HAM license
- Thread starter vvalter_vvhite
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I've had my ticket since 1998, and when I took the exams, I sat for both exams (in person, the only way to do it then), figuring if I passed the Tech but failed the General, I'd still come out with a license.
Back then, there was still a Morse Code requirement, but you could take that at a later time. So I sat for both written exams and passed both. But until I passed the code requirement, I was only licensed as a Tech. About 4 months later I took the code exam, passed and received my General.
If all you ever plan to do is operate handheld FM transceivers, then a Technician is really all you need. It does give you some privileges on 15, 10, and 6 meters, too (15 and 10 are pretty limited), but if you want to get into longer-range comms beyond handheld and repeater distances, then upgrading to your General would be the way to go.
Given the elimination of the code requirement, you could walk out with your General the same day.
Back then, there was still a Morse Code requirement, but you could take that at a later time. So I sat for both written exams and passed both. But until I passed the code requirement, I was only licensed as a Tech. About 4 months later I took the code exam, passed and received my General.
If all you ever plan to do is operate handheld FM transceivers, then a Technician is really all you need. It does give you some privileges on 15, 10, and 6 meters, too (15 and 10 are pretty limited), but if you want to get into longer-range comms beyond handheld and repeater distances, then upgrading to your General would be the way to go.
Given the elimination of the code requirement, you could walk out with your General the same day.
If you're new to radio, I'd start with the Tech and treat that as the entrance exam to the hobby to get started, tinker, and just learn. There's a lot you can do with VHF/UHF (even run some data modes like Winlink) and you can do enough on 10m to get a taste for HF and data modes. If you find you want to use more HF, then go back for the General because 10m is extremely limiting for HF. If you're already familiar with basic electrical engineering ideas, you shouldn't have too much trouble passing both exams but there are a lot of obscure questions that felt more like a memorization thing for me. It was just simpler to start with the Tech exam first.
Just my experience, but I originally thought I'd do more on VHF/UHF & repeaters but quickly found that I didn't enjoy that and ended up more into data modes, QRP, & building man-portable stations.
Just my experience, but I originally thought I'd do more on VHF/UHF & repeaters but quickly found that I didn't enjoy that and ended up more into data modes, QRP, & building man-portable stations.
Abbey has some great advice if this is something new to you. I took both as I had been interested for years, but could never pass the theory portion (CW was never a problem)...back when it really was mostly electronic theory...so I know it was changed over the years. 
Most of what I recall from the tech license was operating procedures and safety/regs questions. But since I took it just before the General, all the technical questions I remember from the General may have been split up a bit more than I think.
Once I get employed again, my goal is to get a QRP-ish rig (20w, so not completely QRP) to do some more portable type of operating. I used to have a VX-1210 commercial 20w manpack but it was really before I knew what I was doing so I wound up selling it when I needed money. I currently have an old IC-746 in my shack. Have yet to do any data.
Most of what I recall from the tech license was operating procedures and safety/regs questions. But since I took it just before the General, all the technical questions I remember from the General may have been split up a bit more than I think.
Once I get employed again, my goal is to get a QRP-ish rig (20w, so not completely QRP) to do some more portable type of operating. I used to have a VX-1210 commercial 20w manpack but it was really before I knew what I was doing so I wound up selling it when I needed money. I currently have an old IC-746 in my shack. Have yet to do any data.
mtptwo said:
+1
I almost mentioned GMRS too but OP didn't mention their use case. If your use case is staying in touch with friends/family or other locals or a squad, GMRS is a good/cheap/easy solution. The ham bands don't work well for that unless your whole family are licensed.
iammaxwell
Member
mtptwo said:
This is what I did. All I need for family comms while adventuring.
Plus FCC states that anyone in your family can use your call sign. I have it printed on a label stuck to each of my devices, so it's always handy.
Licenses are good for 10 years.
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