iiinova — where your digital self keeps evolving

Replies

DEMSEC @demsec.bsky.social · 01/02/2026

1/14 Okay, folks. We need to have a serious talk. Unlicensed use of Baofeng UV-5Rs for “Group Coordination” is a terrible idea. I saw a TikTok video about a group planning to use cheap “ham radios” like the Baofeng UV-5R to coordinate after their encrypted chat apps were compromised.

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DEMSEC @demsec.bsky.social · 01/02/2026

2/14 Here’s why that idea is technically flawed and legally risky. A UV-5R is not a privacy tool. It is open, easy to monitor, and easy to locate. If you are not licensed (and operating correctly), you are inviting enforcement. Why this is a bad idea (technical + practical).

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Larry AD6G @ad6g.bsky.social · 01/02/2026

You got everything right. I'll add if by chance someone picks a frequency that happens to be an open repeater input (very possible as likely they'll not know that such a thing as a band plan exists), their in-the-clear coms could be relayed over a HUGE geographic area. So yeah, not so secure.

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by-mhrudolph.bsky.social @by-mhrudolph.bsky.social · 01/02/2026

This is the "DoNot" post, but we've been asking for MONTHS about guidance re: communications, "outages" and security. Just say where to look for (amateur) info.

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RealOnionWars @onionwars.bsky.social · 19/02/2026

Meshtastic is fantastic! Look into that. 😃

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RealOnionWars @onionwars.bsky.social · 19/02/2026

🤨You left something out: They can be used on GMRS frequencies if you buy a $35 permit. No test necessary. They can also be used on FRS frequencies on low power without a permit. Also: The UV-5R Minis are a great option with more features than the original, including USB-C charging. Cheers! 🤓

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