This Year’s Show: Smart Gear. Real Readiness.
Show BONUS: Family Communications Advent Calendar PDF
It’s that time of year again — Black Friday and Christmas.
Sales are everywhere, and like always, some of the best communication gear you can buy is actually on sale.
This episode of the Prep Comms Podcast is a straight talk guide to the gear that works — and the systems that keep your family connected when it matters most.
From AM/FM and weather radios to shortwave, scanners, CB, MURS, FRS, GMRS, and backup power, this year’s list walks through what’s worth your money and what’s proven in the field.
Everything mentioned below is linked for quick access. You’ll find even more trusted recommendations and gear I personally use at: https://amazon.prepcomms.com
AM / FM & Weather Radios
The first step in any home communications setup is staying informed when the power or cell networks fail.
Vondior NOAA Weather Radio – Simple, battery-powered AM/FM/NOAA radio that runs forever on two AA batteries.
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07P7QDJZX
Sangean MMR-99 – Multi-powered emergency radio with Bluetooth, hand crank, solar panel, and clear digital weather reception.
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0BWPSGM18
Midland ER10VP – Compact AM/FM/NOAA radio with flashlight and SOS strobe.
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08SYK7LJT
Midland WR-120 – SAME-alert tabletop weather radio for automatic severe weather alerts.
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00176T9OY
RCA RCWR7V – Small, dependable AM/FM/NOAA receiver perfect for bedrooms or kitchens.
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B09HSTL7JY
Shortwave Radios
Shortwave opens a world of signals — regional, national, and global — that travel beyond the limits of cell towers and the internet.
Tecsun PL880 – High-performance receiver with SSB for serious shortwave listeners.
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00IDM4N5K
Tecsun PL368 – Slim, portable, and ideal for travel or field use.
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08ZY9GTJV
County Comm GP Series Shortwave Radios – Rugged, compact receivers built for emergency monitoring and field work.
https://countycomm.com/collections/radio
Scanners
Scanners let you hear what’s happening around you — from local EMS and fire departments to aviation and weather bands.
Uniden HomePatrol-2 – Touchscreen digital scanner with national coverage and fast setup.
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00JJY6S72
Uniden BCD436HP – Compact, handheld digital scanner.
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00I33XDAK
Uniden BC355N – Affordable analog base or mobile scanner.
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00972M9VK
CB Radios
CB still works — no license, no subscription, just reliability.
Uniden PRO520XL – 40-channel compact CB with strong audio and instant channel 9.
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00004VXNI
Uniden Bearcat 980 SSB – Modern SSB-ready CB with digital display.
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01G610DEY
Galaxy DX-959B – Classic CB with exceptional transmit audio.
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00V8C1N96
Radioddity CB-27 Pro – Compact 40-channel AM/FM CB with VOX and RF boost.
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0B56KST6F
President McKinley AM/SSB CB Radio – Premium-level AM/SSB CB built for serious operators.
https://amzn.to/4nRUcXe
MURS Radios
MURS is a quiet, license-free service ideal for local family or small-team use.
BTECH MURS-V2 – Rugged, USB-C rechargeable handheld with NOAA receive.
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0BS8KW399
Dakota Alert M538 Base Station – Fixed base unit for home or property communication.
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B004K370GA
Retevis RT27V MURS Radios – Durable, easy-to-use handhelds for home, farm, or security.
https://amzn.to/3LJmOEF
WilComms Roll-Up MURS J-Pole Antenna – Compact, field-ready antenna for extending range.
https://prepcomms.shop
More Murs:
https://MURS.prepcomms.com
FRS Radios
Perfect for families and small groups who just need simple communication.
BTECH FRS-A1 2-Pack – Compact, rechargeable radios with flashlight and NOAA.
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0B2X58BJ5
Motorola Talkabout T605 H2O – Waterproof, floating, and ready for outdoor use.
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0CMWBVCB5
GMRS Radios
GMRS bridges everyday simplicity with serious reliability. One family license covers everyone in your household.
BTECH GMRS-V2 – 5-watt handheld, repeater-compatible, USB-C charging.
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B09Z1NJ1M3
BTECH GMRS-50PRO – 50-watt mobile or base unit.
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0DT7KC686
Accessories:
¼-Wave Base Antenna – https://prepcomms.shop
WilComms Roll-Up J-Pole – https://prepcomms.shop
License Guide – https://GMRS.prepcomms.com
Power & Preparedness
When the lights go out, everything else depends on your power backup.
EF ECOFLOW DELTA 2 Power Station (with 2×100W Solar Panels) – Reliable, rechargeable LFP system for radio and household essentials.
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0CHMD99Y4
Honda EU2200i Inverter Generator – Quiet, fuel-efficient, and built to last.
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08YJVDGS1
Ham & Advanced Radios
Ready to go deeper? Ham radio gives you the range and capability that no other service can match.
Favorite Radio: BTECH UV-Pro – Dual-band handheld, simple and dependable.
Best Radio Dealer in USA: https://mtcradio.com
Ham Radio Prep (Code: HAMRADIO360) – Start Learning Today
Join the 30×30 Challenge – https://www.familyconnectsystem.com/3030welcome
Join the Prep Comms Network
The Prep Comms Network is a private training community for families, teams, and small organizations that want to communicate reliably — not someday, but now.
Each month you’ll learn, test, and confirm — step by step — until staying connected becomes second nature.
No theory. No jargon. Just practical systems that work. Per-launch, Founders seats available.
Founders get:
• Lifetime pricing (half off during Black Friday)
• A seat at the December 2025 Founders Call
• Access to a private online group and invite-only Discord channel
You’ll train, share results, and connect with others who take this seriously.
Founders Access closes November 30 — after that, rates return to full price.
Join now: https://founders.prepcomms.com
Additional Links
Amazon Storefront – https://amazon.prepcomms.com
GMRS License Guide – https://GMRS.prepcomms.com
PrepComms Gear – https://prepcomms.shop
30×30 Challenge – https://www.familyconnectsystem.com/3030welcome
Prep Comms Network – https://founders.prepcomms.com
ZBM2 Industries - Best Antenna on the Market! (code PREPCOMMS)
Radioddity- Code K4CDN
Retevis- Code K4CDN
Medical Gear Outfitters- First Aid and More
Hub City Mercantile- Clean Water and Communications
73 y’all & God Bless.
— Caleb Nelson, K4CDN
Host of Prep Comms Podcast
About the Author
Caleb Nelson (K4CDN) is a husband, father of five, and the founder of the Family Connect System—a practical, family-first approach to emergency communication. A veteran of FM radio and a licensed Amateur Radio Operator, Caleb draws on decades of real-world experience, including nearly ten years in the professional fire service as an Engineer and EMT.
He and his wife of over 25 years, Carla, homeschool their children and run a small business together—often with the help of their two loyal Goldendoodles. Whether he's writing, teaching, or talking on the airwaves, Caleb’s heart to serve and protect families is at the center of everything he does.
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