What’s a good ham radio to buy?
This one is a loaded question. A good ham radio is one that works when you need it. Here are my favorite ham radios, in no particular order, for survival.
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How do I get a license to use a HAM radio?
This is definitely the most asked when I tell people that I have a HAM radio for adventuring and survival. It is a 5-step process in getting a FCC Amateur Radio Technician license.
SitRep – Situation Report
A SitRep or situational or situation report was derived from the military during the Vietnam war era, and it is a good way to assess and understand the situation, understand any actions taken and still needs action, and anything else that may pertain to the situation so anyone and everyone can be updated. It is a good way to communicate in minimal time what the situation is, how to prioritize action items, and get things accomplished.
Building a Meshtastic transceiver for text messages
Building a Meshtastic transceiver for sending text messages without cell service and/or internet access is a good way to provide communication for your group in camp or survival situation to check in or communicate with your team. The range between two people is somewhat limited, but in an open area, it can go quite far (records are greater than 150 miles). I have tested them for over 1 mile where one device is in a home surrounded by antennas, metal, etc., and the other device outdoors with buildings and walls that limit the distance you can communicate. In the open, I easily got 10 miles.
REVIEW: Yaesu VX-8DR – My favorite survival amateur HT
Yaesu VX-8DR is an HT (handheld transceiver) amateur radio. The VX-8DR is the American version and the VX-8DE is the European version (if you are in the U.S., make sure to get the VX-8DR). This radio is discontinued but can be found on the secondary market though it is rare. Why is it rare and why I am reviewing a discontinued item? This is one of the best amateur handheld transceiver radios for survival out there. I have yet to see a replacement, though many have tried.
Can you send text messages/e-mail without cell or internet?
This has been a problem with many situations from power outages, fires, floods, wide internet and cell outages, and many other events that causes both cell and internet outages. The short answer is, YES, there are many ways to do this. Some sort of still requires internet, and some do not require internet or cell…
Text message or E-mail without cell or internet
This has been a problem with many situations from power outages, fires, floods, wide internet and cell outages or lack of coverage, and many other events that causes both cell and internet outages. There are many ways to send and receive text messages without cell and internet. I began investigating how I can send and…
Should I buy a repeater for my GMRS radios?
This seems to be the most common question I get after people have purchased GMRS radios and started using it. The short answer is, NO, but it depends. There are GMRS repeaters (which I will be reviewing in the near future) that allows a group of people nearby to use to communicate at a further distance than they can using just their handheld GMRS radios.
Will satellite phones work when the power is out?
Short answer is, YES. But you need to make sure that your sat phone is charged, and you have a means of charging it. There is the dilemma of other sat phone users. Does everyone in your household have a sat phone? It’s quite expensive to buy the equipment and pay for the service (reminds…
GMRS or ham radio or satellite for survival?
The short answer for this is GMRS. That answer would have been different 15 years ago. It is the fastest way to have communication devices that the entire family or household can use. All it takes is getting an FCC license by completing a form and paying $35 for a 10 year term. The radio selection is key here, and the more you spend, the better the quality. You want high quality as opposed to something you can buy at a local superstore.