadioCrashCourse]

There really isn't anything like that. Almost any HF radio can work Winlink, and it only takes poking around in a computer and some connections to make it work.

[@rpMiller3]

You crack me up... This is great info too. thx.

[@audiomaker1]

Seems that the gov’ and FCC and the cell carriers could work out a “mode” where local operating cell towers would work such as Meshtastic does during a crisis (compartment the system).

[@MagicRoosterBluesBand]

In Canada our GMRS radios are basically FRS radios (2 watts, fixed antenna, no repeaters). We have no "technicians class" HAM license; we would basically need to learn almost everything about HAM radio, take the (general class) test (good luck to take one in small towns, hard enough in the cities) to use a walkie-talkie with more than 2 watts! Canada is insane, which is why so many ignore these unrealistic laws.

[@HamRadioCrashCourse]

Uh, no. Their technician equivalent is called Basic. If you pass the Basic with a high score you also add HF radio frequencies, which is a great perk! I'd hate for people to get the wrong idea about the licensing process, in Canada it isn't nearly as daunting as you're making it sound. ised-isde.canada.ca/site/spectrum-management-telecommunications/en/spectrum-allocation/amateur-radio-service/amateur-certification-fact-sheet

[@MagicRoosterBluesBand]

@ioCrashCourse The Canadian version (basic) is the equivalent of your general license in the USA. There is no technicians test in Canada; only if you get more questions wrong you will be downgraded to a technicians style class. In other words you need to study for the general (basic) test. That's a lot of studying to use a 5 watt ham radio legally (if you can find somewhere to take the test in the first place).

[@piquat1]

Fishing, I went fishing. Happened this summer, major fiber cut. Couldn't even call to see what happened, internet went out too. Two catfish rods and a lawn chair.

[@mr_it5940]

Idk if you've been asked this but what are your Thoughts on the Ulefone Armor 26 Ultra Walkie Talkie. Could u do a video on it.

[@lyfandeth]

I've used a "spaghetti whip" like your orange one. Outstanding, except it creates a lot of picket fencing as it whips around if you are in motion. Inherent problem?

[@dudeh9702]

Great intro video! How cool would it be to have a helium balloon with 100-199 foot tether attached to your house during emergencies with a solar-equipped Meshtastic device?

[@OneWheelFloater]

I don't have a HAM radio but I still have a regular ole' POTS landline delivered over AT&T Fiber and it never goes down. I have a backup battery with 24 hours of runtime on the ONT and their central office has a diesel generator which will keep the landline switching equipment up for days during a power outage.

[@HamRadioCrashCourse]

“Landline delivered over fiber” - do you know when the internet actually starts and the landline ends?

[@OneWheelFloater]

@@HamRadioCrashCourse yes. the fiber goes from my house to the OLT at the central office. The OLT sends the landline directly to a COT which interfaces with the 40 year old DMS-100 that provides dial tone. Internet traffic is split and routed to the regional POP in a different CO about 30 miles away. After the Nashville incident in 2020, my internet and cell went down for almost 2 days, however, my POTS over fiber line never lost dial tone. The only issue I had was making long distance calls out of state.

[@Starlite123]

I use my Magic Jack. Got it 2007 from Radio Shack and just needs an intenet/WiFi connection.

[@ronlongwellphoto]

Great video, Josh. I'm trying to figure out the best way to maintain communicate with my wife, who works 22 miles away from me (and does not have an amateur radio license) , in the event that cell service and internet is down. Meshtastic won't work, obviously (too far). I guess in an "emergency" she'd be able to use a GT-5R and tap into a repeater or two. Are there any good options?

[@HamRadioCrashCourse]

Likely mobile radios with vehicle mounted antennas. If your home location has a “as high as possible” antenna with 50 watt transceiver you should be ok geography permitting.

[@DonzLockz]

Why hasn't your twin brother got his tech licence yet?😂 Very clever, inspiring and entertaining.👍

[@elio9207]

Can you do a video for walki talkie best test brand for long range.❤

[@patthesoundguy]

There is a reason why I am currently taking the amateur radio course here where I live in Nova Scotia, Canada... After a hurricane or ice storm where the power is out for 24 hours straight or thereabouts, we lose a bunch of telephone and internet and even many trunked radio networks used by emergency services in many areas because the batteries die on cell towers and at internet boosters on utility poles. Flash back to hurricane Fiona when a lot of comms went dead, the only source of information I had was by listening to my local 2-meter repeater network on my newly acquired UV-5R. They link up to all of the maritime provinces and everyone gives reports. Even many broadcast radio stations had close to zero information because they also had no phone or internet service, and no access to listen to amateur radio, so they were broadcasting music and then saying they had no new information. I want to be part of the action when it comes to helping share information when regular forms of communication are down. I'm very excited to take the exam next month.

[@jamess1787]

Most people's expectations are not aligned with reality, it's nice when these things happen and people realize "oh yeah, I guess it's not always on.... Even tho we think it should be."

[@BruceForster-k9n]

I have a Pair of Yeas fT-65's that I like very much. Those are my Everyday Carry Radios. I will also loan them out to 2 other Hams I work with during an Emergency. At that point I will pick up either MY VX-6 or VX-8, depending on the situation. My wife has an FT-4 in her car. I do NOT like to tote my VX-8 around for everyday use: The reasons are A-They don't make the VX-8 anymore. B. It would cost a Fortune to buy a used one-IF YOU COULD FIND ONE! C. I have an ARMY MARS Licensed and my VX-8 has ALL OF THE BELLS & WHISTLES. THAT Radio is an INVESTMENT, and I am extremely protective of it. Another TACTICAL reason I carry the FT-65 around is that it is not a tempting a target for theft that my VX-8 may be!

[@southlouisianapatriots9400]

I'm glad I'm not the only one with a desk so full of awesome, I can't see the surface.

[@HamRadioCrashCourse]

We’re reorganizing. 🤣

[@donahuerules]

Did you put a Meshtastic node in an Adalm Pluto Enclosure ??

[@Silvertarian]

Lol that look was either, "hey guys, layer your communications." or "My wife has never said that."

[@HamRadioCrashCourse]

Yes.

[@smoberdeen]

I'd like to see Mike's response to, "APRS is the BEST mode." 🤣😂

[@LilRedDog]

Disney must have changed their policy in the past 20 years: I walked in with 4 FRS radios (one for each of us) and they did not say a thing in 1997. Two years later they were renting them out (don't ask me why: the range was about the same as ASL I suppose because the buildings are so dense and line of site is rerely more that a 100 yards) and with only 14 channels in 1998 even if you did get through on your CTSS (privacy code) you were stepped on because of the saturation. It did not help that 8-14 were only 0.5 watts. So, using those you may get from one side of Main street to another. I've not tried taking a radio since then because we all have phones now and they work from the Hotel to Epcot.

[@unwin42]

That 4th wall look omg

[@YgnaciaProductions]

Great video, thanks

[@FM-Patriot]

Great video. I am studying for my license now! Very excited to learn more about HAM radio. I am calling this now!..... That cell outage was an intentional test run for the powers that be.... something big is coming this year. Just sayin.

[@ghostmandka5498]

Nice shirt! Thats a gotta have right there!

[@user-dp2vo2vz1r]

I love this channel

[@nihilgeist666]

Alternative forms of telecommunications are intriguing not only as a means of circumventing traditional infrastructure but also for disaster preparedness.🕷