OK, I am going to show my ignorance here. OPEN top barrel? You DO put the top on it, right? And a Baofang radio, have to look it up.

Is this what you're talking about MB?

https://www.amazon.com/BaoFeng-UV-5...id=1594094703&sr=8-3&tag=mh0b-20

What about this Midland

https://www.amazon.com/Midland-LXT6...QV1I0K/ref=psdc_2230642011_t3_B007H4VT7A

The GMRS/FRS radios are ok if you want to use them to talk closer and don't want a HAM license. You program the Baofeng radios. I use CHIRP. It's pretty easy you do need a cable for it though.

You should get a license since the BF radios are 5 watt radios. But in an emergency, I would use them anyway.

Testing the Motorola radios side by side the Baofengs beat them literally by miles. Midlands are the same.

So, on that link I sent on the Baofeng radio, would you recommend the cable and larger antenna shown toward the bottom?

Yes, to both.

The thing I like about the BF radios is that they are good for the price. Especially if you have a group of people. You can get a group of 10 the basics for 240 bucks. One cable can program them all and Antennas help depending on what frequencies you plan to use. Remember there are much better HAM radios but not for 23 bucks.

I haven’t read the FCC regulations in quite a while but if I remember correctly, a ham radio can be used by an unlicensed individual in a life or death emergency if there is no other means of communication available.

Considering all the steel that PK has, I wouldn’t be surprised if his entire house were a Faraday cage.

Yes, the lid has to be on and making good contact with the rest of the barrel.

BTW, I have a General class Ham radio license. If I was able to get one, anyone can.

I used to be a member of MARS (Military Auxiliary Radio System) and have a complete off the grid auxiliary power system. I was able to hit the MARS 2 meter repeater that was 70 miles away by using a beam antenna and my base station.

Way to go ray. I have used the mars system to make a radio/phone call before.