Prep Comms

A lot of people treat the Technician license like it's a learner's permit. It isn't. In this episode, I break down what a Technician class amateur radio license actually allows you to do — and why most operators never fully use what they already have. We're talking about: What VHF and UHF are truly capable of Why repeaters are valuable but not magic Why simplex matters more than most people think...

Ham radio testing is where a lot of people stall. Not because it's hard. Not because it's unfair. And not because access is restricted. In this episode, I talk plainly about why testing exists, why it's required, and why the arguments around it haven't changed in years—even as access has become easier than ever. I've watched this cycle repeat long enough to recognize the pattern. People fear the t...

Ham Radio: Why I Started the Journey (and Where "Ham" Came From) Ham radio didn't start as a hobby for me. In this episode, I talk through why I finally took amateur radio seriously, what problem I was trying to solve, and why ham radio kept showing up at the end of the communications conversation. I also touch lightly on the history of the amateur radio service and where the term "ham" came from—...

Ham radio usually comes up at the end of the conversation about communications. Not first, and not early—after people have already tried other options and figured out what feels easy and what doesn't. In this episode, I talk through why that happens. I walk through patterns I've seen over time: how people approach communication planning, how radios get bought and set aside, and why plans often fal...

Most families don't lose communication because radios fail. They lose it because there's no routine, no shared rhythm, and no clear understanding of what silence actually means. In this episode, Caleb closes out the GMRS series by walking through how families should actually use radios day to day — how to structure simple check-ins, why calm routines matter more than gear, and how to respond when...

Most families don't lose communication because the radio fails. They lose it because stress changes how people talk. In this episode, Caleb breaks down how families actually communicate on GMRS — the common mistakes that create confusion, and the simple habits that keep radio traffic calm and clear when it matters. This isn't about gear. It's about behavior, clarity, and confidence. What We Cover...

Most families buy GMRS radios… then realize no one actually knows how to use them when the phones go quiet. This episode fixes that. Today we walk through the simple, practical skills every household needs to use GMRS with confidence: • The 3-button rule • How to choose the right channel group without a chart • How to know if you're hitting a repeater • What to do when you hear nothing • The 10-se...

Most new GMRS users hit the same wall: thirty channels on the screen, all looking equal… but they're not. Some are full-power. Some are handheld-only. Some can hit repeaters. Some won't carry your voice past the yard. In this episode, we break down GMRS the way real families actually use it: • The three channel groups that matter • What power limits mean in the real world • Which channels give you...

Prep Comms 2025 Christmas & Black Friday Special Host: Caleb Nelson, K4CDN –  Your no-nonsense guide to smart radio gear and real-world readiness. From AM/FM and weather radios to shortwave, scanners, CB, MURS, FRS, GMRS and power setups — what actually works and what's worth buying. Full storefront and extra gear at https://amazon.prepcomms.com BONUS: Family Comms Advent Calendar PDF   AM / FM &...

This week's Prep Comms Podcast digs into the real part of GMRS—how to use it day-to-day. No hype, no theory. Just what works. Caleb Nelson (K4CDN / WRBR 237) walks through: Teaching your family how to power on, adjust volume, and find the right channel Labeling radios so anyone can grab one and talk What privacy tones really do (and what they don't) How GMRS repeaters extend your range — and the s...

This week, we're hearing from you — real operators in real situations. From Hurricane Helene reports to mountain-range tests and home-built towers, listeners across the country are proving what GMRS can actually do. Caleb Nelson (K4CDN | WRBR 237) shares lessons from YouTube and podcast feedback, covering antenna height, coax loss, repeater etiquette, and why practice still beats theory. Mentioned...

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 investin...

What you'll learn (fast): Why GMRS is the practical "bigger brother" to FRS: same 22 channels, different rules, more capability. The license is simple: $35, 10 years, one license covers your whole household (apply at FCC.gov). Range reality: terrain + antennas matter. Main channels allow up to 50W transmitter output; interstitials are lower. Privacy tones ≠ privacy. GMRS is open-air. You must ID e...

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 thinkin...

FRS radios aren't all created equal. Some blister-pack sets are cheap toys that break in a weekend, while others are solid enough to trust on family trips or in an emergency. In this third episode of the FRS Mini-Series, Caleb Nelson (K4CDN) takes a practical look at the gear: What really matters in an FRS radio (durability, batteries, usability) Why you shouldn't believe the "35-mile range" marke...

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, KB...

FRS radios aren't long-range or flashy, but they're still one of the most useful family tools you can own. In this episode of the Prep Comms Podcast, Caleb Nelson (K4CDN) dives into how families actually use FRS today, including: Keeping kids connected in the neighborhood Calling everyone home for dinner without shouting Car-to-car communication on road trips and caravans Staying in touch at theme...

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,...

Episode 4 – Is MURS Still Worth It? Why This Forgotten Band Might Be the Most Reliable Tool in Your Family's Kit After four episodes, we're wrapping up the MURS Mini-Series with a hard look at one question—does MURS still have a place in 2025? For 15+ years, I've used MURS radios on our farm for everything from driveway alerts to in-vehicle comms on family road trips. In this episode, I'm breaking...

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 cr...

In Episode 2 of the Prep Comms MURS Mini-Series, Caleb Nelson dives deep into what really determines your performance on MURS. Spoiler: it's not power. It's your antenna, your coax, your terrain—and how well you understand what you're working with. This isn't theory. These are real-world setups from real users—from the hills of Pennsylvania to the silence of Utah. You'll learn exactly what works a...

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, wh...

The listeners have spoken—so I'm breaking my own rules and releasing this episode out of sequence . I've been getting a lot of APRS questions lately, and instead of trying to answer them all on Instagram or Facebook, I figured it was time to bring this one back. This is a replay from the HamRadio 360 podcast, where I sat down with Kenneth W6KWF to talk about APRS—an old-school messaging system tha...

Here's a timeline rundown from our Helene Prepping and Recovery After preparing gas and propane midweek, we ensured all equipment was charged and ready. At 0400 on the 27th, my mini comm hub was active. By 0630, local repeaters went offline, and at 0730, we lost power. With severe winds raging, we canceled work, activated our generator at 0800, and monitored fire and ham bands on the BTech 6X2Pro....

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...