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Curious about a HAM Radio License

1pt21gw

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Hey, As I trend farther down the “when it hits the fan and no one can do anything” because of whatever catastrophe, I would like to look into a HAM Radio and all that goes with it. I know there are a few operators on here, so I thought I would ask for feedback, anywhere from the process to getting the license to what is needed for a mobile setup.

Thanks,
Jason
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Doc

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Hey, As I trend farther down the “when it hits the fan and no one can do anything” because of whatever catastrophe, I would like to look into a HAM Radio and all that goes with it. I know there are a few operators on here, so I thought I would ask for feedback, anywhere from the process to getting the license to what is needed for a mobile setup.

Thanks,
Jason
Order the study guides and go through the test series process, all written…I had to study every day for 6 months. I am a HAM EXTRA ….You can look up my details on the FCC website .
Doc
N4BX
 

Chris M

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Order the study guides and go through the test series process, all written…I had to study every day for 6 months. I am a HAM EXTRA ….You can look up my details on the FCC website .
Doc
N4BX
I just looked that up...
Dammit man! Well done!!!
 

Colo_Ranger

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I recommend this book. The author explains things in an easy to understand way.

Screenshot 2025-01-26 at 3.20.36 PM.webp


For practice tests, I recommend QRZ.com. When you get an answer wrong on the practice test, they give you the right answer in real time, instead of having to wait to the end to find out if you answered right or wrong.



When it comes to finding a mobile setup, if you have a Ham Radio Outlet (HRO) near you, that's a good place to start. I watched a lot of videos on YouTube on mobile setups and decided that the Icom 2730a was the best option for my price range and setup. A removable head unit was important so I could mount it in view, without having the entire unit on my dash. The antenna I got was a recommendation from HRO, its fairly basic but works well.
 


Doc

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I recommend this book. The author explains things in an easy to understand way.

Screenshot 2025-01-26 at 3.20.36 PM.jpg


For practice tests, I recommend QRZ.com. When you get an answer wrong on the practice test, they give you the right answer in real time, instead of having to wait to the end to find out if you answered right or wrong.



When it comes to finding a mobile setup, if you have a Ham Radio Outlet (HRO) near you, that's a good place to start. I watched a lot of videos on YouTube on mobile setups and decided that the Icom 2730a was the best option for my price range and setup. A removable head unit was important so I could mount it in view, without having the entire unit on my dash. The antenna I got was a recommendation from HRO, its fairly basic but works well.
Nice !
 

Dayton86

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General license here, been a ham since 2001. It's a great hobby, but can be expensive. Just do yourself a favor, don't stop at the technician license, go on to the general or extra. Working HF is so much better.
 

ppfd

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General here as well.
Gordon West books and various online test banks.
It’s a cool “nerd” hobby. I got into it thinking I’d do POTA, SOTA, etc.
I have at least $3000.00 in ham radio shit sitting around in boxes never even been opened.
Thats how interested in it I am. I really need to sell all this stuff off.
My $500.00 hand held is really an overpriced weather radio.

First thing people think when they see a disaster or want to “prep” is ham radio.
Just buy a baufang for $30.00 or get a GMRS license (no test) and radio.
In a true emergency anyone can use the ham bands.

Unless you want to listen to some old f#$k carry on about his wife and his health problems. And then tell you he will kick your ass for trying to get on “his” frequency
Then get a ham license. ?
 

tugger50

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There are free online practice exams with the answers and it's not that bad. I'm no rocket scientist and I did it. I got my technician license and then a month later my general. If you really want it and apply yourself a little bit you can do it.
Best of luck!

W7TUG
 

Doc

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Hey, As I trend farther down the “when it hits the fan and no one can do anything” because of whatever catastrophe, I would like to look into a HAM Radio and all that goes with it. I know there are a few operators on here, so I thought I would ask for feedback, anywhere from the process to getting the license to what is needed for a mobile setup.

Thanks,
Jason
PM me your address and I’ll send you a bunch of books.
 
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OP
1pt21gw

1pt21gw

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Thanks Doc!
 
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