Posted on 09/24/2022 4:15:27 AM PDT by tired&retired
I'm looking to purchase a good Ham Radio and need guidance. Is it difficult to get a license?
Looks like we'll need one in the near future, so I may as well get started. This beginner learns fast, but needs some direction to start.
Thanks in advance.
Good advice. Over the years I have spent a lot more money than I should have. But I enjoy it. I’m currently rebuilding my antenna array and it’s costing more than I thought.
If anyone needs a good study aide for the tech exam, I can recommend Roy Watson’s HamRadioExam - Technician. It’s an app that highlights the correct test answers, and has the questions in subject categories. Easy reading.
ARRL’s manual is the standard, I suppose, and I also relied on “Pass Your Amateur Radio Technician Class Test” by Craig Buck K41A — it also uses boldface for the essentials.
But that little app got me through. You don’t need a big chunk of time to study; if you have a free moment, pick up the phone and learn!
As for equipment — nope, I’m not happy with any of it. Overpriced from overseas. Thumbs down.
It isn’t just the radio, but equally as important is your antenna array. Make sure you are able to put one in your location.
Bookmark!!
A arrl.org sorry good luck.AE2DX
Look at the inventory at Bridgecom Systems.
The company offers a large library of videos that provide detailed instructions on using the devices.
Ham licenses come in three types, with different types providing you privileges on different frequencies as you earn them. They’re all multiple choice questions, so you can learn them by rote if you need to. The radio you’re looking at operates primarily on frequencies that require a general class license. Starter class is technician and I’d say an hour a night for a week will get you licensed at that level where there’s lots of portable and mobile units. You can either pick up one of the $100/$200 portable units if you want to get on the air as soon as you’re a tech, or just use the 7300 as a receiver for a while as you work on your general class license. With application, it’s a couple of weeks work.
Here’s basic licensing info: https://www.arrl.org/find-an-amateur-radio-license-exam-session
Really neat that you’re interested in HAM radio! It’s not only a hobby, but is educational and practical in many situations, as I’m sure you’ve reasearched enough to persue the testing and purchase!
Getting licensed is a breeze, just study as others have mentioned. Best radios, well that’s a whole other realm of debate, but a fun one! Go with a major brand (i-COM, Yaesu, Kenwood) and you’ll be happy, each has their own inherent quirks of course, but there’s a huge following of hose brands with forums all over the place to help you in your journey (use, mods, repairs..etc).
I went the Yaesu FT-991A route for my all mode transceiver, portability, capabilities and ultimately the availability. FT-DX10 for HF and a 400XDR for mobile use. Intended to do all i-COM gear for my shack (more user friendly interface), but the warranty and sale Yaesu had at the time won the day!
[...useful in a SHTF situation]
Would you need a license in a SHTF situation? I figure it would be a “no size restrictions and screw the limit!” type deal.
I actually have two. It’s a great radio and have made many DX contacts with it. Well worth the money. I also have an IC-7300, a much more sophisticated radio but it’s nice getting on the 718 for the simplicity.
HAM, like firearms and shooting skills, is a very broad hobby. Different radios and different bands work for different things. So you should start by asking what your goal is. Do you want to be able to talk locally on repeaters? Do you want to have mobile communications when you travel? Do you want emergency communication to reach across the country? Do you want to talk to other HAM operators world wide? Each of these has a different solution and each requires radios and antenna that have very different features.
I’m actually selling one of my 718’s for a great price and I’d rather see a new ham get it.
THANK YOU TO EVERYONE...
Who posted comments and advice.
After starting this thread I found the excellent discussion on this topic from 3/28/22.
The comments here were even more helpful.
Careful, one buys just a ham radio in the same way a little boy buys just one model train. You are getting into an entire lifestyle with endless places to sink your time and money...
... bass fishing, hunting, golf, boating...etc.
I see that a Pennsylvania flag waving on your home page. May I ask what region?
I’m interested in purchasing your 718.
“..Morse no longer needed...”
True, but FWIW, there are a handful of us that still do it because we enjoy the heck out of i.t
That’s true but what do you do before a SHTF situation without a license, the point is, get your license now and start learning before the SHTF situation
That requirement was dropped in 2006.
The Technician license will limit you to the 2M/70cm bands. Great for local and regional contacts via repeaters. If you want to talk worldwide on HF, you’ll have to take the General and/or Extra exams.
I have an inexpensive Yaesu handheld and it’s a great little radio to play around with in regards to repeaters. But if you want to play with the big boys and talk world wide, DX on HF is the way to go. And it can get expensive.
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