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PODCAST

Prep Comms

Caleb Nelson (K4CDN), a well-known figure in the ham radio community, was a pioneer in promoting the amateur radio community via audio podcasting. His passion for empowering listeners in all things Ham Radio has led to the creation of the Ham Radio Network, a new platform dedicated to delivering valuable insights and discussions centered on and around communication education and strategies. Introducing Prep Comms Podcast The flagship show of Ham Radio Network, Prep Comms Podcast, will be a beacon

education how to

All Episodes

57:05

Prep Comms 2025 Christmas & Black Friday Special

Prep Comms ·

2025/11/13

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 AM / FM & Weather Vondior NOAA – https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07P7QDJZX Sangean MMR-99 – https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0BWPSGM18 Midland ER10VP –

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29:54

GMRS #4: Now That You've Got the Radios

Prep Comms ·

2025/11/09

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

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27:11

GMRS #3 — Field Reports & Real-World Lessons

Prep Comms ·

2025/10/31

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: • Free GMRS License Express Guide →

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28:39

GMRS: What can it Really Do?

Prep Comms ·

2025/10/24

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 investing in a better antenna might triple your range overnight. Links & Resources: Free GMRS License

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25:06

GMRS — The Family Band That Actually Works

Prep Comms ·

2025/10/16

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 every 15 minutes and at the end. Why certified radios matter (and why new FRS/GMRS combo

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23:14

FRS Mini-Series Finale: Where FRS Fits in Your Family...

Prep Comms ·

2025/09/09

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 thinking in layers — the Cascade Protocol — makes families stronger How National Preparedness Month is

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16:24

FRS Mini-Series: The Gear That Works (and What to Avoid)

Prep Comms ·

2025/09/03

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

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01:00:27

20 Years After Katrina: Remembering Carl (KB5WMY-SK)...

Prep Comms ·

2025/08/29

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

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11:54

FRS: Real-World Family Use Cases

Prep Comms ·

2025/08/26

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

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11:52

What is FRS and Why It Matters

Prep Comms ·

2025/08/19

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

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21:24

Is MURS Still Worth It?

Prep Comms ·

2025/08/13

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

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19:09

What MURS Can’t (and Can) Really Do

Prep Comms ·

2025/08/04

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

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23:14

MURS: 2 Watts, 5 Channels, & Miles of Range

Prep Comms ·

2025/07/29

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

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25:14

MURS: The Underdog That Still Works

Prep Comms ·

2025/07/21

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

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01:09:46

APRS: ALL About It! A HR360 Replay pt.1

Prep Comms ·

2025/06/20

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

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25:59

Hurricane Helene: AAR Upstate SC pt1

Prep Comms ·

2024/11/02

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

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27:08

Hurricane Helene: AAR Upstate SC pt2

Prep Comms ·

2024/11/02

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

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15:58

CB Radio for Preppers pt 4

Prep Comms ·

2024/09/19

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 CB Radio Suggestions Power Supplies Base Stations FREE: CB Radio e-Book Free: PDF of CB Radio Frequencies IMDB top 30 Trucker Films

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20:56

CB Radios for Preppers: pt 3

Prep Comms ·

2024/09/07

Continuing the CB Radio for Preppers and Caleb looks back to his teens and how CB Radio was what lead him to Radio Shack, FM Radio and Ham Radio and eventually Podcasting. CB isn't what it was, but it's a Very Practical Comms Tool you should consider for your preps! Hub City Mercantile is the Offical Show Sponsor of the Prep Comms Podcast! Radiodity Micro CB Radio Antennas and Cables The 11-meter band sits within the **high-frequency (HF)** spectrum, and its properties significantly affect the

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16:21

CB Radio For Preppers pt. 2

Prep Comms ·

2024/09/07

Brought to you by Hub City Mercantile CB (Citizens Band) radio remains a popular communication tool for hobbyists, truckers, and preparedness enthusiasts. Offering a way to connect over short distances without needing a license, CB radios operate on the 11-meter band, a frequency range that holds unique significance. In this episode we get into the practical use of CB's for Preppers (a prepper should had a CB Radio!) as well as a great deal of my past use of the platform (almost 45 years) Free

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