Top products from r/HamRadio

You can get into this without having to spend a lot of money, just look through here. http://hamexam.org/ this is a free easy way to test for your license. But I would start out with http://www.kb6nu.com/tech-manual/ this will help you to understand what is going on and how things work. Then there is another manual there for general class. This is a copy/past that I typed for someone else, some of the stuff may not be useful as you may already know it from your own research. Intro video; for people that what to get into it, http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YHd3dZW1SBc This is what I tell them. It can seem a bit overwhelming depending on how far you want to go with this. First I would recommend watch some videos. I will post some that I think are helpful but could be boring. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4Qgg_upU_5s This is an old video but, its simple and the military explains things well. Part2 http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JS8xlwyc6G4 I hope that this gives you an understanding of whats going on with radios. This guy kind of gives an overview about ham radio http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kFLxeASa05k If you buy one of these Baofeng radios, this guy has some videos on programming with your pc using the chirp program as well as videos on hand programming. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7LXkkaJkVUM I really recommend using chirp over the factory software if you have trouble using it. I bought the UV-82 with all the accessories from amazon, http://www.amazon.com/BaoFeng-UV-82-Two-Way-Radio/dp/B00E4KLY34/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1389311738&sr=8-1&keywords=UV-82 and added the programming cable and mic, most up to date radio that I know of.

Repeaters: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FJFeY0jZymA basic explanation, there are plenty of videos that show how to get connected to a repeater. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NB4R1pgLG84 website that show you where repeaters are located, you have to do a search from the menu, find the magnifying glass .

Now as far as licenses go. There are three classes of operators, Technician class, General class, and Extra class. Technician class is what most people starting out get, and puts you in the operating range of what these hand held radios can do. http://www.kb6nu.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/06/2010_Tech_Study_Guide.pdf

General class gets you more frequencies to operate on but, you would have to buy or build more radio equipment that is more capable than these smaller radios. http://kb6nu.com/wp-content/uploads/2007/09/2011-No-Nonsense-General-Class-License-Study-Guide.pdf

Extra class, well this is for the ham radio junkies, lol. People with this class get a few more frequencies to operate on and have a very in-depth knowledge of diverse technical fields from electronics, radio theories and most likely computers and electrical engineering.

Testing: You have to take a test for each license approved by the FCC, that you would like to get, like I said though a lot just get the Technician Class license. http://www.arrl.org/licensing-education-training search through here to find out where, when, to take test(s) or take classes. There are also websites to practice taking a test. http://www.eham.net/exams/

There are so many things that you can get into, I think this is some of the basics of it, lol. If you just read or watch a little bit at a time the more you will absorb what's going on and it may start to become fun but if it's not something that you would enjoy as a hobby, at least get the tech license and understand how to use a repeater and learn it like putting on pants.

Other notes: http://www.arrl.org/files/file/Regulatory/Band%20Chart/Hambands_color.pdf

http://www.sm0vpo.com/antennas/anten.htm

I've got 2 UV5R v2+ and one BFF8HP. Dad just bought two UV5Rs, neighbor is probably going to buy some soon.

They are fantastic systems. Always get the 15" antenna. I have a NMO truck center mount also. I've used the radio while on my boat for marine VHF, I've used it in low power on the forbidden channels for my kids out hiking. I've used it for FM broadcast reception to listen to something interesting. I've even used the flashlight feature way more than I thought I would. They are fantastic systems.

get the more expensive FTDI programming cable and use Chirp. It worked the first try (once you figure out which COM port the thing wants to work on).

Throwing all the repeaters on there was a piece of cake. I'll admit to wanting a better UI and easier programming away from the computer, but for only $70 (UV5R + 15" whip + cable + shipping) it is really hard to beat. $70 gets you on the air, completely clear signal line of sight to repeaters and it provides a little insurance if you are backwoods hunting / boating on a small craft without a "real" marine VHF on a mast ($200+). If you get a few BNC adapters, then you can quickly change between a homemade Yagi and your 15" whip, or a vehicle NMO / similar antenna. The flexibility is pretty amazing.

once you care about longer bands, higher power, then you can start throwing money around on car or base station setups, putting up your own antenna, etc etc. Why not put <$100 into the hobby once you get your license and sit on that "investment" for a few months and see if you are in it for real.

For me, I'm probably going to stay a HAM for a while and with under $250 into the hobby for the next years. I do enough boating & back country hunting that HAM is very handy. I eventually will have dad and may be a brother that get licensed too (as well as many friends). Going on outings with other HAMs makes things much more fun obviously, rather than just sitting on the local repeater NET and checking in with nothing else to do.

It's the Baofengs that I too started with. Got mine for around $30 on amazon. It's been a dependable radio and has stood the test of time. Great first radio, would recommend. I still use it from time to time while skiing and such when I don't want to put my Kenwood at risk. It still works great and have not had a problem yet.

But let me warn you before you start, you are about to go down a rabbit hole of Ham equipment. Now you get this, and you be happy with it, but next you'll be looking for a whip antenna to go with it. Soon you'll find yourself lusting for an even nicer higher quality handheld. Then a mobile radio for that extra power and reliable signal into the repeater. And with your General will come the HF radios, and with the HF radios you need an HF antenna, and so on and so fourth.

It happens to everyone, but I and many others have found it well worth it.

Good luck on your test. You've got a good community here to help you along the way.


Edit:
This is the radio I chose:
https://www.amazon.com/Baofeng-UV-5R-Plus-Range-Radio/dp/B07CMZ2QCF/ref=mp_s_a_1_3?crid=XX0KH7YLS08A&keywords=baofeng+uv-5r+v2%2B&qid=1557289737&s=gateway&sprefix=baofeng+uv-5r+v2&sr=8-3

This one also come highly recommended:
https://www.amazon.com/BaoFeng-BF-F8HP-Two-Way-136-174Mhz-400-520Mhz/dp/B00MAULSOK/ref=mp_s_a_1_fkmrnull_2_sspa?keywords=b-tech+bf-f8hp&qid=1557289868&s=gateway&sr=8-2-fkmrnull-spons&psc=1

The ARRL Ham Radio License Manual is a good place to start as it prepares you take the Technician level test, which is actually pretty easy to pass with a little bit of studying. Beyond that you'll need to find somewhere near you that offers the exam (one of your local radio clubs almost certainly does) and $15 to cover the cost of test materials.

Places like HamStudy.org offer online practice tests, if you find that you're acing the Tech level pretty easily I'd highly recommend studying for the General as well. If you pass the Tech, your examiner will usually encourage you to immediately take the General, even if you fail the General you've still earned your Tech so there's no harm in trying. It's worth it just so you don't have to go back later when you realize that the HF bands are even more fun than the repeaters!

If you want more information, /r/amateurradio seems a lot more active than this subreddit and there are plenty of new techs and old Elmers there who are more than happy to answer your questions.

Some ideas here:

A better whip antenna (others had some suggestions).

Magnetic mount antenna for the vehicle. MFJ-1721 or 1729 are cheap options. Diamond or Comet for higher quality. The Baofeng uses a SMA-male antenna connector so you'll need a SMA-female to BNC-female or SMA-female to SO-239 "pigtail" adapter cable. I don't recommend using a rigid adapter because the antenna cable can put mechanical stress on the radio's connector.

DBJ-2 antenna, a nice portable option for stationary use. Throw that in a tree and you'll get much improved range.

A speaker mic, then he can mount the radio at a fixed position in the vehicle. Makes it easier to use while driving.

Programming cable — makes it much easier to manage the list of stored frequencies and repeaters.

Extended battery — in addition to the increased runtime, this makes the radio fit my large hands better

Battery eliminator — powers the radio from a vehicle.

AA battery holder — replaces the rechargeable battery pack.

Some kind of bag or case to hold everything.

There are different size BNC connectors for the different sized wires you can use. You have to get the right size connector to go with the wire. You need a 50 ohm coax wire like RG-8, 8X, 58, 213, or 400MAX etc.

Not knowing your budget:

RG-8X is pretty good cable and is $0.38/foot here:

​

https://www.dxengineering.com/search/department/cable-and-connectors/product-line/dx-engineering-rg-8x-50-ohm-bulk-coaxial-cable?autoview=SKU&N=department%3Acable-and-connectors&sortby=Default&sortorder=Ascending

​

Next you will need BNC connectors that work with RG-8X cable:

​

https://www.dxengineering.com/search/product-line/amphenol-rf-112533-solderless-bnc-male-connectors?autoview=SKU&keyword=bnc%20connector&sortby=BestKeywordMatch&sortorder=Ascending

​

This is the crimping tool that I purchased:

​

https://www.amazon.com/Signstek-Connector-Crimping-RG-58-LMR195/dp/B00N3PDPYC/ref=sr_1_11?keywords=bnc+crimping+tool&qid=1558446931&s=gateway&sr=8-11

​

​

Short runs of cable won't have too much loss but you will for long runs. This is my favorite cable loss calculator so you can see how much power you are losing:

​

https://www.qsl.net/co8tw/Coax_Calculator.htm

​

Pick a type, a length and power setting and how good your antenna is matched to your frequency. If you put in RG-8X, 7MHz, 100 feet of cable, an SWR of 1.2, and power output of 5W, you get only 4.195W output. Pick RG-58 and you have 3.9W output. Pick the LMR-400 and you have 4.6W output. At a 20 foot long run the difference between all 3 cables is a 10th of a watt. Better cable is more expensive but get what you can afford and try to keep your runs as short as possible.

​

​

When I first started out I was using an FT-817ND and an end fed antenna at the end of 50 feet of cheap coax cable. Needless to say, not many people could hear me. Resonant antennas and short cable runs with good coax will make all the difference in your set up. Come back with any questions.

I have three of them and they're great.

Get the USB programming cable.
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B008RZJHJU/ref=oh_aui_search_detailpage?ie=UTF8&psc=1
Don't bother with the software that comes with it. Just get CHiRP which is free and works well. I set all three of mine up with a basic configuration with FRS/GMRS stations programmed, all my local 2-meter stations, weather, etc. all sharing the same channel numbers so they can be used more or less as emergency radios.

I've swapped the antennas for this one. Im not sure which model you have, but they were a definite improvement over the stock rubber duck on my UV5R
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00KC4PWQQ/ref=oh_aui_search_detailpage?ie=UTF8&psc=1

I've also got a couple of these extended batteries:
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00ATTVKFQ/ref=oh_aui_search_detailpage?ie=UTF8&psc=1

Nope! The Motorola TalkAbout series is very well regarded, and should come out of the box ready to go. You can always assign the CTCSS codes, too, as I note you tried to program those into your radio. https://www.amazon.com/Motorola-Talkabout-T460-Rechargeable-Two-Way/dp/B00W75BKQ4/ref=pd_sbs_107_4?_encoding=UTF8&pd_rd_i=B00W75BKQ4&pd_rd_r=2VXWDFJH948E4VQ2HVXN&pd_rd_w=lr9VB&pd_rd_wg=bjS9s&psc=1&refRID=2VXWDFJH948E4VQ2HVXN

Those aren't the top of the line top of the line, but they are better than 99% of the GMRS stuff you would find at WalMart. You will need a license to use the GMRS channels, but the FRS channels should be just as good unless you plan to use GMRS repeaters.

This is a good idea. Get your own license. Also, if he doesn't have a handheld yet, buy yourself and him each a cheap HT like a Baofeng. They are not the greatest radios, so you will probably want to upgrade at some point, but it's a great way for you to get into the hobby and you both having little handhelds means you will more likely be able to find a chance to use them.

https://www.amazon.com/BaoFeng-UV-5R-Dual-Radio-Black/dp/B007H4VT7A

Look up the next time your area is doing licensing, take a bunch of practice tests online (when I did it in 2008, they were exactly the same as the real one. Save up the $15, pass the test, get your call sign, buy on of these if you don't have much money. http://www.amazon.com/Baofeng-UV5R-136-174-400-480-Dual-Band/dp/B007H4VT7A. Find a repeater and listen to old men talk about doctors appointments and bad traffic! Of course if your friends do it you can talk about whatever you want, just follow the rules and standards. Good luck!

To transmit without a license you need a GMRS/FRS or MURS radio.

To use the Baofeng's you'd need a Amateur Radio license since they are not certified for use on GMRS/FRS or MURS bands. Transmitting outside of those bands or with improper equipment brings big fines if you're caught. On the other hand, the Amateur Radio licenses are cheap and only require passing a fairly simple test. - basic electronics, fcc rules, etc.. It takes a up to a few weeks to actually receive your callsign. You and your friends should look into this in the future.

Super-Elastic Signal Stick
& a HandMic
A programming cable would be a great add as well.

The more hams the better!!!!

Also, for your bag setup, I would take a look at this book:
Ham Radio Go Bag https://www.amazon.com/dp/1515020517/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_Ck8pDb354G4YM

I found it to be super handy with getting my mobile kit set up

I have the 8-watt version of that radio, and a Tram magnet mount base with a comet dual-band antenna for my car. It's a fabulous setup!!! https://www.amazon.com/BaoFeng-BF-F8HP-Two-Way-136-174MHz-400-520MHz/dp/B00MAULSOK/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1495209162&sr=8-1&keywords=bff8hp

Ah you can even still get them on Amazon!

http://www.amazon.com/Radica-IM-Wireless-Handheld-Device/dp/B000NX1LUM/

Best review:

> Mattel's servers shut down long ago - I guess it was a nice idea, but not sufficiently profitable for them to keep the system going, So - DO NOT BUY THIS AS A MESSAGING SYSTEM FOR YOUR KIDS - for that purpose it's as useless as a paperweight! It contains the coveted Texas Instruments C1110 radio chip, a favorite of experimenters and hobbyists, normally costing at least 3 or 4 times the total purchase price of the entire unit! For those so inclined, try Googling "Hacking the Girl Tech IM-ME" for many blogs and forums with plans and info.

Sure thing. The ARRL which stands for American Radio Relay League. They are an association of amateur radio enthusiasts. They are involved heavily in the hobby. They put out a set of books which walk you through what you need to know.
http://www.amazon.com/ARRL-Ham-Radio-License-Manual/dp/0872599639

There are also a bunch of videos on youtube.
Www.ke0og.net/training
Www.hamwhisperer.com

Sample tests:
Www.Eham.net

Nothing beats the books though if you want to learn the material. It seems you are a n00b in the ways of radio and the whole subject. I can tell you in 95% of the cases hams are great people that want to teach and learn. Feel free to send me questions you may have I'm no expert but there are plenty of people who are.

I recently got a Baofeng BF-F8HP. Its my first ham radio and it is serving me very well.

I also got the Nagoya NA-771 Antenna, and this programming cable.

The ARRL Ham Radio License Manual is the book I bought to study.

I am using CHIRP to program my BF-F8HP.

I am new to ham radio and I would like to get my license too.

As of right now:

• UV-5R on Amazon - $23.40 USD
  
• BF-F8HP on Amazon - $62.89
  
  So if you want a reasonable no-frills HT: Go with the UV-5R because you can't beat that price.
  
  If you want an HT that has a bit more features & the option of more power: Go with the F8HP. Even at $60ish it's a good price for an HT.
  
  On BaoFeng's website you'll see the F8HP listed as the "UV-5R 3rd Gen", so it's newer.

The normal price for a 5 watt UV-5R on Amazon is $3 cheaper with free shipping.

That was my intro and I still use it all the time. Look into upgrading the antenna and you will be very pleased.

Authentic Genuine Nagoya NA-771 15.6-Inch Whip VHF/UHF (144/430Mhz) Antenna SMA-Female for BTECH and BaoFeng Radios https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00KC4PWQQ/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_w7kmDbMCTQR9G

http://smile.amazon.com/Ham-Radio-License-Manual-Arrl/dp/0872590976/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1406125627&sr=8-3&keywords=amateur+radio+technician This is a good place to start.

You can just start digging in, and when you run into something you don't understand, do a search for that or ask around to see if someone can explain it.

I just went from Zero to Technician in just under a month. I ordered this book from amazon, read it and took some practice exams with this app.
I contacted a local club and they scheduled an exam for last Friday. I gave them $14 and passed the test. Checked the FCC licensing database and found my call sign there this morning. NH2LK.

I finally broke down and got the OptiVisor. Amazing.

https://www.amazon.com/Donegan-OptiVisor-Headband-Magnifier-Magnification/dp/B0015IN8J6

(What this means is that I need reading glasses or bifocals. Crap.)

Depending on his radio capabilities, you may want to consider a dual band.

http://www.amazon.com/BROWNING-BR-180-Amateur-Dual-Band-Antenna/dp/B003H3DTGE/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1450260344&sr=8-3&keywords=Dual+band+antenna

Looking to get some reading material on Technician Class exam.

• My library carries this one: http://www.amazon.com/Ham-Radio-License-Manual-Arrl/dp/0872590976/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1449263607&sr=8-2&keywords=Ham+Radio+License+Manual+with+CD (2010)
  
• Then I found this one: http://www.amazon.com/ARRL-Ham-Radio-License-Manual/dp/1625950136/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1449263267&sr=8-1&keywords=Ham+Radio+License+Manual+with+CD (Published in 2014)
  
• Also considering this one for exam prep: http://www.arrl.org/shop/ARRL-Handbook-2016-Softcover-Edition/?page=1. Or is it a bit of an overkill and should I just focus on the exam guides?
  
  The 2014 edition claims to cover newer pool of question, valid for 2014-2018. Did much change since 2010?

Fast Track. Used it for my Tech and General. Book and Audiobook.
https://www.amazon.com/Track-Technician-Class-Radio-License/dp/1503077373

Check out the Yamaha CM-500. eham reviews.

It's a RAM mount w/1" ball
RAM Mounts RAM 3.3in. Diameter Suction Cup Twist Lock Base with 1in. Ball RAM-B-224-1U https://www.amazon.com/dp/B008JGZMZK/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_qpcgybJWEC745

And a double standard need ram ball arm

Ram Mount Double Socket Arm for 1-Inch Ball Bases RAM-B-201U https://www.amazon.com/dp/B000UGZTQO/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_BqcgybYB85QDM

Th y make shorter and longer arms too

https://www.amazon.com/BROWNING-BR-180-Amateur-Dual-Band-Antenna/dp/B003H3DTGE/ref=sr_1_2?crid=2JQ5BPMN5HW73&keywords=browning+br-180&qid=1557957770&s=gateway&sprefix=browning+br%2Caps%2C154&sr=8-2

​

drill and use a real NMO mount......never going back to mag mounts myself

>I'm also looking for an FTDI programming cable or pinout to make my own.

The GRE based RatShack scanners use the same 3.5mm cable and pinout as Icom.

Valley Enterprises Icom CT-17 USB FTDI Chipset CI-V Cat Control Programming Cable, Length 10 Feet

Get this
Weller D550PK 260-Watt/200W Professional Soldering Gun Kit with Three Tips and Solder in Carrying Case https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00002N7S1/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_tai_VjDzDbMT8SJD2
And fresh high quality rosin core solder and it’s a piece of cake.

Here you go. http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00HR1PYVK/ref=pd_lpo_sbs_dp_ss_2?pf_rd_p=1944687702&pf_rd_s=lpo-top-stripe-1&pf_rd_t=201&pf_rd_i=B002U1L60K&pf_rd_m=ATVPDKIKX0DER&pf_rd_r=07F0VM4AA0JHR2STB02C

But none of these toys are going to be "2 meter" or very far distance.

About the cheapest/most portable 2m text messaging once can setup is a combination of 3 devices:

• UV-5R Radio
  
• Mobilink BT TNC
  
• APRS Droid
  
  With this, I can use an app on my phone to send APRS text messages through my 2M radio and it will get relayed all over. Someone with a similar setup or computer can receive and reply. No cell phone plan needed.