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Best Ham Radio Recommendations
VANITY

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.


TOPICS: Chit/Chat
KEYWORDS: communications; ham; hamradio; radio
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To: tired&retired

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.


61 posted on 09/24/2022 6:47:45 AM PDT by vortigern
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To: 4Runner

That is no longer a requirement, but an option.


62 posted on 09/24/2022 6:55:56 AM PDT by Disambiguator
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To: jimjohn

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.
——————

You can add astronomy to that list!🙄🔭


63 posted on 09/24/2022 6:59:50 AM PDT by telescope115 (Proud member of the ANTIFAuci movement. )
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To: wita

Well it varies in different areas. In Oklahoma we have over 40 DMR repeaters and very few DStar or Fusion repeaters.


64 posted on 09/24/2022 7:09:10 AM PDT by Okieshooter
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To: telescope115

Already have my Mead telescope. Used to travel to Star Parties.


65 posted on 09/24/2022 7:13:04 AM PDT by tired&retired (Blessings )
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To: tired&retired

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!


66 posted on 09/24/2022 7:13:16 AM PDT by whodathunkit (There is no compromising with someone trying to enslave you)
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To: dis.kevin

I taught a seminar at Alleghany many years ago. Taught at Penn State main campus for many years.

I have a home near State College.


67 posted on 09/24/2022 7:19:56 AM PDT by tired&retired (Blessings )
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To: whodathunkit

There are several YouTube series teaching everything you need to know for tech, general and extra. Got my Extra using this and the online test review questions on ARRL and other sites.


68 posted on 09/24/2022 7:20:53 AM PDT by Rodm
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To: vortigern

When I was in high school, I was at the ARRL shack(W4GG) near the airport and we set up a phone patch from Antarctica to Kansas. We were able to keep the signal long enough for them to exchange info but it wasn’t for long.


69 posted on 09/24/2022 7:21:32 AM PDT by AppyPappy (Biden told Al Roker "America is back". Unfortunately, he meant back to the 1970's)
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To: whodathunkit

I too share your interest in helping others. Also getting my EMT certification.

It’s about community, sharing, and sustainability, not stockpiling and isolation.

I am not worried at all. Total Peace. Actually looking forward to the changes as people will reach despair and turn to God.

🙏🙏🙏


70 posted on 09/24/2022 7:25:18 AM PDT by tired&retired (Blessings )
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To: tired&retired

I said it before, and I’ll say it again, CB radio is going to make a big come-back.. :)


71 posted on 09/24/2022 7:28:30 AM PDT by unread ("It's not enough that we do our best; sometimes we have to do what's required." W. Churchill.)
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To: tired&retired

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!


72 posted on 09/24/2022 7:34:21 AM PDT by Sawdring
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To: wita

My name explains it all.

Don’t care for the extreme weather anymore, and love to travel, internationally and USA.

Love meeting different people and cultures.

For the most part, life is fun and meant to be lived to the fullest extent. If I lose my intellectual curiosity, let me check out and go home to Heaven, again.


73 posted on 09/24/2022 7:35:57 AM PDT by tired&retired (Blessings )
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To: tired&retired

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.


74 posted on 09/24/2022 7:38:40 AM PDT by stoneyhll (If I am to err, let me err on the side of freedom)
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To: wita

My recollection was that Morse had been dropped.


75 posted on 09/24/2022 7:41:21 AM PDT by PAR35
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To: tired&retired

Bookmark


76 posted on 09/24/2022 7:43:55 AM PDT by Southside_Chicago_Republican (The more I learn about people, the more I like my dog. )
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To: Farmerbob
Would you need a license in a SHTF situation? I figure it would be a “no size restrictions and screw the limit!” type deal.

You wouldn't but practicing radio communications after the SHTF wouldn't be the easiest thing to do.

77 posted on 09/24/2022 7:47:50 AM PDT by Sawdring
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To: ktw
Good luck on your quest. Ham radio is a very interesting hobby. I got my general, and then extra class license about a year before they dropped the code requirement. If you have the knack, learning code is worth the effort. You can literally go farther with it.

You will quickly discover that the radio is probably the lesser cost of setting up your station. You will immediately need a power supply. Then, you'll want a good microphone and headphones. At some point, you'll invest in an antenna tuner. Finally, there is the antenna. Endless amounts of cash can be poured into this, as it makes the biggest difference. I was very. very lucky. I put up three Double Bazooka antennas in an inverted V configuration, and they are outstanding. I have no idea exactly why they are so good for my location, but I can boom into Europe and Scandinavia on 100 watts.

78 posted on 09/24/2022 7:52:19 AM PDT by PUGACHEV
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To: bikerman

“arrl.org sorry good luck.AE2DX”

I like the DX part of your call sign :)

NU4J


79 posted on 09/24/2022 7:57:54 AM PDT by airdalecheif
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To: tired&retired

bookmark


80 posted on 09/24/2022 8:15:22 AM PDT by jimjohn (We're at war, people. Start acting like it.)
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