7 Steps To Take After Getting Your First Ham Radio License

[@duneattack]

Passed my tech exam a few months ago and waited for months to get my jeep out of the shop, but based on your incredible reviews I scored an Alinco DR735, and for an HT I picked up a Yaesu dual band. Just finished installing the mobile in the jeep and we're going to roll out this weekend and I'm FINALLY going to get on air and flub my first call out. I have to admit... it feels a little like going on a first date, and I feel like such a dork saying that. Anyway I just wanted to pop in and congratulate you on a fantastic channel with extremely useful content. You Rock Jason!

[@andrewyoung-n8ary]

I have two of those. Perfect for mobile use. Don’t bother with the digital card. It’s not compatible with anything.

[@jasonmountain4643]

I just passed my technicians license two days ago. 34/35. Looking forward to learning more.

[@HamRadio2]

Congrats!

[@bizman45390]

I just passed my technicians today I got 34 out of 35 right I’m excited about it and getting my General next!!

[@allenvestal4474]

I started with the TYT MD380 UV. Now I have the Anytone 878 plus and a hotspot.

[@minnesotaarthandtdanceband944]

Very helpful. I take my Technician test tomorrow on the Internet with GLAARG. I’m 87 so here I go. I took you online Technician course, which was very helpful. I live in Minnesota near Saint Paul. Thanks for your dedicated help. Gerhardt Krug. Semper Fi and 73...

[@HamRadio2]

Best of luck!

[@mikestone9129]

I didn't know you could take the test online.

[@korylinn2251]

Passed my test 1.5 weeks ago, and got my call sign today. Thanks for the video - I have a lot to learn!

[@singletona082]

Huh wonder why the lag time. You CAN start transmitting as soon as the call is registered on their end rather tha nwait for the actual license. Still, congrats. Glad to know the hobby is thriving.

[@chriss7393]

Hmu

[@theprotagonist9466]

KF0KOD, Denver, Colorado! Running a icom id-52a with a 20w booster. Hitting repeaters in the metro with a handheld is cake.

[@ianmcgarrigle8492]

Best advice I ever got was join your local club. There is a wealth of knowledge there and all for free. Members will always help out the beginner.

[@submarineradioman5535]

Not always Ian. I joined a local club back when I was an RF engineer with RCA Camden. I was still questioned and criticized - even with an EE and 7 years experience as a submarine radioman/tech/telegrapher. Ego gets in the way of some of these characters… although when I was a teenager my mentors/elmers were great and guided me through everything… even how to take the bus to the FCC office in Philly!

[@1polonium210]

Very good advice. Of the seven steps, I think that #7 (Get on the air) is the MOST important for new Technician class licensees. Also, learning how to operate HF for new General class licensees is very important. The principal problem with the Amateur Radio licensing system is that new license holders are practically flying blind after getting their ticket. It is much like getting a driver's license, without having learned how to drive an automobile. I wish there were some way to address this matter in the Technican and General study courses, but I think that people who decide what are appropriate subjects for the tests will have to be dragged kicking and screaming to the realization that a good chunk of the material in the Technician and General study courses is of marginal significance. KI5KET

[@alk555]

Well said.

[@Warndog9]

QRZ is something else. I just signed up and pulled up the local area map. I had NO IDEA how many hams are right around the corner from me, and many of them are QRZ members. 335 in my gridsquare. Soo cool! Thanks for the heads up!

[@w.rustylane5650]

Just passed my Technician test with 35/35, 100% and now I have my call sign after waiting 2 weeks and 4 days. Was wondering what to do next. I've already built a 1/4 wave ground plane for 2 meters since I received a Yaesu FT-4VR, a mono band HT for passing the test. Radio was given to the first 15 who passed the Technician test. I've got the antenna on my old CB mast pole about 20 feet in the air and can hit a lot of repeaters in my area. I've already programmed them into memory so I can scan them looking for traffic. 73's KO4IDL. Oh yeah, I already applied for my vanity call sign. We'll see how that goes. Already have been studying for the General license and have scored 100% on 3 practice tests. 73's.

[@dougearnest7590]

Great advice. I wanted to add that from my limited experience the dues to join a club are ridiculously inexpensive (in my case, barely enough to pay for the tshirt and ball cap.) Also, is it a "Ham thing" to use the British "Zed" instead of the American "Zee" for the letter "Z"? And do you call them "Zed Zed Top"?

[@HamRadio2]

Since "Zee" sounds like "D, T, E, G" and a small list of other letters, it makes it more recognizable to just say "Zed" - usually this is only done when talking on the air, over the radio, but we use "radio lingo" in daily conversations since we are just used to it.

[@dougearnest7590]

@@HamRadio2 -- Thanks for the response. Makes sense to me, I just never heard Americans use it before.

[@JustinH95]

Taking my exam tomorrow. Wish me luck!

[@HamRadio2]

Good luck!

[@hamradiobasics]

Excellent advice Jason. So many don't know what to do and this is a excellent guide. Keep up the great work !

[@HamRadio2]

Thanks for watching

[@bobbywhitney6262]

Great video! Well I got a little dilemma I have pass the Technician test on June, 10th 2023 and its been a week and due to the FCC ULS website being down I still have not received my FCC call-sign yet via email. So I can join a club or EchoLink, etc without my new call-sign. I hope I get it soon because a lot of the discounts expire at the end of the month. Is there ANY suggestion you can offer on a way for me to get a copy of my license and/or my call-sign as well? Thanks in advance.😀

[@sincerelyyours7538]

Thanks Jason. These steps are tougher for me because I have to do it in a language I don't speak fluently. Got all US licenses up to Extra, both Japanese reciprocal licenses and finally got a decent antenna up on my crazy, tiny balcony, but getting on the air without breaking local protocol rules is the scariest. I wonder how many of the seven steps you listed are available over here? Got too much invested in the hobby to give up on it now so the first QSO is gonna happen soon. 73 JS2OLO

[@midnightsailor1]

This is KD2TVA I Got my tech license 3 days ago after online exam. Yesterday i made my first contact via repeater and then participated in first Contest Covid 19 Heros..K2HSUF and first net. Also K2BNL 442.40000 +5.0MHz. And 114.8FM Echolink...spoke with Dave W2DMB. If iscrewed this info up I appologise but i was scribbling down notes while standing in the woods in back of my Apartment, the only place my transmissions could be received on my HT Yaesu FT70D with Diamond antennae.. Today i tried again but no success....but tommorow another day

[@HamRadio2]

Thanks for sharing

[@dylanbrown8766]

Thank you Jason!!! Passed my Tech and General in 30 minutes thanks to all your videos. 73 from KK7BVX

[@HamRadio2]

Congrats

[@caseym890]

A fellow DFW guy here KI5TDI passed just last week.

[@Patriotalliance]

Got my Tech last month, my General tonight and my Extra will be next month. K04HLA- Tampa FL.

[@jimglover6448]

The FCC regulations do NOT require us to keep a copy of our license with us. This was true many years ago, but it has not been true for a long time now.

[@1BigOldBear]

I LIKE the way you did this video . GREAT Question: You and others, including "Crash Course" all show bhow to PROGRAM an HT, especially the Baofeng HT's, BUT, nobody explaijns or show how to ACTUALLY USE one. HOW to get or grab a signal and ACTUALLY USE the radio. All programmed, all charged, have license, now - HOW DO I "USE" it - PLEASE Please do a video on "HOW TO USE" a baofeng, once programmed and ready. - PLEASE.!!!

[@HamRadio2]

Okay sure. Great idea. I'd be happy to make a video about that

[@1BigOldBear]

@@HamRadio2 Thank you.!!!!!!!!!

[@samsousayt]

Great video. Simple quick starter, love it

[@HamRadio2]

Thanks 👍

[@rangersmith4652]

Passed my Tech test yesterday (13FEB21). Any idea the lead time getting my call sign from the FCC?

[@disenfranchisedcitizen1432]

Go to the fcc and search for your call sign via your FRN.

[@jerrybates5791]

I’m 73 and have had my Tech Ticket about 2 years KG5UYD. Not sure if I can do CW with my Laptop with just Tech. I currently have a new have Xiegu G90 and would appreciate your advice. Love your channel and you really inspire. ( I would like to upgrade to a General, but having hard time with much of the detail required). 73’s

[@HamRadio2]

Thanks for the kind words. Yes as a tech you can do CW on many HF bands.

[@ArcticBlues1]

Great Job! Thank You :)

[@hypnosiscenternyc]

Thank you for this ... I just FINALLY got my technician's call letters today ... Also ordered the OpenSpot3 because of you .... These guys REALLY should be sending you some greenbacks !

[@slik560]

Still trying to find somewhere to take the damn exam.

[@HamRadio2]

Hamstudy.org/sessions

[@gozirraizroose]

@@HamRadio2 this is how I got my ticket, a local club recommended looking there since they weren't doing in person testing due to lockdown restrictions. It took longer for the VE's to explain the process of using the online tools, than it took to actually use those tools to pass the exam. It's a great, functional system. Thank you to all the VE's who take the time to sit and stare at us taking the exam online lol.

[@tomklein3718]

Meeting with the Salvation Army this weekend. They have a Ham Radio team. Search for SATERN. I also volunteer at Rally races. They run three per year in Missouri backroads. Only had a Baofeng UV5 and could only listen the first time. Listening to that net was amazing. Great way to listen and learn.

[@StrikeEagle15E]

Just the kind of inclusive video that best welcomes new Hams to the hobby. Great job, Jason! 73. KA6JEB

[@HamRadio2]

Thanks

[@submarineradioman5535]

Look for an intelligent experienced Elmer or mentor… “ KZbin gurus” i.e - a ham with a. Camera New license and store bought radio are NOT your best bet - Join a club - talk to the old timers etc…

[@HamRadio2]

I won't argue with you, but I will also say this totally depends on your location. I constantly have viewers comment on my videos and say they tried joining a club and were shunned because they wanted to know about a digital voice mode, or they didn't know CW, or something else that the cliquish club didn't like. So yes, talk to the old timers, but first find the ones that are willing to talk to you. Also as an FYI, I have been a Ham for 27 years and only been doing YT for 6. So please let me know when the "old timer" titles should start. QCWA good enough?

[@submarineradioman5535]

@@HamRadio2 - understood and agreed… had that experience back in South Jersey when I joined a local club. At that time I was an RF engineer (in my 20’s) at RCA Camden. I was part of a design crew for a USN HF/VHF/UHF antenna project. I was scoffed at when making suggestions during field day. - you’re an uppity whipper-snapper was one of the comments. LOL!

[@submarineradioman5535]

@@HamRadio2 and I’m not questioning your well done videos…

[@HamRadio2]

Yeah those clubs come in all shapes and sizes.

[@submarineradioman5535]

@@HamRadio2 27 years - Excellent!… 27 years is admirable - 52 years here… first licensed April of ‘69 - and Tnx fer your answers and comments

[@normhils]

As you know from a previous post on another video, I passed my test after that long day's webinar but just received my call sign yesterday. I'm working through the list of seven. KI5YUU

[@eugenecbell]

How about join the ARRL?

[@HamRadio2]

Certainly a worthy task but if someone if brand new to the hobby, I would suggest making local connections first, such as the club idea I mentioned. Many clubs are ARRL affiliated so that's one way to get exposure to the league.

[@eugenecbell]

@@HamRadio2, very good points. I am trying to get my almost hams to find their local ham club. My brother in law said he went to one local meeting and they were standoffish and clicky. Well I have been to a half dozen clubs that were that way a couple I joined and attended for almost a year and they were always like that. I move a lot and it is the same with other organizations. as well. Even at new churches folks are standoffish and can be very clicky. One needs to stick with it. I bought my brother in law a nice HT, years ago, but he is still talking about getting his ticket. Two weeks ago he got hit by an ice storm in Oklahoma he lost power for a day, but some of his kids are still without power. I asked what he could hear on his local repeater. He finally tuned in. Last week he tuned in to his local Net and now he is hooked. Thank you for your videos. I share them with him and my nephew (who also just caught the bug). Your videos are great and information packed! Please keep up your good works.

[@shupingyin8082]

I just passed my exam yesterday 34/35. Watched all 3 parts of Chris’s teaching thanks

[@HamRadio2]

Great job!

[@hencal71]

Thank you will do !! just passed my class today !! waiting for call sign !! I hope its sexy !! lol !! trying to figure out how to get my call sign on to my baofeng uv 5r radio ?? thanks !!

[@HamRadio2]

Congrats!

[@tylerdean980]

You have to have the programming cable to put your callsign in the radio.

[@allenvestal4474]

I am a prepper on a very tight budget. Thought I would get my license and pack the radio away. Enjoy it so much I got a better radio and monitor all day.

[@HamRadio2]

That is the way to do it. I've heard many stories of folks getting licensed for a specific reason, then realizing they enjoy radio so much, they use it for lots more than they originally planned.

[@RobDTom]

Yes, similar thing happened here. I got into HAM for comms for the Jeep. It's now every bit the hobby that Jeeping is.

[@allenvestal4474]

@@RobDTom Not a big fan of VHF. Don't want to walk around my house with a huge antenna on my HT to find a place where it works. Love everything else.

[@allenvestal4474]

@18 Destinations I have been on Social Security Disability for 16 years. As much as I love trying new stuff I can't justify that expense when I can talk to people on the other side of the planet with what I have. Anytone 878 plus and MMDVM hotspot.

[@Asshole58]

I just passed the tech test today- looking on how to start- what radio did u get?

[@jquigley06]

How do you print a wallet size copies? Didn't see this option.

[@jimglover6448]

If you download the PDF from the FCC containing a written copy of your license, it prints out as an 8.5 x 11" (standard letter size) sheet containing a 5x7" copy suitable for framing, and below that, a smaller copy which is wallet size (after you fold it over in the middle). So, download from the FCC, print, and Voila! You have both sizes.

[@kengeddes4116]

Great video! I would have added a #8 - Join the ARRL. 73 N1KWG

[@HamRadio2]

Haha, true!

[@frankbates7376]

Thx Jason... I'm taking my exam next week in FW, TX... I appreciate your advice and your enthusism... Frank

[@dijimeistro]

Really appreciate the time put into these videos, have a pleasant day

[@HamRadio2]

Thanks!

[@jquigley06]

Passed in 10 minutes thanks to your claasses.

[@HamRadio2]

Great job!

[@davidp73]

Really appreciate all the info. Watched your 3 part series for ham technician test prep. Thanks to you guys I passed and got my call sign today. 73

[@n6pud]

Just passed mine yesterday afternoon. Now I await my call to show up in the ULS.

[@rollandklontz]

Unfortunatley i cant watch while its live but i hope you cover budget friendly mobiles and antennas

[@HamRadio2]

Not in this video, no. But tomorrow's video will be about choosing your first HT.

[@rollandklontz]

Right on always down for good starter gear ideas

[@michaelpaulmcdaniel8870]

Super video! I applauded for $2.00 👏

[@HamRadio2]

Wow, thanks!

[@mikek6293]

Love your videos. Thanks for all the great info

[@HamRadio2]

Thanks for watching!

[@thedevelopingdave5022]

I am in Grapevine right now planning my first contact!

[@surveysy7561]

Hi Jason: I passed exam just a week ago. You are the one who set up a training course with Scott with Hurst club. So as a thank you note I just now bought thank Ham Radio 2.0 and I'm also joined and subscribed to your group. This video is what I was EXACTLY looking for. You read my mind

[@HamRadio2]

Great to hear!

[@thehonestguesTT]

Passed my exam today 🇹🇹

[@HamRadio2]

Hey, congrats!

[@chipweather]

I passed tonight 30/35, can't wait to get my license

[@HamRadio2]

Congrats!

[@narecardoso2]

Exam booked for the 25th of June! 😁 Been listening for over 10 years "Buy a radio, try it and you will be buying more".............. I'm not licenced yet and I already own 5 handhelds. 3 analogue and 2 DMRs 😜😁 Can't wait to have a DMR ID

[@HamRadio2]

Best of luck!

[@silverlg21]

Springfield Mo, no club is doing testing at this time because of the virus

[@HamRadio2]

Lots of online testing is going on, so it doesn't matter the location. hamstudy.org/sessions/W8WOT hamstudy.org/sessions

[@henrywilson7802]

I want to take my ham test but no one around here that will do it

[@HamRadio2]

hamstudy.org/sessions

[@ko4gpa]

Ham Radio 2.0 passed my technician test online today

[@HamRadio2]

Congrats!

[@tradedate]

You can test online now.

[@colonial345]

The link to your blog is broken

[@HamRadio2]

Fixed

[@colonial345]

@@HamRadio2 Thank you!

[@bjbraunlich]

KK7GAA is my new call sign in Las Vegas, NV - great video

[@surveysy7561]

Thanks!

[@HamRadio2]

Thank you!

[@Insectoidoverlords]

Just passed my test today!

[@MrPtrsnS]

Super video! I applauded for $2.00 👏

[@HamRadio2]

Thanks!

[@SparkyRadio999]

Enjoyed the video!

[@HamRadio2]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@SparkyRadio999]

@@HamRadio2 BTW your site is down - http 500 server error

[@w.rustylane5650]

Just subscribed. New Ham needs this.

[@HamRadio2]

Thanks!

[@calebkrajnak842]

Just got mine a few days ago. Western NY, KD2UVY. Your videos have been a big help as well as Ham Radio Crash Course and a few others. 73!

[@HamRadio2]

Congrats!

[@m1m2turner]

I am taking my remote test next week because of you. Thank you and I really enjoy your content.

[@HamRadio2]

Good luck!

[@tradedate]

I just passed my technician class license today. I'm waiting for my call sign. Thanks for the info!

[@w.rustylane5650]

The wait will kill you. While waiting I was listening on the 2 meter bands and built a 1/4 wave ground plane antenna for my HT. Gotta keep busy until the license gets to you. Also programmed all the repeaters I could listen to into the HT radio.

[@tradedate]

@@w.rustylane5650 for sure man. I was checking the database EVERY SINGLE DAY. It took a week and a half to get added. But I'm happy now. I had my new radio, and it was like a toy that I couldn't wait to play with.

[@code6608]

Just got licensed recently. Studying now for the General test. Am watching your vids on it. Where did you get your t-shirt? :)

[@HamRadio2]

shop.hamradio2.com

[@InternetGoldMiner]

The only steps newbies do today are memorize it all and learn nothing. And it sure shows across the bands. You wanna pass my test? Build me a dipole antenna for 80 meters with a center feed for coax. Solder pl 259s and test it. We have 9 years olds with extra class its really a joke. Because the ARRL and other goofy clubs do ham crams and no one learns shit. Tons of new extras in the last 7 years uh no code extra and they can't repair, build, solder, swr adjusting etc. So keep pumping up the numbers of new lisc and keep lowering the IQ of ham radio in general.

[@HamRadio2]

It seems like you are mad for people learning the material faster than you did.

[@InternetGoldMiner]

@@HamRadio2 LOL no learning is the key word newbie there is none. Its a bunch of cbers these days. Now go make some more funny faces to post your videos to make the kiddies happy. FYI MAGA 2020

[@HamRadio2]

Those CBers existed on 80M long before KZbin was around. All of those guys are grumpy old men who probably don't even know what KZbin is. If those guys are the ammo for your argument, then it doesn't hold much water.

[@BLACKHEAT1028]

This is like driving. You got your drivers license that didn’t mean you knew how to drive, it says you know the basics to drive without killing yourself or others and actually driving gave you the experience. Same with HAM, so they passed the general or extra now they can go out join a club and learn from people like you. Pay it forward and keep HAM alive teach them how to make that dipole, teach them about coax and how to make their own jumpers, teach them about antennas. Like when you have teach your new boss his job

[@InternetGoldMiner]

@@BLACKHEAT1028 Got my drivers lisc I drove like Jeff Gordon, Ham radio passed the tests and learned the syllabus. Had no "elmer fud" to show me anything what I didn't know I taught myself. Including restoring old radios from Collins to Hallicrafters. If more people would take it upon themselves and help themselves there would be less bleeding heard "pay it forward" bs going around. I am not in the hobby to save the hobby for others. I could care less. I enjoy the hobby for me and that's it. Or did I miss the test question where it says you should go out and pretend to be a ham radio mentor and show the world its the best hobby ever? Don't think so.. Its a hobby and there is other things to life. If someone asks me for help I am more than glad to oblige otherwise don't bother me.

[@mikesnyder465]

Passed the technician exam 34/35 on Monday (bombed the general) and got my call sign KI5YKV today. Great advice and I’m looking forward to learning!

[@Kephers7]

Just passed it today. Got my call sign today as well KK7EAE

[@HamRadio2]

Congrats!

[@embracethesuck1041]

FANTASTIC topic. Thank you for the good info.

[@HamRadio2]

Glad it was helpful!