FCC coming into your house is because you have a complaint from your neighbors for interfering (spurious emissions) and you have a HAM Shack with lots of power. 5000 watts . FCC can come in and check your radiation for interference. I use a Yausu FT-818. It is a battery powered HF/UHF/VHF radio that runs on batteries and I can use it with grid down. 6 watts and I can talk around the world. Grid down. They all work off of 13 volts DC. FCC can not come into your house without a search warrant which they can not get because spurious emissions are like jaywalking. A Baufang will set off the FCC more than anything because they are so out of calibration that they can violate FCC rules. Get your Technicians license so you can talk simplex and through a repeater. Get your General so you cal talk (or listen) around the world. Get HF if you want to get around the world. Bounce off the moon, talk to the ISS, talk to Australia or Texas on a car battery. BSC, I do believe sir you have this one wrong. 73s. K04MUM
To all the HAM snobs, if freaking ISIS and the other folks could give our troops fits with these damn things and some f&@*#%g Soviet antiques, they'll work for you too. Buy cheap, buy a bunch. Just having comms for everybody is key, not having a $30000 setup
@@SpookyLurker - most civilian HAM aren't going to have nato wiring. You can get a converter OR just use the standard audio jack that is in the PTT for Baofengs. It will link to most headsets/ear pro/etc.
Recommend having an boating air horn if you have a neighborhood defense force and a single entrance. That way everyone in the neighborhood regardless of having comms will know trouble is imminent and whoever is on duty needs back up immediately
Excellent suggestion. I've never seen that mentioned before. Lots of farms have a large bell outside. It signals dinner time and emergencies to everyone on site.
I've spent a fortune on high end Yaesu gear, legit Ops-Core AMPs, etc. but most folks aren't going to be in that budget range. It's awesome that you did this for folks who need a setup, including links. You're an asset to the community.
@@Michael-Mulcahy sadly, the support for end users and availability of actual AES-256 for regular folks in the Moto lineup sucks. Hytera is a better option for most or even the Chinese setups like Anytone or Radioddity are quite good. I sold my Moto DMR gear a few years ago for that reason.
@@jhalscott Same here. I went with the Anytone AT-D878UVII. It does everything including ARPS, GPS, and AES256. The battery life is also huge at 3100 MaH. It seems well built, and heavy, for it's size.
I love the fact that you are so calm, plus you are the real deal. You have great leadership qualities. Thank you for your videos. I appreciate what you do.
I have the Baofeng radios and I wouldn't go tossing the book that it comes with. It's a very capable radio. The scanner portion is fantastic. When the power went out the other night I was able to determine what it was and what it wasn't so I was able to get a time frame on when the power might be restored in real time👍
@@jasonnelson460 MURS FRS and GMRS frequencies to start. You can also try some of the business band frequencies not in use in your area. Marine channels if you are not near a body of water. Now be advised transmitting on most of these frequencies is against FCC rules without the proper license . Also be advised that transmitting on these frequencies without the proper license is an extremely frequent occurrence. Stay away from 144-148 and 420-450 Mhz. These are amateur radio frequencies. You will be more likely to draw attention to yourself if you operate there than say an FRS frequency.
@@paultoth7853 I just want to be able to use it as a 2way mostly but cant seem to get the frequency I need to do it. Anyone know what frequency code I need for 2 way operation?
@@jasonnelson460 Have a local amateur radio operator put in 146.52 Mhz. Then he can call another amateur radio operator as this is the 2m FM calling frequency. There are a bunch of guides on You Tube that show how to set up your radio. Just stick to the frequencies I mentioned and be advised that you need a license to transmit.
Always right on Jack , we appreciate the awareness you provide. Our family all have the Baeofang radios and they seem to work well if you are on a repeater. Thanks again. Rick
In nine minutes and 44 seconds, I was able to get so much more information from you than I was able to get from hours worth of so-called experts from all these other channels,thank you very much.
Well we've gotten our license and joined a local ham club . I'm learning so much about comms and the difference radios . I was talking to a gentleman in Florida the other evening and we live in north west PA
Yeah don't use these Radios with the random frequencies they are set at, learn what is used in your area and don't be rude by upsetting the Hams. The usb dongle is a must to program these
@bruce maxwell wow, thanks for your advice brother, I bought a uv-5r as well and like you said its ok. I haven't learned enough about how to setup/use repeaters so thats definitely on my need to learn list.
yea they work well get 15 miles even with a mountain in the way I have 2 of them. I hit the repeater from in the house which is 20 miles away it is up 8000 ft.
Awesome video. I've watched several videos on these type of systems. It would be a good thing for everyone in your family to keep in their car. If the cell tower grid goes down, you can still contact your family members using repeaters. I don't know enough about that to do it myself, but I do need to buy a radio and learn how they work. Thanks for the video. These need to be talked about much more in the survival/prepper community.
I have had the more expensive with base unit and keyed up mics you look like policeman carrying. And I have gotten the cheaper 20 mile range communicators. I would rather have the cheaper ones, like you said especially if your group is larger. 20 mile range is not shabby in my kneck of the woods. Key people in my group have the communicators in their bug out things and we keep to two channels. They know how to reach one another at meet up points and we all use code handle when using them. This system seams to work well for our little hand full. Thank you for the vid sir.
I can't get any of my 2A friends interested in comms for any reason... even the former military guys who were drilled with shoot/ move/ communicate. Civilians and ex military are only interested in 'shooting' and even that only as far as bragging on the range or posting Gucci gear online. Getting people interested in ACTUALLY being ready trained or functionally organized is like pulling teeth.
I think most of them don't want feds to get the idea that they like to shoot AND are into HAM radio. It's too easy to cross reference those two lists and start knocking on doors!
Because the time to try to figure out how to use radios is during an emergency. And no emergency gives you the authority to interfere with communications used by first responders... only an idiot would plan to use amateur radios without a licenses and expect a court to accept that they had the radios purchased, configured, and available... coincidentally.
@@EverettVinzant you are allowed to buy them and set them up without a license, you can listen all you want. You just aren't allowed to transmit unless its an emergency.
@@jdlflagstone6980 having said exactly that multiple times elsewhere, I wonder why you feel the need to mention it? It doesn’t change what I said above, in that yes, you can set up receivers and listen, but the wrong time to figure out how to transmit is during an emergency. And if you’re going to spend the extra money to buy transmitters, why not get licensed? What’s the excuse? You can get licensed for free from many organizations right now…
@@EverettVinzant "and expect a court to. .. blah blah" The court would never be involved because no laws are being broken if its an emergency.. Yes, I agree that now is the time to practice and why not get a license, but your point about courts is moot
That is correct, but the law says that your life or property has to be in immediate danger. If you are lost in the woods that would not classify as an emergency unless you are injured. If some crazy man is running up and down your street with a knife or gun, that would not classify as an emergency unless he is breaking into your house directly. Also, there are proper procedures to use when on the radio to specify whether it is an emergency. If you go on the radio and say, "I have an emergency", people would not be as keen to take it seriously unless you used the proper phrasing and procedures. It is good to know that stuff. 73 my friend.
I’m going to a GMRS system. We are setting up a base station . The goal is to be able to cover our area the woods etc. then when I’m done with the base station we should be able to communicate to and in the small town that is close to our property
Stevedore Jones... Maybe I'm wrong, but I've always been under the impression that GMRS is licensed just like ham radios are licensed. CB and FMRS are not licensed... PS... Licensed or not GMRS is a great to go, as it doesn't have near as much traffic a ham or CB...
Went this route, BF make GMRS radios that can listen to all the frequencies but only key on GMRS frequencies. License doesn’t require a test and is good for 10 years, whole family can use on one license, can use higher wattage than FRS, and legal to transmit in something less than TEOTWAWKI situation. Key to these open systems is developing a standardized protocol for your team that doesn’t give away all your intel, if you know what I mean. If I understand correctly, using code isn’t legal on these frequencies, but there’s a lot of gray area there.
@@uncletom-e4461 Yes, GMRS is licensed, but it differs from HAM Radio licensing in which you don't have to take an exam to receive a license. You still get a call sign from the FCC just like in HAM radio, and GMRS and HAM both use repeaters in the VHF/UHF frequencies. HAM also differs from GMRS because even with a license, GMRS is limited to 5 Watts of power, when HAM (using most frequencies) is limited to 1500 Watts of power. More power = longer range. HAM radio also has HF (long distance communication where you can communicate with people in other states and countries) which GMRS does not have. Also, most people who use GMRS right now, don't bother with getting a license.
The cheep radios don’t transmit your voice over the air waves a great distance but they will receive higher wattage transmission very well. They are great listening devices for intel like you said.
Yea I actually have two.I have heard transmission from 800 miles. No kidding. I only get about two miles between my two. But am about to buy a amp and pole to make a cheap mobile home base.
@@benjybronk7718 yea my brother got the 3 ft antenna and I got the 12 inch. I was able to broadcast to him about three miles away but I could hear his broadcast from 9. Rough terrain between us tho
we actually use the smaller cheaper version with the PTT lie you showed with secrete service looking ear pieces, for our church security team, and we put the short stubby antennae on them, they have worked out great just around the church campus, inside and out on the metal buildings. but i also have a pair of the 5R that are programmed to the same channels as the smaller radios, and have a ten pack of the small ones at home brand new, in case we have to use them. hoping to integrate that into some training with a small group, but for neighborhod security, thought, for 120 bucks i have ten radios, i can distribute if necessary....thanks for the videos and your time,
I would highly recommend the Baofeng UV82HP, higher power which means better range...our group of patriots use these and they work great and still super affordable. BTW I have my HAM licence because I wanted to learn more about the radios in general and be able to use more frequencies, you never know what kind of knowledge you will need.
How do you feel about the requirement to have your name and address tied to your license posted publicly? My folks and I have all hesitated to get our licenses because we have someone who's threatened the family before and they would love to know where to find us. Don't wanna make it easier for them so we've stuck to listening only and figure in a SHTF situation a license won't make much difference anyway
@@geologick The feds RARELY in. my experience have the time, nor give a schit uf you're just a casual chat, yacker, as kids we used cb's at home to chat at nite in bed etc, no one ever made any contact with any of us in town, just keep language CLEAN, and don't LIVE ON IT, and you'll likely never have annisdue, at worst heh git a modest fine etc. But you're not who they're concerned with. It's the power blaster Ham's they monitor, because of their outta state, country ability, Smugglers, Spies, etc using those channels is what they watch, not avg chatty cathy's🤨⚖️🦅🇺🇸😎😉, Mac'Chaughleh, WWG1WGA&QA's, 2, Ayuh
I run the uv82hp have several of them. I'm with our volunteer fire dept and they communicate great with the county mobile rigs and handhelds. I can reach other volunteers or units several miles away to relay information if I'm first on scene. I recently upgraded to the anytone 878UVII plus. I'm really liking that radio. I can easily talk to our county dispatch center and all our tactical bands.
I liked and subscribed to this because you are spot on about registering equipment you own. So refreshing to hear an American sounding like an American. Thank you sir. Great Channel. Spot on video.
I modified my midlands antenna socket so I can use longer antennas. Big increase in range. The mobile gmrs radios have greater wattage and antenna options. Bofeng is a great option.
I love getting like a $45 sdr dongle and listening to like 80% of the stuff out there. The cheap ones won’t transit but you can listen in a shtf scenario and might get info to avoid areas or whatever.
If you have a speaker mic (shoulder mic), most have a 3.5mm plug that will allow you to run a 3.5mm cord to your walker razors and the audio will come in on one side of your ear pro and you just talk into the speaker mic. I run the same setup with some Howard Leights and it works well
@@chawnslopoke2619 A shoulder mic connects directly to your radio and allows you to hear incoming audio and talk directly into the mic instead of the radio. You wear the speaker mic on your shoulder (cops typically have them). Code Red makes a great speaker mic for around $50, though you can find one on Amazon for $20 that will get the job done. You also need to buy the speaker mic that has a connector specific to your radio (pin connection type).
Yes, when SHTF happens, getting (or having) a HAM radio license will be irrelevant, but there is so much to know regarding interferences, frequency use, wave propagation, electrical circuits, repeater use, and procedures that it is good to get your license now and start practicing and using the radios now. If you wait until SHTF scenario and then pick up a HAM radio (either portable like a Baofeng, or stationary like an ICOM 7300) and try to tie into a repeater, figure out what the squelch button does, how to prevent your signal from interfering with another person's radio, or set up an antenna right then...it won't turn out so well. There is a lot to know about radio waves and radios. People think that they are like Walmart walkie talkies that they just pick them up, turn to a channel and start talking. That is not how HAM radio works.
@@bxflaps5150No, you cannot. Ham radio needs to be PRACTICED. It’s not that different than going to the range on a regular basis. Calling oneself a prepper and stuffing a UV5R for “comms” in a “bug out” bag is poseur.
That model has bands that can be used by anyone. FRS and MURS are good for training, and many tasks. A step up in capability is the Baofeng Digital/analog radios. Antennas make a big difference. It depends on your philosophy of use , but I prefer the Disco32 antenna that you weave into your MOLLE.
Man just ordered my first setup and am on here excited and trying to make sure all my stuff would work together(was excited to see Jack from BSS pop up). Long time subscriber here
I recommend the Kenwood NX series over the UV5R. They support a digital text mode, so if noise or eavesdropping is a concern, that's an available option. Some also have things such as frequency inversion scrambling or even encryption. Much more poerful, sensitive and durable as well
Frequency inversion or scrambling is easily defeated by anyone with the right equipment. And it's not just government agencies that have it. And you'd better know what encryption standard it uses. If it uses an old, weak cipher like RC4 your stream will get cracked quick.
I love my Baofeng BF-F8HP. I run the extended battery, tactical earpiece/mic, and 24" folding antenna. I keep it in my go bag. I like it for the FM tuner, and weather radio so I know what's going on in my AO. I have 30 or so frequencies programmed.
What a snob. I'm glad he didn't make this a video about a PRC-66 linked into a high back Humvee with whip antennas. That's probably in your top tier budget for personal security. Dumb thing to say.
I went with some $80 midlands for my set up. On channels 7-14, which no license required, I get about a mile in the city with trees and two story buildings, on 15-22 which operates on a 5watt frequency as opposed to the 2w I can get significantly more range. However those channels do require a license. I like how small they are, don’t take up a lot of space on the plate carrier. Do independent research on wavelengths and wattage and such when setting up your comms. Stay frosty y’all
I have this radio on my Mollle rig set up with my hearing protection. Works great . If you put up a repeater you can set up an entire town or county to be able to communicate with a handheld
FYI. FCC can inspect ANY equipment that is broadcasting. Cell phone, WiFi system, microwave putting out radio waves. Not just ham licensed individuals.
Been a CBer since teen 76' always had radios ever since in my vehicles even to this day. Saved me a few times, still monitor on a base 24/7 along with FRS and GMRS now. Never felt the need to join nose in the air, stuffed shirt ham community, with FCC on speed dial. Happy radioing !!
Congratulations! I feel like a Lost Wolf out here where no one even gives Comms a second thought. Of course they've got all the kit anyone could want and really high end gear but, no means of communications whatsoever! I just had a conversation with a fellow HAM Radio Operator who was almost 8mi away and I'm sitting on my couch with a Baofeng UV-5RX3 Tri-Band on Simplex Frequency 146.520 !!! That's why I have a number of the Very Inexpensive Baofeng Radios
That is a misguided excuse. The same rule that says they can inspect your HAM equipment applies to all electronics. In other words the FCC can use the same excuse to come in your house to inspect your microwave or more likely your WIFI or cell phone.
@@fordloyalist2791 as long as they are NATO wired. I know so many people who bought a pair of TACSky headset and try to use a NEXUS PTT and not realize it isn't compatible. You're stuck with the cheap amazon PTTs that break and get wet.
If he had his ham license, (Which the fcc can come enter your house if you have any fcc related devices without a license anyway) He’d know that you an digitally encode your coms over ham radio. But, he doesn’t, and he doesn’t. Lol
You can do the same setup that you do with the comtac only using the rangepro, the cheap baofeng speaker mic, and an aux cable. Works exactly the same and you don't need the PTT adapter
This is where GMRS really shines. Uses FRS frequencies, simple no-test licensing, and ability to use higher powered mobile units and repeaters. HAM is cool for talking across the country or the globe in some applications, but GMRS is more ideal for communication with a group where everyone doesn't have HAM licenses.
You should. I have a base unit and a handheld unit both in my truck. I can walk a few miles away from my truck and still talk to my truck with crystal clarity even on a rainy day. Worth their price in gold for good communication. 👍
GMRS do typically put out a higher wattage, but still limited by terrain. There will be no repeaters in a SHTF situation. The beauty of HF is you don’t need a repeater.
@@culpepper7665 depends on where you're at. GMRS works good here for me. CB works good as well but yes, you're correct about no repeaters in a SHTF scenario but it also depends on what type/kind of scenario that is. I'll take a CB and a GMRS over nothing for sure. I don't have my HAM license as I'll be honest, don't have the aptitude for it. Have studied for it for several years and still cannot pass it. I have a couple of them laying around and just listen to what goes on out there. Another item that would come in handy would be a short wave radio. Looking at getting one here soon. Be safe out there...
I have to specify that it has to be "an IMMEDIATE harzard to life of property" in order for it to be classified as an emergency. Someone getting lost in the wilderness (while unharmed physically) would not be classified as an emergency by the FCC, and if you were caught, you would get fined thousands of dollars. If someone dangerous was walking up and down your street but not actively breaking into your house, that would not be an emergency.
A GMRS license has no test and as of 11/22/21 the cost for the license is $70 and good for 10yrs. The FCC did announce that they are lowering the price to $35, but it hasn't went into effect yet. I'm waiting on my application to finish being processed and they will issue me a call sign. I think it's a viable option to get accustomed to the use of radio and learning to use repeaters and repeater networks while staying legal when practicing communications with your party/unit/team or networking with others. I'm looking forward to making radio contacts here soon.
Same here Brother . Just my lady and I . Well prepared for a crisis , BUT who knows what can happen . When the hounds get upset , we're at ready . One way in , no way out . No one will take away our freedoms . NO ONE . God Bless .
I have four of these uv-5r's, and I find them to be adequate. On a plate carrier, I run a remote antenna on the back to keep it out of my way. Also, for emergencies, you can get back up battery packs that take AA's: just in case the power is out or you cannot get to a charger. As well, you can run the wall charger off a separately purchased USB A port cable, to charge the stock battery from a vehicle or portable charger.
You can have secure comms. You set up a schedule where you TX/RX for your group. You don’t turn a radio on until you need to TX. Set up listening 5min before and after a scheduled time.
i have several 5r radios, with mobile radios as base sations.. but the new ones im playing with are Motorola DTR600 Digital 900 MHz less of a chance somone intercepts.. it like 900 mhz i think and frequency hops also
Buy a tube radio. Learn it like the back of your hand. Circuits and everything. You need to know what every wire is responsible for in the damn thing. Everything. Train with it like it’s your pistol. Learn how to construct an antenna. Buy a rugged reliable power supply and a solar panel to match, among other recharging technologies. Have feed lines and wire on hand. Throw ALL of it in a faraday cage. Do the exact same with as many radios as you can. Find reliable radios for every frequency. Modify them for EVERY frequency. It’s only illegal if you transmit on them, but when SHTF, you need every single frequency. Main points: learn the radio, not just how to press buttons. Power it in non ideal conditions. Learn how to build antennas that won’t blow your shit up. Make sure it’s protected for EMPs. Have spare parts on hand. That means tubes, antenna wire, solder, feed lines, chokes, circuits, everything. Don’t half step this. Communication will be key in finding like minded people and building a community when SHTF. I absolutely may have missed something here. But this is a good start. Don’t F around, be prepared.
Every small community / team needs a few people like you, but not everyone needs to have the same skill set. Just the basics is good enough for most people, having a good general knowledge, and actually routine training at those skills. Each person should have their own set of particular skills, that they specialize in. If they don’t contribute in some way to the group, then they are a liability, not an asset, until trained.
Jack, just getting a couple of new radios and revisiting some of your old videos about coms. I just ordered the boafeng UV17 PRO MAX and the UV68 PRO MAX. They are both 10 watt radios. Ordered tactical antennas, mics, etc. I know you are busy these days with everything going on, but wanted to see if we could get you to do an updated COMMS talk. The reason for my request is to inform/remind guys/gals that these radios are good for listening, but not encrypted or good to communicate on if TSHTF because they can be triangulated easily and give away your position, but STILL good as an information gathering device, and of course anything else you can add for our benefit. Thanks brother
Somewhat secure com would be use Morse code that you use with a cipher to encode, then recipient uses a cipher to decode. If you are slick, you code some letters like "e" and "a" with two different values to confuse frequency distribution analysis.
I use the Nagoya NA-771 with my Wouxon KGUV8D. I have for several years. No issues and it's a good suggestion. Baofeng radios are cheap, disposable, comms. Good for emergency gear. Put them in packs, make sure they are charged ext. I would look at using it as a starting point and get a better radio as a primary.
“Secure coms” can be achieved by building your own radios capable of transmitting and receiving outside any normal radio bands. Not FCC approved but finding a band where nobody is looking for radio communication is cheap “security”.
You can get digital radios that can run AES. However it is not legal to use them on Ham bands. If you have business band radios and a business account and you can run secure comms.
also morris code/numeric voice to a encrypted context also illegal but when SHTF Middle finger goes to the FCC its not about whether you can be heard sure thats important but on a budget its about can they understand your context and are you talking long enough to be triangulated
“Security by obscurity” is not security at all. There are $20 consumer grade software defined scanners (RTL-SDR) that plug into your laptop and have continuous coverage from shortwave to millimeter. And because they use an entire PC as back-end processing, they are capable decoding numerous data protocols in common use. They can also scan entire bands for activity in seconds. Just get some cheap DMR handhelds that can accept privacy codes. They’ll do fine and save you a huge headache.
Had these radios for around 6 years and they still work. I recommend changing the antenna to a better one(Nagoya Brand) you'll reach far distances for sure than the stock one, and some extra long batteries.
But also get a really bad antenna and learn how to change your radio from higher to lower power. The further you can reach the more random people can hear you. Also every time you key up you are sending out a tracable signal. Keep your signal as small as possible.
To my knowledge, the FCC can enter your house to inspect your wireless router if they wanted to. Or your son's rc car. Or your car key fob. They can inspect anything that emits RF energy. Idt getting your ham license gives them any additional power in terms of warrantless search of your house
Could you provide me the law that dictates you have to have a license to OWN a two way radio, and the evidence that said ownership places you on a watch list?
@@EverettVinzant did you watch the video? He makes it clear in this video that you have to have a liscence to use them and that you absolutely end up on a list.
It used to be that you had to have a licence to have a CB radio. After Smokey and the Bandit, the amount of applications forced them to give up on it. You can still get a licence, if you want to, and they'll give you a "call sign" to recite when you sign off of the conversation.
Great video, we’ve had them for a while. Learn the repeaters in your AO and you can communicate for great distances. Since most of us run battery powered everything, from radio, optics, to NODs, a video on solar setups might be well received. As always Semper Fi brother. Keep up the great work!
I am in Search and Rescue and have used a ton of different type radios, I do have a HAM license. The Beofeng work just fine with a caveat, pay the extra $30 bucks and get a waterproof model, they usually have WP in the model number. The regular ones will die in the first bad rain. If your using a mic they will die regardless in a heavy rain, if you have the money and desire just get a PTT hooked into a headset or if not just go without a mic in heavy rain. The Japanese Yaesu is better but waterproof Baofeng is fine. There is a way to make their comms secure but it is illegal. You do not need a HAM license for things like Search and Rescue or if you just carry it for an emergency. Those little midway radios are worthless outside a couple hundred yards in my experience in the woods. You also can set up mobile repeaters, we do it all the time, that way you can talk to units on the other side of the mountain.
Solid video. The Boafang is cool because you can listen to the fire department/ ems but also has other features to use during an emergency all for $25-$30.
Check out Ham Radio Crash Course's channel he's pretty knowledgeable especially on the Beofeng radios. Great video and as always keep em coming. God bless and keep you and yours safe.
Secure comms, as far as the average person not being able to listen in, aren't expensive. LEGAL secure comms are expensive but not because of the radios. There are plenty of digital radios with built in encryption from 8 bit up to 128 bit or more for around $200. The hitch is, none of those radios are legal for use on FRS/GMRS/MURS or even ham bands. They can only be used on LMR(business and emergency response) frequencies which require an FCC license that will only be issued to someone/a group with a legit business need. It's not even the license itself that is expensive, but rather the repeater needed to get any decent range out of HT's. Even that is cheap compared to buying property and erecting a tower or renting tower space for a repeater antenna. Then you have to add some form of backup power at the repeater site as well as maintenance. But, that applies to using any HT's beyond a short distance. Now some will say to just buy encrypted digital radios and not use them until SHTF. If you have never used them, and more importantly you believe you're just going to throw together a DMR codeplug that's never been tested... You're in for a world of hurt.
Having the cheaper, Walmart type radios with very limited range are good to have also. Specifically because they don't transmit as far. If your team is going to be close together, there's no need to use long range radios. Though, you should still maintain long range capabilities. Especially if you're communicating with another team farther away or like Jack said, just listening in, collecting intelligence.
Just another reason a ham license is a must. A real radio operator that has training and experience can limit exactly how far they transmit and can modulate it at will.
@@ryany4326 I think some people aren't trusting of the government and would rather train on their own. I know people with a HAM license hate the thought of that for some reason. As for your point about training and ability to make the radio work for you, I agree.
If I'm not mistaken, you CAN use the inexpensive U94 PTT systems with the Comtacs. However, you need to unscrew the cover, and (with a soldering iron) change the #2 and #3 wires (swap them). That corrects the transmission issue. There is another youtuber who did a video on it a couple of years ago.
Honestly, the only radio I recommend to anyone by now is the TYT MD-UV390. Look into it. Especially for the price and the fact that they’re totally unlocked (unlike a lot of Motorola units) makes them worth every penny.
@@maxdoom3521 It’s all the digital capabilities I’m referring to. And I highly recommend you start doing some research on comms in general. Ham Radio Crash Course on here is a great content creator for learning, and Google is definitely your friend for any questions you may have about the subject. It’s a super in-depth topic, so you’re looking at a deep dive of self-education, but one that will make your knowledge and skill set that much more valuable in the long run.
Excellent video. I may 74 but my skills are still there. Willing to do whatever is necessary for the Republic! Can't turn my back on my father and grandfathers,..etc!!!
Baofeng Radio:
www.amazon.com/dp/B07VVG726G/ref=as_sl_pc_qf_sp_asin_til?tag=blacscousurv-20&linkCode=w00&linkId=6efc3f7774bad91ab82788f69fc757e0&creativeASIN=B07VVG726G
Earpiece:
www.amazon.com/dp/B07VXRRCC2/ref=as_sl_pc_qf_sp_asin_til?tag=blacscousurv-20&linkCode=w00&linkId=60903d2e1bd96e24e6ed9401b67d3d80&creativeASIN=B07VXRRCC2
Antenna:
www.amazon.com/dp/B00KC4PWQQ/ref=as_sl_pc_qf_sp_asin_til?tag=blacscousurv-20&linkCode=w00&linkId=663f2991cf8b4b66f456b396975c7237&creativeASIN=B00KC4PWQQ
Headset:
www.amazon.com/dp/B07DBT8736/ref=as_sl_pc_qf_sp_asin_til?tag=blacscousurv-20&linkCode=w00&linkId=996fcf58b4c5b9a5a85a86ddf057aa4b&creativeASIN=B07DBT8736
Headset for helmet:
www.amazon.com/dp/B07DBV54WQ/ref=as_sl_pc_qf_sp_asin_til?tag=blacscousurv-20&linkCode=w00&linkId=aa3d0562fbec8d39ef03828ad3597085&creativeASIN=B07DBV54WQ
Push-to-talk for headset:
www.amazon.com/dp/B07DBVBXLH/ref=as_sl_pc_qf_sp_asin_til?tag=blacscousurv-20&linkCode=w00&linkId=aeedac9191d7cd76b42acb3e3476d4e7&creativeASIN=B07DBVBXLH
PAM RADIO flashcards:
pam-radio.com
FCC coming into your house is because you have a complaint from your neighbors for interfering (spurious emissions) and you have a HAM Shack with lots of power. 5000 watts . FCC can come in and check your radiation for interference. I use a Yausu FT-818. It is a battery powered HF/UHF/VHF radio that runs on batteries and I can use it with grid down. 6 watts and I can talk around the world. Grid down. They all work off of 13 volts DC. FCC can not come into your house without a search warrant which they can not get because spurious emissions are like jaywalking. A Baufang will set off the FCC more than anything because they are so out of calibration that they can violate FCC rules. Get your Technicians license so you can talk simplex and through a repeater. Get your General so you cal talk (or listen) around the world. Get HF if you want to get around the world. Bounce off the moon, talk to the ISS, talk to Australia or Texas on a car battery. BSC, I do believe sir you have this one wrong. 73s. K04MUM
To all the HAM snobs, if freaking ISIS and the other folks could give our troops fits with these damn things and some f&@*#%g Soviet antiques, they'll work for you too. Buy cheap, buy a bunch. Just having comms for everybody is key, not having a $30000 setup
Where is the link to the NATO wired PTT?
@@SpookyLurker - most civilian HAM aren't going to have nato wiring. You can get a converter OR just use the standard audio jack that is in the PTT for Baofengs. It will link to most headsets/ear pro/etc.
@@alexketteman5202 I didn't hear him say it wouldn't work.. *shrug*
If things go twisted, I’m not going to worry about the FCC.
In an emergency situation it is legal to use ham without a license, if you're the kind of guy who cares about such things...
That would be if I believed the government has a right to regulate the air and everything in it.
Its good to be able to legally use your gear and practice with it before an emergency though
I'm not worried about them now
I got my gmrs it’s pretty fun and no ones looking at my shit it’s a handheld I’ll take it outside
Recommend having an boating air horn if you have a neighborhood defense force and a single entrance. That way everyone in the neighborhood regardless of having comms will know trouble is imminent and whoever is on duty needs back up immediately
great idea!
great idea
Man on duty must eat bean burrito = natural blast alert system .
Excellent suggestion. I've never seen that mentioned before. Lots of farms have a large bell outside. It signals dinner time and emergencies to everyone on site.
I will see your boating horn and raise you a "train horn". 😎
I've spent a fortune on high end Yaesu gear, legit Ops-Core AMPs, etc. but most folks aren't going to be in that budget range. It's awesome that you did this for folks who need a setup, including links. You're an asset to the community.
You mind listing what you looked at/settled on?
I went into Motorola DMR and use MotoTrbo feature set. Mostly 7550E's with a couple mobiles and base station.
@@Michael-Mulcahy sadly, the support for end users and availability of actual AES-256 for regular folks in the Moto lineup sucks. Hytera is a better option for most or even the Chinese setups like Anytone or Radioddity are quite good. I sold my Moto DMR gear a few years ago for that reason.
@@jhalscott Same here. I went with the Anytone AT-D878UVII. It does everything including ARPS, GPS, and AES256. The battery life is also huge at 3100 MaH. It seems well built, and heavy, for it's size.
You are smart like me.
I love the fact that you are so calm, plus you are the real deal. You have great leadership qualities. Thank you for your videos. I appreciate what you do.
I have the Baofeng radios and I wouldn't go tossing the book that it comes with. It's a very capable radio. The scanner portion is fantastic. When the power went out the other night I was able to determine what it was and what it wasn't so I was able to get a time frame on when the power might be restored in real time👍
Baofeng Radios, I’m equipping people here on my mountain.
I have a baofeng uv5r and cant seem to get any proper frequencies to communicate. Any ideas or recommendations?
@ this.
just FYI get only the legit baofeng chords. nothing else will show on chirp.
@@jasonnelson460 MURS FRS and GMRS frequencies to start. You can also try some of the business band frequencies not in use in your area. Marine channels if you are not near a body of water. Now be advised transmitting on most of these frequencies is against FCC rules without the proper license . Also be advised that transmitting on these frequencies without the proper license is an extremely frequent occurrence. Stay away from 144-148 and 420-450 Mhz. These are amateur radio frequencies. You will be more likely to draw attention to yourself if you operate there than say an FRS frequency.
@@paultoth7853 I just want to be able to use it as a 2way mostly but cant seem to get the frequency I need to do it. Anyone know what frequency code I need for 2 way operation?
@@jasonnelson460 Have a local amateur radio operator put in 146.52 Mhz. Then he can call another amateur radio operator as this is the 2m FM calling frequency. There are a bunch of guides on You Tube that show how to set up your radio. Just stick to the frequencies I mentioned and be advised that you need a license to transmit.
Always right on Jack , we appreciate the awareness you provide. Our family all have the Baeofang radios and they seem to work well if you are on a repeater. Thanks again. Rick
Com’s is going to be my next investment for the GOOD bag.
Love the name. CODY J!
Dude, someone else using it!!! Siiick! Is your d for dodge? Mine is 💪🇺🇲
@@madmaxprepping8036 Hell yeah, glad you get it.
@@hansblitz7770 sounds like you need it
What's a GOOD bag?
Thanks for doing this video and mentioning my PAM Radio flashcards for getting your mutual assistance group up to speed on comms.
In nine minutes and 44 seconds, I was able to get so much more information from you than I was able to get from hours worth of so-called experts from all these other channels,thank you very much.
Untrained "experts" line the gutters.
-- Henry Ford
Well we've gotten our license and joined a local ham club . I'm learning so much about comms and the difference radios . I was talking to a gentleman in Florida the other evening and we live in north west PA
Pa here too
Yeah don't use these Radios with the random frequencies they are set at, learn what is used in your area and don't be rude by upsetting the Hams. The usb dongle is a must to program these
My friend just moved here to florida from PA
I appreciate the comparison of the super HAM radio guys to anime nerds a little too much. It's so accurate though. 😂
Hahahahaha
"Mom... what time is dinner?"😅🤣😂
@bruce maxwell wow, thanks for your advice brother, I bought a uv-5r as well and like you said its ok. I haven't learned enough about how to setup/use repeaters so thats definitely on my need to learn list.
@@getoutside2854 lol
yea they work well get 15 miles even with a mountain in the way I have 2 of them. I hit the repeater from in the house which is 20 miles away it is up 8000 ft.
Awesome video. I've watched several videos on these type of systems. It would be a good thing for everyone in your family to keep in their car. If the cell tower grid goes down, you can still contact your family members using repeaters. I don't know enough about that to do it myself, but I do need to buy a radio and learn how they work. Thanks for the video. These need to be talked about much more in the survival/prepper community.
Love your channel man. This is exactly what I wanted to watch!!
Priceless information as usual Jack thank you. God bless
I have had the more expensive with base unit and keyed up mics you look like policeman carrying. And I have gotten the cheaper 20 mile range communicators. I would rather have the cheaper ones, like you said especially if your group is larger. 20 mile range is not shabby in my kneck of the woods. Key people in my group have the communicators in their bug out things and we keep to two channels. They know how to reach one another at meet up points and we all use code handle when using them. This system seams to work well for our little hand full. Thank you for the vid sir.
I can't get any of my 2A friends interested in comms for any reason... even the former military guys who were drilled with shoot/ move/ communicate. Civilians and ex military are only interested in 'shooting' and even that only as far as bragging on the range or posting Gucci gear online. Getting people interested in ACTUALLY being ready trained or functionally organized is like pulling teeth.
Yes, comms can make you a far superior force, but nobody think it is worth it. I am an amateur extra, and will be comms should shtf.
😂🤣
Nice to know that ya'll exist. Lone wolf here. How do we find each other after SHTF, let alone, trust one another!
Lone wolf here also. I love my friends but honestly they'd be more of a hindrance in a SHTF scenario.
I think most of them don't want feds to get the idea that they like to shoot AND are into HAM radio. It's too easy to cross reference those two lists and start knocking on doors!
Thanks!
I have a couple of the AUBREE antennas, folding and extend up to about 3ft. They work well, height is king in the radio world.
2m/77cm is ok for local stuff, you really start pushing for distance when you get into HF
So you're saying size matters 🧐
That's awesome.
Go Blue!! Makes me happy when I see my Michigan brothers and sisters in these types of videos.
O-H I-O
Great video...getting down to brass tacks and the bottom line...Thank you! Happy Easter. He is risen!
Yes he has. God bless
I'm a ham radio operator I've been one for the past 10 years and yes I hate being on a government list.
They created a list just for me. The funny thing is, I haven't done squat to earn it...lol !
Have good cheer Zach, you are in good company!
Pretty sure everyone is on a list
Been a ham for nearly 60 years. Never had the fcc pay a visit. It comes down to “play stupid games: win stupid prizes.” I bugged out years ago.
FB OM, GL N TEST, 73
During times of disaster or if your life is in danger you can use ham without a license
Because the time to try to figure out how to use radios is during an emergency. And no emergency gives you the authority to interfere with communications used by first responders... only an idiot would plan to use amateur radios without a licenses and expect a court to accept that they had the radios purchased, configured, and available... coincidentally.
@@EverettVinzant you are allowed to buy them and set them up without a license, you can listen all you want. You just aren't allowed to transmit unless its an emergency.
@@jdlflagstone6980 having said exactly that multiple times elsewhere, I wonder why you feel the need to mention it? It doesn’t change what I said above, in that yes, you can set up receivers and listen, but the wrong time to figure out how to transmit is during an emergency. And if you’re going to spend the extra money to buy transmitters, why not get licensed? What’s the excuse? You can get licensed for free from many organizations right now…
@@EverettVinzant "and expect a court to. .. blah blah"
The court would never be involved because no laws are being broken if its an emergency..
Yes, I agree that now is the time to practice and why not get a license, but your point about courts is moot
That is correct, but the law says that your life or property has to be in immediate danger. If you are lost in the woods that would not classify as an emergency unless you are injured. If some crazy man is running up and down your street with a knife or gun, that would not classify as an emergency unless he is breaking into your house directly. Also, there are proper procedures to use when on the radio to specify whether it is an emergency. If you go on the radio and say, "I have an emergency", people would not be as keen to take it seriously unless you used the proper phrasing and procedures. It is good to know that stuff.
73 my friend.
I’m going to a GMRS system. We are setting up a base station . The goal is to be able to cover our area the woods etc. then when I’m done with the base station we should be able to communicate to and in the small town that is close to our property
Until They block it.
Or worse, listen in to ambush you ...
Stevedore Jones... Maybe I'm wrong, but I've always been under the impression that GMRS is licensed just like ham radios are licensed. CB and FMRS are not licensed...
PS... Licensed or not GMRS is a great to go, as it doesn't have near as much traffic a ham or CB...
Went this route, BF make GMRS radios that can listen to all the frequencies but only key on GMRS frequencies. License doesn’t require a test and is good for 10 years, whole family can use on one license, can use higher wattage than FRS, and legal to transmit in something less than TEOTWAWKI situation.
Key to these open systems is developing a standardized protocol for your team that doesn’t give away all your intel, if you know what I mean. If I understand correctly, using code isn’t legal on these frequencies, but there’s a lot of gray area there.
You should look into setting up a GMRS repeater. There are also some high powered mobile radios.
@@uncletom-e4461 Yes, GMRS is licensed, but it differs from HAM Radio licensing in which you don't have to take an exam to receive a license. You still get a call sign from the FCC just like in HAM radio, and GMRS and HAM both use repeaters in the VHF/UHF frequencies. HAM also differs from GMRS because even with a license, GMRS is limited to 5 Watts of power, when HAM (using most frequencies) is limited to 1500 Watts of power. More power = longer range. HAM radio also has HF (long distance communication where you can communicate with people in other states and countries) which GMRS does not have. Also, most people who use GMRS right now, don't bother with getting a license.
The cheep radios don’t transmit your voice over the air waves a great distance but they will receive higher wattage transmission very well. They are great listening devices for intel like you said.
Exactly what I've found on the baofangs. Great for receiving pretty crappy for broadcasting.
@@wholeass83 I got the 12 inch antenna 📡 and it helped greatly,,, Got 7 mile range in my neighborhood!
Yea I actually have two.I have heard transmission from 800 miles. No kidding. I only get about two miles between my two. But am about to buy a amp and pole to make a cheap mobile home base.
@@benjybronk7718 yea my brother got the 3 ft antenna and I got the 12 inch. I was able to broadcast to him about three miles away but I could hear his broadcast from 9. Rough terrain between us tho
If you want intel grab an RTL-SDR for your laptop and download sdr#. WAY more capability for he same price.
we actually use the smaller cheaper version with the PTT lie you showed with secrete service looking ear pieces, for our church security team, and we put the short stubby antennae on them, they have worked out great just around the church campus, inside and out on the metal buildings. but i also have a pair of the 5R that are programmed to the same channels as the smaller radios, and have a ten pack of the small ones at home brand new, in case we have to use them. hoping to integrate that into some training with a small group, but for neighborhod security, thought, for 120 bucks i have ten radios, i can distribute if necessary....thanks for the videos and your time,
Thanks Jack, more good advice as always
MARANATHA BRO.
Just like a lot of us gun guys are snobby about guns. They’re in every crowd
@George Washington na man I got an eotech and wrist brace mines is way better
@George Washington 😆 my preferred rifle is actually my mod94 with Iron sites.
I have been considering that Earmor setup to get started. Thanks for the info, captain
I would highly recommend the Baofeng UV82HP, higher power which means better range...our group of patriots use these and they work great and still super affordable. BTW I have my HAM licence because I wanted to learn more about the radios in general and be able to use more frequencies, you never know what kind of knowledge you will need.
How do you feel about the requirement to have your name and address tied to your license posted publicly? My folks and I have all hesitated to get our licenses because we have someone who's threatened the family before and they would love to know where to find us. Don't wanna make it easier for them so we've stuck to listening only and figure in a SHTF situation a license won't make much difference anyway
@@geologick The feds RARELY in. my experience have the time, nor give a schit uf you're just a casual chat, yacker, as kids we used cb's at home to chat at nite in bed etc, no one ever made any contact with any of us in town, just keep language CLEAN, and don't LIVE ON IT, and you'll likely never have annisdue, at worst heh git a modest fine etc. But you're not who they're concerned with. It's the power blaster Ham's they monitor, because of their outta state, country ability, Smugglers, Spies, etc using those channels is what they watch, not avg chatty cathy's🤨⚖️🦅🇺🇸😎😉, Mac'Chaughleh, WWG1WGA&QA's, 2, Ayuh
If you like the blade antenna and want to relocate it to a plate carrier.
I show how to mount it with out high SWR on my channel.
You don't need a license to get smarter. Think about it.
I run the uv82hp have several of them. I'm with our volunteer fire dept and they communicate great with the county mobile rigs and handhelds. I can reach other volunteers or units several miles away to relay information if I'm first on scene.
I recently upgraded to the anytone 878UVII plus. I'm really liking that radio. I can easily talk to our county dispatch center and all our tactical bands.
I liked and subscribed to this because you are spot on about registering equipment you own. So refreshing to hear an American sounding like an American. Thank you sir. Great Channel. Spot on video.
I modified my midlands antenna socket so I can use longer antennas. Big increase in range. The mobile gmrs radios have greater wattage and antenna options. Bofeng is a great option.
I love getting like a $45 sdr dongle and listening to like 80% of the stuff out there. The cheap ones won’t transit but you can listen in a shtf scenario and might get info to avoid areas or whatever.
I think this is a great idea.
You can also connect it to your phone.
@@nagaviper1169 iphone; smh.
@@MR-nl8xr mh?
@@nagaviper1169 stupid autocorrect.
Reread it now.
That clear secret service style fits under ear muffs too so those with a pair of walker razors works pretty good
If you have a speaker mic (shoulder mic), most have a 3.5mm plug that will allow you to run a 3.5mm cord to your walker razors and the audio will come in on one side of your ear pro and you just talk into the speaker mic. I run the same setup with some Howard Leights and it works well
@@greasamar3326 what is that?
@@chawnslopoke2619 What is what specifically?
@@greasamar3326 a shoulder mic. I've never heard of one and I can't picture it in my head, but I'd like to check em out
@@chawnslopoke2619 A shoulder mic connects directly to your radio and allows you to hear incoming audio and talk directly into the mic instead of the radio. You wear the speaker mic on your shoulder (cops typically have them). Code Red makes a great speaker mic for around $50, though you can find one on Amazon for $20 that will get the job done. You also need to buy the speaker mic that has a connector specific to your radio (pin connection type).
Yes, when SHTF happens, getting (or having) a HAM radio license will be irrelevant, but there is so much to know regarding interferences, frequency use, wave propagation, electrical circuits, repeater use, and procedures that it is good to get your license now and start practicing and using the radios now. If you wait until SHTF scenario and then pick up a HAM radio (either portable like a Baofeng, or stationary like an ICOM 7300) and try to tie into a repeater, figure out what the squelch button does, how to prevent your signal from interfering with another person's radio, or set up an antenna right then...it won't turn out so well. There is a lot to know about radio waves and radios. People think that they are like Walmart walkie talkies that they just pick them up, turn to a channel and start talking. That is not how HAM radio works.
you can learn that on youtube for free
@@bxflaps5150 Not after the world collapses and the internet goes down.
@@bxflaps5150No, you cannot. Ham radio needs to be PRACTICED. It’s not that different than going to the range on a regular basis. Calling oneself a prepper and stuffing a UV5R for “comms” in a “bug out” bag is poseur.
@@garrettstephens91 then ya better get to learnin
That model has bands that can be used by anyone. FRS and MURS are good for training, and many tasks. A step up in capability is the Baofeng Digital/analog radios. Antennas make a big difference. It depends on your philosophy of use , but I prefer the Disco32 antenna that you weave into your MOLLE.
Black Scout thank you so much for all your insight and tips.
I'm from Vermont and most people I know feel the same way you do.
Keep up the good fight
VT you say? Sounds like we need to be trading encryption keys brother
"Mom, what's for dinner..." he's aware of who his audience is. lol
Tendies
MOM MEAT LOAF!!!!
Man just ordered my first setup and am on here excited and trying to make sure all my stuff would work together(was excited to see Jack from BSS pop up). Long time subscriber here
I’ll use the cheap ones to get the good ones off of those that will no longer need them. Lol
I was born to be a raider, it's my calling.
I recommend the Kenwood NX series over the UV5R. They support a digital text mode, so if noise or eavesdropping is a concern, that's an available option. Some also have things such as frequency inversion scrambling or even encryption. Much more poerful, sensitive and durable as well
Frequency inversion or scrambling is easily defeated by anyone with the right equipment. And it's not just government agencies that have it. And you'd better know what encryption standard it uses. If it uses an old, weak cipher like RC4 your stream will get cracked quick.
Dude you're on point with every purchase I'm researching
I love my Baofeng BF-F8HP. I run the extended battery, tactical earpiece/mic, and 24" folding antenna. I keep it in my go bag. I like it for the FM tuner, and weather radio so I know what's going on in my AO. I have 30 or so frequencies programmed.
If you can afford a $500 rainjacket you can afford a better radio
What a snob. I'm glad he didn't make this a video about a PRC-66 linked into a high back Humvee with whip antennas. That's probably in your top tier budget for personal security. Dumb thing to say.
Big oof
Oh look, "Some People" have arrived
I went with some $80 midlands for my set up. On channels 7-14, which no license required, I get about a mile in the city with trees and two story buildings, on 15-22 which operates on a 5watt frequency as opposed to the 2w I can get significantly more range. However those channels do require a license. I like how small they are, don’t take up a lot of space on the plate carrier. Do independent research on wavelengths and wattage and such when setting up your comms. Stay frosty y’all
I have this radio on my Mollle rig set up with my hearing protection. Works great . If you put up a repeater you can set up an entire town or county to be able to communicate with a handheld
Repeaters can be direction located.
Then a mere .22 round can destroy it.
When you use chirp, you can download frequencies and upload them to your radios. It saved me so much time for my radios.
FYI. FCC can inspect ANY equipment that is broadcasting. Cell phone, WiFi system, microwave putting out radio waves. Not just ham licensed individuals.
Not true. Supreme Court ruled against it.
@@BlackScoutSurvival😮
@@BlackScoutSurvivalwhat was the case??
Been a CBer since teen 76' always had radios ever since in my vehicles even to this day. Saved me a few times, still monitor on a base 24/7 along with FRS and GMRS now. Never felt the need to join nose in the air, stuffed shirt ham community, with FCC on speed dial. Happy radioing !!
"FCC on speed dial". Thats funny.
My crew is already set up with all this and we practice drills using them . Works great , awesome force multiplier
Must be nice
Do you operate on MERS frequencies?
Congratulations! I feel like a Lost Wolf out here where no one even gives Comms a second thought. Of course they've got all the kit anyone could want and really high end gear but, no means of communications whatsoever! I just had a conversation with a fellow HAM Radio Operator who was almost 8mi away and I'm sitting on my couch with a Baofeng UV-5RX3 Tri-Band on Simplex Frequency 146.520 !!! That's why I have a number of the Very Inexpensive Baofeng Radios
@@dr.benjaminbennettth.d.7304 agreed
Where can I find practice drills? I'd like to get some gear and train my kids.
Your video was very informative. I have a former Marine in our group who was a radioman. I wanted to pick his brain for radio systems.
Only reason I haven't got a license is exactly that. Not inviting possible visitors on their whenever they want schedules.
That is a misguided excuse. The same rule that says they can inspect your HAM equipment applies to all electronics. In other words the FCC can use the same excuse to come in your house to inspect your microwave or more likely your WIFI or cell phone.
In a police state you don't need warrants, you need to look up how they hide and used radios hidden from the Stasi and Gestapo
@@WarpedSpeed - Now THAT is being downright paranoid!
@@MrCrumb34 i guess I'm good then. I don't have that kind of stuff, don't even have electricity. If I need to use my baofeng, I will.
Yeah like not wearing a mask is illegal. Or like when they ban AR15s? Doing something illegal changes like the wind.
Just picked up my contingency walkies recently. I love the commo talk.
$650 ComTac... $110 Nexus PTT... $25 Baofeng lol
Agree it is silly but those PTT’s are nice even with cheaper radios
@@fordloyalist2791 as long as they are NATO wired. I know so many people who bought a pair of TACSky headset and try to use a NEXUS PTT and not realize it isn't compatible. You're stuck with the cheap amazon PTTs that break and get wet.
A very timely needed video for many. Great video BSS. Appreciate all your vids.
You want secure, just make a code book for the team. Basically doing the opposite of what is transmitted. Practice.
100% you can even make your own direction grid.
@@colecole3352 Im sorry... What do you mean by "direction grid"
Opsec and infosec is always key
If he had his ham license,
(Which the fcc can come enter your house if you have any fcc related devices without a license anyway)
He’d know that you an digitally encode your coms over ham radio. But, he doesn’t, and he doesn’t. Lol
Yep, its all secure if you want it to be. Set up a few teams for clear and coded, just takes practice. 👍
You can do the same setup that you do with the comtac only using the rangepro, the cheap baofeng speaker mic, and an aux cable. Works exactly the same and you don't need the PTT adapter
This is where GMRS really shines. Uses FRS frequencies, simple no-test licensing, and ability to use higher powered mobile units and repeaters. HAM is cool for talking across the country or the globe in some applications, but GMRS is more ideal for communication with a group where everyone doesn't have HAM licenses.
I’ve never heard of GMRS till recently and I find it interesting. Probably gonna look into it.
@@AidanShourds notaRubicon on RUclips
You should. I have a base unit and a handheld unit both in my truck. I can walk a few miles away from my truck and still talk to my truck with crystal clarity even on a rainy day. Worth their price in gold for good communication. 👍
GMRS do typically put out a higher wattage, but still limited by terrain. There will be no repeaters in a SHTF situation. The beauty of HF is you don’t need a repeater.
@@culpepper7665 depends on where you're at. GMRS works good here for me. CB works good as well but yes, you're correct about no repeaters in a SHTF scenario but it also depends on what type/kind of scenario that is.
I'll take a CB and a GMRS over nothing for sure. I don't have my HAM license as I'll be honest, don't have the aptitude for it. Have studied for it for several years and still cannot pass it. I have a couple of them laying around and just listen to what goes on out there.
Another item that would come in handy would be a short wave radio. Looking at getting one here soon.
Be safe out there...
Thank you so much for doing this video only thing i'm lacking in my prep !
Can't transmit w/o a license unless it's an emergency...well brother were just about there!
USA has been under emergency since the 911 ritual.
Sheeple only believe otherwise.
I have to specify that it has to be "an IMMEDIATE harzard to life of property" in order for it to be classified as an emergency. Someone getting lost in the wilderness (while unharmed physically) would not be classified as an emergency by the FCC, and if you were caught, you would get fined thousands of dollars. If someone dangerous was walking up and down your street but not actively breaking into your house, that would not be an emergency.
@@garrettstephens91no one in ten years has been prosecuted.
@@gordylillyhamerstockjenson2470 so what? What's your point?
At the introduction of this video, I thought he was going to say, MOM, when will my milk and cookies will be done? 🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣
Ah yes, the tried and true, good ol' Bubba Finder radio
A GMRS license has no test and as of 11/22/21 the cost for the license is $70 and good for 10yrs. The FCC did announce that they are lowering the price to $35, but it hasn't went into effect yet. I'm waiting on my application to finish being processed and they will issue me a call sign.
I think it's a viable option to get accustomed to the use of radio and learning to use repeaters and repeater networks while staying legal when practicing communications with your party/unit/team or networking with others. I'm looking forward to making radio contacts here soon.
I wish I had cooler neighbors! It would just be me and my wife...but that would still be better than nothing. Great info as always!
Same here Brother . Just my lady and I . Well prepared for a crisis , BUT who knows what can happen . When the hounds get upset , we're at ready . One way in , no way out . No one will take away our freedoms . NO ONE . God Bless .
Keep up the work and keep making the videos. Good information you always put out
I use the “air tube” systems and just run the ear piece up under my regular ear protection.
I have four of these uv-5r's, and I find them to be adequate. On a plate carrier, I run a remote antenna on the back to keep it out of my way. Also, for emergencies, you can get back up battery packs that take AA's: just in case the power is out or you cannot get to a charger. As well, you can run the wall charger off a separately purchased USB A port cable, to charge the stock battery from a vehicle or portable charger.
I can’t afford night vision so I’ll never be able to get a secured comms 😭
Build a team put $ in every week , everyone agree and make a team purchase 👍🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸
You can have secure comms. You set up a schedule where you TX/RX for your group. You don’t turn a radio on until you need to TX. Set up listening 5min before and after a scheduled time.
Be like General O. Bradley. Be exceptional @ innovation!👍😊🇺🇸
i have several 5r radios, with mobile radios as base sations..
but the new ones im playing with are Motorola DTR600 Digital 900 MHz
less of a chance somone intercepts.. it like 900 mhz i think and frequency hops also
Buy a tube radio. Learn it like the back of your hand. Circuits and everything. You need to know what every wire is responsible for in the damn thing. Everything. Train with it like it’s your pistol. Learn how to construct an antenna. Buy a rugged reliable power supply and a solar panel to match, among other recharging technologies. Have feed lines and wire on hand. Throw ALL of it in a faraday cage. Do the exact same with as many radios as you can. Find reliable radios for every frequency. Modify them for EVERY frequency. It’s only illegal if you transmit on them, but when SHTF, you need every single frequency. Main points: learn the radio, not just how to press buttons. Power it in non ideal conditions. Learn how to build antennas that won’t blow your shit up. Make sure it’s protected for EMPs. Have spare parts on hand. That means tubes, antenna wire, solder, feed lines, chokes, circuits, everything. Don’t half step this. Communication will be key in finding like minded people and building a community when SHTF. I absolutely may have missed something here. But this is a good start. Don’t F around, be prepared.
Make a video
Every small community / team needs a few people like you, but not everyone needs to have the same skill set. Just the basics is good enough for most people, having a good general knowledge, and actually routine training at those skills. Each person should have their own set of particular skills, that they specialize in. If they don’t contribute in some way to the group, then they are a liability, not an asset, until trained.
@@nmhvactech5474 hey man that’s a good point. I won’t lie.
Jack, just getting a couple of new radios and revisiting some of your old videos about coms. I just ordered the boafeng UV17 PRO MAX and the UV68 PRO MAX. They are both 10 watt radios. Ordered tactical antennas, mics, etc. I know you are busy these days with everything going on, but wanted to see if we could get you to do an updated COMMS talk. The reason for my request is to inform/remind guys/gals that these radios are good for listening, but not encrypted or good to communicate on if TSHTF because they can be triangulated easily and give away your position, but STILL good as an information gathering device, and of course anything else you can add for our benefit. Thanks brother
Somewhat secure com would be use Morse code that you use with a cipher to encode, then recipient uses a cipher to decode. If you are slick, you code some letters like "e" and "a" with two different values to confuse frequency distribution analysis.
I use the Nagoya NA-771 with my Wouxon KGUV8D. I have for several years. No issues and it's a good suggestion. Baofeng radios are cheap, disposable, comms. Good for emergency gear. Put them in packs, make sure they are charged ext. I would look at using it as a starting point and get a better radio as a primary.
“Secure coms” can be achieved by building your own radios capable of transmitting and receiving outside any normal radio bands. Not FCC approved but finding a band where nobody is looking for radio communication is cheap “security”.
You can get digital radios that can run AES. However it is not legal to use them on Ham bands. If you have business band radios and a business account and you can run secure comms.
@@mathew75100 he is just talking about security by obscurity. prolly gud enuf
also morris code/numeric voice to a encrypted context also illegal but when SHTF Middle finger goes to the FCC its not about whether you can be heard sure thats important but on a budget its about can they understand your context and are you talking long enough to be triangulated
“Security by obscurity” is not security at all. There are $20 consumer grade software defined scanners (RTL-SDR) that plug into your laptop and have continuous coverage from shortwave to millimeter. And because they use an entire PC as back-end processing, they are capable decoding numerous data protocols in common use. They can also scan entire bands for activity in seconds. Just get some cheap DMR handhelds that can accept privacy codes. They’ll do fine and save you a huge headache.
Pretty easy.
Had these radios for around 6 years and they still work. I recommend changing the antenna to a better one(Nagoya Brand) you'll reach far distances for sure than the stock one, and some extra long batteries.
But also get a really bad antenna and learn how to change your radio from higher to lower power. The further you can reach the more random people can hear you. Also every time you key up you are sending out a tracable signal. Keep your signal as small as possible.
Thanks Again For Sharing
To my knowledge, the FCC can enter your house to inspect your wireless router if they wanted to. Or your son's rc car. Or your car key fob. They can inspect anything that emits RF energy. Idt getting your ham license gives them any additional power in terms of warrantless search of your house
"Is the government really too big?"
"You have to have a license to own a two way radio.... and you'll be on a watch list"
Could you provide me the law that dictates you have to have a license to OWN a two way radio, and the evidence that said ownership places you on a watch list?
@@EverettVinzant did you watch the video? He makes it clear in this video that you have to have a liscence to use them and that you absolutely end up on a list.
ghehe sharp.
It used to be that you had to have a licence to have a CB radio.
After Smokey and the Bandit, the amount of applications forced them to give up on it.
You can still get a licence, if you want to, and they'll give you a "call sign" to recite when you sign off of the conversation.
And a permit to pack. It's already in our Constitution!!!
Wow it’s been along time uncle jack! You make our brothers proud keep doing the great work you do !
Great video, we’ve had them for a while. Learn the repeaters in your AO and you can communicate for great distances.
Since most of us run battery powered everything, from radio, optics, to NODs, a video on solar setups might be well received.
As always Semper Fi brother. Keep up the great work!
Good vid. Thanks. Answered lot of my questions.
I am in Search and Rescue and have used a ton of different type radios, I do have a HAM license. The Beofeng work just fine with a caveat, pay the extra $30 bucks and get a waterproof model, they usually have WP in the model number. The regular ones will die in the first bad rain. If your using a mic they will die regardless in a heavy rain, if you have the money and desire just get a PTT hooked into a headset or if not just go without a mic in heavy rain. The Japanese Yaesu is better but waterproof Baofeng is fine. There is a way to make their comms secure but it is illegal. You do not need a HAM license for things like Search and Rescue or if you just carry it for an emergency. Those little midway radios are worthless outside a couple hundred yards in my experience in the woods. You also can set up mobile repeaters, we do it all the time, that way you can talk to units on the other side of the mountain.
thank you jack for the video!!! comms are good to have to cumcate with other people!!! thank you!! keep up the good work!!!
I recommend Ham Crash Course.
Running a pigtail addition to the regular antennas can give some extra range and clarity if its length is correct depending on the type of antennas.
Disco32 has some good comms gear. PTTs, antennas, etc for ham radios.
Just remember DISCO32 is all NATO wired.
HAM radio > amplified PTT (disco 32) > U174 downlead cable > ops core amp ears/mic > weavable wire antenna (disco 32) that wraps through carrier.
You can run small unit comms off of FRS. We do it every weekend and it ranges a half mile easy.
Disco 32 makes some good coms accessories.
Time for an updated video of this.
I will recommend to study and learn how to use the radio
Solid video. The Boafang is cool because you can listen to the fire department/ ems but also has other features to use during an emergency all for $25-$30.
Check out Ham Radio Crash Course's channel he's pretty knowledgeable especially on the Beofeng radios. Great video and as always keep em coming. God bless and keep you and yours safe.
Secure comms, as far as the average person not being able to listen in, aren't expensive. LEGAL secure comms are expensive but not because of the radios. There are plenty of digital radios with built in encryption from 8 bit up to 128 bit or more for around $200. The hitch is, none of those radios are legal for use on FRS/GMRS/MURS or even ham bands. They can only be used on LMR(business and emergency response) frequencies which require an FCC license that will only be issued to someone/a group with a legit business need.
It's not even the license itself that is expensive, but rather the repeater needed to get any decent range out of HT's. Even that is cheap compared to buying property and erecting a tower or renting tower space for a repeater antenna. Then you have to add some form of backup power at the repeater site as well as maintenance. But, that applies to using any HT's beyond a short distance.
Now some will say to just buy encrypted digital radios and not use them until SHTF. If you have never used them, and more importantly you believe you're just going to throw together a DMR codeplug that's never been tested... You're in for a world of hurt.
Having the cheaper, Walmart type radios with very limited range are good to have also. Specifically because they don't transmit as far. If your team is going to be close together, there's no need to use long range radios. Though, you should still maintain long range capabilities. Especially if you're communicating with another team farther away or like Jack said, just listening in, collecting intelligence.
Agree! Very smart! can also switch these radios to LOW power and use a stubby antenna
Just another reason a ham license is a must. A real radio operator that has training and experience can limit exactly how far they transmit and can modulate it at will.
@@ryany4326 I think some people aren't trusting of the government and would rather train on their own. I know people with a HAM license hate the thought of that for some reason. As for your point about training and ability to make the radio work for you, I agree.
@@bewbew0016 The government doesn't train you to use HAM radios, amateur radio is a technical hobby.
@@fordloyalist2791 Always look for MTG and her "space lasers" !!
If I'm not mistaken, you CAN use the inexpensive U94 PTT systems with the Comtacs. However, you need to unscrew the cover, and (with a soldering iron) change the #2 and #3 wires (swap them). That corrects the transmission issue. There is another youtuber who did a video on it a couple of years ago.
Honestly, the only radio I recommend to anyone by now is the TYT MD-UV390. Look into it. Especially for the price and the fact that they’re totally unlocked (unlike a lot of Motorola units) makes them worth every penny.
Im not super familiar with comms, what exactly do you mean by “totally unlocked”?
@@maxdoom3521 It’s all the digital capabilities I’m referring to.
And I highly recommend you start doing some research on comms in general. Ham Radio Crash Course on here is a great content creator for learning, and Google is definitely your friend for any questions you may have about the subject. It’s a super in-depth topic, so you’re looking at a deep dive of self-education, but one that will make your knowledge and skill set that much more valuable in the long run.
Just want you to know I appreciate everything you do, every time
Can you do a on the go minute man set up thats prsctical to keep in your car etc.
Excellent video. I may 74 but my skills are still there. Willing to do whatever is necessary for the Republic! Can't turn my back on my father and grandfathers,..etc!!!
Great, now Xiden knows what momma's cooking for dinner.
He probably has already forgotten