The Baofeng UV-5R and its derivatives are maybe essentially the most prolific handheld radios in use in the present day as a consequence of their simplicity, versatility, and low value. In a SHTF or grid-down state of affairs, a Baofeng could also be one of many few broadly out there communication instruments. The Guerilla Information is written for all ranges of expertise, utilizing methods taught to particular operations personnel, however with the top person in thoughts.
The 411
The information consists of seven chapters and three appendices. Subjects embody discipline programming, improvised antennas, operation, and communications safety.
Chapter one begins with an introduction to the Baofeng radio and its capabilities and continues with communications fundamentals and the three roles of communication: sustainment, tactical, and clandestine/strategic. The creator explains that the Baofeng operates as a dual-band radio, transmitting in VHF and UHF, and that each bands have their very own professionals and cons.
In chapter two, capabilities and discipline programming, the creator goes over frequency and reminiscence modes. Bear in mind: All information that you simply enter into your radio is doubtlessly exploitable. The creator provides real-life examples of this from his service abroad, stating, “Each Taliban member with a radio in Afghanistan grew to become a goal for us.” Any radio captured was given to the Alerts Intelligence (SIGINT) officer to go looking the reminiscence and analyze their communication protocols. In brief, “Don’t, below any circumstances, program the reminiscence of a radio you propose on utilizing for tactical or clandestine functions.”
One other professional tip by the creator is “Lock that keypad!” Whereas conducting night time coaching, a squad chief had an unlocked keypad that resulted in him shedding his frequency when his radio shifted on his gear. Now, in the dead of night, with misplaced comms, an train that was going easily rapidly went south.
Chapter 5 on the development of improvised discipline antennae is extraordinarily worthwhile data, as many individuals suppose the radio vary is fastened at a sure distance. The creator breaks it down in order that anybody can study the essential ideas of antennae in an improvised setting. Probably the most essential and infrequently missed ingredient whereas utilizing the Baofeng — or another radio — is the antenna. In lots of circumstances, it’s extra essential than the radio itself.
Relating to “how a lot vary does it have,” radio principle needs to be understood. In layperson’s phrases, three components are concerned: the working setting, the obstacles between you and the meant receiver, and the effectivity of your antenna. The creator retains the technical information to a minimal so anybody can grasp the fundamentals and goes into element on the pluses and minuses of various antenna sorts.
The chapter on communications operations stresses particular concerns for the three forms of communications. Failure to know this precept is essentially the most devastating failure of communication safety (COMSEC). The Baofeng radio can save your life or get you killed if utilized in an undisciplined means. When utilizing the Baofeng in a tactical function, hold transmissions brief, use codewords, and at all times function with separate obtain and transmit frequencies.
Chapter seven covers the distinction between encoding and encryption. Because the Baofeng has no built-in encoding or encryption capabilities, the creator goes over transposing a message right into a code, aka encoding. This may be carried out digitally through software program or manually through pen and paper.
The Verdict
I like to recommend this information to anybody trying to get their comms recreation so as. It is a useful information to the communications world that can assist hold you alive. The Guerilla’s Information to the Baofeng Radio will get you on the trail to communications proficiency very quickly. It’s out there in paperback, and a discipline version that’s spiral-bound and pocket-sized for carrying into the sector can be out there.
The creator’s pen title is NC Scout. He’s a former member of one of many U.S. Army’s Particular Reconnaissance Units and the proprietor of Brushbeater Coaching and Consulting. NC Scout conducts hands-on coaching, and anybody excited by a course in communications in addition to a number of different matters can go to www.brushbeater.org and think about his coaching schedule.
In regards to the E-book
- E-book & Creator: The Guerrilla’s Information to the Baofeng Radio, by NC Scout
- Writer: Independently revealed
- MSRP: $25
- URL: brushbeater.retailer or amazon.com
- Pages: 156
- Score: Thrive |
Survive|Die
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