Igotthe study app on my phone. I practiced for a week. I got all three licenses in the subsequent three weeks. So..lf I can do it, you can do it.
Your question is legit. But the biggest issue you will have isn’t the radio, but the antenna. With a good, tuned antenna, you can talk to the world with 5 watts. With a bad antenna, a $5000 rig will not get 50 miles.
$1,000 will get you a decent rig. Any of the “big names” will perform well. But you need to be clear about what you wish to do. You might be able to get away with a 2m rig. Those are for local communication.
If you hate reading books to study (like me), check out HamTestOnline.com
Used it last year to get my Tech and General licenses at 66 years old.
Will eventually study for the Extra exam, but too busy having fun right now.
Ping
If you can find a local ham radio club they usually have classes and testing sessions.
As to a radio it depends on what class of license you get. If technician class you would need 2 meter and 70 centimeter capability as there is limited HF privileges. If you get a general class you would want HF capability.
My choice for HF is Icom 7300 and for 2 meter and 70 centimeter is Anytone 878 that has regular and DMR capability as there are lots of DMR repeaters in my area. That may differ where you are. Check to see what digital repeaters are in your area DMR, DStar or Fusion and make you decision accordingly.
73 W5HJ been a ham for 60 years.
Also, you do NOT have to spend a lot of money to have a good radio. I have an "expensive" radio that's very good, but I also have a $50 radio, QCX from QRP Labs (QRP-LABS.com) that is Morse code only putting out 5 watts. It's what is called a "low power" radio (QRP means low power). I've used it to contact operators all over the US and a lot of hams in Europe using a home-built antenna that cost about $15 to build. I have more fun with it than the expensive radio because I built it myself and I like the challenge.
If you want to use voice (call SSB), the Xiegu G90 is a good little radio. It has 20W of power, and I've worked into Europe with it using another cheap antenna. It can be purchased for about $425.
I was recently shamed into upgrading my license to Amateur Extra and I used hamtestonline.com. While it was easier since I knew most of regulations already, two weeks of hour-long study sessions and I passed the first time. It is a very effective way to study for the test.
A scanner is a way to get started. There are some small cheap 4 watt units form china.
Lots of good advice on this thread. I have been in amateur radio for quite a few years. It’s a great hobby that will literally last a lifetime. Most areas of the country have ham radio clubs that welcome newcomers, hold classes and give tests. Ham radio has many areas of special interest from long distance (DXing), and local repeaters (VHF and UHF) to moon bounce and satellite communications. There’s something for everyone with an interest in standard radio or digital communication modes. Good Luck.
A fundamental question is whether you intend to offer help to others or ask for help from others when the need arises.
Both are legitimate stances and usually overlap.
Being in a position to offer help to others in emergencies is what started me on the journey.
Being able to ask for help if needed is a major benefit!
I said it before, and I’ll say it again, CB radio is going to make a big come-back.. :)
Join a local Ham Radio club, take a Technician license class, study and pass the Technician test. Then spend about $2,000.00 on a Icom-705, an antenna tuner and a few different antennas and you’re set!
Best equipment by far is anything by Palstar. It is the choice of military, embassy and top technophiles like Joe Walsh. I know the owner and he makes quality latest technology equipment.
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Not a HAM myself, but in uncertain times with the possibility of having to be mobile, a unit that can work off a 12V power feed might be a serious consideration.
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