If you want something cheap to get started, or maybe some extras to bury in EMP resistant containers, you can get a Baofeng UV-5R for next to nothing. Version 2 still has restricted bands. 2+ and later they are blocked. They are also very small. I think Version 1 is the one that has illegal power, but it is switchable. You just have to make sure you don't use it. This is not a recommendation for a primary radio.
the BaoFeng BF-H8FP handheld seems to be popular. I’m in the same boat as you. Wanting to get into HAM. I’m not sure if you can listen and not transmit without a license.
Baofengs can be improved with antenna upgrades. Ensure you chose the correct SMA gender. There are only two. https://modernsurvivalblog.com/security/best-baofeng-antenna/
No license necessary to listen.
Bumperino
If you want something cheap to get started, or maybe some extras to bury in EMP resistant containers, you can get a Baofeng UV-5R for next to nothing. Version 2 still has restricted bands. 2+ and later they are blocked. They are also very small. I think Version 1 is the one that has illegal power, but it is switchable. You just have to make sure you don't use it. This is not a recommendation for a primary radio.
I'm a complete beginner in this.
You should probably find a local ham club to talk to.
Small town, doubtful but never know. Thanks.
http://www.arrl.org/find-a-club
Thank you! There's one a town away from me.
I want one like Nellie Orr's
She inspired me!
You mean the kind that requires the federal government to license you to use?
I won't be registering, if possible.
Watch out for the vans then. It’s a thing!
Thank you, I will look into both, but $ really not an issue.
If you wanna donate to my radio fund feel free lol. Didn’t know they were this pricy
Amazing ain't it!
FCC is taking away HAM Frequencies later this year as it is.
Source: http://www.arrl.org/news/fcc-orders-amateur-access-to-3-5-ghz-band-to-sunset
So, more control being asserted upon us!
BaoFeng UV-5R Dual Band Two Way Radio its dirt cheep and works.
While its illegal to broadcast its perfectly ok to listen and in an emergency you can broadcast to seek help.
Thanks! More interested in listening to start.
the BaoFeng BF-H8FP handheld seems to be popular. I’m in the same boat as you. Wanting to get into HAM. I’m not sure if you can listen and not transmit without a license.
Thanks. I had a book given to me a few years ago and threw it out. I shouldn't have done that.
I prefer smoked.