new to hobby

[patmat7]

I am a senior citizen with time on my hands and would like to get into the amateur radio hobby. As a "newbie" I know absolutely nothing about amateur radio and receivers. I'm not looking for technical answers, just common practical answers for a new person to the hobby. Someone suggested this site and said that a GMRS radio would be a good entry into the hobby. Can you suggest a reasonably priced handheld GMRS radio that would be a good starting point for me. There are just too many choices and I'm a bit overwhelmed, so I am really looking for your suggestions. Or if you have any other suggestions on how to ease into this hobby I would be very thankful for your opions. Thanks in advance.
patmat7
pmatone7@gmail.com

 

[ladn]

Welcome!

Understand that this is all new, but you are asking about two, very different radio services. We'll try to give you the best answers, but help us zero in on your interests.

Are you interested in listening only or do you want to be able to talk as well?

You ask about a "reasonably priced" handled. Please try to be more specific as your idea of what "reasonably priced" may not be the same as others.

• Amateur ("ham") radio is a very broad radio service that covers many bands and modes of operation (voice, Morse code, data, video) and requires applicants to pass a knowledge test. There are three classes of license, with each one offering more privileges and requiring another test. The introductory level license, called the Technician, is the most popular and the test is fairly easy with a little studying. This license gives the user full amateur band privileges in the higher frequencies (50 MHz and above) and includes the use of repeaters and digital radios. The license fee is $35 (plus a testing fee of up to $15) and is good for 10 years and is renewable upon application.
• GMRS is both a licensed and unlicensed (with its companion Family Radio Service {FRS} radio service. It is limited to 22 channels in the UHF band, voice only. Licensed GMRS allows more power and repeater operation on eight channels. The license is by application only, no test required, $35 fee and good for 10 years.

Ham radio encourages casual contacts. There are also structured contacts called "nets" where members check in and occasional contests.

GMRS and FRS are personal radio services with usage more attuned to established groups or families. Casual contacts between strangers isn't discouraged, but it's not encouraged either.

And--while you've already opened the door, it's not really a good idea to post your email address on a public forum. After you've participated here you can use the forum PM (personal/private) message feature. Publicly sharing you email potentially opens you up to a deluge of unwanted messages.

 

[K4EET]

I am a senior citizen with time on my hands and would like to get into the amateur radio hobby.

Someone suggested this site and said that a GMRS radio would be a good entry into the hobby.

Hi @patmat7 and welcome to Radio Reference! I see @ladn beat me to the answer and did a better job at it too. Whether ham radio or GMRS, both or either will “get your feet wet” in the wonderful world of radio communications. Let us know which service, or both services, pique your interest. We are here to help you navigate any questions that you may have. And remember two things.

1. We all started from where you are at.
2. There are no dumb questions.

Looking forward to helping you. I have both a ham and a GMRS license.

 

[patmat7]

Welcome!

Understand that this is all new, but you are asking about two, very different radio services. We'll try to give you the best answers, but help us zero in on your interests.

Are you interested in listening only or do you want to be able to talk as well?

You ask about a "reasonably priced" handled. Please try to be more specific as your idea of what "reasonably priced" may not be the same as others.

• Amateur ("ham") radio is a very broad radio service that covers many bands and modes of operation (voice, Morse code, data, video) and requires applicants to pass a knowledge test. There are three classes of license, with each one offering more privileges and requiring another test. The introductory level license, called the Technician, is the most popular and the test is fairly easy with a little studying. This license gives the user full amateur band privileges in the higher frequencies (50 MHz and above) and includes the use of repeaters and digital radios. The license fee is $35 (plus a testing fee of up to $15) and is good for 10 years and is renewable upon application.
• GMRS is both a licensed and unlicensed (with its companion Family Radio Service {FRS} radio service. It is limited to 22 channels in the UHF band, voice only. Licensed GMRS allows more power and repeater operation on eight channels. The license is by application only, no test required, $35 fee and good for 10 years.

Ham radio encourages casual contacts. There are also structured contacts called "nets" where members check in and occasional contests.

GMRS and FRS are personal radio services with usage more attuned to established groups or families. Casual contacts between strangers isn't discouraged, but it's not encouraged either.

And--while you've already opened the door, it's not really a good idea to post your email address on a public forum. After you've participated here you can use the forum PM (personal/private) message feature. Publicly sharing you email potentially opens you up to a deluge of unwanted messages.

Thanks for educating me. I have a GMRS license and would like to talk as well as listen. My idea of reasonable (for just starting out) would be under $60 if that helps. Thanks again.

 

[patmat7]

Hi @patmat7 and welcome to Radio Reference! I see @ladn beat me to the answer and did a better job at it too. Whether ham radio or GMRS, both or either will “get your feet wet” in the wonderful world of radio communications. Let us know which service, or both services, pique your interest. We are here to help you navigate any questions that you may have. And remember two things.

1. We all started from where you are at.
2. There are no dumb questions.

Looking forward to helping you. I have both a ham and a GMRS license.

I have a GMRS license and am looking to talk too. I‘m confused because there are so many handhelds to choose from. Are they all the same or are there 2 or 3 that you would suggest? I’m looking for a handheld GMRS radio under $60 to start unless it’s just a waste of money. Thanks for your help.

 

[MiCon]

Hello patmat7.

I'm not a Ham, but I've been involved in monitoring pretty much all available radio interests since the early 1960's. When I was younger I considered getting a Ham license. Even though I was on Citizens Band in the late 1960's, I've never been much of a talker, so I decided to skip the license and just listen to the conversations.

As ladn mentioned, it really boils down to your personal interests. Why are you considering becoming a Ham?

As a licensed Ham you can communicate with other Ham operators all over the world. If you decide to instead get into Citizens Band or GMRS, you're mostly limited to local contacts.

If you're not yet sure of what direction you want to go, I would suggest that you buy an inexpensive HF receiver and a decent antenna, and tune around the HF bands and listen to the Ham operators to see if that's where you want to be. You can also buy a cheap analog scanner and listen to the GMRS operators in the 460mhz band.

Good luck with whatever you decide to do, and don't hesitate to seek more advice/ info here.

 

[hundeesport412]

I have a GMRS license and am looking to talk too. I‘m confused because there are so many handhelds to choose from. Are they all the same or are there 2 or 3

that you would suggest? I’m looking for a handheld GMRS radio under $60 to start unless it’s just a waste of money. Thanks for your

I have a GMRS license and am looking to talk too. I‘m confused because there are so many handhelds to choose from. Are they all the same or are there 2 or 3 that you would suggest? I’m looking for a handheld GMRS radio under $60 to start unless it’s just a waste of money. Thanks for your help.

Before you buy a radio . Please look at your location and see if you have any repeaters in your area. Then find out from your location the distance and the terraine to the repeater. This will determine what equipment will be needed. If you live 20 miles from a repeater you may need a better antenna than if you live 5 miles from the repeater. A hand held radio that the antenna can be removed and a outdoor/mobile antenna with a adapter may be needed . GMRS radios, get one that you can remove the antenna. Share you county,state location, someone can possibly help find a repeater for you.

 

[hundeesport412]

I have a GMRS license and am looking to talk too. I‘m confused because there are so many handhelds to choose from. Are they all the same or are there 2 or 3 that you would suggest? I’m looking for a handheld GMRS radio under $60 to start unless it’s just a waste of money. Thanks for your help.

Do your self a favor and buy a GMRS radio. Some radios can transmit on GMRS frequencies but are not the correct radios for GMRS. AMAZON has

BAOFENG GMRS Radio Handheld Long Range GM-15 Pro 8W​

this is a 2 pack ($50) one for you and for someone that lives close to you. The "long range" would be the best line of site situation possible. Trees,buildings, down at the bottom of a hill will impeade the "long range"
Check this out

myGMRS.com: GMRS Repeater Directory and Community

myGMRS.com is a General Mobile Radio Service community where users can search for and submit repeaters in their area.

mygmrs.com

 

[Whiskey3JMC]

Well it's all contingent upon if there's someone on the other end to talk to. Just because you live 5 miles from a repeater that you can kerchunk easily with a $20 BOWELfeng doesn't guarantee there'll be someone waiting there to return your call. Sadly ham radio is a dying hobby in today's age of social media, followers, subscribers, etc. I'd suggest @patmat7 that before getting licensed and investing in a transceiver, go to www.repeaterbook.com or www.mygmrs.com and research what repeaters are in your area & if they are open for public use. Further, use a scanner radio if you have one at your disposal, plug in repeater frequencies in your area and listen for a while to gauge how frequently they're used and by whom. If your local ham club(s) hold(s) "nets" on a periodic basis (weekly, daily, every few days, etc) this is a good way to "check in" and put your call and name out there, talk about how your day was, what you cooked at your 4th of July BBQ, whatever so other local hams can get to know you. But baby steps first. Plenty of resources & folks are here to guide you on the right path with whichever service(s) you choose.

 

[ladn]

Thanks for educating me. I have a GMRS license and would like to talk as well as listen. My idea of reasonable (for just starting out) would be under $60 if that helps.

As @Whiskey3JMC said, there needs to be someone within range to communicate with. And "range" will be predicated on several variables:

• Physical distance and terrain (UHF is easily blocked by mountains, hills, and tall buildings) relative to your location
• Output power of the station
• Idiosyncrasies of your equipment. This will include actual radio sensitivity/selectivity, and antenna type. With antennas, especially on a handheld, everything affects everything else--this means that sometimes just turning your body or walking a few steps one way or another may vastly improve, or vastly degrade, your reception. If you use your handheld with a outside, properly installed, antenna, you reception will be more stable.

I'm not the GMRS radio police, and you are free to do as you choose, but be aware that many of the inexpensive GMRS capable radios lack the proper FCC certification to comply with the FCC's GMRS rules for transmitting. Amateur radios are covered under more lenient rules and don't require as stringent compliance as long as they are operated within the allocated amateur frequencies.

 

[hundeesport412]

Thanks for educating me. I have a GMRS license and would like to talk as well as listen. My idea of reasonable (for just starting out) would be under $60 if that helps. Thanks again.

Chances are you are going to need some more quipment. I would up the anti to around $150- $200 to get started. Raido + antenna. Otherwise you will be disapointed.

 

[D31245]

Might want to browse some amateur radio forums also to get a feel for the breadth and depth of the hobby. There are so many dimensions and specialties- it’s dizzying.

A lot of it may go over your head at first (it still does mine) but it’s a good way to learn and get familiar with some of the language and concepts.

QRZ Forums - QRZ Forums

EHam.net Forums -

eHam.net

There’s more to ham radio than hand-held transceivers although that’s the typical entry point for most people (myself included). Reading the forums and articles might pique your interest and expand your knowledge.

If you are interested in getting licensed and not technically oriented and more a visual learner, the Gordon West books are excellent. They helped me a lot along with the ARRL books.

Good luck.

 

[mmckenna]

I am a senior citizen with time on my hands and would like to get into the amateur radio hobby. As a "newbie" I know absolutely nothing about amateur radio and receivers. I'm not looking for technical answers, just common practical answers for a new person to the hobby. Someone suggested this site and said that a GMRS radio would be a good entry into the hobby. Can you suggest a reasonably priced handheld GMRS radio that would be a good starting point for me. There are just too many choices and I'm a bit overwhelmed, so I am really looking for your suggestions. Or if you have any other suggestions on how to ease into this hobby I would be very thankful for your opions.

Others have covered most of this, but I'm going to add a few things:

GMRS ≠ amateur radio
amateur radio ≠ GMRS

Two completely different radio service and each requires it's own specific FCC issued license. A GMRS license is not valid on amateur radio frequencies in any way, shape, form, or under any circumstances. An amateur radio license is not valid on GMRS in any way, shape, form or circumstance.

So, before buying anything, you need to figure a few things out. Buying radios first is the absolute wrong way to go about this. If you start itching to spend money, stop.
You do need a license for which ever radio service(s) you decide to use.
GMRS license are easy, fill out a form on the FCC website, pay a fee, you're done.
Amateur radio -requires- passing a fairly easy technical test administered by some local ham clubs, paying money and getting your license.


GMRS is not always a good radio service for making random contacts with people. Many use GMRS for communicating with their immediate families and use settings on the radio to block out other users. They specifically do not want to talk to or hear others.
There are some GMRS repeaters that are a bit more favorable for random contact, but you need to figure out if one of those is near you.


Amateur radio is designed around making random radio contacts with people all over the world. If you want to just chat with random people, amateur radio is likely where you'll get the most satisfaction.


Couple of other things:

Don't buy cheap radios just because someone on the internets tells you to. There are a lot of junk radios out there that will lead to disappointment/frustration. Online reviews are useless since you have no idea what the experience level is of the reviewer. Slow down, do your homework, and talk to a lot of others. Beware of cheap Chinese radios (CCR's).

Amateur radio can turn into an expensive hobby if you really get into it. But it can be very rewarding if talking to random people is what you want to do.

Hand held radios are often poor performers. Don't think that you'll buy a hand held radio (be it for GMRS or amateur) and assume you'll talk to lots of people, especially if using it from inside your home. External antennas are very important.


You'll get lots of good help and advice here, but you need to clarify exactly what you are hoping to accomplish.

 

[GlobalNorth]

Since you are already a GMRS licensee, look around in your community to see if there is a GMRS radio community that runs their own repeater/s. Join and you can chat with like minded users on community nets.

 

[K4EET]

Based on all of the above replies, I think there are two main questions that need to be answered before proceeding.

1. Who do you really want to chat with via two-way radio? Is it family that you want to talk to and how far apart are those folks? Or is it just anyone, anywhere in the world that has the applicable license?
2. What general area are you in so we can check local resources for you with respect to two-way radio? This could include other licensees by zip code, local radio clubs where you could meet others with your interests, local repeaters (radios that repeat your signal over a wider area than your radio could do) in your vicinity, and even your local environment that could be beneficial or detrimental to you “getting out” with your signal to talk to others.

There are many facets of two-way radio and radio communications in general that all of us are ready to help you get started. In the ham radio world, a person that helps another person get into the hobby is known as an “Elmer” and many of us are willing to take on that role to get you started on a very enjoyable hobby. Looking forward to hearing more about your interests as you reply to the postings in this thread. Cheers!

 

[patmat7]

Based on all of the above replies, I think there are two main questions that need to be answered before proceeding.

1. Who do you really want to chat with via two-way radio? Is it family that you want to talk to and how far apart are those folks? Or is it just anyone, anywhere in the world that has the applicable license?
2. What general area are you in so we can check local resources for you with respect to two-way radio? This could include other licensees by zip code, local radio clubs where you could meet others with your interests, local repeaters (radios that repeat your signal over a wider area than your radio could do) in your vicinity, and even your local environment that could be beneficial or detrimental to you “getting out” with your signal to talk to others.

There are many facets of two-way radio and radio communications in general that all of us are ready to help you get started. In the ham radio world, a person that helps another person get into the hobby is known as an “Elmer” and many of us are willing to take on that role to get you started on a very enjoyable hobby. Looking forward to hearing more about your interests as you reply to the postings in this thread. Cheers!

I'm in Central NJ in the Bridgewater area. Thanks for your help.

 

[patmat7]

Others have covered most of this, but I'm going to add a few things:

GMRS ≠ amateur radio
amateur radio ≠ GMRS

Two completely different radio service and each requires it's own specific FCC issued license. A GMRS license is not valid on amateur radio frequencies in any way, shape, form, or under any circumstances. An amateur radio license is not valid on GMRS in any way, shape, form or circumstance.

So, before buying anything, you need to figure a few things out. Buying radios first is the absolute wrong way to go about this. If you start itching to spend money, stop.
You do need a license for which ever radio service(s) you decide to use.
GMRS license are easy, fill out a form on the FCC website, pay a fee, you're done.
Amateur radio -requires- passing a fairly easy technical test administered by some local ham clubs, paying money and getting your license.


GMRS is not always a good radio service for making random contacts with people. Many use GMRS for communicating with their immediate families and use settings on the radio to block out other users. They specifically do not want to talk to or hear others.
There are some GMRS repeaters that are a bit more favorable for random contact, but you need to figure out if one of those is near you.


Amateur radio is designed around making random radio contacts with people all over the world. If you want to just chat with random people, amateur radio is likely where you'll get the most satisfaction.


Couple of other things:

Don't buy cheap radios just because someone on the internets tells you to. There are a lot of junk radios out there that will lead to disappointment/frustration. Online reviews are useless since you have no idea what the experience level is of the reviewer. Slow down, do your homework, and talk to a lot of others. Beware of cheap Chinese radios (CCR's).

Amateur radio can turn into an expensive hobby if you really get into it. But it can be very rewarding if talking to random people is what you want to do.

Hand held radios are often poor performers. Don't think that you'll buy a hand held radio (be it for GMRS or amateur) and assume you'll talk to lots of people, especially if using it from inside your home. External antennas are very important.


You'll get lots of good help and advice here, but you need to clarify exactly what you are hoping to accomplish.

Thanks for your help. Right now I'm interested in just listening and getting to know my radio. I'm hoping to use this as an intro to getting my ham license.

 

[ladn]

Thanks for your help. Right now I'm interested in just listening and getting to know my radio. I'm hoping to use this as an intro to getting my ham license.

Because we all learn differently, you will want to find ham license prep materials that work for your learning style. There are plenty of choices.

• Personally, I like Dave Casler's (KE0OG) "Ham Radio Answers" YouTube channel. Dave has a complete Technician license course video series. He uses the ARRL book, which I'm not fond of, but he presents well and is responsive to questions.
• I prefer Gordon West's (WB6NOA) books because his writing style is more lively and easier to read than the rather droll ARRL books.
• Ham Test Online (HamTestOnline - Study for your Ham Radio License Exam) presents the study materials you can learn at your own pace. It has periodic tests access progress. Online learning isn't for everyone, but I recommend this course as an adjunct to other learning modalities.
• I think the best of all options is to find a local "Elmer" to guide you through the learning process. An "Elmer" refers to an experienced ham radio operator who acts as a mentor and tutor for would-be hams. A local radio club would be a good starting point.

Regardless of which avenue you select, you should try to learn as much of the material as possible as opposed to merely memorizing questions and answers. This will make you a better operator across all radio services. The Technician class material isn't horribly complex or arcane and there's only very simple math.

Good luck!

 

[mmckenna]

Thanks for your help. Right now I'm interested in just listening and getting to know my radio. I'm hoping to use this as an intro to getting my ham license.

Sounds like amateur radio is the right path for you.

If listening only, a scanner can work.
If you are serious about getting your license and talking, you can purchase a suitable amateur radio and use it to listen until you get your license. But, as I said above, buying the radio is the last step, not the first. Amateur radio has a lot of different bands that perform differently. Choosing the correct radio and appropriate antenna is something you'll need to figure out.

Long distance/worldwide communications? You'll want an HF radio and antenna
Local/regional communications? A hand held VHF/UHF radio might be a good choice until you get your feet wet.

Either way, it's a hobby, and it's common to end up with multiple radios. You don't need to buy them all at once.

 

[K4EET]

I'm in Central NJ in the Bridgewater area. Thanks for your help.

Go to the following webpage and enter your zip code for Bridgewater, NJ and within 25 miles on the form. Hit search and you will find about 40 clubs near you that focuses on ham radio. Get connected with a club to find your Elmer.

Search for ARRL Affiliated Clubs

The American Radio Relay League (ARRL) is the national association for amateur radio, connecting hams around the U.S. with news, information and resources.

www.arrl.org