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…
How to Build a Portable Ham Radio Go-Kit on a Budget When disaster strikes and cell towers go down, ham radio can still get the message through. A well-prepared ham radio go-kit ensures you’re ready to communicate no matter where you are. Whether you’re supporting ARES, bugging out, or just operating portable from the field,…
Gear Review: Baofeng UV-5R – A Prepper’s Best Friend The Baofeng UV-5R is one of the most popular handheld radios in the amateur radio world — and for good reason. This compact, affordable dual-band transceiver has carved out a reputation for being rugged, versatile, and exceptionally budget-friendly. Whether you’re a new ham radio operator, a…
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…
This guide identifies the best ham radios for beginners in 2025, emphasizing affordability, ease of use, and essential features. Top choices include the budget-friendly Baofeng UV-5R, durable Yaesu FT-65, simple Icom IC-V86, and tech-savvy Radioddity GS-5B. Selecting the right radio enhances learning and community engagement in ham radio.
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.
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.
Building a Portable HF Antenna on a Budget Whether you’re operating in a field deployment, doing Parks on the Air (POTA), or preparing for a grid-down scenario, a good HF antenna is essential. The challenge? Many commercial HF antennas are bulky, expensive, or both. The good news is, with a little creativity and some affordable…
