@baneverything5580
I got stranded in 1998 during an ice storm below a hill at our fishing camp on Christmas day after checking catfish nets. I found an old Cobra CB radio from the 70s in a shed and a mobile antenna with a magnet and shoved it up onto the tin roof and used the truck battery. I had no idea if the radio was transmitting but I called all day for help. Around 4 pm a guy with a 4WD answered and brought me smoked turkey, bread, beer and smokes.
@abetterfuture4787
"If you're not licensed, it's hard to practice these things, and the time to learn is not during the emergency" (Paraphrased) A very good point that I've never considered. Will make a point to do that in 2025.
@spectrrr3
A tip I use with ALL my radios not In use (but especially the Baofengs), is to put a small peice of paper between the battery and the contacts. Stored ready to go, never have to separate the radio and battery, and all i need to do is quickly pop the battery and let the paper fall out. Charged battery every time, no surprizes.
@ashevilleronin
I'm here in Asheville. My Suburban, my prepping, guns and ammo came through BUT I was just dipping my toes into the comms water and this happened. I had a Baofeng UV- 5R on the fly without playing with it. I really felt what you said about a radio 'sitting in a box.' Love your channel man. Thanks from a retired military dude-
@MicajahMcCurry
Asheville res here. Coordinated a chinook drop with a uv-5r in a remote gorge 🙋♂️
@SparkyTom1
K2DGM was a rock star! Good on him for saying he didn't care if people had a license or not in this emergency situation. A VFW club just used their club number as their call sign to arrange water with their pre-programmed radio.
@BlueRidgeRider
I’m brand new. I’m outside Asheville. The worst part for us was not being able to tell anyone we were still alive. I ordered a couple of Baofengs and a study guide from Amazon. Unfortunately, Amazon hasn’t delivered anything in two weeks. You presented a lot of information. My goal is to learn what I need to know for the next one. And there will be a next one. Thanks for sharing this.
@vonheimlerstrudel
I have no idea how this video ended up in my feed. I love it. I subscribed. This might just be my new favorite channel. Thank you.
@sonyaserrano5839
South Carolina here! I’m a complete newbie to the radio stuff, spent some years in the military but this wasn’t my expertise. Hands down, this is one of the most videos on YT about how to prepare yourself, family, and friends in an emergency! Great video and thanks for sharing!!
@BryanFussell
I got my tech license several ears ago and I'm embarrassed to say did nothing with it. I have never been on air one time. This disaster has been the kick in the behind I need to do something about it. Ill go to the local club and get involved and learn what I need. Enjoyed the video.
@justanotheramerican8394
I live in one of the areas affected by the hurricane in north Carolina and your intro was spot on. I was fortunate in that power came back on the same day it went out, but cell service took a week to come back. I realized just how ill prepared I was and how important communication is. I've been studying for the technician and general exam and I'm going to do my best to learn all I can and not be caught off guard next time. Great video!
@crabbyhayes1076
Here in Black Mountain, our electricity, water, and internet/cell services weren't working, BTW, I am about 11 miles from Mt. Mitchell. Fortunately, I have a very old Sony AM/FM Walkman. It works with a single AA battery, which lasts for a long time. Back in the day, AM stations were how we got all of our local news. We also had land lines, which were very reliable. What really helped after this storm hit, was the local iHeart FM stations in Asheville and Greenville, SC, that worked together, interrupting their regular programming to bring us real-time news, and taking phone calls from the local residents who had service. Their actions were truly heroic - thank you so much. We also came together as a community - exchanging information and helping us to know what was happening. As a result, we were able to help each other until we were able to find a way out of the area a few days later. I guess the only thing I want the next time is a better radio - giving higher quality reception, and maybe even NOAA weather radio (like the Midland units).
@GEAE_Denny_L
I remember while in Vietnam in 1971 serving in the Army no phones, internet, or cell phones the one time I could call back home was MARS. Government was utilizing civilian Ham radio operators by some method called MARS which we could make a 5 minute call. After each sentence my family and I had to say “Over”, to let the operators know when to work their magic !!
@seansolina895
Dude...the brass tacks, practical knowledge this guy has...amazing. My new American Idol.
@lilblackduc7312
I can appreciate an "Electronics Junkie" because I've been one for decades. You sir, are a winner!!! Thank you...🇺🇸 👍☕
@OzBoss420
First time viewer, EVERYONE NEEDS TO WATCH THIS VIDEO! Very impressed!
@EvanK2EJT
I put links to the vast majority of the stuff I talked about in the video description. If you see something I didn't link in the video, let me know and I'll find it for you
@averageguyyoga5638
Ive watched many hours of HAM content and this is by far the best breakdown for newbies. Thank you for your time and for providing ego free content that is clear concise and helpful.
@AA0Z
Great video evan. Your comments about knowing what bands to use when is spot on. I've known hams who have been licensed for 30 years, make regular HF contacts and still don't know when to use 20 M vs 40 m when trying to make a contact with a specific operator in the world. Just turning on the radio and listening throughout the day gives you a sense on where the bands are open based on the time of day.
@EvanK2EJT