You’ve passed your Technician exam. Congratulations! Now comes the question every new amateur radio operator asks: “What radio should I buy?” The good news is that there isn’t a single “correct” answer. The bad news is that there are hundreds of radios on the market, each promising to be the perfect first rig. The best first radio…
For most newly licensed Technician operators, a handheld transceiver—commonly called an HT—is the best place to start. It’s affordable, portable, and capable of everything you’ll need to learn the fundamentals of amateur radio. But not all handhelds are created equal. Some cost less than a family dinner. Others cost several hundred dollars. The question isn’t, “What’s…
For many amateur radio operators, the first “real” upgrade after a handheld is a mobile radio. Don’t let the name fool you. While these radios are designed for installation in a vehicle, many operators use them as their primary home station by pairing them with a 13.8-volt power supply and a good outdoor antenna. If you’ve been frustrated…
For many new amateur radio operators, the idea of owning a “real” base station is what first sparked their interest in the hobby. A radio sitting proudly on the desk, a microphone in hand, a good antenna outside—it just feels like amateur radio. The good news? Building a home station has never been easier. The…
One of the best ways to stay active in amateur radio is simply to get on the air. Our weekly club net is where we check in with one another, welcome new operators, practice good operating procedures, and keep our local amateur radio community connected. To encourage participation—and because a little friendly competition never hurts—we’ve…