How to get started?

To get started in ham radio, you can follow these steps:
  1. 1. Study
    Study materials for the FCC test and license can cost less than $40. You can find study materials in books, audio books, websites, apps, and videos. You can also take a class from a local group. The Technician License Exam is the first test you’ll want to take and requires about 10 hours of study. To pass, you need to answer at least 74% of the 35 questions correctly.
  2. 2. Take the test
    You can find a local club to host a testing session. As of June 2021, some testing is also available online.
  3. 3. Get a radio
    A basic radio can cost less than $200, but you can also find used equipment at ham radio flea markets. Some recommended equipment includes a transceiver, power supply, VHF/UHF antenna, HF wire antenna, mobile transceiver, mobile dual band antenna, and mobile antenna mount.
  4. 4. Socialize
    Join a local radio club, where you can get help from other hams.
  5. 5. Make contact

    To start a contact, you can call “CQ” or respond to someone else calling CQ. Before calling CQ, listen to find an unoccupied frequency. 

    Here is a great video to learn:

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?app=desktop&v=XwCvYpzTWPA

WL7CWI

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