Off-Grid Communications

Jul 23-25, 2021

Acworth, GA

Includes two nights of camping on site, dinner Saturday night, handouts, digital downloads, and the cost of the training.

Adults – $150 | Children – $50

buy Adult Ticket
buy Children's Ticket
Class Overview
The Off Grid Comms Class is intended to help you with the practical side of communications. Whether it’s HAM radio or GMRS, from a simple handheld radio to a full blown high power radio station that can reach across the continent – this class will put you on the path to developing your own emergency communications plan for your family, for your small group, or for your neighborhood. Some of the foundation will be technical in nature, but the end result is a plan you can begin to implement no matter what your skill level is.

Consider this:
The power just went off all around you. Your cell phone stopped working. Your car radio is nothing but static. You need to get in touch with your family. Where are they? Do they know where you are? Are they OK? How will you reach them? Do you have a plan?

Consider this:
You’re hiking your favorite trail with some friends. It’s everyone’s favorite part of the mountains because there’s no cell service and you get a break from technology. A storm has picked up unexpectedly. Heavy raid, dangerous winds, and one of your friends has just been struck by a falling tree limb. You’re miles from emergency resources and no way to call 911. Loving that getaway from technology now? How do you reach out to get the help you need?

Weekend Schedule

Day 1
This is a day to focus on the practical. What can radios do? What kind of radio do I need? How do you use them? How far will they reach? How to make use of repeaters? How do I get started? What am I allowed to legally talk on? How do you make an antenna to help you hear better or get out farther? By the end of the day you will better understand your own communications needs and how to best address them. If conditions are right we will have you on the air talking to other HAM’s during our demonstrations. If you bought one of the common radios we recommend, we’ll show you how to program them and get them set up for your comms plan.

Day 2
Today is HAM CRAM day. If you’ve signed up to get your Technician Class license from the FCC, you were sent study materials in advance to prepare you for the test and get you set up with the FCC. Today we take you through all the questions in the test pool. Your test will only have 35 questions but we’re getting you ready to answer any of them you might get. After we’ve been through all of the questions, volunteer examiners will come in and administer the test. You’ll know before you leave if you passed the test and are on your way to getting your HAM license! We have a ~97% success rate. After the testing it’s time for Q&A with experienced and long term HAM’s there to answer your questions and help point you in the right direction.

Event Location
2075 Kellogg Creek Rd
Acworth, GA 30102

Suggested Gear
  • Camp Chair
  • Notebook and Pen
  • Water Bottle
  • Snacks
FAQ's
  • There are simple bathrooms on site.
  • Campfires are allowed in designated fire pits only.
  • Pets are allowed as long as they are supervised and controlled.
  • Vans and overland rigs are allowed in designated areas only.
  • There are no power hookups
Refund Policy

Refunds will only be issued as a credit towards another class and will be good for up to one year from the date of the originally purchased class. Credit for classes cannot be used toward gear purchases.

Your Instructor

Bob Johnson

Bob has dedicated his life to serving and helping others as he speaks to the importance of off grid communications.