Prep Comms – Détails, épisodes et analyse

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 & Weather
Vondior NOAA – https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07P7QDJZX
Sangean MMR-99 – https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0BWPSGM18
Midland ER10VP – https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08SYK7LJT
Midland WR-120 – https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00176T9OY
RCA RCWR7V – https://www.amazon.com/dp/B09HSTL7JY

Shortwave
Tecsun PL880 – https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00IDM4N5K
Tecsun PL368 – https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08ZY9GTJV
County Comm GP Series – https://countycomm.com/collections/radio

Scanners
HomePatrol-2 – https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00JJY6S72
BCD436HP – https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00I33XDAK
BC355N – https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00972M9VK

CB Radios
Uniden PRO520XL – https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00004VXNI
Bearcat 980 SSB – https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01G610DEY
Galaxy DX-959B – https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00V8C1N96
Radioddity CB-27 Pro – https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0B56KST6F
President McKinley – https://amzn.to/4nRUcXe

MURS
BTECH MURS-V2 – https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0BS8KW399
Dakota M538 Base – https://www.amazon.com/dp/B004K370GA
Retevis RT27V – https://amzn.to/3LJmOEF
WilComms Roll-Up J-Pole – https://prepcomms.shop
More info → https://MURS.prepcomms.com

FRS Radios
BTECH FRS-A1 – https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0B2X58BJ5
Motorola T605 H2O – https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0CMWBVCB5

GMRS Radios
BTECH GMRS-V2 – https://www.amazon.com/dp/B09Z1NJ1M3
BTECH GMRS-50PRO – https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0DT7KC686
¼-Wave & Roll-Up Antennas – https://prepcomms.shop
GMRS License Guide – https://GMRS.prepcomms.com

Power & Preparedness
EcoFlow DELTA 2 – https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0CHMD99Y4
Honda EU2200i – https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08YJVDGS1

Ham & Advanced
Favorite Radio – BTECH UV-Pro
Best Dealer – https://mtcradio.com
Ham Radio Prep (Code HAMRADIO360) –
30×30 Challenge – https://www.familyconnectsystem.com/3030welcome

Join the Prep Comms Network
Private training for families and teams who want to communicate reliably — now, not later.
Monthly training that builds confidence through practice. No theory. No jargon.
Founders get half-price lifetime access, a seat on the Dec 2025 Founders Call, and entry to our private online group + Discord.
Enrollment closes Nov 30 → https://founders.prepcomms.com

Extra links:
Amazon Storefront – https://amazon.prepcomms.com
GMRS License – https://GMRS.prepcomms.com
PrepComms Gear – https://prepcomms.shop
30×30 Challenge – https://www.familyconnectsystem.com/3030welcome
Prep Comms Network – https://founders.prepcomms.com

73 y'all & God Bless.
— Caleb Nelson K4CDN

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 simple steps to use them correctly

• Why practice matters more than equipment

You'll also hear about the new BTech GMRS-50 Pro, the PeliComms ¼-Wave Base Antenna now in stock at PrepComms.shop, and the launch of the Prep Comms Network — a private members-only group for real-world radio users who want to keep learning together, solve problems, and stay connected without the noise of social media.

Gotta Have Info: www.myGMRS.com 

• Get your GMRS license the easy way: FamilyConnectSystem.com/GMRSLicenseExpress

• Find local GMRS repeaters: MyGMRS.com

• BTech GMRS-50 Pro Base Station: Amazon Listing

• Retevis RA86 GMRS Mobile Radio: Amazon Listing

• Retevis GMRS Base Antenna (7.2 dBi Gain): Amazon Listing

• Nagoya UT-72G Mag-Mount Antenna: Amazon Listing

• PeliComms GMRS ¼-Wave Base Antenna (Made in USA): Shop at Hub City Mercantile

• ZBM2 QP Whip Antenna (use code PREPCOMMS): Product Link

• WilComs Roll-Up J-Pole (MURS/GMRS): Shop Here

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 down:

• Real-world MURS performance from long-term use

• Why antennas matter more than radios (and my trusted picks)

• How MURS compares to FRS, GMRS, CB, and ham radio today

• Who MURS is perfect for—and who should look elsewhere

If you've been wondering whether to add MURS to your comms plan—or keep using it—you'll have the answers after this.

Mentioned in this episode:

• Amazon Storefront (MURS Gear): https://amzn.to/3DKR8Lx

• ZBM2 QP Whip (Use Code: PREPCOMMS): https://zbm2industries.com/products/qp-whip-antenna-thicc

• Ed Fong DBJ-1C Antenna: https://www.kbcubed.com/DBJ-1C-GMRS-MURS-Dual-Band-Base-Antenna-by-Ed-Fong-p406162512

• J-Pole for MURS: https://www.jpole-antenna.com/shop/murs-151-154-mhz-land-mobile-j-pole-antenna

• Centerfire Folded Dipoles: https://centerfire-antenna.square.site/product/folded-dipoles/5

• Centerfire Ground Plane: https://centerfire-antenna.square.site/product/vhf-uhf-tunable-ground-plane-antennas/8

• Comet GP-9 Vertical: https://rwantennastore.com/comet-gp-9nca-gmrs-frs-commercial-dual-band-vhf-uhf-base-vertical-antennas

• Low-Loss Coax: https://amzn.to/40xx47F

• RG8x for shorter runs: https://amzn.to/4m6EuqP

• 30/30 Ham Radio Challenge: https://www.familyconnectsystem.com/3030welcome

• Family Connect System Webinar: https://www.familyconnectsystem.com

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

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 and why, including gear recommendations that Caleb personally uses on his family farm and in mobile scenarios.

Topics Covered:

• Real listener feedback on MURS performance

• The truth about 2 watts and how far it can really go

• VHF vs. UHF performance in rural terrain

• Coax cable explained (RG8X vs LMR-400)

• Legal antenna height and why it matters

• Why MURS is not private—and why that's still okay

Mentioned in this Episode:

• 🧰 Full Gear List (including coax & antennas): https://amzn.to/3DKR8Lx

• 🔧 ZBM2 QP Whip Antenna (use code PREPCOMMS):
  https://zbm2industries.com/products/qp-whip-antenna-thicc?variant=43973159420056&sca_ref=9308031.9dPKBwrMsiK9OlOS

• 🎓 Free Webinar – Build Your Family Comms Plan:
  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

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 that works without any infrastructure. No cell towers, no Wi-Fi. Just radios doing what radios do best.

It's simple, powerful, and way too overlooked. If you're into emergency comms or prepping, APRS should be on your radar. Honestly, it's worth getting your ham license for this feature alone.

Enjoy the throwback—and check out more at prepcomms.com or dig through the full archive at hamradio360.com.

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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

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. Once the rain subsided, we utilized the Simple Pump, though filling the tub beforehand had slipped my mind. We assessed farm damage, surveyed nearby areas, then focused on family, using GMRS almost exclusively. Around day 2, the local club activated the backup 2m repeater.

We quickly learned the importance of organizing supplies, checking on neighbors, and securing water for extended family. Thankfully, AT&T held steady, and Starlink was invaluable. Our generator was essential, though a wiring fix was needed post-storm. By Sunday, life resumed as near-normal, with only brief setbacks. Reports of coax internet still remain down. Fiber proved resilient yet delicate, and Verizon was unreliable. Ultimately, radio communication, though modest in our setup, was a lifeline for many in WNC, showcasing its critical role during a crisis.

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

Water Bob : https://amzn.to/4etzQiB
Ecoflow 2700 : https://amzn.to/4f7OaOR
Starlink (1 mo free for you and me)

In this episode of Prep Comms Podcast, Caleb wraps up his road-trip into the critical role of CB radios for preppers. He addresses a listener question and breaks down the legal implications surrounding unauthorized radio modifications.

Remember your antenna will make or break your communications platform.

thanks for listening and sharing the show, 73-K4CDN

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