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" marketing

• The difference between throwaway blister packs and quality FRS options

• Caleb's go-to pick for a reliable family radio

This isn't about buying the most expensive radio on the shelf — it's about choosing gear that works when your family needs it.

And with September being National Preparedness Month, there's no better time to make sure your radios are ready.

Want the bigger picture? The Family Connect System webinar replay is available now. Watch here: www.familyconnectsystem.com

Mentioned in this episode:

• BTECH FRS-A1 (Caleb's pick): 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

• Blog recap: hamradionetwork.com/

• 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

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 parks, malls, and campgrounds

• Why short range and lack of privacy don't have to be deal-breakers

FRS may not be perfect, but it works — and when it comes to family connection, that's what matters most.

Learn more in the blog: hamradionetwork.com/blog/frs-realworld Radios mentioned: BTECH FRS-A1 Build your full plan: Family Connect System

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.

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