About KI5QHC

Hi, I’m Daniel Shirley — callsign KI5QHC. I’m a licensed amateur radio operator, homesteader, and emergency preparedness advocate living in Blue, Texas.

This site is a passion project — a place where I share my experiences, projects, successes, and lessons learned in the world of ham radio, emergency communications, and preparedness. Whether you’re completely new to amateur radio or a seasoned operator looking to build out a reliable go-kit, KI5QHC.com is here to help.

In a world that’s growing increasingly uncertain, staying connected and prepared isn’t just a hobby — it’s common sense.

📡 Why This Site Exists

When I first dipped my toes into amateur radio, it was overwhelming. Technical jargon, conflicting advice, outdated websites, and very few beginner-friendly guides made getting started more difficult than it needed to be.

KI5QHC.com exists to simplify the learning curve for new operators and preparedness-minded individuals. I break down complex topics into clear, useful information that’s rooted in real-world use — not just theory.

From setting up your first handheld radio to deploying a mobile go-kit for ARES/RACES deployments, my goal is to help you feel confident with your gear, your skills, and your readiness plan.

What You’ll Find Here

  • ✅ Practical advice for ham radio beginners
  • ✅ Product reviews and gear recommendations
  • ✅ Tutorials for setting up field communications, go-kits, and solar-powered stations
  • ✅ Real-life insights from running a small hobby farm
  • ✅ Simple steps toward emergency self-reliance

Want to dive in? Start with the Getting Started page, or browse our latest equipment reviews.

👨‍🌾 About Me

I live with my family on a small but lively hobby farm here in Blue, Texas. We raise free-range chickens for eggs, keep honeybees for both pollination and honey production, and try to live a little more in tune with nature. While we’re not off-grid (yet), we are taking steps every year to become more self-sufficient and resilient.

My background is a mix of IT, electronics, and emergency services, which makes amateur radio a natural fit. Radio isn’t just a hobby — it’s a skill that can make a real difference when things go wrong. From weather emergencies to power outages, having a communication plan is critical. And honestly, there’s something incredibly satisfying about making a contact hundreds of miles away with nothing but a battery, a wire, and a bit of knowledge.

I’m also a homeschooling dad. I integrate amateur radio and emergency preparedness into our curriculum — teaching my son the value of independence, critical thinking, and technical skills that can’t be replaced by Google or AI.

🎙️ Why Ham Radio + Preparedness?

Ham radio and emergency preparedness go hand in hand. One teaches you how to communicate when the grid fails, the other how to stay alive when systems break down. Together, they offer peace of mind in a world where uncertainty is the only constant.

Through this site, I hope to help others build the same confidence — whether you’re just earning your Technician license or building out a complete bug-out plan with HF capability.

And don’t worry — this site isn’t doom-and-gloom. I focus on practical preparedness, not paranoia. My goal is to help you be ready for life’s curveballs, not scared of them.

📬 Get in Touch

If you’ve got a question, want to collaborate, or just want to say hello, I’d love to hear from you. Here are a few ways to connect:

🙏 Thanks for Visiting

This website is more than just a blog — it’s a mission. I believe in building resilient communities, starting with individuals who are informed, equipped, and ready to serve when it counts.

If you’re here, you’re part of that mission. Welcome to the KI5QHC community.

73 and stay safe,
Daniel Shirley (KI5QHC)