Blog

This kit includes:

• IMG/CSV file for chirp software to program (push memory channels to your radio)
• Recommended Radio
• Recommended Antenna
• Recommended Programming Software
• Recommended Programming Cable.
• Instructions on programming your radio (Written and video instructions).
• Instructions for using your Radio (written and video instructions).
• Recommended Frequencies for your “group/team” – licensed and non-licensed frequencies
• Recommended accessories to help you use your radio (especially after an emergency event).
• Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
• Thank you! next steps

To BUY this kit, please venmo me $20 (or $10 of crypto assets) and I’ll send you the link to download the ebook.

venmo: see venmo screenshot below (scan QR code or search for @Thomas )

Please include your SMS or email address when you send funds, so I can send you the ebook.

FORWARD

This quickstart kit will help you quickly start using your radio to communicate with your team/group even during an emergency.

This communication medium can not be taken down due to “policy”/deplatformed like Facebook, twitter etc, loss of electricity or fragile cellular/communications infrastructure. 

I’ve personally used radios in several emergencies. Fires, floods & wilderness adventure “mishaps”. It is comforting to me to have hundreds of people in my neighborhood that have these radios, I’ve donated time/talent to program and train over 300 people in my neighborhood on the use of these radios.

In my town, we have hundreds of licensed HAM radio operators. Which has been helpful during fires & floods. However, with the wuflu (AKA CONvid 19) we can not have licensed operators “shadow” our neighborhood leaders, so we devised a plan to train non-licensed persons and have them use frequencies that don’t require licenses.

The main philosophy of use (POU) of this KIT is neighborhood groups getting together to help each other out during an emergency. Other POU would be wilderness adventures where cells do not work.

10-20 miles is common in line-of-sight/simplex mode. If you need further reach, I recommend getting a HAM radio license and learning to use repeaters. Often repeaters have battery backups or can be restored operationally quickly with improvised field methods.

Upcoming free workshop with Larry Mudgett of Marksmanship Matters

SIGNUP FOR FREE WORKSHOP:

Workshop Agenda:

The history of societal breakdowns 

What are the events which could cause Americans to be self sufficient for an extended period of time.

Prioritizing logistics:
What should I stock (store) first 
How much do I really need?
For how long? 
Organizing with neighbors 
What are the essential skills I should acquire
Who else can we count on?

Articles and books spoken of during the workshop:

• Principles of Personal Defense Jeff Cooper https://amzn.to/2Kd4gNx
• http://www.marksmanshipmatters.com/red-flag-laws-speech-by-larry-mudgett/
• http://www.marksmanshipmatters.com/articles/why-surrender-is-never-an-option/

QUESTIONS:

Q: Are you willing to give them same presentation to our neighborhood? If so, how many do you need registered?
A: Yes, 20-40 people is ideal.

Q: How can we build our community to be prepared for long term violent response?
A: Get professional firearms training, you will meet amazing people that are good, responsible. Ideal is to get many of your neighbors trained by MarksmanshipMatters

I’ve done a lot of research and testing on Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) for Motorcycle riding and I wanted to share what I’ve learned.

What has been the most frustrating part of PPE is buying a sub-par product and then later having that sub-par money go to waste. Cry once, but love the gear once you’ve mostly forgotten the high cost of a quality/near-lifetime product.

Generally, I have absolutely loved all the klim gear I’ve purchased!

LESSONS LEARNED:

1. Boots, I bought $100 boots from cyclegear because I told the clerks I’m old and I don’t ride aggressively. My first set of boots lasted 3-4 rides and I rip’d the sole off the boots. Cyclegear was awesome and let me exchange them for a new set, which didn’t last long. So, I went back and after a lot of research got the alpinestars tech7 enduro. At over $350, I questioned if I really could justify such expensive MC boots. Well, after several years and hundreds of prevented broken bones, I LOVE my tech7 and feel they are worth every penny.
   1. My son broke a toe on some cheapo boots. Cost him a week off of work!
   2. A friend of mine broke his leg about 5pm and we didn’t get him to the hospital until 10pm. He had sub-par boots! After the broken leg, it was very clear he had the wrong boots.
2. I bought the ARC battle born jacket and pants. Jack’d up the zipper and replaced them and then returned them after a warranty exchange. I would NOT get the ARC pants. Even the jacket, which I liked for years is just too freaking hot unless its winter time.
3. $30 knee protection. After so many close calls and even limping from sprained knees I FINALLY found a solution for knee protection! I will cover those under recommended gear! It just didn’t seem right. $350 boots, $600 helmet, $700 airbag vest…and $30 knee protection. I’m so glad I pondered it and could proactively see the costs of a knee injury and bought one of THE best knee protections available (cost is no object, I want THE best).
4. Blit mesh jacket, I’ve had one and lent it out to many friends to use on rides. My buddy bought one and on the Idaho BDR messed up his shoulder, which impacted his sleep and our ability to ride the trails we wanted to ride. I wish we’d both had the klim jacket, that held the shoulder pads in the correct place. The shoulder pad did him no good because it shifted out of the way!
5. $40 rain pants, shredded in 2 of 3 days of rain. Almost worthless. Once they started to rip, they flap’d in the wind and I finally started cutting a little off until it was up to my knee!

Recommended Gear

Much of this gear I use for dual-sport AND adventure motorcycling.

BOOTS: Alpine Starts tech7 or tech10! Tech7 are some of the most comfortable MC boots. VERY broken in and they still squeak. My tech7 has prevented hundreds of broken bones in my foot/ankle and lower leg! I’ve limped for a week after a wreck, but my boots saved me from breaking. I’ve had my bike trap my foot, but no pain. Water resistent to me, means it does NOT breath well. But I’ve suffered in wet/cold boots for many days and it is NOT fun. I will have some goretex boots before I head to Alaska summer 2021.

JACKET: Unless it is winter, I’m always HOT. So I purchased the KLIM Baja S4. S4 is stretch 4 directions and most of the jacket is mesh. https://amzn.to/2GXqfpP
I finally figured out, MESH for everything because I run “hot” and if it is cold, then use a rain jacket/pants over the mesh jacket/pants!
https://amzn.to/2Ifb7Vz (Klim Enduro s4 pants!) The s4 pants seems almost “Thomas proof” and they stretch over my size 13 boots and I can put them on without removing my motorcycle boots!

My crf1000l blocks so much wind, that in the summer time I cook! I have to stand up to get any air flow, which is awesome when its cold! I plan to get a smaller windscreen that I can adjust up/down.

Mesh armored shirt!: OMG, I love this shirt for off road adventures! It has similar to d30 molecular armor that softens. This is one of my all time fav PPE! https://www.rockymountainatvmc.com/riding-gear/moose-racing-xc1-body-armor-p. (Dual sport only – not adventure/street)

PANTS: Mesh for normal riding and rain gear to block the wind when its cold/wet. I looked at the Baja s4 pants, but I did not like the zippered pocket, so I went with Mojave mesh. https://amzn.to/30Vlft3 I have several versions of Mojave pants. Inside the boot, outside the boots. Inside the boots does NOT have pockets for d3o molecular armor in the hips.

For colder days, the KLIM Dakar Pant https://amzn.to/30TrIVj

If I was starting over with pants, I think I’d do the Baja s4 because the material is so strong/tough, yet mesh. If it is 72 degrees and sunny, I want MESH! If it is below 50 degrees, I’ll put on rain pants/jacket to block the wind.

Airbag vest:

I’ve watched videos of someone hitting a dirt wall at about 70 mph and the best saving his “neck”. I purchased the helite turtle 2 vest > https://amzn.to/34OCRba

If I was doing this again, I think I’d buy the Klim (so long as I could use it off road and the bouncing didn’t trigger the airbag. But you got to pay a subscription, ensure the battery gets charged. https://amzn.to/33MvnpL

Do you forget to tether to the bike, or does the high-tech mess you up, including dead battery?

Having the airbag vest, has made it possible for my wife to greenlight my road adventures, before that it was solely off road adventures.

ADVTIP: I put my airbag vest over my seat at night in case it rains!

HYDRATION PACK!
You MUST have a hydration bag, this is likely your most important PPE!
Here are my two fav hydration items:
CamelBak H.A.W.G. LR 20 Hydration Pack

Source Hydration Bladder WXP

If you like the idea of refilling your bladder without removing it from your pack, I suggest one of these: Source Tactical Universal Tube Adapter for Hydration Systems

HELMET: Arai XD4 Helmet

I must say, I’ve really enjoyed my xd4 the past 6+ months. However, if I was buying again, I’d get a lighter helmet! https://www.klim.com/Krios-Pro-Helmet-ECE-DOT-3610-000

5 days of 10 hours a day, you will pay whatever it takes to have a lighter helmet!

KNEE PROTECTION:

OMG, to me knees are fragile and oh so painful after injury. I ran cross country in high school and I’ve suffered since then with knee pain.
TODAY, was my first ride with, what I believe to be the best knee protection and just as good a custom medical device. I road for 4 hours straight on road and dirt trails that were challenging (climbs/decent/ river crossings, extremely loose) and the Carbon Cell performed excellently. I forgot I had them except a few times when I was like, I can’t believe how comfortable these knee braces are!

Asterisk Carbon Cell is lightweight, non-bulky, provides extreme impact and twisting protection. Not over extending and having a tether to your boots so the twisting is drastically reduced is priceless.

What I love about the Carbon Cell knee brace

• comfortable! otherwise I may not wear it all the time!
  • I took it out of the box, put it on and went for a ride..for 4 hours. No micro-adjusting for hours.
  • non-bulky
  • lightweight.
• protects from knee twisting and injury!
• protects against impact
• Does not feel like an upside down turkey, trying to squeeze my gas tank.

KNEE BRACE RESOURCES:

• https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Tya_CZ6uSHM&ab_channel=SwapmotoLive
• https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_sy7ZHABwIE&ab_channel=RockyMountainATVMC
• How to install the anti-rotational boot tether to reduce injury from twisting. https://vimeo.com/103764036

BE PROACTIVE, BUY KNEE PROTECTION BEFORE YOU ARE INJURED, NOT AFTER!

Do you really think those $30 knee pads are going to save you!?

GLOVES:

WIP – I’m still searching for gloves that I like. I think buying a summer set and a winter set is the way to go. Likely will be klim!

NECK GATORs:

Keep the sun off your neck, soak it in a river/lake for cooling! Here is my fav: https://touratech-usa.com/store/Backcountry-Discovery-Routes-Balaclava

For winter, my all time fav winter gator: https://www.cyclegear.com/gear/freeze-out-warmr-balaclava?sku_id=1331087

Don’t be tempted and buy something other than freeze-out, they block the wind so well and you can wear them in so many different configurations.

EYE PROTECTION:

You MUST protect your eyes! I’ve had several close calls of going into trees with deadly sharp branches. One of my friends had a branch go into his head, resulting in a very life threatening injury!

I hate the goggles, they always slip down my nose when doing aggressive downhill.

Unless its super dusty, I don’t wear the typical MC goggles.

Motorcycle Riding Glasses Black Frame is my fav.

One is none, two is one!

Given limited size & weight on motorcycles, there is almost no gear that I have two of except two lighters, two sunglasses, two headlights & two pairs of gloves.

I’ve really been loving this headlamp: https://amzn.to/3dh0VqW I like that it is re-chargable, is freak’n bright. I think if your bike doesn’t have a headlight, you could use this off road at night and be ok. If anyone has ideas on how to get it to attach to a helmet let me know. After a crash or broke down bike, having the red flashing lights would be super beneficial.

Everyone realizes that communication is important for communities…especially during an emergency event like a fire/flood.

Being able to communicate/coordinate instantly with a small/large group is a huge advantage to resolve problems and assist neighbors that are suffering after an emergency event.

Cellular networks are often damaged by natural or man-made disasters. They are also shut off in certain threat scenarios. Many cellular networks are over whelmed at conferences, let alone during an emergency.

I HIGHLY suggest you get radio equipment and practice it weekly. When you are stressed or low on sleep etc is NOT the time to sort out radio communications!

BUY MY RADIO QUICK START KIT

IMO there should be a “work group frequency (Freq)” and a “leadership” freq. Frequent “radio nets” to test/validate the radios and train new persons before an emergency event.

Please contact me if I can help you program a radio!

Here are my ham radio blog articles:
https://libertyfoxdefense.com/?s=ham

There are frequencies you can use w/o a license! Our stake/neighborhood we have a non-ham freq for non-licensed persons to use and a “leadership freq” which requires a ham radio license.

We also have a radio for all church leaders, 3 per ward.

SUGGESTED RADIO:
https://amzn.to/3iSMFWL
&
https://amzn.to/30ZdX7z

With this antenna:
https://signalstuff.com/product/super-elastic-signal-stick-sma-female/  (SMA female for the uv5r & get the 2 meter 70cm & spacer is suggested).

This antenna increases your radios performance drastically.

Becoming a Licensed HAM radio operator can be done for under $20 and under 10 hours of study. This license is good for 10 years.
To learn the material and find a testing location, please see: https://hamstudy.org/tech2018

If I can be of assistance to get you and your radio squared away, please contact me.

RESOURCES:

quick-how-to for stake:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HUiuDe4vEqM&t=3s

https://docs.google.com/document/d/1n9Qn44TeHNqnLTe6A2odoROtaXSqNuU6r7dArpQmNro/edit?usp=sharing

https://docs.google.com/document/d/1Y6tH2CEboohipez9nq55YG9HlLGbSDtpadwsgrUqzr4/edit?usp=sharing

ITS article – best kept radio secret (murs)

RECOMMENDED ACCESSORIES

https://signalstuff.com/product/super-elastic-signal-stick-sma-female/  (SMA female for the uv5r).

https://amzn.to/3hJWJRv LIVIQILY 1000D Nylon Outdoor Tactical Pouch Sports Pendant Military Molle Radio Walkie Talkie Holder Bag Hunting Magazine Pouches Pocket

https://amzn.to/3iGOPJK KS K-STORM Covert Acoustic Tube Walkie Talkie Earpiece Headset with Mic for 2 Pin Kenwood Two Way Radio, PU Material, Black (Kenwood)

https://amzn.to/3c2ueNo 6xAA Battery Case Shell Black for Two Way Radio for Baofeng UV-5R UV-5RE Plus

https://amzn.to/2RtuFae ExpertPower Baofeng UV-5R Extended True Capacity Battery (Model: BL-5L, 3800 mAh, Black) DM-5R

https://amzn.to/3koP64o Baofeng 2.5mm USB Charger Cable with Indicator Light for BaoFeng UV-5R 3800mAh BL-5L High Capacity Battery

Programming cable that works with MAC/OSX!
https://amzn.to/2SboZly

FAQ:

Q: What are common non-licensed frequencies?
A: see this sheet https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1KK64VAipFLsRklW6vPJZMWSofjxo3NEkXX8ANSxgxB8/edit?usp=sharing

Q: What is the quickest/most efficient way to get my Radio License?
A: http://hamstudy.org/ (do NOT sign-up for a Saturday, they will read you the questions and waste your time).

Q: Can I take my ham radio test online?
A: Yes, you can take it in person or online, see http://hamstudy.org
bring TWO forms of ID to the test.

Q: Approx. how much does the test cost?
A: Usually under $15

Q: How long is my license good for?
A: 10 years

Q: How can I protect my SSN when signup up with the FCC?
A: https://www.fcc.gov/wireless/support/universal-licensing-system-uls-resources/getting-fcc-registration-number-frn

Q: How would I manually enter a frequency?
A: Hit the orange VFO/MR button (assuming the radio is unlocked (see blue lock key on the bottom right of the keypad). Once in VFO/MR mode, you can enter the freq you want. To get back to the programmed channels, hit teh VFO/MR button again.

Q:How do I toggle from the top to the bottom in order to transmit?
A: ensure the radio is unlocked, and hit the A/B button, you’ll see the indicator move. Please do NOT transmit on a ham freq unless you have a license.

Q: Where does it say the FCC allows MURs frequency to be used by unlicensed Persons?
A: https://www.fcc.gov/wireless/bureau-divisions/mobility-division/multi-use-radio-service-murs

Q: How do I find local repeaters and local HAM geeks to help me?
A: I would google: HAM RADIO REPEATERS UTAH
http://utahvhfs.org/rptr.html
If you are licensed, get on a repeater near you and ask for help. Another way is to find Members of the Church (maps.lds.org) and they usually have someone called to be the radio specialist.

Q: How do you choose a frequency to use for your buddy network/family?
A: Assuming they are all licensed hams, find a frequency in the 440 band that is not used in your area.

Q: How do you learn how to operate the radio?
A: You watch my video above and read my blog articles & PRACTICE

Q: Can you hear fire/police on uv5r radios?
A: Not anymore as most police have gone to digital frequencies

Q: Why do I want my radio programmed?
A: So you have local frequencies as memory channels you can just toggle to and not have to enter them manually. This is especially important for repeaters because they have offsets and tones which is very difficult to program on the uv5r unless you have chirp and a programming cable; then it is pretty easy.

Q: Should I worry and be consumed with EMP?
A: If we have an EMP, you’ll have much bigger problems than a radio not working. Once you start down the path of EMP, forever will you be! You can buy mil-spec anti-EMP bags. I hear storing in ammo cans helps too.

Q: How should I store my radio for long term storage?
A: I suggest you separate your battery and flip it over so its near by so the radio doesn’t drain your battery. Even stored with the battery out, you should charge is 2-3 times a year.

Q: Thomas programmed my radio for me and it mostly has Utah Frequencies. If I’m out of state or I move, can I still use this radio?
A: Yes, you’ll want to find a local ham geek to re-program your radio or google them and put them into chirp.

Q: Does the type and length of antenna matter?
A: absolutely, the antenna is the most important part of the radio for performance.

Q: What is “Net control” for a busy busy frequency during an emergency?
A: Net control coordinates who can transmit when there are hundreds of operators on the same frequency. Its a human that follows protocols for organizing “traffic”.

Q: What are all these frequencies Thomas programmed into my radio?
A: They all have a short alphanumeric that will remind you what it is. I don’t know what all the memory channels are, but I get reminded when I see the text on the A/B. Instead of stressing on all the freq, get one you use with your family and the local ERC freq for your town. This is also in my google sheet >

My family and I offer a bed & breakfast for Marksmanship Matters students ONLY.

$75 a night includes continental breakfast.

BENEFITS:

• 2nd master bedroom with its own bathroom
• queen bed
• Fridge
• wifi
• bedroom wall mounted TV
• keypad entrance separate from main house entrance
  

REQUIREMENTS:

• This Bed & breakfast is ONLY for MM students!
  • Its easy to confirm you are a MM student 🙂

RESERVE YOUR Bed & breakfast for MM classes

AVAILABLE UPON REQUEST: (no-charge, but donations/tips accepted)
* access to laundry
* secure storage
* MM instructor for dry practice
* MM Armorer
* spare gun & gear
* sun shade
* Chairs for MM class
* Massage Chair
* RV overflow (extra beds & extra kitchen)
* We are preppers, we likely have something you need, just ask.

Eagle Suite (room1)

Single Bed Bedroom (room 2)

Upon request, we can accommodate two single beds in a private room that has a private bathroom.

RV Overflow (room 3)

has two queen beds, kitchen, fridge — please use house shower though.

TESTIMONIALS:

I stayed with Thomas, Karen and all the kids for 9 or 10 days in 2016 while taking a Marksmanship Matters class and really enjoyed it. I was a bit apprehensive, I’m not very outgoing until I know someone and don’t like to put people out. Over email and a couple of phone calls about a holster and mag pouch I was having made I became comfortable with him and went for it. Very glad I did, it was an enjoyable time

I stayed in the second master, big room, big bed and a nice private bath, nice accommodations. I thoroughly enjoyed the stay and because of staying with Thomas, during the week I was invited to dinner with him, Larry and some of their friends one evening, meet Thomas at Adobe for lunch one day, also went out shooting with Thomas and Todd one evening. Karen and Thomas were great host, very open and friendly and went out of their way to insure I was comfortable and taken care off without being intrusive. I really enjoyed the stay with them and would not hesitate to do so again.

Karen made monkey bread, don’t know if that’s what she called it (a Cinnamon pull-a-part bread), she gave me the recipe and my wife now makes it for me. While not as good as Larry’s training, it was a nice bonus for the trip.

Bob H

______________________________________________

I ordered Durabak because it came in the grey I wanted. You can also buy in smooth, which I wanted to a glossy finish.

The light grey is almost white, but I kind of wanted white anyway. Just not tacticool as I wanted.

FIXING THE FOLLOWING:

• rust near the windshield on the roof
• gravel scratches front left of bed
• gravel scratches right of tail gate
• large dent from friend borrowing trailer and truck and jack-knife’d
• tailgate scratches from Motorcycles

SUPPLIES:

• Body Armor Bumper > https://amzn.to/3geBYwY
• Durabak 18 smooth light grey > https://amzn.to/3hEXo6V
• Paint Rollers (way better than foam, that came off into the paint on the tacoma > https://amzn.to/2CPnDZD
• painters tape > https://amzn.to/32Tcku9
• POR 15 for fixing rust > https://amzn.to/2X0WCJH
• 3m badge glue
• buy the most expensive painters tape possible! It is worth every penny!

Removing and re-adding name badges/name plates was easy with the correct string and cutting the badges off during the hottest part of the day.

SUMMARY: Its hard to understand how much work this is. Removing EVERYTHING, like spash guards, wheel wells, lights, t-cover…bumpers!

My wife helped with most of the masking and painting. I did everything else. Take your man-pills, cuz the first time you sand your truck…its a big gulp.

We painted it in 3 big sessions.

• tailgate & bed
• door jambs (the WORST, this is why people spray their cars!).
• roof/outside of doors, front side panels & hood.

I REALLY wish durabak had sent me the correct grey. I wanted to match the toyota wet concrete (which is about middle grey). I ordered light grey and its almost white!

Those that have seen the finished product, have a hard time believing a newbie like me could pull this off. Especially rollering the paint on.

I got 2 gallons and 2 quarts. AFTER the project I still have a 1.3 gallons left. If I’d sprayed it, I would have easily used two gallons.

COSTS:

I figured about $400 in paint and paint supplies. $600 rear bumper. Call it $1000. 40 hours of work. The cost difference between insurance money. I was making about $22 an hour. But in the end, I have a pretty awesome/rugged paint job and rear bumper to protect my truck from “distracted drivers”.

My wife made me promise to NEVER do another car. I agree, I will gladly pay a shop $5000-7000 to bedliner my entire vehicle. I HOPE I never need to do another one. It’d have to be a major wreck or Toyota finally comes out with a USA Tundra Diesel.

My 2017 Africa Twin came with Heed Crash bars. I really like them and I’ve dropped my bike without damaging my bike. I like how they cover the upper part of the bike too.

My first adventure on my Africa Twin I learned quickly that I need a better skid plate/bash plate.

At first I thought I’d just do gravel roads, but getting lost and “off trail” I really dented my exhaust, which is not even covered by the factory skid plate! I think the factory skid plate is made out of aluminum….foil.

After taking Fran’s “Dual Sport training class“, I KNEW I wanted to do more with my crf1000l than hit fire roads. Fran gave me the confidence to conquer rivers, steep climbs and loose mountain trails/roads.

Home

One benefit to training with Fran, is clients can order SW Motech and a few other vendors with a large discount!

I found this article that gave me the confidence to “fit the sw motech skid plate to my Heed Crash bars”: https://www.africatwinforum.com/threads/heed-crash-bars-and-sw-motech-skid-plate.30665/

It took me 6 cuts to get it fit’d. If I’d had these photos, I think I could have done it in 2 cuts. I suggest a jig-saw and sanding wheel. I have access to saws all, angle grinder with cut-off wheel, but the jig saw with fine toothed blade was perfect!

NOTE: You do NOT need to take off the SW motech center stand in order to put your skid plate on!

PROTIPS:

• Do NOT have the cut part rub on the HEEDs crash bar!
• Also, once proven fit’d correctly, I suggest you knock the sharp edge off with a sanding wheel or dremel with a sanding wheel.
• locktite thread locker all bolts!

If it has overheating issues, after blue engine ice, I will use a step-bit to make a few small holes.

Hey, I’m on the “cover” of Everide’s Youtube video! We Crash, we heal!

We Crash. We heal! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GYVNYVktcb4

A major tactical advantage is radio comms!

It can also be a force multiplier for or against you and your neighborhood.

Being able to communicate/coordinate instantly with a small/large group is a tactical advantage to resolve a problem be it resolve violence, or flood/fire.

Cellular networks are often damaged by natural or man-made disasters. They are also shut off in certain threat scenarios. Many cellular networks are over whelmed at conferences, let alone during an emergency.

I HIGHLY suggest you get radio equipment and practice it weekly. When you are stressed, under attack, low on sleep etc is NOT the time to sort out radio comms!

IMO there should be a “work group frequency (Freq)” and a “leadership” freq. With intervals of “checkins”. Under normal conditions, weekly “net” to test the radios and train new users.

Under high risk scenarios, checkin every 30 minutes or as needed.

Why has Thomas been doing free preparedness workshops for 10 years?

Why has Thomas programmed over 300 radios for his friends/family/neighbors?

BECAUSE we are on the same team and I want my team to be trained and ready…for life.

Be that fires, floods, or mobs. We’ve had several fires and one big flood. Even if mobs are low probability, the impact is very large! Thus we mitigate the risk of mobs/violent attacks.

Please see nutnfancy’s “high probability of armed conflict” > https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zXDhyqer0Ck

Those neighborhoods that react quickly and repel mobs/thugs do much better than those that don’t. Once monsters have taken over your neighborhood its too late to repel them. 

Please contact me if I can help you program a radio!

Here are my ham radio blog articles:
https://libertyfoxdefense.com/?s=ham

There are freq you can use w/o a license! Our stake/neighborhood we have a non-ham freq for non-licensed persons to use and then the “leadership freq” is a ham freq. Which requires a ham license.

We also have a radio for all church leaders, 3 per ward.

Many of you have large preparedness budgets. Even if that is the case, I still recommend this radio.  

https://amzn.to/3eoJow0

With this antenna:

https://signalstuff.com/product/super-elastic-signal-stick-sma-female/  (SMA female for the uv5r).

This antenna turns your $25 radio into a $150 radio!  Once its programmed by me, for free, its a $400 radio.

This is a great “pretraining discussion around radio comms”

https://www.brighteon.com/05989982-0106-4580-b6ce-6251257ff135

If I can be of assistance to get you and your radio squared away, please contact me.

RESOURCES:

ITS article – best kept radio secret (murs)

quick-how-to for stake:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HUiuDe4vEqM&t=3s

https://docs.google.com/document/d/1n9Qn44TeHNqnLTe6A2odoROtaXSqNuU6r7dArpQmNro/edit?usp=sharing

https://docs.google.com/document/d/1Y6tH2CEboohipez9nq55YG9HlLGbSDtpadwsgrUqzr4/edit?usp=sharing

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DISCLAIMER: I do NOT recommend you put the wrong cartridge in your firearm! If you do so, you risk your own safety and are personally responsible.

My motorcycle gun is a sig p320 in .357 sig. I want to be ready for a venomous snake while on my motorcycle trips/adventures. All non-venomous snakes get a pass, cuz they compete with venomous snakes and I’d really like to ensure me, my kids/family and pets/livestock do not get bit by a venomous snake.

SEE ALSO: improvised 10mm snakeshot for a woods gun

I tried to buy some shotshell (snake shot) for my 357 sig, but could not find any.

I tried a SW 40 shotshell, but it would not chamber in my 357 sig chamber.

Last night had I had a crazy idea to try 9mm shotshell, yes, it fit “mostly” in the chamber and the slide would fully close.

So, this morning I tested two 9mm shotshells in my 357 sig chamber.

First would not fire, so I tap-rack-flip’d (type1 malfunction drill) and the 2nd shotshell fired, but failed to eject (FTE). I was concerned I’d have to pound it out, but, type1 response fixed it. Looking at the failure-to-fire (FTF) I could see a light primer strike.

FTE is VERY common with shotshell loads because it doesn’t have the pressure to cycle the gun fully. Making a non-factory 357 sig would be very difficult – the ultimate snake load would be a 10mm magnum sized several times so it would fit. Include the smallest .380 “ball” and fill the rest with #4 or #6 shot(testing would be needed, it is possible the larger shot would spin in a rifled barrel and thus a #9-#10 might perform better).

I took a step back and tried another target with the first shotshell and it fired.

My plan is to have three hollow points–1 HP in chamber, 2 more HP in mag, followed by a shotshell. On my motorcycle I don’t carry a spare mag, or I could do a “select snake tactical reload”.

Here are the photos of the targets and the blown out casings.