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

Prep Comms

Release Date: 09/03/2025

GMRS Series #7 — Family Communication Routines, Check-Ins, and What Silence Really Means show art GMRS Series #7 — Family Communication Routines, Check-Ins, and What Silence Really Means

Prep Comms

Most families don’t lose communication because radios fail. They lose it because there’s no routine, no shared rhythm, and no clear understanding of what silence actually means. In this episode, Caleb closes out the GMRS series by walking through how families should actually use radios day to day — how to structure simple check-ins, why calm routines matter more than gear, and how to respond when the radio goes quiet without panic. This episode focuses on habits and decision-making, not technology for technology’s sake. What We Cover Why communication routines matter more than...

info_outline GMRS Series #7 — How Families Actually Communicate on GMRS (and How to Keep It Calm) show art GMRS Series #7 — How Families Actually Communicate on GMRS (and How to Keep It Calm)

Prep Comms

Most families don’t lose communication because the radio fails. They lose it because stress changes how people talk. In this episode, Caleb breaks down how families actually communicate on GMRS — the common mistakes that create confusion, and the simple habits that keep radio traffic calm and clear when it matters. This isn’t about gear. It’s about behavior, clarity, and confidence. What We Cover Why stress breaks radio communication The three most common family communication mistakes How talking too fast and over-explaining kills clarity A simple, repeatable family radio...

info_outline How to Actually Use GMRS as a Family show art How to Actually Use GMRS as a Family

Prep Comms

Most families buy GMRS radios… then realize no one actually knows how to use them when the phones go quiet. This episode fixes that. Today we walk through the simple, practical skills every household needs to use GMRS with confidence: • The 3-button rule • How to choose the right channel group without a chart • How to know if you’re hitting a repeater • What to do when you hear nothing • The 10-second teaching script for non-technical adults • A weekly household radio routine that actually works No programming. No deep tech. Just clear steps any family can follow. Mentioned in...

info_outline GMRS #5: So Many Channels… show art GMRS #5: So Many Channels…

Prep Comms

Most new GMRS users hit the same wall: thirty channels on the screen, all looking equal… but they’re not. Some are full-power. Some are handheld-only. Some can hit repeaters. Some won’t carry your voice past the yard. In this episode, we break down GMRS the way real families actually use it: • The three channel groups that matter • What power limits mean in the real world • Which channels give you real range • Why Channels 8–14 feel so weak • The only three channels your family needs to know • How repeaters actually work on GMRS If you’ve ever wondered why GMRS feels...

info_outline Prep Comms 2025 Christmas & Black Friday Special show art Prep Comms 2025 Christmas & Black Friday Special

Prep Comms

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 BONUS:   AM / FM & Weather Vondior NOAA – Sangean MMR-99 – Midland ER10VP – Midland WR-120 – RCA RCWR7V – Shortwave Tecsun PL880 – Tecsun PL368 – County Comm GP Series – Scanners HomePatrol-2 – BCD436HP – BC355N – CB...

info_outline GMRS #4: Now That You’ve Got the Radios show art GMRS #4: Now That You’ve Got the Radios

Prep Comms

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 ,...

info_outline GMRS #3 — Field Reports & Real-World Lessons show art GMRS #3 — Field Reports & Real-World Lessons

Prep Comms

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 → • @TerminalElement on YouTube → • UHF Yagi Directional Antenna (Prep Comms Store) → Stay Connected: Live Family Connect Webinar...

info_outline GMRS: What can it Really Do? show art GMRS: What can it Really Do?

Prep Comms

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: →  → Thursdays 7 PM ET | Replay Fri–Mon →  → @PrepComms Recommended Gear: →  ...

info_outline GMRS — The Family Band That Actually Works show art GMRS — The Family Band That Actually Works

Prep Comms

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 handhelds aren’t sold anymore). Links & resources: Free: Read: Vetted Gear:...

info_outline FRS Mini-Series Finale: Where FRS Fits in Your Family Communication Plan show art FRS Mini-Series Finale: Where FRS Fits in Your Family Communication Plan

Prep Comms

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 the right time to move from gear to plan FRS is a tool worth having, and combined with...

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More Episodes

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: