How to Use Repeaters When Cell Service Fails When the power grid goes down or cell towers become overloaded, amateur radio repeaters can keep you connected. These vital pieces of infrastructure extend the range of your handheld radio and make emergency communication possible when everything else is offline. If you’re new to ham radio or…
Emergency Comms Drills You Can Do With Your Family When disaster strikes, clear communication can mean the difference between chaos and calm. Practicing emergency communications with your family not only boosts preparedness but builds confidence in everyone involved. In this guide, we’ll walk through several simple, effective drills to prepare your household for real-world communication…
5 Critical Emergency Preps Every Family Should Have (With Ham Radio Tips!) Emergencies come in all forms—power outages, wildfires, floods, hurricanes, supply chain failures, and even cyberattacks on critical infrastructure. Being prepared isn’t about paranoia—it’s about peace of mind. Whether you’re new to prepping or you’ve been ready for years, this guide will help you…
How to Set Up a Simple Field Comms Station Whether you’re preparing for a natural disaster, participating in an ARES drill, or just heading out for a field day, a reliable and portable ham radio station is essential. A well-thought-out field communications (comms) station gives you the ability to operate completely off-grid, independent of commercial…
The Amateur Radio Emergency Service (ARES) is a vital volunteer network of ham radio operators aiding communities during disasters by providing communication links for emergency services and shelters. Active involvement in ARES includes training, participating in drills, and utilizing essential equipment. Joining ARES prepares individuals to serve effectively in crises.
In emergencies when conventional communication fails, ham radio becomes essential. The article outlines ten critical frequencies for effective emergency communications, including the 2-Meter Simplex, NOAA Weather Radio, and APRS. Familiarizing oneself with these frequencies and programming radios accordingly ensures reliable information flow and coordination during crises.
This guide outlines essential steps to pass the Technician Ham Radio Exam, critical for emergency preparedness. It covers why obtaining the license is vital, exam content, effective study resources, and a focused one-week preparation plan. After passing, you’ll access essential communication tools for crises, enhancing your prepper capabilities.
This guide outlines essential battery backup solutions for ham radio operators, emphasizing the importance of staying connected during emergencies. It compares battery options, including LiFePO4 and AGM SLA, discusses power distribution with Powerpole connectors, and highlights safety tips. Additionally, it suggests portable battery boxes and solar charging for off-grid capability.
Winlink is a crucial global messaging system that enables amateur radio operators to send emails via HF and VHF/UHF frequencies, even when internet and power fail. It supports longer messages and file attachments, making it ideal for emergency communications. With easy setup requirements, such as Winlink Express software and an HF transceiver, users can effectively communicate important information like medical data and resource requests during crises. Learning Winlink is essential for ham operators serious about emergency preparedness and communication.
Top 5 Ham Radio Accessories Every Prepper Should Own Ham radio isn’t just a hobby — it’s a lifeline. When the power goes out, the cell towers fail, and the internet drops offline, ham radio operators are often the only ones still communicating. But a good radio alone won’t carry you through an emergency. You…
