Radio-Hobbyist

Here are the three big systems you need to know, how they actually work in a disaster, and exactly where/when to find them. When cell towers are underwater, the internet is dark, and power is gone for weeks, one thing still works: disciplined amateur radio emergency traffic nets. These are not casual ragchews—they are the … Read more

Coast Guard, Maritime, National Guard, and Military Channels This guide combines two critical areas: maritime frequencies monitored by the U.S. Coast Guard (USCG) for sea-based emergencies, and National Guard/military frequencies for land-based disaster preparedness and response. These tap into enthusiast scanning communities, emergency managers, and volunteers alike, paralleling systems like FEMA’s interoperability channels. Whether you’re … Read more

The National Weather Service’s NOAA Weather Radio (NWR) network is the fastest and most reliable way to get life-saving alerts directly from the source—24/7, no internet or cell service required. Readers should also consider reading- The Seven (and Only Seven) NOAA Weather Radio Frequencies All NWR stations in the United States, Canada, and U.S. territories … Read more

When disaster strikes and cell towers, internet, and commercial power fail, two volunteer amateur radio organizations step in to provide the last line of reliable communication for served agencies (Red Cross, FEMA, state/local EOCs, hospitals, etc.): Many hams who belong to both groups usually share the same frequencies and nets in practice. Readers should also … Read more

These two numbers are the most famous QSL sign-off codes in the entire hobby — but what do they actually mean? If you’re new to amateur radio or just monitoring shortwave frequencies, you’ve probably heard operators end their contact with “73” or occasionally “88.” Here’s everything you need to know about 73 and 88 in … Read more