Congratulation on passing the Exam!


Most people want some tips on what to do next.


For Local San Diego info, see SanDiegoHamRadioCommunity.com.



Buying your first radio


A very common question is “what radio should I buy?”.

There are several factors you need to consider, and just saying to get this one or that one might not suit your needs well. It depends on how you plan to use your radio.  For example:


  1. 1.If you plan to help with CERT of other disaster services groups, you might consider a water resistant radio.

  2. 2.If you plan to hike or go for “rough duty” you might want to get an additional inexpensive radio - just in case it falls down that hillside.

  3. 3.If you’re in a club or group, i might make sense to get the same kind of radio prevalent in the group so you can share accessories.

  4. 4.If you plan to always carry the radio in your pocket, you might go for one of the smaller radios (even if that means giving up a keypad).


That said, whatever you do, here are some general tips:

  1. 1.Buy a dual band radio - 2meter (146MHz) and 70centimeter (440MHz)

  2. 2.Buy an earbud/mic combo, or a headset.

  3. 3.Buy the “AA battery pack” so you have backup when you forget to charge the battery.



Pre-Covid, you could also:


Attend a Get On The Air (GOTA) Workshop


ARES Communicator Gateway Series:

San Diego ARES (Amateur Radio Emergency Service) holds a workshop for those new to amateur Radio. Experienced operators (“Elmers”) will help you learn to use your radio. You may attend even if you haven’t passed the exam yet, and with or without a radio (there are loaners available).  If you’ve already bought a radio, bring it (and the manual) to class to learn how to use it.


Time: The second Saturday of every month, 10am to noon


Location:

For the rest of 2019 - near HRO (163 and Clairemont Mesa Blvd)

Please contact Rob, K6RJF for location details and info.


Bring to the workshop:

  1. 1.Your radio (if you don’t have one, we have loaners)

  2. 2.The manual (very, very important to bring your manual!)

  3. 3.The workbook from previous session (if you attended before)


For more info, email Rob, K6RJF






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