Comms for Modern Minuteman 

Baofeng Radio: www.amazon.com/dp/B07VVG726G/ref=as_sl_pc_qf_sp_asin_til?tag=blacscousurv-20&linkCode=w00&linkId=6efc3f7774bad91ab82788f69fc757e0&creativeASIN=B07VVG726G Earpiece: www.amazon.com/dp/B07VXRRCC2/ref=as_sl_pc_qf_sp_asin_til?tag=blacscousurv-20&linkCode=w00&linkId=60903d2e1bd96e24e6ed9401b67d3d80&creativeASIN=B07VXRRCC2 Antenna: www.amazon.com/dp/B00KC4PWQQ/ref=as_sl_pc_qf_sp_asin_til?tag=blacscousurv-20&linkCode=w00&linkId=663f2991cf8b4b66f456b396975c7237&creativeASIN=B00KC4PWQQ Headset: www.amazon.com/dp/B07DBT8736/ref=as_sl_pc_qf_sp_asin_til?tag=blacscousurv-20&linkCode=w00&linkId=996fcf58b4c5b9a5a85a86ddf057aa4b&creativeASIN=B07DBT8736 Headset for helmet: www.amazon.com/dp/B07DBV54WQ/ref=as_sl_pc_qf_sp_asin_til?tag=blacscousurv-20&linkCode=w00&linkId=aa3d0562fbec8d39ef03828ad3597085&creativeASIN=B07DBV54WQ Push-to-talk for headset: www.amazon.com/dp/B07DBVBXLH/ref=as_sl_pc_qf_sp_asin_til?tag=blacscousurv-20&linkCode=w00&linkId=aeedac9191d7cd76b42acb3e3476d4e7&creativeASIN=B07DBVBXLH PAM RADIO flashcards: pam-radio.com

If things go twisted, I’m not going to worry about the FCC.

Recommend having an boating air horn if you have a neighborhood defense force and a single entrance. That way everyone in the neighborhood regardless of having comms will know trouble is imminent and whoever is on duty needs back up immediately

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

Baofeng Radios, I’m equipping people here on my mountain.

I've spent a fortune on high end Yaesu gear, legit Ops-Core AMPs, etc. but most folks aren't going to be in that budget range. It's awesome that you did this for folks who need a setup, including links. You're an asset to the community.

I love the fact that you are so calm, plus you are the real deal. You have great leadership qualities. Thank you for your videos. I appreciate what you do.

I can't get any of my 2A friends interested in comms for any reason... even the former military guys who were drilled with shoot/ move/ communicate. Civilians and ex military are only interested in 'shooting' and even that only as far as bragging on the range or posting Gucci gear online. Getting people interested in ACTUALLY being ready trained or functionally organized is like pulling teeth.

I appreciate the comparison of the super HAM radio guys to anime nerds a little too much. It's so accurate though. 😂

"Mom, what's for dinner..." he's aware of who his audience is. lol

Com’s is going to be my next investment for the GOOD bag.

Always right on Jack , we appreciate the awareness you provide. Our family all have the Baeofang radios and they seem to work well if you are on a repeater. Thanks again. Rick

I have the Baofeng radios and I wouldn't go tossing the book that it comes with. It's a very capable radio. The scanner portion is fantastic. When the power went out the other night I was able to determine what it was and what it wasn't so I was able to get a time frame on when the power might be restored in real time👍

I'm a ham radio operator I've been one for the past 10 years and yes I hate being on a government list.

In nine minutes and 44 seconds, I was able to get so much more information from you than I was able to get from hours worth of so-called experts from all these other channels,thank you very much.

Love your channel man. This is exactly what I wanted to watch!!

Awesome video. I've watched several videos on these type of systems. It would be a good thing for everyone in your family to keep in their car. If the cell tower grid goes down, you can still contact your family members using repeaters. I don't know enough about that to do it myself, but I do need to buy a radio and learn how they work. Thanks for the video. These need to be talked about much more in the survival/prepper community.

Thanks for doing this video and mentioning my PAM Radio flashcards for getting your mutual assistance group up to speed on comms.

During times of disaster or if your life is in danger you can use ham without a license

I love getting like a $45 sdr dongle and listening to like 80% of the stuff out there. The cheap ones won’t transit but you can listen in a shtf scenario and might get info to avoid areas or whatever.

The cheep radios don’t transmit your voice over the air waves a great distance but they will receive higher wattage transmission very well. They are great listening devices for intel like you said.

I’ll use the cheap ones to get the good ones off of those that will no longer need them. Lol

Priceless information as usual Jack thank you. God bless

A very timely needed video for many. Great video BSS. Appreciate all your vids.

Well we've gotten our license and joined a local ham club . I'm learning so much about comms and the difference radios . I was talking to a gentleman in Florida the other evening and we live in north west PA

I have a couple of the AUBREE antennas, folding and extend up to about 3ft. They work well, height is king in the radio world.

That clear secret service style fits under ear muffs too so those with a pair of walker razors works pretty good

Great video...getting down to brass tacks and the bottom line...Thank you! Happy Easter. He is risen!

Thanks Jack, more good advice as always MARANATHA BRO.

"Is the government really too big?" "You have to have a license to own a two way radio.... and you'll be on a watch list"

Dude you're on point with every purchase I'm researching

I have been considering that Earmor setup to get started. Thanks for the info, captain

I have had the more expensive with base unit and keyed up mics you look like policeman carrying. And I have gotten the cheaper 20 mile range communicators. I would rather have the cheaper ones, like you said especially if your group is larger. 20 mile range is not shabby in my kneck of the woods. Key people in my group have the communicators in their bug out things and we keep to two channels. They know how to reach one another at meet up points and we all use code handle when using them. This system seams to work well for our little hand full. Thank you for the vid sir.

You want secure, just make a code book for the team. Basically doing the opposite of what is transmitted. Practice.

Just like a lot of us gun guys are snobby about guns. They’re in every crowd

Been a CBer since teen 76' always had radios ever since in my vehicles even to this day. Saved me a few times, still monitor on a base 24/7 along with FRS and GMRS now. Never felt the need to join nose in the air, stuffed shirt ham community, with FCC on speed dial. Happy radioing !!

Black Scout thank you so much for all your insight and tips. I'm from Vermont and most people I know feel the same way you do. Keep up the good fight

Ah yes, the tried and true, good ol' Bubba Finder radio

Only reason I haven't got a license is exactly that. Not inviting possible visitors on their whenever they want schedules.

Thank you so much for doing this video only thing i'm lacking in my prep !

Concise, accurate, and on point. Well done.

$650 ComTac... $110 Nexus PTT... $25 Baofeng lol

Can't transmit w/o a license unless it's an emergency...well brother were just about there!

I love my Baofeng BF-F8HP. I run the extended battery, tactical earpiece/mic, and 24" folding antenna. I keep it in my go bag. I like it for the FM tuner, and weather radio so I know what's going on in my AO. I have 30 or so frequencies programmed.

That model has bands that can be used by anyone. FRS and MURS are good for training, and many tasks. A step up in capability is the Baofeng Digital/analog radios. Antennas make a big difference. It depends on your philosophy of use , but I prefer the Disco32 antenna that you weave into your MOLLE.

Yes, when SHTF happens, getting (or having) a HAM radio license will be irrelevant, but there is so much to know regarding interferences, frequency use, wave propagation, electrical circuits, repeater use, and procedures that it is good to get your license now and start practicing and using the radios now. If you wait until SHTF scenario and then pick up a HAM radio (either portable like a Baofeng, or stationary like an ICOM 7300) and try to tie into a repeater, figure out what the squelch button does, how to prevent your signal from interfering with another person's radio, or set up an antenna right then...it won't turn out so well. There is a lot to know about radio waves and radios. People think that they are like Walmart walkie talkies that they just pick them up, turn to a channel and start talking. That is not how HAM radio works.

FYI. FCC can inspect ANY equipment that is broadcasting. Cell phone, WiFi system, microwave putting out radio waves. Not just ham licensed individuals.

Man just ordered my first setup and am on here excited and trying to make sure all my stuff would work together(was excited to see Jack from BSS pop up). Long time subscriber here

Wow it’s been along time uncle jack! You make our brothers proud keep doing the great work you do !

I went with some $80 midlands for my set up. On channels 7-14, which no license required, I get about a mile in the city with trees and two story buildings, on 15-22 which operates on a 5watt frequency as opposed to the 2w I can get significantly more range. However those channels do require a license. I like how small they are, don’t take up a lot of space on the plate carrier. Do independent research on wavelengths and wattage and such when setting up your comms. Stay frosty y’all

This is where GMRS really shines. Uses FRS frequencies, simple no-test licensing, and ability to use higher powered mobile units and repeaters. HAM is cool for talking across the country or the globe in some applications, but GMRS is more ideal for communication with a group where everyone doesn't have HAM licenses.

Keep up the work and keep making the videos. Good information you always put out

Just picked up my contingency walkies recently. I love the commo talk.

we actually use the smaller cheaper version with the PTT lie you showed with secrete service looking ear pieces, for our church security team, and we put the short stubby antennae on them, they have worked out great just around the church campus, inside and out on the metal buildings. but i also have a pair of the 5R that are programmed to the same channels as the smaller radios, and have a ten pack of the small ones at home brand new, in case we have to use them. hoping to integrate that into some training with a small group, but for neighborhod security, thought, for 120 bucks i have ten radios, i can distribute if necessary....thanks for the videos and your time,

I have this radio on my Mollle rig set up with my hearing protection. Works great . If you put up a repeater you can set up an entire town or county to be able to communicate with a handheld

This video is exactly what I was looking for. Thank you!

Just want you to know I appreciate everything you do, every time

I modified my midlands antenna socket so I can use longer antennas. Big increase in range. The mobile gmrs radios have greater wattage and antenna options. Bofeng is a great option.

I’m going to a GMRS system. We are setting up a base station . The goal is to be able to cover our area the woods etc. then when I’m done with the base station we should be able to communicate to and in the small town that is close to our property

thank you jack for the video!!! comms are good to have to cumcate with other people!!! thank you!! keep up the good work!!!

I have four of these uv-5r's, and I find them to be adequate. On a plate carrier, I run a remote antenna on the back to keep it out of my way. Also, for emergencies, you can get back up battery packs that take AA's: just in case the power is out or you cannot get to a charger. As well, you can run the wall charger off a separately purchased USB A port cable, to charge the stock battery from a vehicle or portable charger.

I can’t afford night vision so I’ll never be able to get a secured comms 😭

When you use chirp, you can download frequencies and upload them to your radios. It saved me so much time for my radios.

Thank you for all the videos you make.

Solid video. The Boafang is cool because you can listen to the fire department/ ems but also has other features to use during an emergency all for $25-$30.

The Baofeng (and similar) radios are basically like HiPoint firearms. They may not be pretty, or the best tool for the job, but they DO WORK. That’s the primary purpose for a tool.

My crew is already set up with all this and we practice drills using them . Works great , awesome force multiplier

MERS needs no license.

Your video was very informative. I have a former Marine in our group who was a radioman. I wanted to pick his brain for radio systems.

I would highly recommend the Baofeng UV82HP, higher power which means better range...our group of patriots use these and they work great and still super affordable. BTW I have my HAM licence because I wanted to learn more about the radios in general and be able to use more frequencies, you never know what kind of knowledge you will need.

Great video, we’ve had them for a while. Learn the repeaters in your AO and you can communicate for great distances. Since most of us run battery powered everything, from radio, optics, to NODs, a video on solar setups might be well received. As always Semper Fi brother. Keep up the great work!

Seen some of your vids b4. Forgot how much I liked them. New sub here brother

In 20 years of being a Ham, I have yet to hear or see FCC come to someone's house to "inspect". Only time I ever seen a FCC check was for a Pirate Radio that was interference to Aviation radio equipment.

I wish I had cooler neighbors! It would just be me and my wife...but that would still be better than nothing. Great info as always!

Are we talking Radio Frequency? That's everything wireless. Nothing works without electricity. Maybe we should go back to using pigeons. You want privacy? The mail still works.

Excellent video. I may 74 but my skills are still there. Willing to do whatever is necessary for the Republic! Can't turn my back on my father and grandfathers,..etc!!!

Good vid. Thanks. Answered lot of my questions.

I recommend the Kenwood NX series over the UV5R. They support a digital text mode, so if noise or eavesdropping is a concern, that's an available option. Some also have things such as frequency inversion scrambling or even encryption. Much more poerful, sensitive and durable as well

It's not that it's cheap why they don't like it it's because it allows unlicensed operators broadcast

SHALOM... HELLO FROM KY.... SO GREAT TO SEE Y'ALL'S CHANNEL. GOD BLESS U & FAMILY. THIS IS THE BEST ENTERTAINMENTING SHOW ON RU-vid. GOD BLESS AMERICA. GOD BLESS THE AMERICAN PEOPLE. 🛡🇺🇸⭐📜⭐🇺🇸🛡

This video title is what I have been looking for but as a Minute Man. There wasn't any useful information that I haven't seen or heard before. Still gets a thumbs up!

Buy a tube radio. Learn it like the back of your hand. Circuits and everything. You need to know what every wire is responsible for in the damn thing. Everything. Train with it like it’s your pistol. Learn how to construct an antenna. Buy a rugged reliable power supply and a solar panel to match, among other recharging technologies. Have feed lines and wire on hand. Throw ALL of it in a faraday cage. Do the exact same with as many radios as you can. Find reliable radios for every frequency. Modify them for EVERY frequency. It’s only illegal if you transmit on them, but when SHTF, you need every single frequency. Main points: learn the radio, not just how to press buttons. Power it in non ideal conditions. Learn how to build antennas that won’t blow your shit up. Make sure it’s protected for EMPs. Have spare parts on hand. That means tubes, antenna wire, solder, feed lines, chokes, circuits, everything. Don’t half step this. Communication will be key in finding like minded people and building a community when SHTF. I absolutely may have missed something here. But this is a good start. Don’t F around, be prepared.

Thanks Again For Sharing

I own and use Baofeng UV5 series radios for work on a shortline rr (company owned and reccomend private purchase). They are inexpensive and readily replaceable when damaged, but they have shortcomings. The casing is not the best, but they will still broadcast after taking some good falls. Definitely buy the long whip antenna, but even then you are limited to maybe 2 miles when talking with a full base station and forget about transmitting through hills. Get extra batteries, 1 will last a couple days moderate use, but having extras is best. However they are readily programmed and mine even have all the NOAA weather channels. We are also prohibited from transmitting off company property b/c FCC regulations. And our allotted bandwidth is very small as they continue to carve up the spectrum.

I disagree a little just on the technicalities of why I want to get a HAM license, but I love the video. Great info. Like I’ve heard you say, we probably agree on 99% of everything else, much respect! Looking forward

“Secure coms” can be achieved by building your own radios capable of transmitting and receiving outside any normal radio bands. Not FCC approved but finding a band where nobody is looking for radio communication is cheap “security”.

I am in Search and Rescue and have used a ton of different type radios, I do have a HAM license. The Beofeng work just fine with a caveat, pay the extra $30 bucks and get a waterproof model, they usually have WP in the model number. The regular ones will die in the first bad rain. If your using a mic they will die regardless in a heavy rain, if you have the money and desire just get a PTT hooked into a headset or if not just go without a mic in heavy rain. The Japanese Yaesu is better but waterproof Baofeng is fine. There is a way to make their comms secure but it is illegal. You do not need a HAM license for things like Search and Rescue or if you just carry it for an emergency. Those little midway radios are worthless outside a couple hundred yards in my experience in the woods. You also can set up mobile repeaters, we do it all the time, that way you can talk to units on the other side of the mountain.

Love it. Keep up the good work

Had these radios for around 6 years and they still work. I recommend changing the antenna to a better one(Nagoya Brand) you'll reach far distances for sure than the stock one, and some extra long batteries.

Dinner is ready at 6!

I use the “air tube” systems and just run the ear piece up under my regular ear protection.

I've been in Ham radio since 1979,I've owned about every handie talkie , I just purchased a TYT UV88 for general comms, 5 watt very easy dual banner also has a scrambler for $34.00, better than a boafang In my opinion all the bofang accessories fit.

Thanks for the video I needed this.

Check out Ham Radio Crash Course's channel he's pretty knowledgeable especially on the Beofeng radios. Great video and as always keep em coming. God bless and keep you and yours safe.

I recommend Ham Crash Course.

The walkie-talkie frequencies are FRS and GMRS and some of the frequencies overlap. I don't remember, but one is free and the other requires a fee for a license. No testing like a ham license.

Straightforward. Honest. Good info. Hope for the best - support those trying to get the government back on track - but prep for the worst. BE CAREFUL talking on any amatuer frequencies - the friendly ham radio club guys might just be the ones to turn you in for the reward, so to speak.

Honestly, the only radio I recommend to anyone by now is the TYT MD-UV390. Look into it. Especially for the price and the fact that they’re totally unlocked (unlike a lot of Motorola units) makes them worth every penny.

Some channels here teach the full info needed for a license. It should pop up if you search "ham radio" . I was really into HAM radio for like 11-17 before adulting happened, lol. I had no idea they were making you sign off on a 4th amendment violation, though. (Or I just never thought about it as an adult lol) All of the licenses? That's crazy-good info, as always.

I have a trunking scanner, that can pick up absolutely everything from CB, HAM, MERS, great purchase