License to listen
I know this is probably a stupid question but do you need a ham license to listen to stations?
Also what is a good hand held to pick them up?
As you can tell I know nothing about this subject but would like to join the crowd.
Well your in the right place.
No you don't need a license to listen. There are a few good hand helds, with plenty of threads on here about them. Just look at Yeasu, Kenwood, Icom, Wouxon they all have great HT (Handi Talkies) that each have their own pros and cons.
Some things to ask yourself.
1) is there a lot of VHF/UHF activity in my area?
2) do I want to try HF?
3) im I ready to go down the rabbit hole?
Read ArJedi's stickies at the top. There is a ton of info in them.
lots of traffic between here and TR! if you have a scanner there is a great deal to "hear" locally. for more than us locals a nice shortwave radio that can tune SSB would be a good start. Blue Ridge Amatuer Radio Soceity is in your backyard. Spartanburg just raised the repeaters to new heights too-way easy for u to hear now! I'll IM you some freq to listen to once I get home.
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does any stores(radio shack,best buy, etc) carry any good ones or am i stuck ordering online?
Radio Shack has a couple things, but you can find way better deals
E Ham
QTH
Those are two of the best spots to find good used gear. Its all about how much you want to spend. The best and first thing you need to do is link up with a local ham and check out his shack.
What are you interested in? Just voice? Morse code? Digital?
I have a <$100 shortwave that I can plug into the mic jack of my laptop and "see" conversations (QSO's) from all over the world.
I mostly want it for a SHTF situation to hear what is going on but i am sure i will want to do more when i get this one and will prolly be wanting to get a license.
So basically i want to be able to hear whats going on around me and later maybe be able to broadcast myself.
I am thinking i should go ahead and get a unit for the house then get a handheld later.
Originally Posted By southernrebel:
I moslty want it for a SHTF situation to hear what is going on but i am sure i will want to do more when i get this one and will prolly be wanting to get a license.
So basically i want to be able to hear whats going on around me and later maybe be able to broadcast myself.
I am thinking i should go ahead and get a unit for the house then get a handheld later.
Every time I see a post like this it depresses me that the poster generally lives too damned far for me to say, "Swing by and I'll SHOW you."
I's still a new ham and I entered the game in a odd way (I was looking for decorator pieces)
I also entered the hobby on my own terms.
Still, it would be nice to take someone with interest and give him the tour and teach him just a little of what the hobby entails.
Maybe someone near you can.
Pic
IM inbound....
BRARS
These guys are way local to you, seem like really nice dudes on the air too!
