Shopping List
The required course materials are as follows:
*Baofeng AR-5RM Handheld Radio ($50 for 2-pack) – It is important that you obtain the AR-5RM version as opposed to the deceptively similar UV-5RM, as the former allows the widest range of transmission capabilities. There are a variety of bundles of these radios available on Amazon - the link above takes you to what is currently the most affordable bundle. For a few more dollars you can purchase this bundle which includes two handy corded push-to-talk speaker/microphones (like what you'd picture a trucker using) with a rotatable clip. At the time of writing, this bundle is discounted at $62 and includes the upgraded 3800mAh batteries that are listed on the recommended materials list below.
The links provided are for radio two-packs: if you think you need just one, the aphorism "two is one and one is none" applies to nearly every critical tool you own and system you rely on. These radios are very affordable and Amazon often has them on sale below the already reasonable retail price. If you have the means, consider buying an additional two-pack at some point and keep extras in your vehicles or in a Faraday bag (discussed below).
*15.6" Tri-Band Antenna ($13 per) – Sadly, the stock antennas that ship with the AR-5RM are not compatible with the entirety of the frequency ranges that the radio is capable of transmitting on. These tri-band antennas will allow you to transmit on all three frequency ranges that we will make use of when making our custom band plans. These are sold individually so please remember to buy one for each radio. See the Recommended Materials section below for an upgraded antenna setup. Please read about that before purchasing these required antennas (these will not be required if you buy the upgrades).
*Rite-in-the-Rain Weatherproof Notepad ($7 per) – These high-visibility orange notepads will be used to write down frequency ranges and your squad's custom band plan, along with other notes you might want to take throughout the course and beyond. You need to have these notes with you at all times going forward. The 4"x6" size is recommended as it can fit in your back pants pocket or purse for daily access. Rite-in-the-Rain also makes a 3"x5" size of the same notepad if you want something slightly smaller. These notepads are invaluable and it is recommended that you go ahead and get a six pack. Or multiple six packs. In WROL (Without Rule of Law) life, your ability to physically write things down with pen and paper is paramount. Please consider gradually stocking up on these while life remains calm. One Rite-in-the-Rain notebook of either size is required per participant for the course, and the orange color is recommended though not required.
*Writing instrument of your choice – see below for the recommended weatherproof pen.
In addition to the required materials, the following items are also recommended for purchase:
*AR-5RM Volume Knob Protectors ($12 for 2-pack) – These are designed to attach to your radio to protect the volume knob from accidentally being turned during use in the field. Your instructor has experienced first-hand a situation where the volume knob was unknowingly turned down amidst rigorous movement in a woodland environment, and the other transmitting party was inaudible for a moderate period of time. The volume knob protectors are highly recommended and should probably be required.
*BNC Antenna Adapters ($5 for 2-pack) – These adapters screw in to the antenna port on the top of your radio and allow a far more durable antenna connection. The required tri-band antennas are decent, but the connection type (SMA) is not ideal for rigorous field use. SMA connections can lead to damaging fragile parts of your radio that simply need to be relied upon to the highest degree for sustainment communication. These adapters are also available on Amazon but please consider supporting Father Abraham, especially if you're already purchasing the volume knob protectors. No need to buy the adapters if you are unwilling to purchase the next recommended item:
*BNC 16.5" Telescoping Antenna ($28 per plus $7 shipping) – These antennas are compatible with the BNC antenna adapter. In addition to a more robust connection to your radio via the adapter, when fully extended they are also longer than the stock antennas, which allows for longer communication range. The antenna can also be pushed down to 4.5" for easier storage and transportation. These are sold individually so please remember to buy one for each radio/adapter.
*Extended 3800mAh Batteries ($38 for 2-pack) – Your radio is of no use to you if the battery is dead. These batteries are larger than the stock batteries (which are themselves ample at 2500mAh) and therefore provide much longer battery life. Again, you should always have a backup in place. You may settle on buying an additional two-pack of the stock 2500mAh batteries ($20) should you want to save some money. Remember that you can purchase a radio two-pack which includes the upgraded 3800mAh batteries.
*Rite-in-the-Rain Weatherproof Pens ($30 for 2-pack) – These are a perfect compliment to the required weatherproof notepad. They are small enough to fit unobtrusively in your pocket and can write in nearly any environmental condition, including underwater. Again the orange color is recommended for visibility if dropped in the field. You should be carrying this pen and your notebook with you everywhere you go.
*Faraday Bags ($48 for 2-pack) – Go ahead and put on your tin foil hat. You can keep a spare radio in this high-quality Faraday bag, which will protect your radio (or any similarly sized electronic devices) from an EMP blast. Should such an event unfold, the power will be out indefinitely (weeks, months, years...) and your smartphone will be a shiny obelisk useful only for hurling at an antagonist. Radio waves are here to stay, and if you keep a shielded radio for yourself and your spouse or whomever else, you will have a serious advantage over the general population. In the course, we will also touch on how to build your own Faraday cage with readily-available household items. This is the final item on the recommended list due to their cost, but they should be considered for what the course is all about – sustainment communications in emergency situations.
All in all, the optimal two-pack setup with upgraded antennas plus the other recommended items will cost upwards of $265 plus tax and Father Abraham's small shipping fee. Please consider what it is worth to be able to stay in contact with your squad should the power grid go down. A two-pack of each of the required materials will cost just under $100 with free Prime shipping. Feel free to start with the required materials and purchase upgrades at your leisure – just remember that the ability to purchase foreign-made goods on the Internet is not a guaranteed or indefinite convenience...
Please visit the Day Of page for details of the event and for a final checklist to review before the day of the course.