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Julian OH8STN is a longstanding advocate and practitioner of off-grid, emergency, and portable communications. With a strong focus on data modes and off-grid power solutions, he provides valuable insights and practical advice for amateur radio operators and emergency communicators around the world. As a YouTuber, blogger, and retired broadcast engineer, Julian combines his technical expertise with a hands-on approach to building resilient communications setups using solar power, portable radios, and digital communication modes.

Julian’s journey in preparedness began during his time in the Marine Corps, where he embraced the importance of self-reliance and the “7 P’s” philosophy: Proper Prior Planning and Preparation Prevents Poor Performance. These foundational lessons shaped his approach to emergency communications and have become a guiding principle in his work today.

His content is grounded in real-world testing and experimentation, making him a trusted resource for those looking to build independent communication strategies that work in even the most challenging environments. His goal is to help individuals and communities stay connected, self-reliant, and prepared when conventional infrastructure fails.

You can learn more about his projects and methodologies at oh8stn.org, where he shares his journey and findings.
Max Capabilities with Minimal Gear.

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Survival Radio

When the channel and blog were started, the target was always man-portable field communications. Growning as an Operator over the years, I began understanding the need and importance of presenting both fixed and field communications strategies. Survival radio has never been about going to a managed campsite for field day, or an super easy POTA activation. Both can be fun, but survival radio is about purpose and intent!

Here are a few videos driving this point home.

Latest Instagram Posts

After being told many times to write a book over the years, my first book is finally coming out. You can read about it and pre-order my book at the link in my bio or go here: https://oh8stn.org/blog/2024/10/07/pre-order-grid-down-emergency-communications/ Hello Operators. This video demonstrates how and why I charge my ebike off grid using solar power, at home, and in the field. The electric fat bike is a gorce multiplier for my off grid ham radio adventures. Life Update: Livestream with @gilgruson the Radio Prepper on YouTube happening now. This is the 4010 LEFS Lightweight End Fed Half wave Sloper from Chameleon Antenna. It is an end fed half wave antenna for the 40m, 20m & 10m bands. It is man-portable and easy to setup, & offers great performance. More testing in the @chameleonantenna 4010 LEFS Light End Fed Sloper antenna. So many questions coming in. One question was; How strong is the directivity in the direction of the sloping? Winlink Wednesday - Off-Grid Ham Radio running @_diy599_ PA500, IC-705, and MicrosoftSurfaceGo. NVIS through OCF80M dipole from n9sab. So many questions about the antenna I was using for JS8Call at the Arctic Circle, that I thought I'd go make a quick clip.