VHF RADIOS - GETTING STARTED
When the cell network goes dark, Private Radio as a Service (PRaaS™) keeps WORking.
Shielded Signals delivers secure, encrypted VHF communications through our managed PRaaS™ platform — the same resilient technology trusted by first responders and utilities when the grid is down or overloaded.
Traditionally, that level of privacy and control was reserved for public safety agencies, government operations, or large corporations with their own FCC licenses and engineering staff. Shielded Signals changes that. Through our licensed PRaaS™ network, you gain the same level of reliability and encryption, without the complexity, cost, or regulatory burden.
Unlike ordinary walkie-talkies or amateur radios, our system operates under Shielded Signals’ FCC license, using unique digital encryption keys assigned to each subscriber. Your conversations stay private, your radios remain compliant, and you maintain your ability to communicate with your network when you need it most.
With Shielded Signals PRaaS™, you get reliable voice when towers are silent, backed by professional programming, licensing, and support that make your radios mission-ready from day one.
Why encrypted vhf?
Most consumer radios (walkie-talkies, GMRS, even amateur (ham) rigs) are open by design. Anyone with the right equipment (even an inexpensive scanner) can listen in. That might be fine for casual use, but in a real emergency it means your conversations aren’t private.
Shielded Signals takes a different approach. Our VHF radios are:
Independent – No reliance on towers, cell service, or the internet.
Private – AES-256 encrypted, so only your group hears your communications.
Controlled – Pre-programmed and licensed, preventing tampering or unauthorized access.
Proven Range – VHF signals generally travel farther than UHF, especially in open or rural environments, making them better suited for wide-area coverage without a repeater.
This means that when everyone else is using unprotected radios, you can coordinate securely — and usually enjoy better coverage.
handheld vs. base/mobile
Handheld Radios (like the TYT MD-UV390+)
Lightweight and portable — carry one anywhere.
Battery powered, easy to recharge, and ready for everyday use.
Best for individuals, family members, or anyone who needs to stay connected while on the move.
Base/Mobile Radios (like the TYT MD-9600)
Higher power output for greater range.
Can be installed in vehicles or set up as a fixed home station.
Works BEST with an external antenna and requires a power supply for reliable home/base use.
Together, handhelds and base/mobile rigs give you the flexibility to cover both personal mobility and household or community-level reach.
practical applications
Shielded Signals radios are designed to be more than just an emergency backup. they are useful in everyday life as well as in crisis situations. Below are examples of how your radios can provide reliable, secure communication when you need it most.
Family & Household
Daily Coordination – Check in with family members at home, in the yard, or around town without relying on cellular service.
Travel Safety – Stay in contact when caravanning with multiple vehicles, even in areas with poor mobile coverage.
Peace of Mind – Kids, grandparents, or other household members can always reach someone instantly with the push of a button.
Community & Neighborhood
Severe Weather Response – Share updates quickly if power or internet is lost during storms.
Neighborhood Watch – Use the county or regional channel to coordinate with nearby Shielded Signals subscribers.
Events & Gatherings – Radios provide easy group communication at community events, fairs, or large family reunions.
Outdoor & Recreational
Camping & Hiking – Maintain secure contact even in remote areas without cell coverage.
Boating, Hunting, & Fishing – Reliable communication for safety and coordination in the field.
Travel Convoys – Perfect for road trips, off-roading, or RV groups traveling together.
Emergency & Disaster Scenarios
Power Outages – Radios keep your family connected when cell towers and internet fail.
Widespread Disruptions – Whether due to natural disasters or infrastructure failures, your Shielded Signals radio provides a secure, independent line of communication.
encryption and security
Most radios on the market are “wide open.” With the right scanner, or using a radio with the same capabilities, anyone nearby can listen in. Shielded Signals radios are different — every unit we sell is locked, programmed, and provisioned under our FCC license.
How we keep your communications secure:
AES-256 encryption — industry-standard strong crypto.
Unique keys per group — radios in your family or team are provisioned with group keys so only the intended devices decode traffic.
Locked programming — radios are delivered in a state that prevents casual cloning or tampering.
Compromise response (rekeying) — if a radio is lost or stolen there’s no way to “reach in” and revoke a key on that device; instead we issue new keys to the remaining radios in the group so the compromised unit can no longer participate.
The result: private, trusted voice communications even when commercial systems are exposed or offline.
what do i need?
you’ve made it this far, and you’ve decided that encrypted communications is what you want. great! here’s what you need to get started:
A Radio
Handheld (MD-UV390+) – Rugged, portable, and easy to carry. Best choice for most families and individuals.
Mobile (TYT 9600) – Higher power and range, designed for installation in a vehicle. Ideal for travelers, farms, or anyone who needs extended coverage. With supporting equipment, can also be installed in a building as a base radio.
(Radios arrive pre-programmed, locked, and ready to use — no setup required, although installation in a home or vehicle is the end-user’s responsibility..)
A Subscription
Covers your legal authorization to use Shielded Signals under our FCC license.
Includes your family/private encryption key, a countywide key, and a systemwide key.
Choose monthly or annual billing to fit your budget.
Power & Accessories
Every handheld radio ships with a standard battery, charger, and antenna.
every mobile radio ships with a microphone and power cord.
Optional extras (sold separately):
handheld Spare batteries (recommended for emergencies).
external antenna for mobile or home use
power supply for home use
Optional Add-Ons
Additional Encryption Keys – For inter-family, multi-county, or special-group communications.
Extra Radios – Add as many as you like; discounts apply for quantity orders.
