There is no doubt that amateur radio can provide reliable short and long-range communications without grid power or traditional infrastructure.
Ham radio operators will be instrumental in reestablishing communications and coordinating emergency services in an emergency, grid, or SHTF situation.
Knowing what is going on in your region and beyond your nation’s borders can be instrumental in influencing decisions that will need to be made in a survival situation.
I have always believed that amateur radio is essential in any preparedness plan.
Related: Emergency Preparedness – A Different Approach
I have been an amateur radio operator in Canada since 2020. My main focus has been emergency communication and portable operations on all amateur radio bands.
During that time, I have heard many myths and misconceptions from the general public while I have been out operating portable or practicing emergency communications.
Here are nine Ham radio myths that I have heard from people I’ve had conversations with regarding my ham radio journey.
Getting Your Ham Radio License Is Difficult
The material you need to study to pass the testing is dry and technical.
When you crack the first textbook, the prospect of successfully passing the exams can seem impossible. In 2022, however, there is a massive volume of tutorials, videos, apps, study guides and practice tests.
As a result, it has never been easier to ace the testing for an amateur radio license. Your local ham radio club probably offers classes to prepare you for the test.
You Do Not Need A Ham Radio License In An Emergency
It is true that during an emergency, anyone can use amateur radio to get help. That being said, the practice of buying a crate of Baofengs in case of emergency is a deeply flawed one.
Suppose you intend to use amateur radios to communicate after a disaster. In that case, practice is essential to your success.
The only way to get that practice is to become licensed, purchase some radios, and train. There are many aspects to setting up and using radios that you would not be aware of unless you took the time to get licensed and test your equipment on the air.
You Must Learn Morse Code To Become A Ham Radio Operator
The demonstration of proficiency in Morse Code used to be a requirement for anyone wanting to get their license.
This is no longer the case in the United States and many other countries that license amateur radio operators.
Related: SHTF Survivalist Radio Lists
While learning Morse Code is not a requirement, it is good to understand since it opens up more possibilities for communication using amateur radio equipment.
The Ham Radio Community Is Not Inclusive
This could not be further from the truth. To many, it would appear that middle-aged white males dominate the amateur radio space.
The truth is that this hobby is open to everyone who can successfully pass their exams and obtain a callsign.
All races, genders, and walks of life are welcome on the amateur radio airwaves.
You Need an Antenna Tower to Effectively Use Ham Radio
Generally speaking, the higher your antenna is, the better it will operate for you. Realistically speaking, most of us cannot erect large towers on our property.
No matter which band you want to operate on, there is probably an antenna solution that will suit the space that you have for it.
You Need To Have A Dedicated ‘Ham Shack’
When you hear the word ham radio, you probably envision an older man hunched over a microphone in front of a bench full of radios.
Oftentimes ham radio operators will operate their radios from a room in their home that is referred to as a ‘ham shack.’
These days, there are many smaller portable radios, some of which put out significant amounts of power. Many amateur radio operators like to take their hobby outside and operate from parks or even the summits of mountains.
You can use ham radio to communicate from almost anywhere you wish, making it a versatile and valuable tool. I usually check into some Saturday radio nets with my handheld radio while taking my dog for a walk.
All Ham Radios Are Expensive
While high-quality Amateur radios demand a high price point, many less expensive Chinese-made radios have flooded the amateur radio market. However, this is a situation where you get what you pay for.
Related: What Is The Best Ham Radio For Preppers?
These radios are nowhere near as effective as their brand-name counterparts, but they are a great way to get into the hobby at a lower price point.
This allows people to gain entry to the amateur radio space without spending a lot of money and gives them time to save for more expensive radio equipment down the road.
The Only Way To Use Ham Radio Is To Talk Into The Microphone
Voice communication remains one of the most popular modes of communication on the radio, but it is far from the only option.
When an amateur radio is connected to a computer, we can use a wide array of digital modes through which messages can be transmitted.
Some modes are similar to text messaging, while others focus on position reporting. It is even possible to send emails and pictures over radio frequencies.
Much of the software is free and readily available for many different operating systems.
Ham Radio Is Outdated And No Longer Relevant In 2022
As technology evolves, so does the amateur radio service. In 2022, Morse code and voice transmission are still prevalent modes as they have been for decades.
Still, ham radio operators have always been on the cutting edge of technology.
Related: How To Turn Your CB Car Radio Into A Powerful Transmitter
Many new digital modes are being developed and implemented to take advantage of new technologies. In 2022 we can send emails, text messages, position reports, weather updates, images, etc.
We can also use amateur radio satellites as repeaters to extend the range of handheld VHF/UHF radios and decode weather satellite images.
There is no doubt that ham radio will be very relevant in 2022 and will continue for decades.
Ham radio is an often misunderstood hobby, which is a shame because I believe that there are many individuals out there who would find it a rewarding and fascinating hobby to dive into, but they may be held back by some of the myths and misconceptions that I have detailed above.
Likewise, ham radio is a precious tool for the survivalist and prepper communities, and many have adopted amateur radio as an integral component of their off-grid communication infrastructure.
Still, there are other potential hams that these myths have unduly influenced into not pursuing getting licensed.
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i don’t see the point of getting on a federal list by paying for a ham test and getting put on a public roster.
My Advise is just get the radio and learn how it works. Use the radio and don’t “interfere with others who are using the radio’s for whatever Ham’s do. (which is normally nothing other then chatting about nothing…. and they only like reaching as far as they can)
Most Ham’s i met will claim they love freedom and all that jazz… but watch how many will reply to this post and say they will fox hunt you down and turn you in. (freedom loving eh)
The test is pointless honestly, It should be something you can do online but no you have to find some club… Drive hours to meet them and take the test. Honestly who has time for that to begin with.
The HAM groups do more harm to themselves by making it harder for the new people to join and trashing those who are not 100 percent in.
The avg ham is a white middle age loner sitting in a basement ….trying to pretend to be a vital important person if things ever went down. (kinda similar to the lame fat militia guys who think the army will call upon them)
Its a good skill to learn and i hope people get some radios and work with them. Comms is critical to the movement and preparedness .
Oh and a few things… You have to understand HF radios are not cheap and those are the big rigs that most of you are invisioning in your heads… about reaching out to others. (a cheap solution would be to get a shortwave radio and you can at least listen in) The Bofangs are a cheap entry for limited range radios and they work. HYT has higher models then bofang but it does cost a few bucks more.
All of the radios need to be programmed for freq you want and that is something you should considered as well.
If nobody in your group is decent on that knowledge base then a CB setup for your neighborhood could work for most of you.
Just don’t think you will be reaching your Bug out location as you walk on foot 50 miles from home on the bofang.
If you do get into the hobby just don’t be a HAM snob like most of them are. Its like Gun Club snobs…and they wreck the hobby.
Hams will often check out your callsign. No have one or it is illegitimate? The investigation by hams and the fcc will be like a red hot poker going up your sphincter.
You want to be off government lists, interesting. Do you have a drivers license, social security card, or a credit card. You are in at least three databases. The fact you are on the internet means you can be tracked, every movement you make can be tracked and recorded. Get over the paranoid delusion you can escape. Having a ham license only means the location of your address is known, and probably matches your credit card and driver license address. Having a technician license means you can participate in nets, have people you contact. In an SHTF scenario, DX is not important. Low power vhf will be your primary communication system in almost all realistic settings. HF is going to reach to far to be of use, but a local vhf group will be valuable.
Sorry, folks. While you may try and minimize the governmental lists you appear on, even the most reclusive, off-the-grid person will always appear on specific lists. Consider your property. The government, at all levels, know exactly where you live and the value of that property. Doubt this? Ask an Amish man. The family may not use credit cards, utilize the convenience of banking or public education, pay property tax or draw Social Security. Therefore, they’re not entitled to vote or take part in governmental decisions. But you can trust that the government knows EVERYTHING about the family, the property, as well as any crops or livestock they may own. THAT IS NOT THE WAY OUR FOUNDING FATHERS ORIGINALLY INTENDED OUR REPUBLIC TO BE. BUT THAT’S ANOTHER SUBJECT.😩
You can change your name but your opinion is still meaningless as are you. I would expect you to know nothing about the usefulness of amateur radio because you have never seen it used. Sorry you couldn’t pass the test so they wouldn’t let you play.?
In state wide nuclear power plant exercises the hams are incredibly valuable just as they have been as contact points in natural disasters and dozens of other incidents.
I will go along with Raven in that some of the organizations are ….. different. Some pembers act like they are some kind of secret police society.
I just bought a Chinese portable and listen in once in a while… in an emergency I’d use it of course.
I think you make some good points. Some of those clubs are a pain in the butt! The freedom point is the pure truth. You got to have a Lic, for sitting on the stool now days. I don’t have time for meeting and I am a disable Vet; so I am not able to go to meeting. I don’t desire to meet many people (PTSD). There is a need for a person to have a Ham radio for survival situations. If anyone know of any help for Vet’s getting Lic, please let me know!
I’m a disabled Infantry veteran, been out 15 years when i took the test. didn’t study, just walked in and wanted to see and took the test. With my military knowledge of radio chatter I passed the tech and was licensed in less than 4 hours. The American Legion has a HAM club. My farthest conversation was on a $100 radio from Louisiana to Australia, have also made many contacts with Japan, Great Britton, Ireland, Germany and Russia.
Clyde, there’s online programs such as HamTestOnline.com. They will help teach you! And as for Vets? A lot of Amateur Radio Clubs are made up of Vets! What state do you live in? Just google search Amateur Radio Clubs, at least my amateur radio club has VE’s (Volunteer Examiner’s) and the VEC (Volunteer Examiner Coordinator) for GLAARG (Greater Los Angeles Amateur Group). We are inclusive and welcome everyone! We have Korean War Vets and Viet Nam War Vets, I was in the USAF during Panama Conflict, but consider myself a Cold War Vet. I am also a non-combat disabled vet and a VE.
All the best to you sir, God Bless!
You can study for the Ham License on hamstudy.org for US license. It is free and easy and can even take practice tests there. Several years ago i studied for my Ham Radio License there.
You will have to take a test in person and the cost was $15.00. The testing center will let you know what you need to bring for ID and what you can not bring. Most cities of any size that might be nearby have Ham Radio clubs that you could do a web search for. They can give you info on when and where the tests are given.
Another person that is scared to take a license test, I do not know where to start. , I have a background in electrical and IT, studying for the test is the best thing i could have done ,my goal was not to just past it but learn it I pick up lots of knowledge and bulit on it , yes anyone can pick up a radio and talk on it but it is the little trick that WILL come into pay with a grid down event. So, what they got your name in a data base, news flash they already have it. I know lots of hams that or not middle-aged loners, I do know of some disable or older people that cannot get around very much that is their hobby and enjoyment. as far as snobs as you refer to hams , you have a few of them everywhere. a look in the mirror may be needed ,oh and just chatting on the radio is a good way to prepare for all kinds of events radio to radio is the best way ,that way you can find tune your system to get the max range. The cheap Bofangs are cheap but work very well if you know how to get them to work for you.
When the FCC catches you operating on Ham bands, you will be fined $20,000.
The fcc doesn’t care unless you interfere with commercial radios
Raven – you are entitled to your opinion – but do not stomp on a serious group of people. Just get a GMRS and learn to use it. HAM radios can be used in an emergency – “a life threatening” emergency. Yes there are a lot of white older males HAM – But I am a HAM – EXTRA, VE and EC – I am a white female living in a poor rural county. If you interfere with HAM transmissions – there will be Fox Hunt to your location. Play fair! Be the good guy.
I agree with just about everything you said in your comment.
Something not mentioned in all the comments below is the fact that we are right now on a serious war footing.
It is a good thing to be able to reach out for information after the lights go out, but something not mentioned is something that could get you and your family killed.
We will not be fighting 3rd world terrorist in a far off country. The enemy will be Russia and/or China.
If a US invasion is in their war plans, either one of these military’s will be listening in on every radio transmission in their area of operation.
If the FCC can pinpoint your exact location don’t you realize you just might become a potential target if you say the wrong thing at the right time. As easily as the FCC can locate your transmission point they Russia/China forces can target you for an artillery, air, missile, or a ground strike.
During an invasion of a foreign country, our military locates all military and civilian transmission points, and carries out a strike on that position. Control of the airways is of high priority in an invasion.
In such a scenario, it is not safe transmitting from your home. If you must transmit, have portable wire antennas that can be used by tossing it up into a tree…well away from your home, or usual location. Transmit, and leave that area immediately Don’t be too surprised if that spot receives a direct hit by an explosive soon after.
War today has gone super high-tech.
China and Russia do not have to step foot in the US to bring war, we’ll be fighting each other, just like we do in these posts. Better get used to the possibility of looking your neighbor in the eyes, your face might be the last one they see.
Only one comment on this: Romans 13:1&2
That’s only if it’s a right ruling government which it’s not
I agree!
RTM, you bring up some good points. I’m not an operator myself, but I also think one should consider there are standards and folks tend to stick to them for practical reasons. This goes for any enthusiast group, I’m sure. It can feel exclusive to folks who aren’t part of the club though, and that can certainly put one off if the climate isn’t welcoming … especially if you hold different views. There’s value in common ground, though… if you can work out that part, it’s a win-win.
Very good article. I disagree with 90% of the first reply.
I will not ‘foxhunt’ you down and turn you in or take matters into my own hands. Would some? Of course. There are always ‘those’
Are you on a list? Right now. You sure are. Which anyone can access, right now, not just government agencies. If a major event takes down electrical power for any length of time, during that time perhaps, a big perhaps, 10% to 20% of preppers could fire up their back-up communications systems, including internet, and access the internet. If any of it is still online.
Chances are, the power goes out, so does the internet, except for hardened systems that the government maintains. For security and defense use. Not looking up amateur radio operator locations. Unless they suspect some sort of duplicity. Which is not likely. Despite many operators having backup systems they are like most of the others. Way too little, and not very much time on the air do do any ‘foxhunting’.
What Amateur radio operators that are contacted by the government, that are not already part of the government’s local emergency plan, will be contacted to do just that. Help.
You can operate, under normal circumstances, for normal emergencies, without a license. If you can figure out how to make the radio work. However, this is extremely limited. And is supposed to only be used if all other normal types of communication are out of service.
“Help! We are trapped and the flood waters are rising. We don’t have a boat and my wife is very ill with her first baby coming. Help! Can you send someone? We live at ……”
Then, if the contact is made, and help is on the way, the people are told to stay off the radio unless there is a major change in circumstances. They are not supposed to chat them up, entertain them, inform them of the on-going situation, and the person/people are not supposed to try and get any information that does not pertain directly to their situation.
An occasional clarification as to direction to get to the people when the authorities get close, and then that is it. No chatter, no major thank-yous, no ‘I need you to let my mother, and father, and brother, and sister, and her mother, and father, and brother, and sister, and my Uncle Harry and her Aunt Jean know we are okay and will be there soon. Oh, and can you ask them to make sure to have some clean clothes and things for us?’
Nope. Will not be done. If a person keeps insisting, using the resources of the authorities, tying them up from doing other, authorized things, there will be repercussions. Fines, jail time, refusal to ever qualify for any radio license, and often public shame as their event is held up to the community afterwards on how not to use radios, when you are not licensed.
Use them to save lives. Absolutely. Use them to make yourself feel better for having been an idiot to start with, not so much.
Amateur radio operators talk about far more things than just seeing how far they can talk. They do that, so they will know which radio, which band, at which time, with which to operate to get life-saving messages to the appropriate authorities when they time comes.
Some amateur radio operators are such dufuses it defies the mind sometimes. All the way back to the 70s and 80s CB movies. But not all that many. Because these are the ones that responsible operators turn into the FCC for violations that are almost always clearly documented, over a period of time. Some of the documentation will be that showing just how disruptive and dangerous that person’s activities was during a real emergency.
Do some talk about the new grandbaby? You betcha! Or ask for advice on how to make a radio do what they know it is supposed to do, but cannot quite figure out the foreign language instructions. And the internet is down in the country where the radio was made, therefore they are NOT getting anything from them.
Are there problems with Amateur Radio operators, the Amateur Radio system, and a limit to what the system, even with good operators on good equipment can do. Again, you betch you. Every single system, of any type, for any purpose, using any type of equipment, has problems from time to time.
Is the problem the operators? Sometimes. Is the problem the equipment? Sometimes. Can lives be saved in other ways? Sometimes. Is it the always the operator’s fault for not being a better operator? It can be, but very seldom. (Who blames someone that is essentially trying to do a person a major life & death favor during the worst possible conditions, for no credit, being harrassed during the operation, being threatened with being sued if they do something that could even conceivably affect the outcome even if the person is working with the knowledge they have just learned, under terrible conditions, without appropriate tools and gear? – Way too many people, that is who.)
Would you even attempt to help someone where you had to juggle the radio mike, the person’s vital medical information tools, in the dark, the wind blowing, lightning flashing, and so on… Would you really? Yet an amateur radio operator that has studied, has passed a test, hasp practices, and can juggle everything to save a live is an idiot because his/her name might be on a list no-one ever sees.
Hm…
Do good radios cost more? Well, do good audio devices cost more? Yep. Pretty much. Is it worth it to you? Your choice.
Can you not program one of the radios? No? Maybe go to a class and learn. You might learn a bunch more stuff.
Okay… I am getting annoyed and that is not good for my heart or for any of the readers here. So I am going to sign off. With one last thing:
I have helped save lives three times through radio work, totally volunteer, for people that hate me for other reasons, and never asked for anything. And was never given anything, not even acknowledgment.
Do people care? I sure do not. Do others? Well, some. Do I care if they care? Not really. Will I not help in the future because the person does not like me? I will probably help, if conditions are anywhere similar, I can, I have what I need, and I can still help the others I need to help.
There are terrible operators out in the world. Way too many. Fortunately, even without me, whom I do not consider all that special of an operator, there are still plenty to go around that will help, in whatever manner they can.
Just my opinion.
Thank you for your measured response. I did not have the time or energy to want to make a similar reply till I found yours. Amen! And in Virginia, we have an amazing club! Guys willing to help each other out all the time. They have included me and helped me. I an adequate operator – not heavily involved.
The only point I’ll add id the safety we learn. I’ve popped a few fuses and burned some tool tips, but not injured …. Yet. ; )
I enjoyed the article and have heard most of the myths.
The good thing about Ravens comments is that he demonstrates why a ham IS willing to take classes to learn, join a group to help him grow, His ignorance makes me think that he wants a license but is UNWILLING to learn the very basic requirements to get his. We have a young lady in our club that studied, passed the tests, got her tech lic. which she has since upgraded to a general. She got her Tech at about age 10.
Ham radio has shaped my life. I got my novice license in 1953 at age 16 with the help of a ham buddy. Having a ham license got me a job at Cape Canaveral as an electronic tech. The comment to me was, “If you know enough to get a ham license you know enough to be a tech”. Working at the cape showed me I needed to be an engineer if I wanted to grow so after 3 years as a tech I quit and went to school and got a degree in EE at the University of TN in 1965 (and worked a full time job at the same time to pay for schooling while married and with a 5 year old daughter). Since then I have worked in the electrical field in the US, Europe, and South America.
I have encountered those like Raven that “know it all” but the easy way to teach them is give them a job and let them founder around until they realize they DON’T know it all then teach them when they admit they do not know and ask to be taught…..
Ham radio has been a very enjoyable and fruitful experience.
I don’t know it all and for a hot min i did want to get the Test completed. I did the right thing contacted the local club (repeatedly myself looking for confirmation they got it) no response no picking up the phone… Nothing.
The club later on sends me a email that i missed the testing time and upset over it. I kindly replied that i got zero response on a confirmation of the time and if i was locked in. The club now is dead and shocking…… lack of interest and people are dying off. The next club testing is over 3 to 4 hours out and i don’t care that much to drive that far to have permission from the government to use something i paid for myself.
So yeah i understand the HAM systems and pass the practice tests… .but no i am not going to blow a day when i could be working on the homestead just to pay the fee’s to a corrupt government.
sorry i think the ham community is dead and mostly due to the attitude of failure to adapt to modern times. (PUT THE TEST ONLINE)
Raven even though I think your not an expert survivalist. I will have to agree with you on this. First off being a licensed Ham radio operator does not give a guarantee that information that is being transmitted is true. Ham has been and will continue to be just a more expensive version of CB. I was a certified and licensed radio repair tech for a few years. I had CB license and a call sign. I did not want ham because of expense and Federal control over it. Federal controll does not mean the truth is being broad casted. As to recieving information, any information from HAM and CB’s will to verified through a different means before you will be able to believe it and then taken with a grain of salt before using it.
You just need to get a GMRS license – no testing – just one license that the whole extended family can use anytime – and cheap radios to use. Go to the FCC website.
Lots of good people out there being “Ham Radio Operators”, from a young adult to a retired man or woman. Some call it a “hobby”, some call it a “service” to their neighbors. I’ve been licensed since 1979 and had fun talking to normal people around the world. I’ve also rendered assistance to people in trouble, sometimes in desperate trouble (life or death trouble). Sometimes I get a “thanks”, sometimes not. But I always feel great helping people out with me and my equipment.
When the internet, cellphones, and wired phones fails, Amateur Radio is often the last thing available to yell for help. Many hurricanes have destroyed communications here in Alabama over the years, yet Amateur Radio has been there to help others. I monitor FRS/GMRS, CB, and many other services to offer my equipment and me in assistance. I take no money for what I do. I do the helping because I WANT to. Men, women, young adults, and kids have amateur radio licenses, all are welcome to test and get their licenses and enjoy the fun and public service amateur radio brings to family, friends, and community. I teach Amateur Radio at my Church, my classes run from two to 20 people of all races,colors and creeds. I do not care who comes to my classes, as long as they are prepared to learn. The Technician’s license is fairly easy to learn and pass the FCC exam. Today, it is the first step into Amateur Radio. I am there to answer any question a student may have, or they can call me on the phone. I do not mind. The “hobby, or “service” is available to everyone that is willing to learn. I have a noisy congratulations when one of my students pass their first exam. This is very rewarding to me. It is up to them to advance up the “ladder” into the higher class licenses. I am always there to help. YOU can get the license the FCC requires very easily to be a “Ham Operator”. You just have to apply yourself to learn.
Before you say it, I did not imply that good has not and will no longer be done by Ham or CB operaors. What I said and is true, you have people that have a have a Ham or cb license that are not on the up and up. Yes Ham and cb’ers have helped people in life and death situations but the main problem is we do not know and can not know what, if anything the originating operator gains from the broadcast.
RTM’s comments can all be picked apart.
1) You can use a PO Box or a friend’s PO Box for a legal address. I do. No tracking me.
2) Don’t transmit unless you get a ham license. You need to become proficient and know the ham etiquette. When to talk, how to talk, what to say, learn the effectiveness and weaknesses of the band or radio you are using. Make friends, not enemies on the air.
I don’t like the contesting and other junk that sometimes appears on the air so I just avoid it. This world is made up of all kinds. You need to cope. Lighten up.
3) Hams are “self policing”. That doesn’t mean we hunt you down and turn you in…..unless you are deliberately being a jerk or interfering with communications. We love freedom…but there’s a price.
4) Tests can be done online now but I discourage it. There are many VE testing facilities all over the country.
5) I’ve been a ham since 1966. I used to be President of a big ham club. It got to a point I didn’t care for them. I don’t attend any meetings or encourage joining either. More than 75% of the hams in my area aren’t members of a ham club. No one cares or are shunned. Some clubs are very active and have lessons on how to use radios and other tech classes devoted to the hobby. We also help the community when there is a disaster too.
6) I am surprised how many women and children have their licenses. I started a emergency preparedness group. Many are women and children. All have their ham licenses too. Not just old fat white men. I am also a member of two militia groups and provide technical skills and help setting up their comm systems. None of them are old and fat. All have professional jobs and are very successful.
7) Ham radios are cheap, and expensive. You don’t need a $2500 radio. I know of a few hams that are willing to give newcomers a good mobile radio, base station or HT. I myself have donated many older but good working radios to new hams. They are grateful.
8) Programming a radio is not hard. There is always someone that can help if one gets stuck. Tons of Youtube videos on how to program them. Not an issue.
9) CB is not discounted and I encourage those that want to go that way to do so. There’s not a single cross country trucker or even local trucks that don’t have a CB in their rig.
10) I don’t know of any ham snobs. Don’t paint all or most hams that way. All the hams I know are willing to go the extra mile to help newbies in this hobby….so what’s a gun club snob? I’m an NRA CFI and all the clubs around here are great.
10. NRA is the most Anti gun corrupt group of fudds arounds
Look just because your cherry picking my text doesn’t mean it isn’t less true. (congratulations ) you belong two militias all with spec op guys training every weekend.
i am sure your lawn never has nothing but sunny skies and light rainfalls… as well
Lets face it the reality is more what i am saying and your version is a limited cloudy dream’s.
CB radio is an easy entry point. Maybe a bit more range than a HAM handheld, cannot reach repeaters like HAM can, but there’s no licensing. Mobile (car) rigs aren’t costly.
HAM RADIO WENT OUT WITH HIGH BUTTON SHOES !
sorta but its mostly due to the people involved in the groups who kill it. You can see it in the replies here that you should have to drive all over the for chance to take a test and hopefully you pass it.
What they are forgetting is now the FCC has a fee for passing the test. (neato)
I get it and more power to you for wanting to level up and have the title.. What i suggest if anyone in your group wants it that bad. One of you go ahead and do it. That way your group can have some “SME legally ” and the rest of you can play around on the Net.
The biggest thing and i’ll state it again is the MYTH that your handheld is going to reach the guy 50 miles to 5000 miles away. (without repeaters of course) People dont understand the massive limitations of radios. Why ..well everyone has a cell phone and misunderstands that.
it is a neat hobby go for it and have fun. I just don’t have the drive to deal with “fudds to take a test for something” I don’t want to spend the thousands on a HF rig for the if when problem.
Ok I will agree that some of the people involved are high on the fudd scale but you find fudds, jerks, know-it-alls and A-hole in every organization… including preppers. Oh yeah and cops.
Not one single person here mentioned GMRS. It’s as good as HAM just different freqs. You do need a license for it but there is no test. The license is $35 for a ten year license. You can monitor HAM freqs and yes use them in an emergency. I am an over the road trucker. I was parked near Chicago two nights ago. I got on my HT and was able to talk to people in New York State, California, Houston tx, San Antonio Tx, and one in Montana near Billings. So tell me now that GMRS is not a viable option to HAM. If you get into GMRS you learn how to program your radio and how to set it up to hit repeaters. HAM operators do MOT have a corner on this market any longer and yes I have met and talked to some of the snobs. Was an instant turn off for me. Another good thing about GMRS is once you get your license and call sign anyone in your family can use you call sign. So for each family you only need one license.
Wow that’s great information…?
Well, I agree that some Hams sound like snobs, but that is experience talking, not snobbery. Oh, yes, there are Snobby types in every group, but they are few and far between. We mostly ignore them unless they need correcting, then we do the correcting ourselves. Hams are noted for “policing” themselves and we shun, then correct if shunning doesn’t work. It gets lonely when a Ham derides others without cause. Most Hams change their ways when the shunning begins, because they engage their mouths before they engage their brains. Some people in other groups are snobs, too. I do not think I have to mention them here.
Another person that is scared to take a license test, I do not know where to start. , I have a background in electrical and IT, studying for the test is the best thing i could have done ,my goal was not to just past it but learn it I pick up lots of knowledge and bulit on it , yes anyone can pick up a radio and talk on it but it is the little trick that WILL come into pay with a grid down event. So, what they got your name in a data base, news flash they already have it. I know lots of hams that or not middle-aged loners, I do know of some disable or older people that cannot get around very much that is their hobby and enjoyment. as far as snobs as you refer to hams , you have a few of them everywhere. a look in the mirror may be needed ,oh and just chatting on the radio is a good way to prepare for all kinds of events radio to radio is the best way ,that way you can find tune your system to get the max range. The cheap Bofangs are cheap but work very well if you know how to get them to work for you.
I believe that being a service to your community is and always will be the highest calling for anyone. If you use HAM radio great, just make sure you know how to use your equipment and how to ask the right questions when trying to assist someone. A HAM operator would.
I was one of the last operators to obtain a CB license: KAVI-2306. Shortly afterwards, I reported a traffic accident in a remote area to the state police. Just having them acknowledge my call was enough thanks for me. Within a couple of weeks, the CB channels were flooded with vulgar and immature call signs. Some of the old guy truckers would blast the idiots off the channel with thousand-watt amps. Nowadays, I just keep an emergency handheld CB in my trunk.
I do have a couple of handheld HAM radios, and I listen to them whenever I am driving alone. Some things are entertaining, but most are boring “contact” transmissions. I know how to use a radio for emergencies and may get my HAM license someday. For now, it is an emergency tool and nothing more.
Any HAM operator who helps someone in trouble is a hero in my book. They know what they did and how important it was, and in most cases that is enough for them to wear that deed proudly, even if no one else knows. Being a HAM is about communication and not awards or medals.
If you have the desire to be a HAM, I suggest you do it while you have time left to explore the HAM world and be of service, if needed.
All HAM licenses should come with a letter of Gratitude from the FCC. We all know that will never happen.
I plan to get my ham license. I think it’s a good idea to do so, many good reasons in the article and in the comments.
I listened to a podcast titled something about why a ham radio would be good for a SHTF scenario… 45 minutes later, I felt like I had stayed after school to be scolded and generally talked-down-to in a third-grade classroom. The whole thing was rife with sternly-toned admonitions to not misbehave on the air, threats of being fox-hunted, and tales of woe for miscreants and ruffians who dare disturb the sanctity of the airwaves. Spare me. It was so bad that I was compelled to listen to the entirety to see how much worse it could possibly be. I was not disappointed.
I have an old base antenna that was cut up and put in the scrap pile at my previous workplace. I redeemed it for the value of the metal, and planned someday to repair and erect it. Just need a Roundtuit.
Some are so very critical of a service or hobby that has lasted over a hundred years. I do not understand the thinking some people go through to be so critical of Amateur Radio. When a case of interference starts in somebodies home, they automatically go for the “antenna guy” in the neighborhood. They little realize that it could be the charger for their pad or cell, or a loose connection in their house wiring that is the cauae. If you look at the rules and regulations the FCC promotes, Part 15 says that you MUST accept any interferences to your home’s electronics no matter what the source.
Now, Part 97 demands that Amateur Radio operators MUST run a clean station, and we do. We pride ourselves in operating without deliberate or accidental interferences. Selling filters and other stop interference items is a big business in the Amateur world. We USE those interference stoppers religiously, and so are 99% of the time not the source of your interference problems. Those who complain of interference problems should eliminate their homes FIRST before accusing a Ham operator of interfering with their problems. Noisy transformerless chargers are usually the root of interference problems, not us.
The biggest culprits for interference are computer power supplies and those little switching power supplies everybody uses to charhe batterirs, cellphones and pads like Kindle Fire HD’s and Kindle paperwhites. Cheap Chinese junk.
I’ve always found the HAM world kind of creepy. Everybody so proud they are under the control of the Government. Government licensing of any mode of communication is obviously unconstitutional. Look at that idiot Biden setting up a Government Office to decide what is and is not true or false on the internet. Do any HAM operators ever broadcast info that disagrees with the Government? If so, what happens? I know nothing about the HAM world. Why are you all so proud to be licensed by the Government?
My father was a ham radio operator for over 60 years, built all his own radios from scratch until 1953 when he bought a Russian field radio that somehow found it’s way to a Ham Radio convention. Had lots of fun translating the directions! He built his first radio when he was 12 years old, run on crystals. His Ham callsign was W8OYN. He was in a local Ham group that was 24/7 on call for emergencies, and was very busy, not just locally. His group served northern to mid Ohio, many were tornado emergencies. He finally gave up his license in the 1970’s because the company he worked for moved to Tennissee, and his rig got busted in the move. He turned to CB and kept that up until he turned 90, and had too many health problems.
I helped my father with his radios until I went to high school and was too busy.
I know how to build an old style radio with tubes – remember them? Before transistors, and the even newer stuff? I had burned fingers from soldering and have been jolted by bad electric connections when I thought I knew what I was doing. I can follow an electrical diagram if I have to. It helps when you are looking for an electric short. The soldering knowledge came in handy when I started making my own jewelry.. I have a small CB rig, “just in case”, plan to get a back-up rig for the car. I have a very basic flip phone for emergencies, HATE smart phones.
My data is all over the internet, my main shopping mart. I don’t care. If the feds want an old lady, they know where to find me. We’re old neighbors – my husband was on their “persons of interest” list for years.
Keep in mind, we are at war with Russia. The US Military is at DEFCON 2 right now. It can go to DEFCON 1 at any minute.
If we go to war with Russia in Ukraine, China will most likely get involved. They need our farm-land, and our females.
All you licensed HAM radio operators may find yourselves becoming targets. If the US government knows your locations you could be in a dangerous compromise. Control of the airways is vital to an invading force.
Yes, this next war will be fought in the USA.
Nickels worth of free advice: Just remember, if you think your HAM voice is private from Gov; you’re very wrong…and these frequencies can be blocked and scrambled by TPTB. So don’t rely on HAM or CB in the event of a game ender SHTF. Best have a plan that everyone knows and contingencies.
So it’s no different than virtually anything else we do. All monitored and all can be blocked.
If you don’t want to get a Amateur Radio license buy a short wave radio and a CB.
Everyone forgets about marine band radios. In an emergency that is. Long range, effective. Not many ships in Iowa.
I have that permit too, for commercial and any other use. The commercial use permit you have to travel to take a test. Also most people who use Marine have a boat and is usually used on the water since it is illegal to use on land unless you have an emergency or you have a license to use on land. Marine band VHF is not really long range it just has more power then a CB does. Why buy a radio if you can’t use it regularly on land that to me is just a waste of money.
Not even the Iowa is in Iowa.
GO HAWKEYES!!!
My problem is.. I took all the ham classes, and have been using ham, all over the world for 40 years, military, and gov. Air, and ground, legally. But now that I’ve retired, It counts for nothing, and I have to take the classes all over again. Over 100 letters to the FCC inquiring about grandfather certification, cross over training, etc. without a single response. If the fcc doesn’t take their job, or the laws seriously, why should I?
A great place for studying for a Ham RAdio License is hamstudy.org
It is free and easy. Most cities of any size and many County seats in the western US have a ham Radio Club than can be found by doing a web search. The club can let you know when and where the tests are given and what you need to take with you for the test which is was $15.00 when I took it a few years ago.