My wife and I don't have a cell phone service at our cabin. We have to drive half-way to town before we get any bars on our cell phones. I have a SSB/CB base station with an antenna that's 54 feet in the air. We have a land line for long distance communication. I have a GMRS license. Prayer is a good two-way communication method also.
One tip for the "ICE" or in case of emergency contact placed in your phone. As a nurse, we do look at phones, but if there is a screenlock, we can't get in. It's a good idea to put that number on the back of you case. also, place your allergies if you have them.
Often cell phones and other battery operated communications devices will quit working in extreme cold conditions. Keep them in an internal pocket during cold conditions. Also.... they don't float! Ask me about my 2 week old smartphone that is resting in peace at the bottom of the lake beneath 3 ft of ice🙄 I dropped it in the ice shack and that thing hit the 10 inch hole with impressive accuracy! This is great info! Communications is an area I have very little experience with so your expertise is invaluable! I appreciate your extensive knowledge and research!
great video, i printed out all of the info from the phone, just in case phones dont work. we have some personal walkie talkies we use and i have the items needed to setup a repeater on our 120ft tower if needed.. we also have several solar panels in storage with all the goodies to make it work to charge units. one more thing we did is buy some usb rechargable flashlights. so we can use solar and recharge units. i was always told 1 is none.. 2 is one.. Redundant redundant. keep up the great info ..
Such great advice! My husband and I were just having a conversation about setting up a communication system so we could check with friends and family in an emergency. You gave us a lot to think about, and I admit to being overwhelmed. But I can only imagine how overwhelmed I'd feel if something happened and I had no way to get news and information. Thanks so much...I'll get busy.
Grate video about radios, I am a hamm operator too. Good idea if you have a storm house, try to mount a 2 meter mobile antenna out side of the storm house in case you get trapped in for better signal.
Comparing FCC 2 way Personal Radio Services (includes 2017 changes): Part 95B FRS (Family Radio Service) is FCC licensed by rule and has 22 channels at UHF. The 462 MHz main channels (15 - 22) and interstitial channels (1 - 7) allow 2 watts ERP (Effective Radiated Power). The 467 interstitial channels (8 - 14) are restricted to 0.5 watts (500 mw) ERP. Antennas must be built-in to a typically hand held portable form factor. Using FRS radios inside a vehicle greatly reduces their range. UHF may work better in congested areas than VHF, but it is often unpredictable. There are no allowed repeater channels. Part 95D CB Radio Service is licensed by rule on upper HF (~ 27 MHz) and has 40 channels at 4 watts output AM or 12 watts PEP output on SSB (Single Side Band) which can use USB or LSB (Upper or Lower) which effectively allows for 80 channels, but any AM stations on a given channel ties up both sidebands. CB can sometimes have a long range depending upon propagation but distant signals can block “local” communications. Antenna height can be up to 60 feet off the ground or no more than 20 feet above the structure on which it is mounted. Because an efficient antenna needs to be as much as 8.5 feet long, plus a ground plane counterpoise of similar size, Hand held portables are not very efficient and generally have very short range. Part 95E GMRS (General Mobile Radio Service) is an FCC licensed service, but requires no exam. A ten year license can be ordered through the internet for $70 which covers all family members, including grandparents, nieces, nephews, uncles, aunts, even in-laws. Thus, one license may cover dozens of family members. They do not have to live in the same household. GMRS uses the same channels as FRS so they are (mostly) interopearable. Power output levels are allowed up to 50 watts output on the 462 MHz main channels, but only 5 watts ERP on the 462 interstitials. Only hand-held portables may transmit on the 467 MHz interstitial channels and, like FRS, at only 500 milliwatts ERP. This is necessary because there are 8 nearby GMRS repeater input channels. Hand-held portables (with built-in antennas) are allowed to transmit short message/location digital data. Efficient antennas are quite small at around 6 inches for a quarter wave. Base and mobile antennas can be designed with multiple elements to have high gain. Part 95J MURS (Multi Use Radio Service), is licensed by rule but has only 5 channels at VHF (~ 151/154 MHz) at 2 watts output. An efficient quarter wave antenna requires about an 18.5 inch length. Most MURS transceivers have a hand held portable form factor but allow detachable antennas which can be designed to have gain such as an after market whip or a mobile antenna or even a base station antenna connected by a coaxial cable, all of which can greatly improve distance. Antenna height can be up to 60 feet above ground or 20 feet above the structure on which it is mounted. Part 97 Amateur Radio (Ham Radio) requires an exam for a 10 year FCC license for each user whether for the entry level Technician or higher classes. Exams are locally administered by volunteers who generally charge a modest fee, but no money goes to the government. Renewals are done through the FCC at no charge. Hams have many bands throughout the radio spectrum but long ranges are more dependent upon the HF frequency bands mostly used by base stations with large antennas and are less likely to be used by portable or mobile stations. Since very few people have ham licenses, this can impact practical local use. There is not a significant difference in range between radio services that have similar frequencies, antennas and power levels. GMRS and amateur radio have the possibility of repeater access but there may not be an accessible repeater when you need it.
🌺🤙🙋♀️ Aloha From Hawaii! First of all...HAU'OLI LA HANAU 🥳🎊 Happy New Year 2020! I Just wanted to Thank you all for the hard work and dedication you put into all the videos you post here on TH-cam 👍 Although I am in Hawaii may have different types of Natural "EMERGENCY" Situations such as Hurricanes, Tsunami, Volcano Eruptions amongst many other scenarios, we all need to be prepared for whatever comes our way. I find your TH-cam channel very informative and detailed which I myself really appreciate and have taken many many notes on and have shared with my family members and friends who think I'm nuts for doing 🤷♀️🤦🏽♀️ I often tell them that I dont just think..I KNOW that we are all facing hardship in the coming years with food shortages. It's a scary thing to think about BUT we need to start building a strong mindset to help our family and ourselves when that time comes to where the G0V will not be there for us. At the back of my mind is thinking about those who have suffered during and after HURRICANE KATRINA & The most recent event here in Hawaii with the Kilauea Lava eruption :( which left many families displaced and till today are still trying to rebuild. It takes a strong community to do that. I hear you speak about how it's important for communities to work together.. TRUTH 👍 I'm sorry I'm rambling on here but we all get the idea. Well I hope many will :) PREPARE NOW SO YOU DON'T SUFFER LATER DOWN THE LINE is something that's instilled in my mind. MAHALO for sharing your knowlege & May GOD Bless you all! 🌺🤙
Another great video from yall. Ive started looking into mesh networks (radacat and gotenna) allows you to use your phone to send text when the system is down. Only down side is distance and depending on where you live you might end up having to build your own network. A good option if built right
One of the most important thing you need is a faraday bag or some other way to negate any effects of an emp. Solar charging is the best solution to off grid power, but it won't be useful if it gets destroyed by an emp.
I am SO glad I got my HAM radio license. I've never met a bad soul on the radio. That's why I call it "HAM-ily". I also serve as the current Vice President of the Alabama Emergency Response Team (ALERT) and have manned the HAM radio station at the local National Weather Service. Our Call Sign there is "K4NWS". We need to hook up on HAM radio! You may not have your HF up and running yet, but I can use "Echolink" to get into the local repeater of your choosing, or nearest to your QTH! 73 de KX4LB
I wish MY experience was as good as yours. Where WE live, Ham is nothing but a "Politically Correct Good Ole Boys" club. I was not brought up here, and most of these local inbred SOB's are people you don't DARE piss off or turn your back on!
@@bruceforster3709 Are you SURE you aren't referring to CB? HAM is generally high class and requires an FCC issued license to use, and you have to take TESTS in order to operate on different band levels. CB's for "Good ole boys". HAM is around the world and most people on the repeaters, just like on the internet, are all talk!
@@hrdknox2000 I am DEFINITELY referring to our local Hams! I know how UN-believable this all sounds, but God as my witness, I speak the truth. I was accused in 1991 of Cheating on my Advanced Class Exam. The then director of the FCC Private Radio Buraeu, Richard Henderson, called me PERSONALLY to tell me he knew the charges were false, and HE dropped the proceeding that had been started against me. BART JAHNKE, A$$WIPE that HE is, told me personally that had the matter been up to HIM, I would have lost my License. Well, all of this totally set off the locals, who to this day, have made it impossible for me to ever be a part of ANY Ham club in my State! We have been threatened on the air, over the phone, through the mail, and our house was even hit by gunfire, because I refused to give up my licene over a FALSE accusatio! ALL OF THIS IS DOCUMENTED BY LAW ENFORCEMENT, INCLUDING THE TWO ATTEMPTS ON MY & MY WIFE'S LIVES, BY THESE "BASTIONS OF DECENCY" THE HAM RADIO-BARF-"COMMUNITY"! ASK MY WIFE WIFE AND MYSELF WHY WE ARE ARMED?!
Titan Preparedness already mentioned mesh network. I am no expert on cellphones, could care less if I own one or not. Nevertheless, there are some interesting articles our about alternative things you can do with the devises. I understand that there are "walkie-talkie apps" that will allow you to use your phone much the same way as a standalone walkie-talkie. The downside, the cell towers and or WiFi must be up and running and you must be within rage. The other option, MESH network requires NO connection to the internet. Most folks do not realize that your cellphone has to capability to function as a short range two way radio. What I discovered from a lot of reading is that you can extend the rage beyond 200 feet + or - by sending the signal from phone to phone. If you are in a place where there are a lot of cellphones, the signal can "hop" if you will from phone to phone until you reach your intended contact. This will allow to extend the rage a considerable amount. I wanted to experiment with this idea since I am in the cellphone-texting capital of the world, the Philippines. Just about every home here, rich or very poor have a cellphone, many have multiple units. Unfortunately, in the early days of setting up our first business together, my beautiful bride soon learned that two fully charged cellphone would not last her the day out on the road. She "borrowed" my Galaxy but it took a walk at one location and as never reappeared. That is OK, I do not really miss it. My thoughts were that if this mesh deal will work because of the population density around us, we wold have a great means to stay in contact with Mother In Law and the troops when across town at school. I will place this question to the readers, has anyone any real life experience with mesh networking? I would certainly appreciate hearing of any success, failures or almost worked situations.
I’m wanting to set up a GMRS communication system my son lives around 6-8 miles from me . I live on top of big hill . My thoughts are if I set up a base station with a larger GMRS antenna . Also having a 15 watt midland micro mobile I would be able to contact my son if he had a hand held . Would that be possible? I’m on a budget also I don’t have the time or money to start into HAM radio
Hey Steveder...I think you have hit on a great way to communicate with your son. Sounds like you have good line of sight, so these will work great. While you may even be able to get by with FRS radio with good line of sight, GMRS provides better power and would be a great way to go. I would plan to have a base station on your end, with your son having a handheld (or he could have a base station also). You may want a handheld also to allow you to talk if you are not at home...but one step at a time. The GMRS license is fairly easy to get and is good for 10 years. I like it! Thanks for Being Part of the Solution!!
My wife and I don't have a cell phone service at our cabin. We have to drive half-way to town before we get any bars on our cell phones. I have a SSB/CB base station with an antenna that's 54 feet in the air. We have a land line for long distance communication. I have a GMRS license. Prayer is a good two-way communication method also.
One tip for the "ICE" or in case of emergency contact placed in your phone. As a nurse, we do look at phones, but if there is a screenlock, we can't get in. It's a good idea to put that number on the back of you case. also, place your allergies if you have them.
Often cell phones and other battery operated communications devices will quit working in extreme cold conditions. Keep them in an internal pocket during cold conditions. Also.... they don't float! Ask me about my 2 week old smartphone that is resting in peace at the bottom of the lake beneath 3 ft of ice🙄 I dropped it in the ice shack and that thing hit the 10 inch hole with impressive accuracy! This is great info! Communications is an area I have very little experience with so your expertise is invaluable! I appreciate your extensive knowledge and research!
great video, i printed out all of the info from the phone, just in case phones dont work. we have some personal walkie talkies we use and i have the items needed to setup a repeater on our 120ft tower if needed.. we also have several solar panels in storage with all the goodies to make it work to charge units. one more thing we did is buy some usb rechargable flashlights. so we can use solar and recharge units. i was always told 1 is none.. 2 is one.. Redundant redundant. keep up the great info ..
Such great advice! My husband and I were just having a conversation about setting up a communication system so we could check with friends and family in an emergency. You gave us a lot to think about, and I admit to being overwhelmed. But I can only imagine how overwhelmed I'd feel if something happened and I had no way to get news and information. Thanks so much...I'll get busy.
I have one of those little handheld radios but I haven’t gotten around to going to the local ham club yet
We use trail markers/notes on our bug out at our caches...when the power is out, and recharging is not an option.
Grate video about radios, I am a hamm operator too. Good idea if you have a storm house, try to mount a 2 meter mobile antenna out side of the storm house in case you get trapped in for better signal.
Comparing FCC 2 way Personal Radio Services (includes 2017 changes):
Part 95B FRS (Family Radio Service) is FCC licensed by rule and has 22 channels at UHF. The 462 MHz main channels (15 - 22) and interstitial channels (1 - 7) allow 2 watts ERP (Effective Radiated Power). The 467 interstitial channels (8 - 14) are restricted to 0.5 watts (500 mw) ERP. Antennas must be built-in to a typically hand held portable form factor. Using FRS radios inside a vehicle greatly reduces their range. UHF may work better in congested areas than VHF, but it is often unpredictable. There are no allowed repeater channels.
Part 95D CB Radio Service is licensed by rule on upper HF (~ 27 MHz) and has 40 channels at 4 watts output AM or 12 watts PEP output on SSB (Single Side Band) which can use USB or LSB (Upper or Lower) which effectively allows for 80 channels, but any AM stations on a given channel ties up both sidebands. CB can sometimes have a long range depending upon propagation but distant signals can block “local” communications. Antenna height can be up to 60 feet off the ground or no more than 20 feet above the structure on which it is mounted. Because an efficient antenna needs to be as much as 8.5 feet long, plus a ground plane counterpoise of similar size, Hand held portables are not very efficient and generally have very short range.
Part 95E GMRS (General Mobile Radio Service) is an FCC licensed service, but requires no exam. A ten year license can be ordered through the internet for $70 which covers all family members, including grandparents, nieces, nephews, uncles, aunts, even in-laws. Thus, one license may cover dozens of family members. They do not have to live in the same household. GMRS uses the same channels as FRS so they are (mostly) interopearable. Power output levels are allowed up to 50 watts output on the 462 MHz main channels, but only 5 watts ERP on the 462 interstitials. Only hand-held portables may transmit on the 467 MHz interstitial channels and, like FRS, at only 500 milliwatts ERP. This is necessary because there are 8 nearby GMRS repeater input channels. Hand-held portables (with built-in antennas) are allowed to transmit short message/location digital data. Efficient antennas are quite small at around 6 inches for a quarter wave. Base and mobile antennas can be designed with multiple elements to have high gain.
Part 95J MURS (Multi Use Radio Service), is licensed by rule but has only 5 channels at VHF (~ 151/154 MHz) at 2 watts output. An efficient quarter wave antenna requires about an 18.5 inch length. Most MURS transceivers have a hand held portable form factor but allow detachable antennas which can be designed to have gain such as an after market whip or a mobile antenna or even a base station antenna connected by a coaxial cable, all of which can greatly improve distance. Antenna height can be up to 60 feet above ground or 20 feet above the structure on which it is mounted.
Part 97 Amateur Radio (Ham Radio) requires an exam for a 10 year FCC license for each user whether for the entry level Technician or higher classes. Exams are locally administered by volunteers who generally charge a modest fee, but no money goes to the government. Renewals are done through the FCC at no charge. Hams have many bands throughout the radio spectrum but long ranges are more dependent upon the HF frequency bands mostly used by base stations with large antennas and are less likely to be used by portable or mobile stations. Since very few people have ham licenses, this can impact practical local use.
There is not a significant difference in range between radio services that have similar frequencies, antennas and power levels. GMRS and amateur radio have the possibility of repeater access but there may not be an accessible repeater when you need it.
Shortwave radio is very important for you receivers in the buildings to use as well as your public safety is quite important now.
🌺🤙🙋♀️ Aloha From Hawaii! First of all...HAU'OLI LA HANAU 🥳🎊 Happy New Year 2020! I Just wanted to Thank you all for the hard work and dedication you put into all the videos you post here on TH-cam 👍 Although I am in Hawaii may have different types of Natural "EMERGENCY" Situations such as Hurricanes, Tsunami, Volcano Eruptions amongst many other scenarios, we all need to be prepared for whatever comes our way. I find your TH-cam channel very informative and detailed which I myself really appreciate and have taken many many notes on and have shared with my family members and friends who think I'm nuts for doing 🤷♀️🤦🏽♀️ I often tell them that I dont just think..I KNOW that we are all facing hardship in the coming years with food shortages. It's a scary thing to think about BUT we need to start building a strong mindset to help our family and ourselves when that time comes to where the G0V will not be there for us. At the back of my mind is thinking about those who have suffered during and after HURRICANE KATRINA & The most recent event here in Hawaii with the Kilauea Lava eruption
:( which left many families displaced and till today are still trying to rebuild. It takes a strong community to do that. I hear you speak about how it's important for communities to work together.. TRUTH 👍 I'm sorry I'm rambling on here but we all get the idea. Well I hope many will :) PREPARE NOW SO YOU DON'T SUFFER LATER DOWN THE LINE is something that's instilled in my mind. MAHALO for sharing your knowlege & May GOD Bless you all! 🌺🤙
Another great video from yall. Ive started looking into mesh networks (radacat and gotenna) allows you to use your phone to send text when the system is down. Only down side is distance and depending on where you live you might end up having to build your own network. A good option if built right
And if you lose your phone, or someone steals it, what a bonanza of information it holds for a thief, standard or identity...
One of the most important thing you need is a faraday bag or some other way to negate any effects of an emp. Solar charging is the best solution to off grid power, but it won't be useful if it gets destroyed by an emp.
I’m seriously thinking about getting a SatPhone w/ PTT and SOS emergency features.
I am SO glad I got my HAM radio license. I've never met a bad soul on the radio. That's why I call it "HAM-ily". I also serve as the current Vice President of the Alabama Emergency Response Team (ALERT) and have manned the HAM radio station at the local National Weather Service. Our Call Sign there is "K4NWS". We need to hook up on HAM radio! You may not have your HF up and running yet, but I can use "Echolink" to get into the local repeater of your choosing, or nearest to your QTH!
73 de KX4LB
I wish MY experience was as good as yours. Where WE live, Ham is nothing but a "Politically Correct Good Ole Boys" club. I was not brought up here, and most of these local inbred SOB's are people you don't DARE piss off or turn your back on!
@@bruceforster3709 Are you SURE you aren't referring to CB? HAM is generally high class and requires an FCC issued license to use, and you have to take TESTS in order to operate on different band levels. CB's for "Good ole boys". HAM is around the world and most people on the repeaters, just like on the internet, are all talk!
@@hrdknox2000 I am DEFINITELY referring to our local Hams! I know how UN-believable this all sounds, but God as my witness, I speak the truth.
I was accused in 1991 of Cheating on my Advanced Class Exam. The then director of the FCC Private Radio Buraeu, Richard Henderson, called me PERSONALLY to tell me he knew the charges were false, and HE dropped the proceeding that had been started against me. BART JAHNKE, A$$WIPE that HE is, told me personally that had the matter been up to HIM, I would have lost my License. Well, all of this totally set off the locals, who to this day, have made it impossible for me to ever be a part of ANY Ham club in my State! We have been threatened on the air, over the phone, through the mail, and our house was even hit by gunfire, because I refused to give up my licene over a FALSE accusatio!
ALL OF THIS IS DOCUMENTED BY LAW ENFORCEMENT, INCLUDING THE TWO ATTEMPTS ON MY & MY WIFE'S LIVES, BY THESE "BASTIONS OF DECENCY" THE HAM RADIO-BARF-"COMMUNITY"!
ASK MY WIFE WIFE AND MYSELF WHY WE ARE ARMED?!
Thumbnail makes me think of Sid in Toy Story 1 haha
I have this little button around my neck to just push to contact people
Wayne Blake I like your comment. It brought a smile to my face 👍🏻
Ha, ha!
Have you considered setting up a Zello family channel ?, it works well if you have internet connectivity, or phone signal.
You left out the hamster wheel generator
Titan Preparedness already mentioned mesh network. I am no expert on cellphones, could care less if I own one or not. Nevertheless, there are some interesting articles our about alternative things you can do with the devises. I understand that there are "walkie-talkie apps" that will allow you to use your phone much the same way as a standalone walkie-talkie. The downside, the cell towers and or WiFi must be up and running and you must be within rage. The other option, MESH network requires NO connection to the internet. Most folks do not realize that your cellphone has to capability to function as a short range two way radio. What I discovered from a lot of reading is that you can extend the rage beyond 200 feet + or - by sending the signal from phone to phone. If you are in a place where there are a lot of cellphones, the signal can "hop" if you will from phone to phone until you reach your intended contact. This will allow to extend the rage a considerable amount. I wanted to experiment with this idea since I am in the cellphone-texting capital of the world, the Philippines. Just about every home here, rich or very poor have a cellphone, many have multiple units. Unfortunately, in the early days of setting up our first business together, my beautiful bride soon learned that two fully charged cellphone would not last her the day out on the road. She "borrowed" my Galaxy but it took a walk at one location and as never reappeared. That is OK, I do not really miss it. My thoughts were that if this mesh deal will work because of the population density around us, we wold have a great means to stay in contact with Mother In Law and the troops when across town at school. I will place this question to the readers, has anyone any real life experience with mesh networking? I would certainly appreciate hearing of any success, failures or almost worked situations.
I’m wanting to set up a GMRS communication system my son lives around 6-8 miles from me . I live on top of big hill . My thoughts are if I set up a base station with a larger GMRS antenna . Also having a 15 watt midland micro mobile I would be able to contact my son if he had a hand held .
Would that be possible? I’m on a budget also I don’t have the time or money to start into HAM radio
Hey Steveder...I think you have hit on a great way to communicate with your son. Sounds like you have good line of sight, so these will work great. While you may even be able to get by with FRS radio with good line of sight, GMRS provides better power and would be a great way to go. I would plan to have a base station on your end, with your son having a handheld (or he could have a base station also). You may want a handheld also to allow you to talk if you are not at home...but one step at a time. The GMRS license is fairly easy to get and is good for 10 years. I like it! Thanks for Being Part of the Solution!!
@@JonathanBJones Thank you!
👍
kc7iik