Unless you live in a big metropolitan area or are prepared to spend $10,000 for an antenna, you will be wasting your time and money. And by time, I mean lots and lots of time. Don’t expect to drop 4 figures and spend a few hours and start enjoying ham radio. But this is only the conclusion of a computer, prepper geek. Ham radio is an all-in activity, not for the casual user. Flame away.
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B009MAKWC0/ref=oh_aui_search_detailpage?ie=UTF8&psc=1
Buy this radio. $30 (I own it and it’s pretty cool, especially for the price).
Get your Technician license and start talking.
Software Packages in “wheezy”, Subsection hamradio
https://packages.debian.org/stable/hamradio/
one day at a “Ham-Cram” and Ten Bucks got Me a license.
200 bucks for a 50 watt radio and antenna got Me up and running with a Great Rig !
I have yet to see a need for anything else for My 2 meter radio.
Most of my activity has been through repeaters, and some public service work (annually helping provide communications for a local marathon). There's something for everyone in ham radio, whether it's ragchewing, DX, contesting, or whatever. Find what interests you most. Join a club if there's one near you. Support your local repeater, so you can use repeaters elsewhere with a clear conscience.
You're on the right track. "When all else fails, there's ham radio." Come the Zombie Apocalypse, or anything like it, if you've developed your skills you will be a valuable part of the Resistance.
bfl
Interesting thread, I have come in to it a little late but...
I haven't been a ham as long as some of the other fellows here, only 36 years for me and I earned my Amateur Extra class license a relatively short time ago.
I really enjoy HF operating, most of which I do with a portable station and makeshift antennas. I don't do any serious DX chasing or contesting, just what I would call casual guerrilla operating - though I participate in every field Day and sometimes the NM QSO party and the Scouts’ Jamboree on the air (JOTA) when I can get away for them.
I am by no means a prepper but I recognize the utility of ham radio and the advantage of being an experienced operator as it may be in some circumstances.
I do want to put in a plug for a resource a lot of people don't know about. I really enjoy discussing various aspects of the hobby with the ham radio subforum at ar15.com located here: http://www.ar15.com/forums/f_10/22_Ham_Radios.html
The fellows there are all friendly and helpful and at the top of that forum you will find several stickies with all the information you need about becoming licensed, station construction, and etc., located here: http://www.ar15.com/forums/t_10_22/665780_Important_Threads___New_to_the_forum__check_here_first_.html
Ham radio is a fun and rewarding hobby and it has never been easier to enter or more affordable than it is right now. Do it!