Comms for Modern Minuteman

A few points:

1: Even though you don’t need a license to use Ham radios during an emergency, that means that you can’t use them for the purposes you mentioned (going out with a group of guys for whatever it is you guys do) without a license. I am not into Ham because to get a license is a pain in the rear. Must take a test and all that crap. So I use GMRS radios. i do have a GMRS license, which is good for 10 years, and no test is needed. I don’t recall anywhere reading that I have to give permission to the FCC to come into my home. All my radios are HT’s, so if they need that I can just bring them outside, anyway, if you don’t want to deal with licenses, then I would suggest MURS radios. No license is needed. You are limited to 5 frequencies (channels), but how often do you need more than one or two? Also, even though MURS radios only have five frequencies, they are not as common, so it evens out. And of course, GMRS and MURS radios can be set up with CTCSS tones and DCS codes, for “privacy” (wink wink). In reality all CTCSS and DCS is, is a way to block out unwanted traffic but it doesn’t give you privacy.

2: Most people disregard the “cheap” radios they sell at sporting good stores and dept stores. You know FRS radios. But I think that is wrong and ignorant. FRS radios can be pretty cheap built, but they also have some pretty stuff. Many are water and dust proof. 

They can transmit in some channels at a maximum of 3 watts. The same as MURS radios. GMRS is allowed to tx at 5 watts, maximum (except for the repeater channels), but when it comes to tx distance, there is not much difference between a 3 and 5 watt radio. The difference is so small that most won’t notice the difference.

Other advantages of FRS radios is that they are small and easier to carry. Some people don’t want a bigger or heavier radio, specially women. Oftentimes you find them in packs of 4,6, or more for relatively cheap prices. Or course you don’t need a license to operate.

Bottom line is this. Oftentimes I hear people argue about which is the best radio and/or service. The way I see it, the best radio is the radio you have available when needed. Having FRS radios is better than not having anything at all. And if you have a tight budged, FRS radios make perfect sense. For the price of a good GMRS radio or HAM radio, you can buy a handful of FRS radios, enough for the whole family.

I think that people who disregard FRS radios don’t understand radios or have let the radio culture get in their heads.

Here is how government works: FCC shows up, sees a gun mag on your coffee tables, next BATF shows up. FCC shows up, sees your kid then sees that your wife forgot and left her vibe on the bookshelf, next child welfare shows up. I'll have to look into Canadian laws as FCC is American.

I don't know that Zelenski has a Yt Channel, awesome. 😎

Minute man are racist.

Not a bad idea to have a home base station, a mobile car rig and hand held for your property

How you going to charge it if the grid goes down?

It’s funny when guys start comparing ham radio 2m to 70cm compared to gmrs and frs radios, the benefits are minimal, however where you can really benefit for emergency coms, look up NVIS HF communication on ham radio. It’s going to cost you money but at least this pointless video didn’t wast your time

Let's put it this way. With or without your permission, if they want to come into your house and search, they can and will. You can scream about rights and constitution all you want but they can and will search your house. Using force is not a problem for them either.

What can I use with walker I don't want to have to ptt I want hands free is there such thing?

Get a ham radio tech license, not hard !

I actually have bad luck with my uv-5r haha. I got a ft-817 so I can run HF frequencies and reach out further then a handy talkie.

UV-5R is technically not compliant by the FCC... check out the GT-5R instead... fully FCC compliant.

❤

Jack, just getting a couple of new radios and revisiting some of your old videos about coms. I just ordered the boafeng UV17 PRO MAX and the UV68 PRO MAX. They are both 10 watt radios. Ordered tactical antennas, mics, etc. I know you are busy these days with everything going on, but wanted to see if we could get you to do an updated COMMS talk. The reason for my request is to inform/remind guys/gals that these radios are good for listening, but not encrypted or good to communicate on if TSHTF because they can be triangulated easily and give away your position, but STILL good as an information gathering device, and of course anything else you can add for our benefit. Thanks brother

There is ways to make these secure through CTSS tones and using private repeaters

Honey badger are you out there?

We went to Sat Phones.

Radio from moms basement for more hot pockets and meatloaf,

The 5 r transmitter has spurs and trash !!! Hams arent snobs! We just prefer the use FCC CERTIFIED RADIOS!! These wannabe rambos/preppers (the sky is falling) guys couldn't pass the technician, entry level fcc exam!! lol

In Chicago during the BLM nightly marches, I used a similar radio to listen to my local CPD district. They announced crowd movements, and the activity usually died at 1-2 am. Once I felt they were done for the night, I was off to bed. BLM marches left a swath of destruction. My plan was to haul ass in the opposite direction, had they turned in my direction. Thankfully they did not come any closer than 6 blocks from me. This radio, or any other cheap variation, is worth the $100 investment. $30 radio + extra batteries, chargers, and accessories. To the dismay of many sad hams, these things can be used by anyone to save a life. If you are in trouble you can even jump on Police, Sheriff, Trooper, Ranger, or any of the BIG GUNS for help. Wonderful, cheap, and useful at the most unusual of times.

The land of stupid never disappoints.

Just stumbled across ur video. Thank you sir for valuable info. Stay safe God bless

R those radios made n China is my thing

I just got my UV5R. I still need to figure out programming it. Thinking about the local ARRL. Local being next city away. I'm in a medium size city. They are in a podunk town. (Literally, not even on the map.) Just 1 radio to listen in, and I'd needs be call help.

Listen cost nothing . Venture into a pack CB with SSB priceless

The real usefulness in ham radio isn’t for comms for you and your fat friends to play GI Joe when the shit goes down until you get killed… it’s to be able to actually communicate outside an affected area during a grid down situation, be it the next state over or another continent, to gather information etc.
those handhelds will be of no more use than the Walmart walkie-talkies. You need HF rigs, and without actively using them with a license prior to SHTF it will be little more than a paper weight with you wondering how the hell to string up an affective antenna for the frequency you want to use etc etc etc.
so, either become a HAM and be prepared… or just go by some walkie talkies and some AA batteries so you and your friends can feel cool.

If those repeaters aren't powered, or destroyed, comes won't work for most. Ham radios won't work, at least not well.

If you can afford a $500 rainjacket you can afford a better radio

And did you just assume I cannot pick up some radio frequencies when the world ends?

Just from ya beard I can tell you sleep facing your wife.

Shits hit the fan ladies and gentlemen

A hand written note opened only under an umbrella, away from phones. No talking.

What’s your mama making for dinner?

I'm sorry, but there's an incorrect interpretation of the law. The FCC may enter ANYONE's HOME not just a HAM if they believe it is emitting spurious emissions. That could be your garage door openers, it could be your microwave oven. That law does NOT apply to HAMs only. In fact the guidance goes on to read that they are DISCOURAGED from looking in cabinets and drawers. However you can bet if the FCC shows-up at your door, they will have law enforcement with them and show this law applies to any residence and the only way to insure you are NOT subject to search is to have virtually no electronics in your home. Your WiFi router could go wonky and broadcast into a range that interferes with cell phones, your Microwave running at 300Ghz as it's old and dying and has a leaking seal on a door could drop down to 25Ghz (5G) frequencies and block several of your neighbors cell phones. Being a HAM has NOTHING TO DO with looking for spurious emissions and the FCCs ability to enter our homes.

Well I really more worried about the Chinese migrants coming here a lot of did maybe a really large sleeper cell or many of them all over .my friend has a huge raido set up he can talk all over the world .he also has his own repeater towers .and net .

MERS needs no license.

As others have mentioned, you can key the handset without a HAM license if you are using MURS frequencies and their required power limitations.

If we can’t secure a line, wouldn’t it be better to use gmrs, Especially for small unit movements like you mention? Price for equipment and license is mostly what I’m thinking about.

Hey Jack i have earmor like you do set up on my helmet and no matter what i do they don't sit close or on my ears. Noone in my area has experience with this
I joined the tribe hoping ill find someone on the threads too

I run frs, gmrs and ham radios. I do have both ham and gmrs license. The key with any system is practice. A radio will do you no good if the 1st time you turn it on is when the shtf..just my two cents.

notarubicon

There will not be a civil war..

GMRS is killing it. Almost a dozen repeaters her in the treasure valley of Idaho.

You mentioned the PTT adapter needed to be NATO. I know who NATO is, but in your mention is this supposed to be a brand, because the one you listed in the description is a $40 item, not $100.

I think notarubicon will set everyone straight on all of this. He's an acquired taste for some, but I agree with him. When SHTF no one is coming to arrest you for using anything. Also, the FCC thing on mobile hams, and pretty much ham in general is that it's a rule, not a law. They can fine you, but I doubt they can actually make you pay the fine.

Beware of Black Forest Supplements . I returned unopened product for refund according to their instructions and never received refund. This went on for months emailing back and forth with promise to refund me and it never happened. Some body named Vincenzo Passariello responds stating “just a couple days!... I’m out $99!! Caveat emptor!

You do a good job, old son. A lot of things right and no one's perfect. We amateurs are a little arrogant but always happy to help.
As to the FCC snooping, if you take the tests, theyll be administered by volunteer (civilian ham) examiners. The FCC will issue your license but that about it.
BUT! If you bootleg, you'll attract attention. So play it straight.
..and it's "COMM" not "COMM".