new to hobby

[ecps92]

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!

Some Clubs (the one I belong to as an example) also hosts a Zoom Forum (all are welcome)

Minuteman Repeater Association - ElMER/MENTOR Forum

mmra.org

 

[speedway_navigator]

I was on Citizens Band in the late 1960's

I tell the younger generation I've been using social media since each conversation started with
breaker one nine

 

[KF6DGN]

@Patman7, I don't believe this has been discussed yet, DMR (or the other digital modes) an amateur technician has access to.

If you end up getting your Technician license, you can pick up a budget-friendly 2m/440/DMR handheld (HT) and pair it with a personal hotspot (I personally love the openSPOT4). With that lightweight setup, you can literally talk to people all across the globe right from your living room!

I’ve had some fantastic QSOs on DMR—including chatting with a group of senior hams across the country while they were getting ready for lunch at their assisted living facility talking on their mobile phone using a ham radio app.

You don't even have to wait for the radio equipment to start exploring. There are several great apps you can use on your phone, tablet, or PC to connect over the internet:
EchoLink, Peanut, & DroidStar: These let you talk to other licensed hams worldwide (you’ll just need your callsign (and a few registrations) once you pass the Tech exam).

Radio Scanner Apps / Broadcastify: You can download these right now for free to listen in on ham feeds and repeaters before you even take the test.

Other apps/websites: myGMRS, Repeaterbook,

Welcome to the hobby.

David
Proud no code Tech
Trust No One, Monitor Everything 📻👂

 

[DotNM]

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

I'm close to you @patman7 - Watchung, NJ on the border with North Plainfield. I haven't heard much on GMRS in our area so I'd second the suggestion to look at amateur radio. I know there's a repeater run by a local club K2ETS on the Watchung mountain with very excellent wide-area coverage so you might want to check out their club website at K2ETS ETS of NJ ETSNJ The Electronic Technology Society of New Jersey Home. I've been able to reach it from the NJ Turnpike, GSP and even up by Morristown.

All the best and 73s from W2MAT (United States) / VE3MAT (Canada)