radios
see: ham radio baofeng
frequently recommended non-Baofeng radios:
Japanese manufacturers Yaesu, Icom, Kenwood
Baofengs and other cheap radios use a direct conversion frontend. Strong stations in other bands (like broadcast FM) can saturate the RF amplifier. Better radios use super-heterodyne frontends.
Classes of spurious emissions include:
- harmonics
- spurs
- intermodulation
YouTube: Best Ham Radio Handhelds In 2022
ham radio license
Technician class is the first level. Costs $35 and good for 10 years. Most folks can pass with a few days or couple weeks of study.
See: https://www.arrl.org/getting-licensed
Be aware: the address you use to apply for your license will be publicly visible in the FCC database. The regulations don’t say you need to use your home address; it just needs to be a valid mailing address.
Exam study
- multiple choice
- question banks for exam are available for study
HamStudy.org study mode quizzes
KB6NU’s No-Nonsense study guides
YouTube: Ham Radio Crash Course
Exam sites
https://www.arrl.org/find-an-amateur-radio-license-exam-session
Some online test sites are very uptight and have lots of rules. Look for one that’s friendly and has reasonable test requirements:
e.g., https://www.kj7qzj.com/
FCC compliance
on unlocking Baofengs, etc.:
Be aware that these radios are technically not FCC-approved to transmit on some of these frequencies, though many people do. Also be aware that they can transmit at power levels higher than permitted, MURS/FRS in particular. So consider your impact on other users of the bands if you transmit at all. Be aware that you may not be able to hear a distant lower-powered transmitter, but your transmission may still interfere with theirs.
FCC rules (paraphrased)
- a radio certified for one service can’t transmit on other services
- e.g., ham VHF/UHF, Part 90 business band, GMRS, FRS, MURS
- in theory you would need a separate radio for each one
- Part 90 business band generally must be pre-programmed with authorized frequencies, not adjusted on the fly