Citizen Survival Plan

Directions Website Contact the business

Citizen Survival Plan Emergency preparedness made easy.

10/10/2026

Is Astra digital night vision worth your money? We tested this Astra P14 unit independently to see if the technology meets survival standards.

At Citizen Survival Plan, we prioritize honest consumer advocacy. We test gear without manufacturer interference, meaning Astra sent us this unit with zero instructions or conditions. This review focuses on the raw performance of the device and provides critical feedback on where this technology needs improvement for field use.

If you are evaluating digital night vision for your survival kit, we cover the practical realities of the optics. We discuss the current limitations of the hardware and why some users remain skeptical of digital solutions compared to traditional setups. Our goal is to provide a clear assessment so you can decide if this specific night vision technology fits your needs or if it is better to wait for future iterations.

AGMusa DNTOptics Astra_Night_Vision

Subscribe for weekly survival gear breakdowns, and let us know in the comments if you prefer digital or analog optics for your setup.

▶️ Related Videos
A Flawed, High Performance Device | ASTRA P14 (ADNV G14 P2) Digital Night Vision Review
https://youtu.be/LBtXVlOaFp4
Night Vision Reality Check | Digital vs. Gen2 vs. Gen 3
https://youtu.be/Jt00Dlddojs
I Tested $1,700 Chinese Night Vision and Here's How it Went
https://youtu.be/ebQjZR33g9c
$4,300 vs $1,700 Night Vision — Worth the Extra Spend?
https://youtube.com/shorts/WsoOdCDgLNw
The New AGM Wolf-14 vs PVS-14 | Budget-Friendly Night Vision Review
https://youtu.be/GiCoJzanaYQ
Night Vision for Preppers: Pros & Cons of Analog vs. Digital
https://youtu.be/Vp_J5KPyeKM
PVS-14 Night Vision Helmet Setup | Step-by-Step: Everything you Need
https://youtu.be/PGbTGkLOGO0
Essential Emergency Kit for Beginners: Be Prepared Without the Prepper Lifestyle
https://youtu.be/Rho3sCJqqvc

👍 Like, Comment, and Subscribe to our channel for more prepping and preparedness content: https://youtube.com/?si=YLjUzgiD48Qv1Z-y

#

10/10/2026

We often get asked about programming Midland radios, but here at Citizen Survival Plan, we generally don't recommend them. This video, Part 5 of a series on why Midland radios are not recommended, explains their complexity, especially for off-roading use, highlighting that these radios require special tones and a frequency chart. This makes them less ideal for general emergency radio use for preppers or ham radio users.

🛒 Need Help Programming Your Radio? Citizen Survival Plan offers a service where I pre-program radios with repeaters custom for your area, pre-programmed and ready to go in the event of an emergency:
https://citizensurvivalplan.com/collections/emergency-radios
https://citizensurvivalplan.com/products/baofeng-dm32uv-dmr-encrypted-radio-custom-programmed-to-your-address
https://citizensurvivalplan.com/products/btech-dmr-6x2-encrypted-radio-custom-programmed-to-your-address
https://citizensurvivalplan.com/products/baofeng-k5plus-pre-programmed-radio
https://citizensurvivalplan.com/products/baofeng-uv25-pre-programmed-radios
https://citizensurvivalplan.com/products/btech-uv-50x2-mobile-radio-custom-programmed
https://citizensurvivalplan.com/products/custom-radio-programming-chirp-file

▶️ Related Videos
Thinking of Buying a Midland Radio? Watch this first.
https://youtu.be/PFTLJrLmijo
Radio Rules the FCC Doesn't Care About & Why
https://youtu.be/vCtU_PM9_wE
Are Radio Manufacturers Following FCC Rules
https://youtu.be/guqPR_9nXaw
📡 What Is DMR Radio? Digital vs Analog Capabilities Explained
https://youtu.be/v2WW3HqCjkY
Getting Started with Your Pre-Programmed Baofeng DM-32UV from Citizen Survival Plan
https://youtu.be/hhafRQHUpqU
How Repeaters Work & How to Connect to One
https://youtu.be/XFvJcJD4-Is
Radio Bands Explained
https://youtu.be/3rz10lRc-HQ

🔔 Like this content? Subscribe to our channel for more Radio programming tips:
https://youtube.com/?si=YLjUzgiD48Qv1Z-y

10/09/2026

I'll be honest - I think the Ham Radio license exam is completely impractical in the information overload it presents and what it requires you to study. They discuss how many ham operator skills, like complex calculations, are not needed for operating devices such as the Baofeng UV-5R. They don't actually teach you to use your radio in the Ham test process! This analysis questions the relevance of much of the test's content to actual radio use.

▶️ Related Videos
The Fastest Way to Pass Your Ham Test
https://youtu.be/0yz6EJmAT8Y
How to Pick an Emergency Radio
https://youtu.be/Pzq1Es9Kl6Q
Radio Rules the FCC Doesn't Really Care About & Why
https://youtu.be/vCtU_PM9_wE
Radio Basics for Preppers
https://youtu.be/SLyZy5OuirM
GMRS Tips for Beginners to Maximize Your Range
https://youtu.be/Ra-hxyRhvxc
How GMRS Repeaters Work & How to Connect to One
https://youtu.be/XFvJcJD4-Is
How to Program your GMRS Radio: Step-by-Step Setup Tutorial
https://youtu.be/S-B0-2isrrg
How Radio Offsets Work
https://youtu.be/h1sAqRih2so
Radio Bands Explained
https://youtu.be/3rz10lRc-HQ
Every GMRS Radio Setting Explained
https://youtu.be/y7zEixMDTTI

🛠 Related Links
I offer custom programmed radios for $99. Radios are shipped ready to go with GMRS, Ham, Weather, and emergency channels.
🔗https://citizensurvivalplan.com/products/programmed-emergency-radio-local-comms-k5plus
🔗https://citizensurvivalplan.com/products/programmed-emergency-radio-local-comms-uv25
🔗 https://citizensurvivalplan.com/products/btech-uv-50x2-mobile-radio-custom-programmed'
🔗 https://citizensurvivalplan.com/products/baofeng-dm32uv-dmr-encrypted-radio-custom-programmed-to-your-address
🔗https://citizensurvivalplan.com/products/btech-dmr-6x2-encrypted-radio-custom-programmed-to-your-address

🔔 Like this content? Subscribe to our channel for more Radio programming tips: https://youtube.com/?si=YLjUzgiD48Qv1Z-y

10/09/2026

Today, I’m sharing a quick and easy tip to help you stay organized and have a ready-to-go defense bag in an emergency. As compared to your range bag which usually has a lot more equipment in it, I recently came across an excellent product that I believe every preparedness enthusiast should consider: the Midway Bailout Bag.

Check out my recommendations on what to include in this ready to go defense bag so that you can quickly have everything you need to defend yourself in an emergency.

10/09/2026

Are you wondering why we don't recommend Midland radios for serious radio communication? This video details their limitations, particularly the inability to name channels or access specific areas, which can hinder effective emergency preparedness. We discuss how these restrictions impact usability for survival radio and why a different handheld radio might be a better choice for your needs.

🛒 Need Help Programming Your Radio? Citizen Survival Plan offers a service where I pre-program radios with repeaters custom for your area, pre-programmed and ready to go in the event of an emergency:
https://citizensurvivalplan.com/collections/emergency-radios
https://citizensurvivalplan.com/products/baofeng-dm32uv-dmr-encrypted-radio-custom-programmed-to-your-address
https://citizensurvivalplan.com/products/btech-dmr-6x2-encrypted-radio-custom-programmed-to-your-address
https://citizensurvivalplan.com/products/baofeng-k5plus-pre-programmed-radio
https://citizensurvivalplan.com/products/baofeng-uv25-pre-programmed-radios
https://citizensurvivalplan.com/products/btech-uv-50x2-mobile-radio-custom-programmed
https://citizensurvivalplan.com/products/custom-radio-programming-chirp-file

▶️ Related Videos
Thinking of Buying a Midland Radio? Watch this first.
https://youtu.be/PFTLJrLmijo
Radio Rules the FCC Doesn't Care About & Why
https://youtu.be/vCtU_PM9_wE
Are Radio Manufacturers Following FCC Rules
https://youtu.be/guqPR_9nXaw
📡 What Is DMR Radio? Digital vs Analog Capabilities Explained
https://youtu.be/v2WW3HqCjkY
Getting Started with Your Pre-Programmed Baofeng DM-32UV from Citizen Survival Plan
https://youtu.be/hhafRQHUpqU
How Repeaters Work & How to Connect to One
https://youtu.be/XFvJcJD4-Is
Radio Bands Explained
https://youtu.be/3rz10lRc-HQ

🔔 Like this content? Subscribe to our channel for more Radio programming tips:
https://youtube.com/?si=YLjUzgiD48Qv1Z-y

10/08/2026

I tested different PTT systems for my tactical headset to see how well it integrates with a night vision helmet.

I landed on the Earmore M32+ set up when compared with the Defense Distributors PPT system, the ease of use was a much better fit for me, with customizable setup options, and still a good price.

If you use an encrypted radio, you need gear that actually connects without issues.

Subscribe for more practical gear reviews.

earmor.official

Citizen Survival Plan also offers pre-programmed DMR radios with custom digital configurations. Learn more about our radios and programming options at https://citizensurvivalplan.com/collections/dmr-custom-encrypted-radios

Earmor 32 Plus Headset
https://amzn.to/4bSDzaQ
Earmor PTT (Be sure to pick the one for your radio)
https://amzn.to/4qn1kxF
Earmors Website
https://us.earmorstore.com/

▶️ Related Videos
A Better Way to Hookup Comms to Your Tactical Helmet
https://youtu.be/YhlayOUp_wc
📡 What Is DMR Radio? Digital vs Analog Capabilities Explained
https://youtu.be/v2WW3HqCjkY
How to Program a DMR Radio from Start to Finish with Encryption
https://youtu.be/DtxCxUZF4Jo
Getting Started with Your Pre-Programmed Baofeng DM-32UV from Citizen Survival Plan
https://youtu.be/rXV7OjzmkqU
Radio Rules the FCC Doesn't Care About & Why
https://youtu.be/vCtU_PM9_wE
How Repeaters Work & How to Connect to One
https://youtu.be/XFvJcJD4-Is
Radio Bands Explained
https://youtu.be/3rz10lRc-HQ

10/08/2026

Check out raw footage captured with the DNT NVMD C200 and Astra P14 digital night vision devices in a heavily wooded area, depicting conditions of "total darkness." Despite the capabilities of digital night vision, the recordings from earlier in the night show the limitations when visibility is severely restricted. We compare how these devices perform against traditional PVS14 setups in such challenging environments.

AGMusa DNTOptics Astra_Night_Vision

▶️ Related Videos
A Flawed, High Performance Device | ASTRA P14 (ADNV G14 P2) Digital Night Vision Review
https://youtu.be/LBtXVlOaFp4
Night Vision Reality Check | Digital vs. Gen2 vs. Gen 3
https://youtu.be/Jt00Dlddojs
I Tested $1,700 Chinese Night Vision and Here's How it Went
https://youtu.be/ebQjZR33g9c
$4,300 vs $1,700 Night Vision — Worth the Extra Spend?
https://youtube.com/shorts/WsoOdCDgLNw
The New AGM Wolf-14 vs PVS-14 | Budget-Friendly Night Vision Review
https://youtu.be/GiCoJzanaYQ
Night Vision for Preppers: Pros & Cons of Analog vs. Digital
https://youtu.be/Vp_J5KPyeKM
PVS-14 Night Vision Helmet Setup | Step-by-Step: Everything you Need
https://youtu.be/PGbTGkLOGO0
Essential Emergency Kit for Beginners: Be Prepared Without the Prepper Lifestyle
https://youtu.be/Rho3sCJqqvc

👍 Like, Comment, and Subscribe to our channel for more prepping and preparedness content: https://youtube.com/?si=YLjUzgiD48Qv1Z-y

10/08/2026

This video examines the Astra P14, a digital night vision device. While it excels in low-light conditions, it faces significant challenges with latency and screen tearing, unlike traditional analog night vision goggles. We demonstrate how the digital display becomes erratic with movement, highlighting key differences when compared to devices like the pvs14.

AGMusa DNTOptics Astra_Night_Vision

▶️ Related Videos
A Flawed, High Performance Night Vision Device | ASTRA P14 (ADNV G14 P2) Digital Night Vision Review
https://youtu.be/LBtXVlOaFp4
Night Vision Reality Check | Digital vs. Gen2 vs. Gen 3
https://youtu.be/Jt00Dlddojs
I Tested $1,700 Chinese Night Vision and Here's How it Went
https://youtu.be/ebQjZR33g9c
$4,300 vs $1,700 Night Vision — Worth the Extra Spend?
https://youtube.com/shorts/WsoOdCDgLNw
The New AGM Wolf-14 vs PVS-14 | Budget-Friendly Night Vision Review
https://youtu.be/GiCoJzanaYQ
Night Vision for Preppers: Pros & Cons of Analog vs. Digital
https://youtu.be/Vp_J5KPyeKM
PVS-14 Night Vision Helmet Setup | Step-by-Step: Everything you Need
https://youtu.be/PGbTGkLOGO0
Essential Emergency Kit for Beginners: Be Prepared Without the Prepper Lifestyle
https://youtu.be/Rho3sCJqqvc

👍 Like, Comment, and Subscribe to our channel for more prepping and preparedness content: https://youtube.com/?si=YLjUzgiD48Qv1Z-y

10/07/2026

Running thermal + night vision together sounds perfect… until you actually try it.

I tested the DNT Optics Mini Thermal with a PVS-14 and the Parish Optics Thermal Mini (POTM) to see what actually works for helmet-mounted and weapon-mounted thermal.

Biggest issue? Two totally different imaging systems fighting for your brain’s attention.

Different frame rates, thermal overlays, movement, passive aiming, and laser use all become part of the compromise.

My favorite setup ended up being simple: a canted Parish Optics Thermal Mini that let me stay under NODs and keep my r***e setup intact.

How do you add thermal without ruining what night vision already does well?

10/07/2026

This video explains issues with Midland radios, specifically regarding channels 8 through 14 which are limited to half a watt by the FCC. Midland's higher-wattage base stations, even 50-watt models, cannot reduce their power output sufficiently for these channels, and so they remove the transmit function all together from the radio. This is an important consideration for anyone looking into a gmrs radio or ham radio setup, particularly when dealing with specific amateur radio regulations and general electrical safety guidelines.

🛒 Need Help Programming Your Radio? Citizen Survival Plan offers a service where I pre-program radios with repeaters custom for your area, pre-programmed and ready to go in the event of an emergency:
https://citizensurvivalplan.com/collections/emergency-radios
https://citizensurvivalplan.com/products/baofeng-dm32uv-dmr-encrypted-radio-custom-programmed-to-your-address
https://citizensurvivalplan.com/products/btech-dmr-6x2-encrypted-radio-custom-programmed-to-your-address
https://citizensurvivalplan.com/products/baofeng-k5plus-pre-programmed-radio
https://citizensurvivalplan.com/products/baofeng-uv25-pre-programmed-radios
https://citizensurvivalplan.com/products/btech-uv-50x2-mobile-radio-custom-programmed
https://citizensurvivalplan.com/products/custom-radio-programming-chirp-file

▶️ Related Videos
Thinking of Buying a Midland Radio? Watch this first.
https://youtu.be/PFTLJrLmijo
Radio Rules the FCC Doesn't Care About & Why
https://youtu.be/vCtU_PM9_wE
Are Radio Manufacturers Following FCC Rules
https://youtu.be/guqPR_9nXaw
📡 What Is DMR Radio? Digital vs Analog Capabilities Explained
https://youtu.be/v2WW3HqCjkY
Getting Started with Your Pre-Programmed Baofeng DM-32UV from Citizen Survival Plan
https://youtu.be/hhafRQHUpqU
How Repeaters Work & How to Connect to One
https://youtu.be/XFvJcJD4-Is
Radio Bands Explained
https://youtu.be/3rz10lRc-HQ

🔔 Like this content? Subscribe to our channel for more Radio programming tips:
https://youtube.com/?si=YLjUzgiD48Qv1Z-y

Address

P. O. Box #1622
Frederick, MD
21702

Alerts

Be the first to know and let us send you an email when Citizen Survival Plan posts news and promotions. Your email address will not be used for any other purpose, and you can unsubscribe at any time.

Contact The Business

Send a message to Citizen Survival Plan:

Shortcuts

Share