[Viking2002]

I've been fiddling and grab-assing with ham since I was a teen, and decided that since I turn double nickels on my next birthday, getting my general class license is on my bucket list. I'm currently upgrading my 40 channel Washington SSB CB rig with a Turner SSB+2 power mic and better SWR meter, and putting up a TRAM mast antenna (waiting for the lightning arrestor, ground spike, all that jazz to get here - I've been using some moth-eaten 1/2 wave dipole antenna that's been through a major house fire). I've been looking for a decent, inexpensive multi-band ham starter rig on eBay. Any suggestions?

[Texas Fossil]

Have not been to a Hamfest in years, but I think that is one of the best places to look for an “inexpensive” Ham rig.

http://www.arrl.org/hamfests-and-conventions-calendar

Or even better, find a local Ham Club that has license classes. They are usually the people who give the exams.

https://www.qrz.com/clubs

I first sat before an FCC examiner in 1976, on Commerce Street in downtown Dallas. Had an Advanced License from that year to 1985 when I took my Amateur Extra exam. Commercial license came later.

Amateur Radio Clubs vary a lot. Some have a lot of technical oriented members, others don’t. There was a time when most were X-military or worked in commercial radio fields. Not so much now.

Now they give you the question pool and the answers. It makes it a lot easier to prep for the exam.

When I got my first license, there were study guides but the question pool was blind. I was scared to death for the first exam.

I’ve taught both Amateur and Commercial Radio license classes. (not recently)

Over the years I have been fortunate to meet some of the most interesting people because of Amateur Radio.

[tbw2]

If you’re asking about antennas, I’d say Kent Electronics. http://www.wa5vjb.com/