Prep Comms

In this episode, Caleb Nelson (K4CDN | WRBR237) breaks down what GMRS can really do—and what it can't. You'll learn how far GMRS actually reaches, why antenna height beats transmitter power every time, and what equipment upgrades make the biggest difference for families building real communication plans. We'll also cover license coverage, the truth about 50 watts, repeater basics, and why investing in a better antenna might triple your range overnight. Links & Resources: Free GMRS License Express Guide → Live Family Connect Webinar → Thursdays 7 PM ET | Replay Fri–Mon → More episodes → @PrepComms Recommended Gear: BTECH GMRS-50PRO → Retevis RA86 → ZBM2 QP Whip (use code PREPCOMMS) → Wil-Coms Roll-Up J-Pole → Centerfire Ground-Plane → Find Repeaters → https://mygmrs.com

FRS radios are a great start, but they aren't the whole plan. They work for kids, neighbors, and short-range use — but when the storm hits or the grid goes down, you may need more. In this episode, Caleb Nelson (K4CDN) explains how FRS fits into a complete family communication plan, including: The strengths and limits of FRS radios How GMRS, MURS, and ham radio build on that foundation Why thinking in layers — the Cascade Protocol — makes families stronger How National Preparedness Month is the right time to move from gear to plan FRS is a tool worth having, and combined with clarity, it's what keeps families connected. Mentioned in this episode: BTECH FRS-A1: https://amzn.to/3UTnjgK Retevis RT15: https://amzn.to/3UTedki Retevis RB66P: https://amzn.to/4mIRbZt Retevis RB48: https://amzn.to/47HOP8T Motorola Waterproof FRS: https://amzn.to/4g5oV0Q Family Connect System Webinar Replay: www.familyconnectsystem.com

August 29, 2005. Hurricane Katrina slammed the Gulf Coast, the levees failed, and the water swallowed entire neighborhoods. Phones went dead. Power grids collapsed. Families were cut off and 911 calls were rerouted anywhere a signal could land. In the middle of that chaos were volunteers — amateur radio operators who carried their share of the load when the systems failed. One of them was Carl, KB5WMY (Silent Key). In 2015, he sat down with me to share his story of working at the Bossier Parish 911 center after Katrina. Carl spoke openly about the calls he could help, the ones he couldn't, and the weight of serving in those days. Now, on the 20th anniversary of Katrina, we honor Carl's memory and service by replaying that full conversation. It's a behind-the-scenes look at how ordinary people with radios made a difference when everything else went silent. vist www.prepcomms.com for more including the bonus audio material

In 1996, the FCC created the Family Radio Service (FRS) to give everyday families a simple, free, and legal way to stay connected. You've probably seen these radios before — blister packs on the shelves at Walmart, Bass Pro, or Target promising 30 miles of range. The truth? They don't go nearly that far, but they've kept families connected for decades. In this first episode of our FRS Mini-Series, Caleb Nelson (K4CDN) shares: The history of FRS and why the FCC gave it to the public How blister-pack walkie talkies became household items in the 90s and 2000s The real strengths of FRS (simple, free, license-free) The real limits (range, fixed antennas, crowded channels) Why FRS still matters in your family's communication plan today Whether you've already got a set sitting in a drawer or you're new to radios, this episode will help you see FRS in a whole new light. --Mentioned in this episode: BTECH FRS-A1: https://amzn.to/3UTnjgK Family Connect System: https://www.familyconnectsystem.com Listen, learn, and share this with someone who still thinks those blister-pack radios can go 35 miles.

Digital Modes, Text Messaging, Repeaters—and Why Clarity Matters In this episode of the Prep Comms Podcast, we dive into one of the most misunderstood parts of MURS radio: digital modes. Is digital really banned on MURS? Can you send a text? What about crossband repeaters or modes like MT63, RTTY, or APRS? Caleb clears the air by breaking down what the FCC actually allows—and where people still cross the line. From legal analog data modes to banned digital voice, this episode brings clarity to a confusing corner of the radio spectrum. We'll also hit: Texting over MURS (yes, it's possible) Why repeaters—including crossband—are a no-go How your antenna system makes or breaks signal strength What "manual control" and bandwidth limits really mean Mentioned in this episode: 📍 Webinar + course for families: www.FamilyConnectSystem.com 📍 Amazon gear list: https://amzn.to/3DKR8Lx 📍 ZBM2 QP Whip Antenna: ZBM2 Store — use coupon PREPCOMMS 📍 Ed Fong DBJ-1C: Ed Fong Store 📍 Centerfire Ground Plane: View Here 📍 JPole for MURS: J-Pole Antennas Rattlegram: Blog Post 📍 Rattlegram: Android 📍 Rattlegram: iOS Want to stay legal and stay connected? Join the families building real emergency comms systems—without the confusion: 👉 www.FamilyConnectSystem.com

Most people don't even know what MURS is—and that's exactly why it works so well. In this first episode of the Prep Comms MURS Mini-Series, Caleb breaks down the quiet power of the Multi-Use Radio Service: a license-free, analog-only VHF service with just five channels and a lot of practical potential. You'll learn about its roots in the old business band, what the "Color Dot" frequencies mean, why MURS is legal without a license, and how it fits into a low-key family comms plan. Privacy, power limits, antenna rules, and gear you can actually use—it's all covered here. Listen in, and discover why MURS might be the perfect base layer in your emergency communications setup. In this episode: The FCC origin of MURS and its roots in the Business Band (DOT and STAR channels) What MURS can and can't do legally (no digital, no repeaters) Antenna height limits and the truth about privacy tones How MURS works around barns, homes, driveways, and family outings Why VHF still outperforms UHF in open terrain My own family's use of MURS as part of the Cascade Protocol Mentioned in this episode: Free MURS + Business Band Frequency Guide PDF: MURS Frequency PDF Recommended MURS radios & antennas (Caleb's gear list): Caleb's Amazon Store: Search MURS Want to go deeper? Watch the free on-demand webinar (Coming August 2025): How to Build a Family Communication Plan in Less Than 30 Minutes—Without Expensive Gear or Tech Confusion www.familyradiowebinar.com

After the storm, getting the generator going early and setting up the hand pump for the well made all the difference. A quick project with leftover well pump wire turned into a solid clothesline—an unexpected but handy addition that Carla LOVED. Through it all, AT&T held strong, and Starlink was exceptional. If you're interested, see below for a link featuring a free month for both you and me. It felt like living a real-life episode of "Prep Comms." The ZBM2 Industries antennas are outta sight—thanks, Deric! While the local 2m repeater was down, it didn't hold us back; we had the gear ready, so radio wasn't top of my mind. That's one big lesson: when you've prepared well, the need for comms isn't a distraction, freeing you to focus on other tasks. The WLN KDC1 handheld radios continue to be incredibly reliable and cost-effective, with GMRS as our go-to system for family comms. It's a perfect service that doesn't require any testing, making it ideal for family use. Though I used my ham radios sparingly, they came in handy for checking in on 40m HF (JS8Call) and daily Winlink check-ins over VHF Packet. Just North of us the Mt. Mitchell Ham Repeater was a true lifeline, saving lives daily. Be sure to watch KM4ACK Jason's video, linked below, about the welfare nets on this repeater. Locally, our phones worked well, so ham radio took a backseat for us, though just 45 minutes away, it was a crucial lifesaver. Brother-to-brother comms on CB were also reliable, showing that there's a role for every communication method. And while I stayed busy with work, the family stepped up; we learned countless lessons that we'll carry forward. Although some coax-internet is still down, Verizon failed most while ham radio absolutely shined across North Carolina. The BTech 6x2Pro proved essential for both farm and fire department communications. This experience underscored the value of preparedness and inspired us to add an ECOFLOW 2700W solar generator to back up our primary generator. No matter where you're starting from, take that first step toward readiness. Don't be discouraged—I'm here to help! That Simple Pump from Scott Hunt (Practical Preppers) was a true lifesaver, keeping water flowing through it all. Men, husbands, dads—let's get you started! Plan C Solutions and The Family Radio Guy are coming soon to help you and your family prepare for the upcoming unknown. And if you're looking for quality water filters, check out Hub City Mercantile for your Berkey replacement filters. KM4ACK Helene Net Video! (Must Watch!) BTech 6x2Pro : https://amzn.to/4htGNTj Baofeng UV21: https://amzn.to/4fp4VFr BTech GMRS V1: https://amzn.to/3YZaPY5 Btech MURS V2: https://amzn.to/40v2Hzr WLN Micro Handi : https://amzn.to/4elglss Uniden Home Patrol Scanner Water Bob : https://amzn.to/4etzQiB Ecoflow 2700 : https://amzn.to/4f7OaOR Starlink (1 mo free for you and me) Simple Pump: Hand Well Pump