Start Here: Your Path to Ham Radio and Emergency Preparedness

Welcome to KI5QHC.com — your trusted resource for ham radio, emergency communications, and practical preparedness. My name is Daniel Shirley, and I created this site to help people like you get started with amateur radio, build resilient emergency gear setups, and gain confidence in your ability to stay connected when it matters most.

Whether you’re brand new to ham radio or already licensed and looking to expand your setup, this page will help you find your footing and show you the next steps to take.

🎙 Why Ham Radio?

Ham radio isn’t just a hobby — it’s a lifeline. When cell towers are down, the power grid is offline, or you’re deep in a rural area with no signal, ham radio still works. Amateur radio operators (also known as “hams”) can talk across town, across the country, or across the world without relying on the internet or phone lines.

Here’s what makes ham radio so important and rewarding:

  • ✅ Reliable Communication: Talk without infrastructure in emergencies.
  • ✅ Public Service: Support your local community during disasters through ARES or RACES.
  • ✅ Fun & Global: Make international contacts, learn electronics, and experiment with antennas, satellites, and digital modes.
  • ✅ Education: Learn about RF propagation, solar cycles, antennas, and emergency communication protocols.

👉 Read: Beginner’s Guide to Ham Radio Handhelds

📦 Getting Started with Ham Radio

If you’re brand new, don’t worry — you’re not alone. Here’s a quick roadmap to help you get on the air:

  1. Step 1: Get Your Technician License

    Start with the entry-level Technician license. You don’t need Morse code, and you can study online using free tools like HamStudy.org or QRZ practice tests.
  2. Step 2: Buy a Beginner-Friendly Radio

    We recommend starting with an affordable handheld (HT), such as the Baofeng UV-5R or a Yaesu FT-4XR.
  3. Step 3: Program Local Repeaters

    Find local repeaters using RepeaterBook.com and get on the air with a simple antenna upgrade and a programming cable.

⚠️ Why Emergency Preparedness Matters

Disasters are not a matter of “if” — but “when.” Severe weather, grid outages, wildfires, supply chain disruptions, and even cyberattacks are growing threats. Being prepared means having a plan, the right tools, and the knowledge to respond with calm and confidence.

This site takes a practical, no-nonsense approach to preparedness. You won’t find doomsday hype here — just real-world advice to help you protect your family and community when it counts.

📡 Learn: How to Build an Emergency Communications Kit

Our approach covers:

  • 🧭 Emergency radio kits & go-bags
  • 🔦 Off-grid power & solar charging
  • 🚨 Communication protocols and neighborhood prep
  • 🥫 Simple food & water storage systems

If you’re looking to go deeper, here are some reader favorites and top recommendations:

👋 Meet the Voice Behind KI5QHC

I’m Daniel Shirley — a licensed ham (callsign KI5QHC), hobby farmer, homeschooler, and emergency communicator based in Blue, Texas. We raise chickens, keep bees, and are constantly refining our systems to become more self-reliant while staying plugged into a larger support network.

This site is about sharing what works — whether that’s the best handheld radio for your bug-out bag, or how to train your family in comms basics without overwhelming them. I’m learning every day, and I’m glad to have you along for the ride.

👉 Read more about me

📬 Stay Connected

Want new posts, gear reviews, and real-world communication tips delivered straight to your inbox? Sign up for the KI5QHC newsletter below and stay prepared, one step at a time.

Thanks for visiting — and welcome to the KI5QHC community.

Stay safe. Stay connected. 73.
— Daniel, KI5QHC