Update 12/2024: Just passed the Technician and General exams 🤗. Thanks to the group at the Anne Arundel Radio Club (AARC.) They were very friendly and accommodating in administration of the exams and have a perfect club site in Davidsonville, MD (near Annapolis.) Their website is at https://www.w3vpr.org
Ham License Redux: I’m planning to take my amateur ham radio license next month (I had a technician license which expired so I have to start all over!)
Here’s a link to sign up for the test, which is offered by amateur radio clubs throughout the US. You can also take the test online but the procedure is quite onerous so I’d suggest sticking with an in person exam if possible: https://www.arrl.org/exam_sessions/
Unless you’re into electronics and FCC rules, you’ll need to study before taking the test. Here are some suggestions:
Ham Exam is a free (donations accepted) site that has a great flash card feature which allows you to go through the FCC questions quickly. Was a perfect review just before my examination.
Ham Test Online integrates study materials with question drills, using the actual exam questions and answers. The site tracks your progress and can focus on your weak areas. Highly recommended. They have a 3 month subscription program, and allow you to re-up at a discount.
https://www.hamradiolicenseexam.com
Ham Radio Prep makes it fast, easy and fun to get your license and also great resource. It is the only one that you can do with a web browser or iOS device! Plus they provide lifetime access (you can get their Tech, General and Extra courses for a total of $79 lifetime, which is a steal!)
iOS (iPhone/iPad version is free):
https://apps.apple.com/us/app/ham-radio-exam-tech/id601991935
Web Version:
https://hamradioprep.com
Ham Study: Saw this on a Ham Radio gift link. Don’t know. much about it and adding for completeness sake. Add a comment if you tried it and want to recommend.
Dan KB6NU Study Guide: Good (and free) No-Nonsense Technician-Class License Study Guide. He also has low priced guides for the General and Extra exams. Check out his website for interesting history on how Dan got into writing the Guides.
https://www.kb6nu.com/study-guides/
Also highly recommended, ARRL‘s website and books. They go into a lot more detail than the Ham Radio Prep option:
https://arrlexamreview.appspot.com
https://www.amazon.com/ARRL-Ham-Radio-License-Manual-ebook/dp/B0BCYQY92C
Cheap Chinese Ham Radios
I picked up a cheap Chinese radio (best get before the anticipated trump tariffs!) at Amazon. Plan on a home-based radio once I pass the exams.
Baofeng UV-5R
https://www.amazon.com/Baofeng-UV-5R-136-174-400-480Mhz-1800mAh/dp/B074XPB313/
The Baofeng F8HP Pro (about $70) is a more expensive version of the UV-5R, with color screen but much bigger than the UV-5R
https://www.amazon.com/BAOFENG-BF-F8HP-PRO-UV-5R-Two-Way/dp/B0DHSS2NNF
Here’s a link for the best manual on the Baofeng UV-5R
There are several programming options to consider:
Programming Cable
You’ll need to pick up a programming cable: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07M85L551/
Odmaster Bluetooth Connection
Odmaster has a slick Bluetooth dongle that allows you to connect your iOS or Android device to your radio and change most of the parameters:
https://www.amazon.com/TIDRADIO-Wireless-Programmer-Programming-Multiple/dp/B098SM9FVL
CHIRP
CRHIP is a great way to enter frequencies (much faster than doing manually on the radio)
https://www.alloutdoor.com/2023/01/25/ham-radio-uv-5r-chirp-programming/
Repeaters
You’ll want to look into repeaters as well. This is a fantastic way to increase the range of your radio. Most handhelds have a maximum range of about 5 miles (or less if non-ideal terrain.) Here’s a great resource to find repeaters close to your location:
Web Version: https://www.repeaterbook.com/repeaters/index.php
iOS Version: https://apps.apple.com/us/app/repeaterbook/id606820166
Lingo
Another hint: Best to learn ‘Ham Radio’ Lingo so you don’t sound like a complete ‘newbie’
https://www.qrz.com/page/hamspeak.html
More Links, not in any special order
ARRL Tech Course
https://learn.arrl.org/courses/35902
Web-Based Software-Defined Radio
http://websdr.org
Ham RadioTube
https://www.youtube.com/@hamradiotube
KB9VBR Antennas (YouTube)
https://www.youtube.com/@KB9VBRAntennas/videos
Ham Radio 2.0 (YouTube)
https://www.youtube.com/@HamRadio2
Space Weather Woman
https://www.youtube.com/@TamithaSkov
Off-Grid Ham Radio
https://www.youtube.com/@OH8STN
Parks on the Air (POTA)
https://docs.pota.app
https://parksontheair.com/
QRZ (which means ‘who is calling me’)
https://www.qrz.com
Ham Radio School
https://www.hamradioschool.com/t
Dr Bob, Brain Mechanic 