Communications & Electronics
Ham radio, FRS/GMRS, weather radios, Faraday cages, and satellite communications for when cell service goes down.
Emergency Communications
6 articlesHam radio, GMRS, walkie-talkies, MURS, SDR, morse code, military alphabet, and emergency communication devices.
Best Emergency Radio: Hand Crank & NOAA Guide
A hand-crank NOAA weather radio works when cell towers, power grids, and internet all fail. This buying guide compares the Midland ER310, Eton FRX3+, Kaito KA500, Sangean MMR-99, and Midland ER510 — with honest data on crank efficiency, solar performance, and which features actually matter.
Burner Phone for Preppers: Backup Comms Guide
A prepaid burner phone costs under $30 and can be the most reliable piece of emergency communication gear you own when cell networks are congested, your primary phone dies, or you need a backup with a separate number. Here's how to pick one, activate it, and keep it ready.
CB Radio for Preppers: No-License Comms Guide
CB radio requires no license, runs on widely available hardware, and channel 19 still carries live trucker traffic. Here's how CB fits into your emergency communications stack and which radios are worth buying.
Ham Radio for Preppers: Getting Licensed & Started
Ham radio works when cell towers, internet, and the power grid all fail. Learn how to get licensed, which radios to buy, what frequencies to program, and how to keep your radio running off battery and solar power.
Military Alphabet (NATO Phonetic): Complete Guide
The complete NATO phonetic alphabet with pronunciations, radio communication protocols, memorization techniques, and practical emergency scenarios where it can save lives.
Satellite Communicator for Preppers: Full Guide
Satellite communicators work anywhere with a view of the sky — no cell towers required. This guide covers Garmin inReach, SPOT X, Zoleo, subscription plans, SOS reliability, and when a satellite messenger is the right tool for your kit.
Emergency Radio Communications
2 articlesRadio options for when cell service fails — ham radio, FRS/GMRS, NOAA weather radios, and satellite communicators.
Emergency Communications: Radio Options for When Cell Service Goes Down
A practical guide to emergency radio communications — NOAA weather radios, FRS/GMRS, ham radio, and satellite communicators — with licensing info, range data, and recommendations.
NOAA Weather Radio: The $30 Emergency Alert Device Everyone Needs
NOAA Weather Radio All Hazards broadcasts on 7 dedicated frequencies 24/7. Here's how it works, why it beats weather apps when cell towers go down, and what features actually matter.
Ham Radio and GMRS
2 articlesHam radio licensing, GMRS, FRS, walkie-talkies, Baofeng, and amateur radio for emergency preparedness.
GMRS Radio for Preppers: Range, Licensing, and Repeaters Explained
GMRS radio gives your family serious two-way communication range — up to 50 miles with a repeater — for a one-time $35 license fee and no exam. Here's how it works and why it belongs in every prepper's communication plan.
Grid-Down Communications Plan: A Layered Approach That Actually Works
When the grid goes down, phones fail and the internet disappears. Here's how to build a layered emergency communications plan that covers neighborhood, regional, and national distances.