When the towers go dark, radio is how your people stay connected.
SHTF radio communications is the practice of staying in contact when cell and internet infrastructure fails, using amateur (ham), GMRS, CB, and shortwave radio instead. It covers choosing bands for local versus long-distance contact, basic antennas, channel and frequency planning, and monitoring schedules so a group can coordinate. GridDownData stores this manual on an air-gapped USB drive so it works during grid-down events, remote travel, or any time normal networks are unavailable.
Cell phones and internet ride on infrastructure that fails early in a disaster. GridDownData carries an offline communications manual covering amateur (ham) radio bands, GMRS and CB options, antenna basics, frequency and channel planning, and simple monitoring schedules like the 3-3-3 plan — stored on an air-gapped USB drive so the reference is there even when every network you normally depend on is down.
Frequently asked questions
Which radio is best for grid-down communication?
It depends on range. CB and GMRS handle short local contact with minimal setup, while amateur (ham) HF bands can reach hundreds of miles without any infrastructure. The manual compares each option by range, cost, and licensing so you can match the right radio to your group's distances and terrain.
Do I need a license to use these radios?
In the United States, amateur and GMRS use generally require an FCC license, while CB does not. The manual explains which services need licensing and encourages getting properly licensed so you know your equipment before an emergency. It also covers what monitoring you can lawfully do to gather information.
What is the 3-3-3 radio plan?
The 3-3-3 plan is a simple schedule where group members power on their radios every three hours, listen and transmit for about three minutes, on a pre-agreed channel three. It conserves battery and keeps a group synchronized without constant monitoring. The manual details how to adapt it to your own frequencies and times.
How do I plan antennas and frequencies offline?
The reference includes antenna basics, such as how height and length affect range, plus worksheets for recording your group's agreed frequencies, call signs, and check-in times. Because it lives on the air-gapped drive, you can build and rehearse a full communications plan without depending on any website or app.