I'm a General ham. I enjoyed your explanation and detail on the bands. Accurate and well done. I use HF mostly to listen to what's going on out there (some keying up too which is where the license comes in) which anyone can do without a license. To me, if SHTF occurs, getting news sources from long distance would be valuable. 73
Thank you for this video. I just live through two hurricanes in two weeks and I have now gone out and gotten my GMRS license. Next is radios for my family. I appreciate all your advice and I’m definitely listening.
Who in Xenu is *this* clown?? 🤷 From the looks of it, he lacks the proper FCC permission slip to properly function his wrist strap within federal guidelines. 😁🤭
You said a mouthful here, sonny. I have to agree and I have been a ham since 1969. One thing I would add is the "Radiogram." The radiogram is a messaging system used in emergencies (hurricanes, tornadoes etc) to contact family members or get messages out of or into the damaged area via ham radio. It works because it has no infrastructure. Damaged infrastructure is why other forms of communications don't work during catastrophes. All people have to know is this: Find a ham operator and give him/her the message. They will do this service for you free of charge. THAT is why long distance communication is important at times like that. To send information to an area where phones and internet are still working. GMRS has its place, yes it does. When folks have no knowledge of radio equipment or procedures, GMRS is very easy to use. This was a good video.
Very good explanation of the bands, spot on comments. Also, explaining the differences between GMRS and Ham, you did quite well. When hurricane Helene and Milton hit, on the local and National news we hear much about Hams, relaying lifesaving information, updating folks, providing information to FEMA, local first responders such as fire, EMS, hospitals, police, and the like. Many hams were in those buildings providing emergency personnel the only communication in and out for those entities. Also, for getting information and update in and out they were using HF, Winlink and more. Although I did not hear anything about GMRS users, I am sure for Ecomm GMRS users must have been there. An issue with GMRS is power loss to repeaters, we GMRS users become simplex only, same with ham repeaters. However, hams can get out using NVIS, HF, as you stated propagate from the Ionosphere. Depending on topography we GMRS users, without access to repeaters, may not be able to go a full mile, Hams can go farther. We GMRS users may not be able to transmit out of the valleys, across town, where roads are completely washed cut off and electricity is down. GMRS and Ham have their places. Firmly, I believe families interested in "when SHTF", not a Zombie Apocalypse, should have GMRS license and GMRS radios. Okay, okay, FRS can perform but not too far. Here is a major misconception. Many folks believe when SHTF without a GMRS or Ham license they are allowed to use any radio. No, it is simply not true. The FCC is extremely clear about when anyone without having a GMRS or Ham license is allowed transmitting privileges. FCC Code 97.403. reads: "...No provision of these rules prevents the use by an amateur station of any means of radio communication at its disposal to provide essential communication needs in connection with the immediate safety of human life and immediate protection of property when normal communication systems are not available..." Please notice the important words "immediate safety of human life and immediate protection of property." Thus, once the immediacy ends, transmissions from an unlicensed person must stop.
You've made a very good point here; GMRS is THE choice for local comms and HAM radio is THE choice for flexibility and long-distance comms. GMRS is THE choice if there's, say, a "civil emergency". You will most likely not have cell service; the authorities will get priority on the base stations, if they still work and, everyone will be trying to use their phones anyway. If you need to evacuate, you can ask about a good route; these are local comms where GMRS shines.
This ham totally agrees with you. Friends who prep ask me about this alot and I always steer them toward it, esp. since we have some repeaters in the area. I think you couldn't explained the channelization better, telling people just set the radios to the same channel number and they're in business for simplex.
I am a HAM radio operator, but I'm also a prepper. I highly recommend a GMRS, backed up by a CB. Not everyone wants to study for their license. Here in southeast Florida, we run GMRS and HAM. We just got 2 hurricanes that hit this state, we know what we're doing. By the way, I moved six years ago from Baltimore. I love it here!
Fellow licensed radio operator here. No one needs a license during the type of emergency that would require random people to use ham radios. If they want to learn how to use the radio, they can practice into a dummy load or practice with a nearby amateur radio operator using their call sign with them
im not a ham yet but i currently run gmrs backed by cb. currently working on buying a highend cb and gmrs mobile unit in the near future. also planning on putting a repeater in my neighborhood as the closest one is currently 15 miles away but sitting in a metaphorical ditch
Thanks for the video man! I also love GMRS but mainly because my whole family is licensed under my callsign. In my area (NYC) the VHF repeaters are the most dominant imo surprisingly (range wise). We also had Tropospheric ducting over the summer and had people from Connecticut 100+ miles come down here on simplex. It was pretty cool. 😎
The video that did it... I subscribed. I'm studying for my ham. I have my gmrs license. Still have a cb and my oh my is that mostly useless anymore. Lots of good stuff in your channel. I'm looking forward to what you have ahead.
I’m licensed for GMRS and ham, I intend to find some CB stuff too. In this day and age, you can find the info to do a lot of this on the cheap. My suggestion is to hop into something and work the kinks out before “it” does hit the fan.
I have my HAM license, for... reasons. A hobby group I'm in wanted to develop a communications plan, but many of them were discouraged by the requirements for a HAM license. I explained some of the benefits of GMRS (not as well as you did here), and that's what they went with. Good choice.
I have a GMRS license and am an Amateur Extra ham operator. For the most part, I agree with you. I personally use two radios: a Quansheng UV-K6 that is unlocked for GMRS (which covers 2 M and 70 CM) and a Xeigu 6100 (which covers my HF needs). With that I use an end-fed wire antenna of the appropriate length, which is easy to make if I am in a pinch. If you get nothing else, get a GMRS radio. You will be able to communicate with people local to you. Also, GMRS operates in the same band as FRS, which are the little handheld radios that you see at Walmart and sporting goods stores. So, there will likely be a lot of people with them. That being said, having a ham license, even a technician license (the entry level license) is going to be important for communication in a lot of natural disaster situations. Many emergency services will be monitoring ham bands, and ham operators practice all the time to help out in emergency situations. Being just outside of Washington DC, we do have a lot of repeaters around. The down side to ham is that there is a test to get your license. The good news is if I can pass it, you can too! I want to have long range communications to check on family in other areas of the country, and possibly get information from outside my immediate area. Another good point with a ham license is that you can modify your radio, so (for example) my UV-K6 can also pick up Air band, marine band and HF, although it can not transmit effectively on them. Whatever you choose, make sure you practice with it. When the SHTF occurs you will act exactly as you have practiced. If you haven't practiced, don't expect much. Rest assured, whatever you choose there will be people like me and others monitoring bands to help out.
I agree that GMRS is the most useful for most people, everyday. For emergency-minded preppers, all of the above. Have it all plugged in to your unlocked radio capability. FRS/GMRS, MURS, and don't forget Marine, particularly channels 16, 9, 68, 69, 71, 72. This is because these radios are what people tend to have laying around and may pick up in an emergency. On marine, it will probably be on 16. You can take them to 68-72 to carry on the conversation if necessary. Also, some CBs are sold as 10m ham radios and have more power.
I'm just now getting into GMRS handheld radios, but I do listen to some ham users and some of the local emergency services around me with these radios. The main thing I see with ham radios during a shtf situation is just keeping in the loop with what may be going on in other parts of the country or world if you have connections or people you want to keep in contact with further away.
I choose and use UHF/VHF to include GMRS also utilize the 10/11 meter bands. I use amplifiers I will use amplification if i feel the needs dictate. For me more " tools" in the toolbox thats all it is.
IMO, the fact that GMRS and FRS radios can talk to one another is a definite advantage in SHTF scenarios. FRS radios are everywhere. If you can talk to people near you and relay that information to people further away, that greatly enhances your community's comm capability. Of course, it doesn't have to be one or the other. I have a GMRS license, but after observing the aftermath of Hurricane Helene, I'm going to get a HAM license, on the principle that more options are better. GMRS repeaters are sparse in my area, but HAM repeaters are all over the place.
I've been licensed since February 11th, 2003, and I to say having radio license is not a one size fits all. Of course, I would like the FCC to add 3 additional frequencies to MURS and raise the power from 2 watts to 4 watts and approve manufactures to produce dual band part 95 radios. This way you can carry one radio and be able use two services when needed.
You would have to ask the owners of the repeaters to find out if they run on solar and backup power. Some do some do not. A lot of times if you use repeater book the owner will list their Email.
3 месяца назад+1
The repeater in my area runs off of a propane powered generator, but in many areas the repeater is powered from the grid so the answer is maybe depending on backup power.
This was the explainer I needed. Bought 2 unlocked Baofeng AR-5RM radios a week ago and have been trying to figure out what all these frequencies are for. So thank you! Would these radios transmit & recieve better if I connected them to a larger external HAM style antenna? If so, is there something you can recommend? Thanks
Frankly, I don't understand how someone cannot simply get a tech license and GRMS for emergency preparedness. One thing I've learned from Helene is practice and comfort with radio communications makes it work so much better. Sure, GRMS has the option of repeaters, but the FCC appears to be shutting down the linked ones. People keep forgetting about the digital tools and need for practice ham operations provide. For example, we were sending out supply requests, pictures, and wellness information via digital rf means. This keeps the analog repeaters free for more emergent issues and information distribution. While in the valleys and hollers, GRMS radios provided benefit, it was ham operated repeaters sitting on mountains run by net controllers (who had practiced and knew how to run net control) 120 miles away that did much of the work. Of note, the Mt. Mitchell repeater being used heavily in Helene recovery efforts never went down and only runs at 5w. Location, location, location... GRMS is unlikely to get similar access. To summarize, both have benefits, but if you are solely focusing on GRMS as a survival radio, you will be disappointed.
@@toast803 They also had a net on 40m relaying to Mt. Mitchell also. You are correct in everything you posted. You can lead a horse to water but can’t make them drink. 73’s
@@KO4GAR Yeah, I'm fascinated at how much people will spend on weapon systems and shooting paper/iron targets, not understanding what it's really like to kill someone. BTW, it haunts you even when it occurs in war and self-defense. Also, fascinated at the tactical training and bushcraft training many will do to "hone" skills. They'll do all this with a $20 Baofeng radio with throat mics that cost 2x-4x more than the radio. Yet, they won't train on communications and get quality radios. There are many problems with cheap Chinese radios, especially when using them for digital tools and mechanisms.
Hello! I’ve been watching yours and all these videos about these radios. I’ve learned the most from your video. Our question is our youngest lives 20 miles north of us in another state. How can we be assured we can communicate if things fall apart?
Well before you set up home antennas and purchase base station radios. Do a search on repeater book to see if there is any repeaters in a 50 mile radius of you and see if you can connect to them on a handheld. The repeater book app is amazing for finding repeaters.
Great vid, thanks! Now... a newbie question: What's the point of a repeater when everyone in the neighborhood is standing in line to talk? Is it like everyone's holding a wireless land line phone, trying to talk over the same line? What's the point of a repeater if only one person can talk at a time? Thx!
@@citizensurvivalplan Thank you for replying. Then... sounds like one needs their own repeater to be somewhat exclusive for one's local HT contacts. I've learned much... greatly appreciated!
I have my GMRS license but really don't know the best radio with the best range we do have repeaters in the area but don't know if I could hit them any suggestions on a good radio,I have been researching them since these hurricanes popped up and I to think my wife and I could use them.
You can get a Baofeng AR-5RM for about $24.oo that's unlocked. You can change antennas, manually program them, or program them with free CHIRP software. Start there until you decide spending more $ is warranted.
3 месяца назад
The best option is to go with a mobile GMRS radio as they have power ratings from 20 watts on the low side to 50 watts on the high side where a handheld will have around 5 watts. I use a B Tech GMRS V50-2 50 watt mobile radio with a power supply for a base radio and an outside antenna and have no problem reaching out 40 miles without using the repeater. I also use a B Tech V50-2 in my truck and Radioddity DB40 40 watt radios in both of my cars.
GMRS can go super long range too provided that you're hitting a repeater channel that has a repeater on it and then else where there is another repeater and so on and so forth.
3 месяца назад
Unfortunately the FCC says GMRS repeater linking is illegal, so on GMRS you are limited to the range of the original repeater unlike with Amateur radio repeaters where linking is allowed.
Your going to need tall antenna on both ends. Hand Held units are going to struggle alot I think. I think having an antenna at least 10 - 20 feet above ground height will help alot.
As a truck driver that travels your primary area heavily, got any good advice for using gmrs? I just purchased a uv 5r and looking to get my gmrs license
I suggest plugging in all of the frequencies for FRS and gmrs into the first 30 channels, and leave space for another 16 channels above that for duplicate repeaters on the gmrs channels. It becomes primarily a gmrs radio that can also handle the other stuff.
I use CB, MURS and GMRS! Horses for courses. And yes, GMRS is the most useful as millions have them and even MORE people have FRS (which GMRS radios can "talk" to.). The GMRS license is WELL WORTH it! Sad Hams who say GMRS radios are toys" because they are not ham radios must think the same about police, fire, EMS radios (They are not ham radios either!) GMRS (and FRS) were intended for the VERY USES you lay out: Local, Simple and (often) inexpensive radio comms for people who don't want to make a HOBBY out of radio. (I'm a hobbyist, so I'm NOT knocking it...) Most people just want reliable communication.
Hi! I’m a newbie researching for a radio, and was wondering if you still have the same GMRS range since the government shut down the mygmrs site? I’ve just discovered your channel, as well as NotARubicon, who is hilarious! So, I’m asking about the impact of the FARS you get on your gmrs now. 🤣🤣🤣
My comcern with GMRS is that I have family members that are not going to remember to use station identification every transmission. FRS doesn't have the range i want. I was looking at Murs because you don't have to station identify
@@gadsdenconsulting7126 , Can I plead," dumb guy who gave his radio to his nephew?" By the way, I agree. The general public should have its own frequencies and adequate power equipment to talk to their family further than one mile away. We gave bandwidth to these hams for experimentation. We gave bandwidth to the cellular companies to sell back to us. These rules are silly. The public owns this, not the FCC. CB doesn't get the job done. It is low power too.
It sucks because they made us unlink the repeaters got to be able to talk to all them states too but not no the FCC got a butt ache and made us disconnect from the internet I'm hearing a rumor that FEMA was the one that complained about the link repeaters.
I have to say be careful falling back on gmrs. It is highly dependent on where you live. I am an amateur extra and I also have my gmrs license. Where I live, I have not heard one person other than my wife on our gmrs radios. Also our ham radio club has both 2m and 70cm repeaters. Once again things depend on where you live. Our 70cm repeaters get used way less than the 2m repeaters do. Why because range is limited. 2m works when 70cm doesn't because of terain. I have great respect for all radio services, but my life and my families lives will not depend on gmrs. Unfortunately they just don't work reliably out in the woods and hills where we live. Some great information in this video, but can be misleading dependent on ones location.
I really want GMRS to grow and more people really should get into GMRS I’m 100% with that. However you do seem to have some misunderstanding about ham and CB as well as GMRS, but keep doing what you’re doing you are on a good track. 👍
That's not true, the Ranger AR-3300 and AR-3500 made by Clear Channel Corporation were easily modifiable to go down into 25 MHz even though the radio was targeted for 28 MHz. The space between 27.405.0 MHz of the C.B. Band and 28 MHz was extremely active with 27.555.0 USB - Upper Sideband as the international call frequency. You could easily tune in on 27.410.6 just above the C.B. Band if you wanted. The skip cycle was active for 11 years and contacts could be made Worldwide and QSL cards exchanged. The Ranger AR-3300 and 3500 were the best radios ever made with 30-watt and 100-watt versions. AM, FM, CW, USB, LSB, split frequency etc. The radios easily fit in cars of the 70's, 80's and 90's. As for HAM licenses, I always preferred Roast Beef licenses.
Good point, but I don't GMRS. For licensed free communication UHF I use FRS very low power, for low power VHF MURS, and for HF QRP CBRS on AM/FM/USB/LSB modes. I think GMRS is good with the 50 watts privilege, but you need to have a license. Maybe that's why I don't like it. License Free is for those who love privacy or freedom. Can you send an image over GMRS? MURS stations may be used to transmit data or image, and of course, voice.
My AT 6666 11 meters SSB transceiver pushes 80 watts . International communication is consistently reliable. AM 11 meters is perfect for contacts closer than 50 miles. You are incorrect sir. VE3BQH
Why do GMRS people say "from 462 to 467Mhz"? GMRS is 462 AND 467, but nothing in between. "From" one frequency to another means that it ALSO covers what's in between the two. Now to the point of "I just need local comms". What happens when everything "local" is out and you need to reach out long distance to contact help. Look at the recent destruction in NC. The only reason "local" Radio was useful is because there is a repeater on a very high peak. If that 1 repeater had been taken out they would need hf to contact help outside the destroyed area. Just food for thought.
If you decide to go take thd ham test, without too much expense and knowing the similarities of 70cm and GMRS, comparatively there are more potential frequencies in 70cm, especially for repeaters. Like installing a repeater for either, there's no special license to own and operate one. Output power and range are the same as is similarities in equipment. The main difference is, taking the test. Sure, you could do without the test and just buy a limited license for a limited service, being either equipment, people or both. 1.25m (220Mhz) depending on your local area, is either widely used, or not. We here on the east coast states enjoy a wide area of coverage of linked repeaters across the region and, also interlinked w/Echolink (kinda like Zello). Just study up on the test. There's no need to go world wide, unless you want to. There's plenty of local traffic on repeaters and on simplex (direct to other radios, no repeaters). Many groups either way. Also, there's plenty of digital comms, much less fm hash noise and other annoyances. Don't take the test, you'll never know what you miss out on. Maybe someone will answer your call for help, if they trust you. Don't take the test, you wont be vetted, either.
I can talk 150 miles on 2meter SSB. GMRS is just too limiting for us hams. I find that GMRS users are more like CBers than they are like hams. You make ham radio sound harder than it is. But that's ok. One can be a ham on just one band so it's not $4000. You can get on HF for $500 or less. I also have a GMRS license, but find most GMRS people lacking in radio knowledge and act more like CBers, are very street and hide their PLS.
You need to explore groundwave and NVIS. 160m band is amazing for local comm's. Also a lot of Ham's don't even use vhf/uhf at all. Some strictly use HF. Plus with HF you can pretty much take anything metal and make it an antenna. Also it doesn"t cost 4k to 5k dollars to get into Ham radio. It just takes the willingness to learn. A 20 watt G-90 is 450 dollars. power supply 110 dollars. 50 ah lifpo4 battery for portable operations 105 dollars. 10m-80m antenna 110 dollars. ABR Ind. rg8x coax 75ft 140 dollars. Thats under 1k dollars. You can use a cheap spool of speaker wire and make just about any type of antenna you would like. I made an antenna out of a piece of wood and coat hangers to use the repeater on the ISS. Knowledge is what save's you money. I hope you enjoy your journey into all things radio. 73's
I know about groundwave. The problem with this is no one is going to be running around with a handheld radio during SHTF that is going to be able to TX and RX on 160. making it useless. Also none/ ZERO repeaters in a 100 mile rage of me operate on 160. I cant cover everything in the video but this was kinda said in other ways....
@@citizensurvivalplan Repeaters don't use 160m. Plus when the SHTF you're not going to be running around with a handheld radio. Your going to be sheltered in place listening to comm traffic. You won't be TXing very much. During Helene and after HF and repeaters were used. Both have their place. a TYT 7800 does cross band repeat. 200 dollar radio gives you the ability to set up a repeater for E comm's. uhf/vhf. 160m band was used in world war 2 so i wouldnt say it's useless. I hope you understand there are some people like myself that do portable operations for shits and giggle's. It's called Parks on the Air and Summits on the Air. We are the one's that practice E comm's in portable situations. Also you can have an HF antenna mounted to your vehicle that will operate 10m-40m bands.
@@citizensurvivalplan If you have ever used 160m you would know how well it works for local comm's. You are telling people to use GMRS for local comm's but never say a thing about when repeaters go down. Who is in charge of said local repeater for maintenance. The whole goal is to educate people about radio comm's so they have options. The best comm's you can have is from one antenna to another antenna with no repeater in the middle. If you cant control your operating station and have to rely on somebody else for your radio to work your looking for trouble. Also everyday people can't use 160m's only licensed operators can. In an emergency you can use 160m for sure but then again you need to be educated on how to use said band. If you strictly wanted to stick to GMRS it would be a better solution to cut repeaters out of the equation and use height as might. That means having people use height and yagi type antennas for direct comm's. 2m's will work better but 70cm will work also. Mountain topping i have worked simplex 90 miles away with 70cm at 5 watts. You need to realize the Ham radio community is a wealth of knowledge of so called "Prepping". If you are into Prepping why would you not want to join the biggest prepping community on earth? Ham's are not just great at radio comm's we have other skill's also. 73's
I am a gmrs person and I love my outfit Beck I started out as a CB operator and when you say CBS are worthless and no power come on buddy you need to know something now and that is CB radio is unregulated and you can run as much power as you want as long as your antenna can handle it you're about a quart low when you talk down about CB radio the thing that got me away from CB radio is a.m. I got tired of listening to that constant static where gmrs is quieter I do have a repeater and I'm still thinking about building it up bigger now I want to tell you something else gmrs radio is headed the same way as a CB radio because there is tons of people who come off from FR-S onto gmrs and talk on that thing now when it comes to my repeater I can put tones in there to keep other people out and tell everybody that you're not supposed to use it because it's my repeater well that's wrong because anybody can use it and it's not private the same way with the CB radio it's not private everybody and everybody in the world can hear you if the conditions are right my recommendation is redo this video and quit cutting down a CB radio they are good radios they work really good it's quieter if you go to sideband and it's been deregulated so darn much you can run anything and you can go on any frequency you want in the 10 and 11 M and even the top end of the 12 mm you got a lot of frequencies that you can go and play in
3 месяца назад+1
I still have a CB base station and a CB in my truck, but in recent history I've been using my GMRS radios for the reasons you stated, which is Illegal stations using high power amps bleeding all over ten channels on either side of the one they're using, operating outside of the 11 meter band, playing music for hours on end etc. etc. It's like a friend of mine said recently, GMRS is CB radio for grown ups.
@ 1:16 @ 1:30 WRONG WRONG and WRONG 😂 11M on 4w can do 10-15 miles And a 10M radio can do like 200watts and 40-60mil on a NONE skip day. But what You fail to understand is antenna and counter poise is key, so your lil 50w $400-$500 GMRS is garbage in any mountainous area 😂 or heavy vegetation, unless you use a repeater and you know that's what some will use wich they are NOT public. But if you are a flatlander with "line of sight" you will be fine thats if you are not in a heavy WiFi location either. And HAMs don't point antennas to the sky 😂 they are not satellite dishes. And then you still need a license to operate on GMRS anyhow unless it's a handheld @ 1/4w ch 1-7 If you want real unlimited distance anywhere coms ? Get a satellite radio, but it's not cheap. But I suggest you actually learn what HAMs actually do because you just vomited a bunch wiki info lol
here, here... I keep thinking back to a quote by Fulton Sheen, “There are not one hundred people in the United States who hate The Catholic Church, but there are millions who hate what they wrongly perceive the Catholic Church to be.” There's a lot of hate for what people perceive ham radio to be, thus missing the importance of practice and community service the hobby provides. I am amazed at how well net control has been run on the Mt. Michell repeater since Helene tore through WNC. This doesn't come from GRMS/CB cowboys, but seasoned amateurs who know how to work together.
@citizensurvivalplan lol I'm calm my guy, I just corrected some of the Wiki vomit you spouted about coms, and don't worry, i will make it,I made it back from Afghanistan 13yrs ago, so I would say I do have the REAL WORLD skills necessary to at min. still send messages.
@danialphaomega you're actually "doing" what too many "licensed HAMs" actually do- spew your condescending drivel. Thank God you and your ilk will survive the carnage that only HAMs have the skills to overcome. Carry on.
Wanna communucate after the collapse ? Walk out to your fence line and talk with your neighbors , theae radiis suck now and will suck even more when SHTF
Wouldn't it be better to take the time to share information about ham radio, so folks can know more about it? Many hams have a bunch of valuable insights into emergency communications we can share with folks in the prepping community. It seems like we should be doing that instead of making unhelpful comments like yours.
Actually, most hams don’t know anything about what communications are going to be useful and not in an emergency. They think they do, especially the emcom. But in a real SHTF situation, all the CERT, ARES, and RACES training and organizing is going to be mostly worthless.
I'm not on here to trash you dude, but you are misleading a lot of people with inaccurate info. If you want to know about what radio bands are going to work for you.... do yourself a favor and talk to a HAM. As you said, "there is no test required for GMRS". #1) CB beats the pants off GMRS for local communication, simplex. There aren't repeaters on CB....but, in a shtf scenario, there won't be any on GMRS either. You'll then be limited to 2-3 miles, handheld to handheld, unless you're on a tall hill. If you have a 50 watt base at home, it will all depend on the antenna, the height of said antenna, and your surroundings. On flat land, *maybe* 50 miles to another base. In hilly areas, perhaps 30 miles. Im running 100 watts on 70 cm in the hills, and 30 is all i get, with a 9db gain vertical on a 30 foot pole, from the top of a hill that's 1700 ft asl. 2) 80 & 160 meters are EXCELLENT at "flooding the local area" with signal. 5 miles out to 300 miles, like nobodies business. 3) 70 cm (GMRS) bounces off stuff pretty good. Thats why its so good for talking from inside a building in a city. It ricochetes around inside until it finds a window. But, once outside, vegetation absorbs it. 4) The tech class ham license is pretty easy. A weekend of study is about all that should require. Better yet, a ham, or a ham club, would be more than happy to help you. Most larger ham clubs actually administer the tests, as well. 5) You can purchese a used HF ham radio for $300. And after you study for the test, you'll be able to make your own antenna from old scrap house wiring. I wont go much further than that. Yes...GMRS is an ok place to start. But, it's not likely to save your bacon in a shtf scenario, especially once the grid is gone. I have 70 cm (same as GMRS), as well as all the other bands....and without solar panels and a solar charge controller, charging batteries, it won't save my bacon either. Oh, and don't forget EMP protection for all the electronics, or it's all useless. Again....I didn't come in here to trash you....but, misleading your audience is a HUGE disservice to them.
1. cb is only good if you break the shit out of the rules 2. yes you can flood an area really good with a vertical antenna on HF i will admit you are correct on that the only problem with that is no one will hear it considering people who own HF equipment is 1 out of every 10k people. Everyone and their cousin owns a uv5r so it kinda makes flooding an area with HF kinda useless. 3. yes it can bounce around in a building. but generally speaking where people use it outside it gets absorbed by things 4. I am aware of all the questions on the HAM test I have tons of AARL books and manuals on ham radio I read constantly. I dont really care to get on HAM radio as their is not a soul on this planet i wish to talk to on HAM. 5. find me a ham radio operator that does not have at least 5k sunk into their hobby not really a thing..... Most of the complaints you have are exceptions not the rule. Try making a video about radio short and too the point you will find it impossible to do without rambling for an hour and a half with all the exceptions. Another note all the the GMRS repeaters run on backup solar and battery power as I have talked to the owners the only thing that would really kill them is an emp. last this video is not a disservice to anyone it gives people a general look at radio bands with out watching some semi autistic socially inept HAM radio operator ramble in a dimly lit shack for 3 hours never getting a point across. There is prob more but I cannot spend all my time arguing in the comments but I did want to address this comment here I knew it was coming the moment I started working on this video. Thanks for watching!
@@citizensurvivalplan I don't believe I complained about a thing. Just pointing out a few of the inaccuracies presented in the video. The BEST advice would be to have as many bands available to you as possible. And that would mean being one of those disgusting ham operators. It is clear that isn't for you. But projecting your dislike of ham radio onto others, by telling the less knowledgeable that they're going to be good to go on GMRS, actually BETTER OFF on GMRS, than anything else, is just not true. Better than nothing, however. And, again....if you wanted to get on hf, I'll take that $5k you're talking about, and get you on the air on hf, with $4500 change. Good day to you, my friend. I don't expect you to listen to me, let alone agree. I just wanted to counter your video with some facts. You're entitled to your opinion, but, that's just what it is. Of course, again, I don't expect you to concede. However, I hold an extra class amateur radio license. And, before that, was a radar technician in the Navy. So, I haven't a clue what I'm talking about.
Best video I've yet seen explaining all the bands, coverage and uses. It gets confusing and most videos over complicate things. Thanks for posting!
I'm a General ham. I enjoyed your explanation and detail on the bands. Accurate and well done. I use HF mostly to listen to what's going on out there (some keying up too which is where the license comes in) which anyone can do without a license. To me, if SHTF occurs, getting news sources from long distance would be valuable. 73
Thank you for this video. I just live through two hurricanes in two weeks and I have now gone out and gotten my GMRS license. Next is radios for my family. I appreciate all your advice and I’m definitely listening.
Thanks for this video. Very well done, timely, and helpful. I just got my GMRS license for the very reasons you stated.
REAL men use GMRS!
Hey! Thanks for stopping by my channel.
I am told Tim Walz has GMRS.
GMRS is great for making contact with other random real men.
Real men use every tool available to them including the participation trophy called GMRS LOL
Who in Xenu is *this* clown?? 🤷
From the looks of it, he lacks the proper FCC permission slip to properly function his wrist strap within federal guidelines. 😁🤭
You said a mouthful here, sonny. I have to agree and I have been a ham since 1969. One thing I would add is the "Radiogram." The radiogram is a messaging system used in emergencies (hurricanes, tornadoes etc) to contact family members or get messages out of or into the damaged area via ham radio. It works because it has no infrastructure. Damaged infrastructure is why other forms of communications don't work during catastrophes. All people have to know is this: Find a ham operator and give him/her the message. They will do this service for you free of charge. THAT is why long distance communication is important at times like that. To send information to an area where phones and internet are still working. GMRS has its place, yes it does. When folks have no knowledge of radio equipment or procedures, GMRS is very easy to use. This was a good video.
Very good explanation of the bands, spot on comments. Also, explaining the differences between GMRS and Ham, you did quite well.
When hurricane Helene and Milton hit, on the local and National news we hear much about Hams, relaying lifesaving information, updating folks, providing information to FEMA, local first responders such as fire, EMS, hospitals, police, and the like. Many hams were in those buildings providing emergency personnel the only communication in and out for those entities. Also, for getting information and update in and out they were using HF, Winlink and more. Although I did not hear anything about GMRS users, I am sure for Ecomm GMRS users must have been there.
An issue with GMRS is power loss to repeaters, we GMRS users become simplex only, same with ham repeaters. However, hams can get out using NVIS, HF, as you stated propagate from the Ionosphere. Depending on topography we GMRS users, without access to repeaters, may not be able to go a full mile, Hams can go farther. We GMRS users may not be able to transmit out of the valleys, across town, where roads are completely washed cut off and electricity is down. GMRS and Ham have their places. Firmly, I believe families interested in "when SHTF", not a Zombie Apocalypse, should have GMRS license and GMRS radios. Okay, okay, FRS can perform but not too far.
Here is a major misconception. Many folks believe when SHTF without a GMRS or Ham license they are allowed to use any radio. No, it is simply not true. The FCC is extremely clear about when anyone without having a GMRS or Ham license is allowed transmitting privileges. FCC Code 97.403. reads: "...No provision of these rules prevents the use by an amateur station of any means of radio communication at its disposal to provide essential communication needs in connection with the immediate safety of human life and immediate protection of property when normal communication systems are not available..." Please notice the important words "immediate safety of human life and immediate protection of property." Thus, once the immediacy ends, transmissions from an unlicensed person must stop.
Excellent video Dude. Very well explained. Much appreciated
You've made a very good point here; GMRS is THE choice for local comms and HAM radio is THE choice for flexibility and long-distance comms. GMRS is THE choice if there's, say, a "civil emergency". You will most likely not have cell service; the authorities will get priority on the base stations, if they still work and, everyone will be trying to use their phones anyway. If you need to evacuate, you can ask about a good route; these are local comms where GMRS shines.
This ham totally agrees with you. Friends who prep ask me about this alot and I always steer them toward it, esp. since we have some repeaters in the area. I think you couldn't explained the channelization better, telling people just set the radios to the same channel number and they're in business for simplex.
I could not agree more. I think this is about being realistic about what your needs are. Great video and explanation.
I am a HAM radio operator, but I'm also a prepper. I highly recommend a GMRS, backed up by a CB. Not everyone wants to study for their license. Here in southeast Florida, we run GMRS and HAM. We just got 2 hurricanes that hit this state, we know what we're doing. By the way, I moved six years ago from Baltimore. I love it here!
Fellow licensed radio operator here. No one needs a license during the type of emergency that would require random people to use ham radios. If they want to learn how to use the radio, they can practice into a dummy load or practice with a nearby amateur radio operator using their call sign with them
im not a ham yet but i currently run gmrs backed by cb. currently working on buying a highend cb and gmrs mobile unit in the near future. also planning on putting a repeater in my neighborhood as the closest one is currently 15 miles away but sitting in a metaphorical ditch
@@GAMEGOD202 Wise move.
Good presentation, thanks! Your dog, in the background be like, “…heard all of this before, Dad, gonna take a nap…”🤣
lol
Thanks for the video man! I also love GMRS but mainly because my whole family is licensed under my callsign. In my area (NYC) the VHF repeaters are the most dominant imo surprisingly (range wise). We also had Tropospheric ducting over the summer and had people from Connecticut 100+ miles come down here on simplex. It was pretty cool. 😎
The video that did it... I subscribed. I'm studying for my ham. I have my gmrs license. Still have a cb and my oh my is that mostly useless anymore. Lots of good stuff in your channel. I'm looking forward to what you have ahead.
Succinct and very useful.
Thanks!!
I’m licensed for GMRS and ham, I intend to find some CB stuff too. In this day and age, you can find the info to do a lot of this on the cheap. My suggestion is to hop into something and work the kinks out before “it” does hit the fan.
I have my HAM license, for... reasons. A hobby group I'm in wanted to develop a communications plan, but many of them were discouraged by the requirements for a HAM license. I explained some of the benefits of GMRS (not as well as you did here), and that's what they went with. Good choice.
I have a GMRS license and am an Amateur Extra ham operator. For the most part, I agree with you. I personally use two radios: a Quansheng UV-K6 that is unlocked for GMRS (which covers 2 M and 70 CM) and a Xeigu 6100 (which covers my HF needs). With that I use an end-fed wire antenna of the appropriate length, which is easy to make if I am in a pinch. If you get nothing else, get a GMRS radio. You will be able to communicate with people local to you. Also, GMRS operates in the same band as FRS, which are the little handheld radios that you see at Walmart and sporting goods stores. So, there will likely be a lot of people with them. That being said, having a ham license, even a technician license (the entry level license) is going to be important for communication in a lot of natural disaster situations. Many emergency services will be monitoring ham bands, and ham operators practice all the time to help out in emergency situations. Being just outside of Washington DC, we do have a lot of repeaters around. The down side to ham is that there is a test to get your license. The good news is if I can pass it, you can too! I want to have long range communications to check on family in other areas of the country, and possibly get information from outside my immediate area. Another good point with a ham license is that you can modify your radio, so (for example) my UV-K6 can also pick up Air band, marine band and HF, although it can not transmit effectively on them. Whatever you choose, make sure you practice with it. When the SHTF occurs you will act exactly as you have practiced. If you haven't practiced, don't expect much. Rest assured, whatever you choose there will be people like me and others monitoring bands to help out.
I agree that GMRS is the most useful for most people, everyday. For emergency-minded preppers, all of the above. Have it all plugged in to your unlocked radio capability. FRS/GMRS, MURS, and don't forget Marine, particularly channels 16, 9, 68, 69, 71, 72. This is because these radios are what people tend to have laying around and may pick up in an emergency. On marine, it will probably be on 16. You can take them to 68-72 to carry on the conversation if necessary. Also, some CBs are sold as 10m ham radios and have more power.
Good packed info. Thx
I'm just now getting into GMRS handheld radios, but I do listen to some ham users and some of the local emergency services around me with these radios. The main thing I see with ham radios during a shtf situation is just keeping in the loop with what may be going on in other parts of the country or world if you have connections or people you want to keep in contact with further away.
I choose and use UHF/VHF to include GMRS also utilize the 10/11 meter bands. I use amplifiers I will use amplification if i feel the needs dictate. For me more " tools" in the toolbox thats all it is.
IMO, the fact that GMRS and FRS radios can talk to one another is a definite advantage in SHTF scenarios. FRS radios are everywhere. If you can talk to people near you and relay that information to people further away, that greatly enhances your community's comm capability. Of course, it doesn't have to be one or the other. I have a GMRS license, but after observing the aftermath of Hurricane Helene, I'm going to get a HAM license, on the principle that more options are better. GMRS repeaters are sparse in my area, but HAM repeaters are all over the place.
Thank you for the lesson
During SHTF, you are free to use ...
Yeah..why just choose one when you can use all of them if shtf happen.. just learn to use all of them..
Get prepared with all. Fun hobby and great emergency resources.
Yes, 22 Channels mixed in with FRS. Nice.
I've been licensed since February 11th, 2003, and I to say having radio license is not a one size fits all. Of course, I would like the FCC to add 3 additional frequencies to MURS and raise the power from 2 watts to 4 watts and approve manufactures to produce dual band part 95 radios. This way you can carry one radio and be able use two services when needed.
We used gmrs up at the mine the hills prevented it from working over a mile
What is your recommendation for turn key (easy) gmrs set up
Btech 50 v2 and get a handheld btech v2. I have the links for everything in the disc even down to the wires. Thanks for the comment.
I've easily reached out to contacts in Texas and Arizona from California using 2m
Do these Repeaters work when the power is down?
You would have to ask the owners of the repeaters to find out if they run on solar and backup power. Some do some do not. A lot of times if you use repeater book the owner will list their Email.
The repeater in my area runs off of a propane powered generator, but in many areas the repeater is powered from the grid so the answer is maybe depending on backup power.
Over the counter radios from big box stores can be used to talk to gmrs mobile radios.
There are lessons to be learned from Helene and its aftermath. Comms are essential. Thank you for this instruction, very interesting.
This was the explainer I needed. Bought 2 unlocked Baofeng AR-5RM radios a week ago and have been trying to figure out what all these frequencies are for. So thank you!
Would these radios transmit & recieve better if I connected them to a larger external HAM style antenna? If so, is there something you can recommend? Thanks
They will. I have the same radios will upgraded antenna and I get good reception.
I strongly suggest you do some research on the subject first before you just go putting up a ham antenna, the wrong antenna can burn up your radio
I have a outdoor antenna I use linked in the video disc.
your thoughts on the baofeng 21 gmrs radio just got a few days ago , any other radio you think i should get
Seems like a decent little radio. I would always keep a water proof radio like a gmrs v2 linked in the video disc.
I have a Baofeng GM21 GMRS radio that works fine. For 30 bucks you can't go wrong.
The GM 21 is a decent radio, but the word is that the TID Radio H3 may be a bit better for an entry level radio
477 mhz in Australia can go a lot of distance with 5 wats in the right area with hight and cooler conditions
Also try the GM 30 by Radioddity
Great HT
I have reached 15 miles into a repeater with it
You said you cover WV, what state are you local to?
Frankly, I don't understand how someone cannot simply get a tech license and GRMS for emergency preparedness. One thing I've learned from Helene is practice and comfort with radio communications makes it work so much better. Sure, GRMS has the option of repeaters, but the FCC appears to be shutting down the linked ones. People keep forgetting about the digital tools and need for practice ham operations provide. For example, we were sending out supply requests, pictures, and wellness information via digital rf means. This keeps the analog repeaters free for more emergent issues and information distribution. While in the valleys and hollers, GRMS radios provided benefit, it was ham operated repeaters sitting on mountains run by net controllers (who had practiced and knew how to run net control) 120 miles away that did much of the work. Of note, the Mt. Mitchell repeater being used heavily in Helene recovery efforts never went down and only runs at 5w. Location, location, location... GRMS is unlikely to get similar access.
To summarize, both have benefits, but if you are solely focusing on GRMS as a survival radio, you will be disappointed.
@@toast803 They also had a net on 40m relaying to Mt. Mitchell also. You are correct in everything you posted. You can lead a horse to water but can’t make them drink. 73’s
@@KO4GAR Yeah, I'm fascinated at how much people will spend on weapon systems and shooting paper/iron targets, not understanding what it's really like to kill someone. BTW, it haunts you even when it occurs in war and self-defense.
Also, fascinated at the tactical training and bushcraft training many will do to "hone" skills. They'll do all this with a $20 Baofeng radio with throat mics that cost 2x-4x more than the radio.
Yet, they won't train on communications and get quality radios. There are many problems with cheap Chinese radios, especially when using them for digital tools and mechanisms.
Where are you located.Im in Central Florida looking for one one on trainer.
Hello! I’ve been watching yours and all these videos about these radios. I’ve learned the most from your video.
Our question is our youngest lives 20 miles north of us in another state. How can we be assured we can communicate if things fall apart?
Well before you set up home antennas and purchase base station radios. Do a search on repeater book to see if there is any repeaters in a 50 mile radius of you and see if you can connect to them on a handheld. The repeater book app is amazing for finding repeaters.
Great vid, thanks! Now... a newbie question: What's the point of a repeater when everyone in the neighborhood is standing in line to talk? Is it like everyone's holding a wireless land line phone, trying to talk over the same line? What's the point of a repeater if only one person can talk at a time? Thx!
The main reason is a repeater is normally in a high location for the best range so if you can transmit on one it will drastically increase your range.
@@citizensurvivalplan Thank you for replying. Then... sounds like one needs their own repeater to be somewhat exclusive for one's local HT contacts. I've learned much... greatly appreciated!
I have my GMRS license but really don't know the best radio with the best range we do have repeaters in the area but don't know if I could hit them any suggestions on a good radio,I have been researching them since these hurricanes popped up and I to think my wife and I could use them.
Todradio h3 with a Nagoya na-771g 15 inch hits the same repeaters that my more expensive radios do.just isn’t waterproof
You can get a Baofeng AR-5RM for about $24.oo that's unlocked. You can change antennas, manually program them, or program them with free CHIRP software. Start there until you decide spending more $ is warranted.
The best option is to go with a mobile GMRS radio as they have power ratings from 20 watts on the low side to 50 watts on the high side where a handheld will have around 5 watts. I use a B Tech GMRS V50-2 50 watt mobile radio with a power supply for a base radio and an outside antenna and have no problem reaching out 40 miles without using the repeater. I also use a B Tech V50-2 in my truck and Radioddity DB40 40 watt radios in both of my cars.
GMRS can go super long range too provided that you're hitting a repeater channel that has a repeater on it and then else where there is another repeater and so on and so forth.
Unfortunately the FCC says GMRS repeater linking is illegal, so on GMRS you are limited to the range of the original repeater unlike with Amateur radio repeaters where linking is allowed.
Iam looking for more information on this post there.
With GRMS can I still communicate with family if there are hills in-between and therefore no line of sight? Distances of 5 miles, and also 15 miles?
Your going to need tall antenna on both ends. Hand Held units are going to struggle alot I think. I think having an antenna at least 10 - 20 feet above ground height will help alot.
As a truck driver that travels your primary area heavily, got any good advice for using gmrs? I just purchased a uv 5r and looking to get my gmrs license
I suggest plugging in all of the frequencies for FRS and gmrs into the first 30 channels, and leave space for another 16 channels above that for duplicate repeaters on the gmrs channels. It becomes primarily a gmrs radio that can also handle the other stuff.
@bendeleted9155 thank you
Good info, but some of your presentation is omitting some details.
I'd suggest GMRS and getting your amateur radio license.
I use CB, MURS and GMRS! Horses for courses. And yes, GMRS is the most useful as millions have them and even MORE people have FRS (which GMRS radios can "talk" to.). The GMRS license is WELL WORTH it! Sad Hams who say GMRS radios are toys" because they are not ham radios must think the same about police, fire, EMS radios (They are not ham radios either!) GMRS (and FRS) were intended for the VERY USES you lay out: Local, Simple and (often) inexpensive radio comms for people who don't want to make a HOBBY out of radio. (I'm a hobbyist, so I'm NOT knocking it...) Most people just want reliable communication.
Hi! I’m a newbie researching for a radio, and was wondering if you still have the same GMRS range since the government shut down the mygmrs site? I’ve just discovered your channel, as well as NotARubicon, who is hilarious! So, I’m asking about the impact of the FARS you get on your gmrs now. 🤣🤣🤣
My range is unchanged. I think what you are talking about is the internet linked repeaters?
@@citizensurvivalplan The FCC says that internet linked repeaters are now illegal to use so that is off of the table for now.
I got new gmrs radio. It's like death valley. All quiet.
My comcern with GMRS is that I have family members that are not going to remember to use station identification every transmission. FRS doesn't have the range i want. I was looking at Murs because you don't have to station identify
Don't concern yourself with the FCC's silly rules. Problem solved.😊
@@gadsdenconsulting7126 , Can I plead," dumb guy who gave his radio to his nephew?" By the way, I agree. The general public should have its own frequencies and adequate power equipment to talk to their family further than one mile away. We gave bandwidth to these hams for experimentation. We gave bandwidth to the cellular companies to sell back to us. These rules are silly. The public owns this, not the FCC. CB doesn't get the job done. It is low power too.
But i programed my Ham with CHIRP which has GMRS etc
It sucks because they made us unlink the repeaters got to be able to talk to all them states too but not no the FCC got a butt ache and made us disconnect from the internet I'm hearing a rumor that FEMA was the one that complained about the link repeaters.
I have to say be careful falling back on gmrs. It is highly dependent on where you live. I am an amateur extra and I also have my gmrs license. Where I live, I have not heard one person other than my wife on our gmrs radios. Also our ham radio club has both 2m and 70cm repeaters. Once again things depend on where you live. Our 70cm repeaters get used way less than the 2m repeaters do. Why because range is limited. 2m works when 70cm doesn't because of terain. I have great respect for all radio services, but my life and my families lives will not depend on gmrs. Unfortunately they just don't work reliably out in the woods and hills where we live. Some great information in this video, but can be misleading dependent on ones location.
He also gave a caveat that there are exceptions to everything he said. Very good info.
I really want GMRS to grow and more people really should get into GMRS I’m 100% with that. However you do seem to have some misunderstanding about ham and CB as well as GMRS, but keep doing what you’re doing you are on a good track. 👍
That's not true, the Ranger AR-3300 and AR-3500 made by Clear Channel Corporation were easily modifiable to go down into 25 MHz even though the radio was targeted for 28 MHz. The space between 27.405.0 MHz of the C.B. Band and 28 MHz was extremely active with 27.555.0 USB - Upper Sideband as the international call frequency. You could easily tune in on 27.410.6 just above the C.B. Band if you wanted. The skip cycle was active for 11 years and contacts could be made Worldwide and QSL cards exchanged. The Ranger AR-3300 and 3500 were the best radios ever made with 30-watt and 100-watt versions. AM, FM, CW, USB, LSB, split frequency etc. The radios easily fit in cars of the 70's, 80's and 90's. As for HAM licenses, I always preferred Roast Beef licenses.
Great video. I hope the f c c allows linking on GMRS.
Good point, but I don't GMRS. For licensed free communication UHF I use FRS very low power, for low power VHF MURS, and for HF QRP CBRS on AM/FM/USB/LSB modes. I think GMRS is good with the 50 watts privilege, but you need to have a license. Maybe that's why I don't like it. License Free is for those who love privacy or freedom. Can you send an image over GMRS? MURS stations may be used to transmit data or image, and of course, voice.
My AT 6666 11 meters SSB transceiver pushes 80 watts . International communication is consistently reliable. AM 11 meters is perfect for contacts closer than 50 miles. You are incorrect sir. VE3BQH
Why do GMRS people say "from 462 to 467Mhz"? GMRS is 462 AND 467, but nothing in between. "From" one frequency to another means that it ALSO covers what's in between the two.
Now to the point of "I just need local comms". What happens when everything "local" is out and you need to reach out long distance to contact help. Look at the recent destruction in NC. The only reason "local" Radio was useful is because there is a repeater on a very high peak. If that 1 repeater had been taken out they would need hf to contact help outside the destroyed area. Just food for thought.
hehe, GMRS and most modern radios will fry before my old CB radio in an EMP event.
If you decide to go take thd ham test, without too much expense and knowing the similarities of 70cm and GMRS, comparatively there are more potential frequencies in 70cm, especially for repeaters. Like installing a repeater for either, there's no special license to own and operate one. Output power and range are the same as is similarities in equipment. The main difference is, taking the test. Sure, you could do without the test and just buy a limited license for a limited service, being either equipment, people or both.
1.25m (220Mhz) depending on your local area, is either widely used, or not. We here on the east coast states enjoy a wide area of coverage of linked repeaters across the region and, also interlinked w/Echolink (kinda like Zello).
Just study up on the test. There's no need to go world wide, unless you want to. There's plenty of local traffic on repeaters and on simplex (direct to other radios, no repeaters). Many groups either way. Also, there's plenty of digital comms, much less fm hash noise and other annoyances.
Don't take the test, you'll never know what you miss out on. Maybe someone will answer your call for help, if they trust you. Don't take the test, you wont be vetted, either.
I can talk 150 miles on 2meter SSB. GMRS is just too limiting for us hams. I find that GMRS users are more like CBers than they are like hams. You make ham radio sound harder than it is. But that's ok. One can be a ham on just one band so it's not $4000. You can get on HF for $500 or less. I also have a GMRS license, but find most GMRS people lacking in radio knowledge and act more like CBers, are very street and hide their PLS.
@3:42 or you could push 10,000 watts its CB no one cares.
Maybe so..... and that sure would make it a pretty capable radio.
You need to explore groundwave and NVIS. 160m band is amazing for local comm's. Also a lot of Ham's don't even use vhf/uhf at all. Some strictly use HF. Plus with HF you can pretty much take anything metal and make it an antenna. Also it doesn"t cost 4k to 5k dollars to get into Ham radio. It just takes the willingness to learn. A 20 watt G-90 is 450 dollars. power supply 110 dollars. 50 ah lifpo4 battery for portable operations 105 dollars. 10m-80m antenna 110 dollars. ABR Ind. rg8x coax 75ft 140 dollars. Thats under 1k dollars. You can use a cheap spool of speaker wire and make just about any type of antenna you would like. I made an antenna out of a piece of wood and coat hangers to use the repeater on the ISS. Knowledge is what save's you money. I hope you enjoy your journey into all things radio. 73's
I know about groundwave. The problem with this is no one is going to be running around with a handheld radio during SHTF that is going to be able to TX and RX on 160. making it useless. Also none/ ZERO repeaters in a 100 mile rage of me operate on 160. I cant cover everything in the video but this was kinda said in other ways....
@@citizensurvivalplan Repeaters don't use 160m. Plus when the SHTF you're not going to be running around with a handheld radio. Your going to be sheltered in place listening to comm traffic. You won't be TXing very much. During Helene and after HF and repeaters were used. Both have their place. a TYT 7800 does cross band repeat. 200 dollar radio gives you the ability to set up a repeater for E comm's. uhf/vhf. 160m band was used in world war 2 so i wouldnt say it's useless. I hope you understand there are some people like myself that do portable operations for shits and giggle's. It's called Parks on the Air and Summits on the Air. We are the one's that practice E comm's in portable situations. Also you can have an HF antenna mounted to your vehicle that will operate 10m-40m bands.
@@KO4GAR its a weird argument to make to tell everyday people to use 160 meter for local comms even for a ham operator.....
@@citizensurvivalplan If you have ever used 160m you would know how well it works for local comm's. You are telling people to use GMRS for local comm's but never say a thing about when repeaters go down. Who is in charge of said local repeater for maintenance. The whole goal is to educate people about radio comm's so they have options. The best comm's you can have is from one antenna to another antenna with no repeater in the middle. If you cant control your operating station and have to rely on somebody else for your radio to work your looking for trouble. Also everyday people can't use 160m's only licensed operators can. In an emergency you can use 160m for sure but then again you need to be educated on how to use said band. If you strictly wanted to stick to GMRS it would be a better solution to cut repeaters out of the equation and use height as might. That means having people use height and yagi type antennas for direct comm's. 2m's will work better but 70cm will work also. Mountain topping i have worked simplex 90 miles away with 70cm at 5 watts. You need to realize the Ham radio community is a wealth of knowledge of so called "Prepping". If you are into Prepping why would you not want to join the biggest prepping community on earth? Ham's are not just great at radio comm's we have other skill's also. 73's
@KO4GAR everyday people CAN use 160m without a HAM license.
I am a gmrs person and I love my outfit Beck I started out as a CB operator and when you say CBS are worthless and no power come on buddy you need to know something now and that is CB radio is unregulated and you can run as much power as you want as long as your antenna can handle it you're about a quart low when you talk down about CB radio the thing that got me away from CB radio is a.m. I got tired of listening to that constant static where gmrs is quieter I do have a repeater and I'm still thinking about building it up bigger now I want to tell you something else gmrs radio is headed the same way as a CB radio because there is tons of people who come off from FR-S onto gmrs and talk on that thing now when it comes to my repeater I can put tones in there to keep other people out and tell everybody that you're not supposed to use it because it's my repeater well that's wrong because anybody can use it and it's not private the same way with the CB radio it's not private everybody and everybody in the world can hear you if the conditions are right my recommendation is redo this video and quit cutting down a CB radio they are good radios they work really good it's quieter if you go to sideband and it's been deregulated so darn much you can run anything and you can go on any frequency you want in the 10 and 11 M and even the top end of the 12 mm you got a lot of frequencies that you can go and play in
I still have a CB base station and a CB in my truck, but in recent history I've been using my GMRS radios for the reasons you stated, which is Illegal stations using high power amps bleeding all over ten channels on either side of the one they're using, operating outside of the 11 meter band, playing music for hours on end etc. etc. It's like a friend of mine said recently, GMRS is CB radio for grown ups.
@ 1:16
@ 1:30
WRONG
WRONG and WRONG 😂
11M on 4w can do 10-15 miles
And a 10M radio can do like 200watts and 40-60mil on a NONE skip day.
But what You fail to understand is antenna and counter poise is key, so your lil 50w $400-$500 GMRS is garbage in any mountainous area 😂 or heavy vegetation, unless you use a repeater and you know that's what some will use wich they are NOT public.
But if you are a flatlander with "line of sight" you will be fine thats if you are not in a heavy WiFi location either.
And HAMs don't point antennas to the sky 😂 they are not satellite dishes.
And then you still need a license to operate on GMRS anyhow unless it's a handheld @ 1/4w ch 1-7
If you want real unlimited distance anywhere coms ?
Get a satellite radio, but it's not cheap.
But I suggest you actually learn what HAMs actually do because you just vomited a bunch wiki info lol
here, here... I keep thinking back to a quote by Fulton Sheen, “There are not one hundred people in the United States who hate The Catholic Church, but there are millions who hate what they wrongly perceive the Catholic Church to be.” There's a lot of hate for what people perceive ham radio to be, thus missing the importance of practice and community service the hobby provides. I am amazed at how well net control has been run on the Mt. Michell repeater since Helene tore through WNC. This doesn't come from GRMS/CB cowboys, but seasoned amateurs who know how to work together.
Just some life advise from me to you. Calm down. I wanna make sure you make it so you can comment on the rest of my videos.
@citizensurvivalplan lol I'm calm my guy, I just corrected some of the Wiki vomit you spouted about coms, and don't worry, i will make it,I made it back from Afghanistan 13yrs ago, so I would say I do have the REAL WORLD skills necessary to at min. still send messages.
@danialphaomega you're actually "doing" what too many "licensed HAMs" actually do- spew your condescending drivel. Thank God you and your ilk will survive the carnage that only HAMs have the skills to overcome. Carry on.
Wanna communucate after the collapse ? Walk out to your fence line and talk with your neighbors , theae radiis suck now and will suck even more when SHTF
You know nothing about ham radio, stick to something you think you might know
You seem like you have a lot of helpful information to offer thanks for the comment.
Wouldn't it be better to take the time to share information about ham radio, so folks can know more about it? Many hams have a bunch of valuable insights into emergency communications we can share with folks in the prepping community. It seems like we should be doing that instead of making unhelpful comments like yours.
Actually, most hams don’t know anything about what communications are going to be useful and not in an emergency. They think they do, especially the emcom. But in a real SHTF situation, all the CERT, ARES, and RACES training and organizing is going to be mostly worthless.
@@citizensurvivalplanSad HAM alert!!!!😂
I'm not on here to trash you dude, but you are misleading a lot of people with inaccurate info. If you want to know about what radio bands are going to work for you.... do yourself a favor and talk to a HAM. As you said, "there is no test required for GMRS".
#1) CB beats the pants off GMRS for local communication, simplex. There aren't repeaters on CB....but, in a shtf scenario, there won't be any on GMRS either. You'll then be limited to 2-3 miles, handheld to handheld, unless you're on a tall hill. If you have a 50 watt base at home, it will all depend on the antenna, the height of said antenna, and your surroundings. On flat land, *maybe* 50 miles to another base. In hilly areas, perhaps 30 miles. Im running 100 watts on 70 cm in the hills, and 30 is all i get, with a 9db gain vertical on a 30 foot pole, from the top of a hill that's 1700 ft asl.
2) 80 & 160 meters are EXCELLENT at "flooding the local area" with signal. 5 miles out to 300 miles, like nobodies business.
3) 70 cm (GMRS) bounces off stuff pretty good. Thats why its so good for talking from inside a building in a city. It ricochetes around inside until it finds a window. But, once outside, vegetation absorbs it.
4) The tech class ham license is pretty easy. A weekend of study is about all that should require. Better yet, a ham, or a ham club, would be more than happy to help you. Most larger ham clubs actually administer the tests, as well.
5) You can purchese a used HF ham radio for $300. And after you study for the test, you'll be able to make your own antenna from old scrap house wiring.
I wont go much further than that. Yes...GMRS is an ok place to start. But, it's not likely to save your bacon in a shtf scenario, especially once the grid is gone. I have 70 cm (same as GMRS), as well as all the other bands....and without solar panels and a solar charge controller, charging batteries, it won't save my bacon either. Oh, and don't forget EMP protection for all the electronics, or it's all useless.
Again....I didn't come in here to trash you....but, misleading your audience is a HUGE disservice to them.
1. cb is only good if you break the shit out of the rules
2. yes you can flood an area really good with a vertical antenna on HF i will admit you are correct on that the only problem with that is no one will hear it considering people who own HF equipment is 1 out of every 10k people. Everyone and their cousin owns a uv5r so it kinda makes flooding an area with HF kinda useless.
3. yes it can bounce around in a building. but generally speaking where people use it outside it gets absorbed by things
4. I am aware of all the questions on the HAM test I have tons of AARL books and manuals on ham radio I read constantly. I dont really care to get on HAM radio as their is not a soul on this planet i wish to talk to on HAM.
5. find me a ham radio operator that does not have at least 5k sunk into their hobby not really a thing.....
Most of the complaints you have are exceptions not the rule. Try making a video about radio short and too the point you will find it impossible to do without rambling for an hour and a half with all the exceptions. Another note all the the GMRS repeaters run on backup solar and battery power as I have talked to the owners the only thing that would really kill them is an emp. last this video is not a disservice to anyone it gives people a general look at radio bands with out watching some semi autistic socially inept HAM radio operator ramble in a dimly lit shack for 3 hours never getting a point across. There is prob more but I cannot spend all my time arguing in the comments but I did want to address this comment here I knew it was coming the moment I started working on this video. Thanks for watching!
@@citizensurvivalplan I don't believe I complained about a thing. Just pointing out a few of the inaccuracies presented in the video.
The BEST advice would be to have as many bands available to you as possible. And that would mean being one of those disgusting ham operators. It is clear that isn't for you. But projecting your dislike of ham radio onto others, by telling the less knowledgeable that they're going to be good to go on GMRS, actually BETTER OFF on GMRS, than anything else, is just not true. Better than nothing, however. And, again....if you wanted to get on hf, I'll take that $5k you're talking about, and get you on the air on hf, with $4500 change. Good day to you, my friend. I don't expect you to listen to me, let alone agree. I just wanted to counter your video with some facts. You're entitled to your opinion, but, that's just what it is. Of course, again, I don't expect you to concede. However, I hold an extra class amateur radio license. And, before that, was a radar technician in the Navy. So, I haven't a clue what I'm talking about.