I am just venturing into ham radio.
Took the practice exams and passed with little study.
I don’t have the desire to broadcast, and even less to give my contact info to a three-letter federal agency.
I tune and tune, but mostly just hear guys talking about their gear and antenna.
I rarely get reception from overseas, have not mastered dx yet.
I have built some large audio tube amplifiers, and did consider using a microwave oven xfmr. Never did it, just used off the shelf stuff. A 480/120 industrial control transformer is impressive and cheap when wired step-up.
Good talking.
Fedgov has my DNA, my life history, all my contacts... whatever. I don't worry about it. I'm a free man, or I'm not. I'm certainly not going to cringe for the rest of my life out of fear. They have to bury me and owe the family a flag.
There's a lot more than just folks talking about gear and antennas, but that's going to be nasty old guys on 80 and 160M. Very opinionated groups. Ham radio has been very good to me over the years.
Don't let fear run your life. Live free, or make 'em prove they are a tyrany.
/johnny