Getting Started with Ham Radio

[@EhWassAmattaU]

Thanks Amber and Josh! Amber (and Mike), "pro tip": if you are going to get your HAM license, don't do it the wrong way... ie: learning wrong information. Get the test guide Highlight the CORRECT answer for each question (or just the letter) Read the question and then ONLY the correct answer You will not put wrong information into your head When you take the test, the correct answer pops out at you! It is not "cheating"! It is learning ONLY correct information. This works the same for FAA written tests too...

[@SupermanBB]

This rabbit hole goes deep lol. This is a more complex world than I imagined. As a train conductor, we use radios in our daily work.... But I had no idea this whole ham world existed. Fascinating stuff! Makes me appreciate our radio communications more. I just ordered a baofeng UV-5R to dip my toes into ham and get licensed soon

[@dannypittman4766]

I'm pretty sure that since you purchase the uv-5r you are probably well aware that a large number of people use that particular radio to monitor the railroad channels / frequencies.

[@maureen3134]

Rabbit hole is right! Th information is overwhelming but I’ll keep pluggin’ along.

[@MailmanJustin]

The best thing to do is not just jump in and try to learn everything. Ask yourself, "What do I want to do?" and attack that question alone. That might be talking to your friends a few blocks away, or it could be talking to someone across the state. Take it a bite at a time.

[@leecromer3289]

Same here…

[@andrewyoung-n8ary]

Lots of folks are probably listening to your train comms using a Baofeng.

[@harleysoftail7107]

I’m a HAM radio operator and I just want to say that not all of us are dicks. LoL Get involved as capable American citizens, people.

[@countrysister700]

I'm sure you're right. But the tech types active usually don't have the patience to teach the non-tech novice.

[@aliensojourner]

You have to find an Elmer.

[@johnoneil4688]

Lol. Good to know.

[@killiansred1000]

An Elmer is someone who has been a ham and can help you get comfortable with talking on a radio, etc.

[@jayceew2j202]

Most hams r not diks

[@behnkem1]

I've been a Amateur radio operator since late 2015. I've learned a lot about how the bands act during certain times of the day ight, which frequencies will get you across town or across the globe. As with every hobby, you'll come across people who are just there to make life Miserable for others, as they are most likely living a miserable life. But all in all, I've really enjoyed the hobby and when the power in our area was out for 3- 4 days, it was a lot of fun to use battery power and talk across the state, and send emails without having local internet. In the end, it's worth it. Josh is a great guy and his channel is a good place to learn. Great Video.

[@mplslawnguy3389]

Don't tell me there are trolls in amateur radio too. I would have figured people that are into that take it seriously, but I guess I'm putting too much faith in people.

[@k8byp]

Tgats nice, but yourr not a Ham Amateur radio is not what youre doing. Youre doing CB radio, just talking. All other radio services are for communicating. Amateur Radio is not.

[@JasonBender-mo6qv]

God bless God bless from Ham radio fond du lac Wisconsin Jeff was the Mr Bexley yes 1971 to 2008 the new retired as the teacher and they sold the equipment on auction many radios or for sale back then they didn't save the amateur radio club in the high school they want the digital television and had a newscast in broadcasting journalists program at the fond du lac high the antenna is still up there but not the equipment what a shame we don't have amateur radio anymore for the high school students oh well a thing of the past I love the amateur radio and speaking to people overseas and learning about radio waves and how they work with the weather and the conditions of the sky 73 centennial the students who still keep amateur radio as their class assignments fond du lac Wisconsin remembers 73

[@leokelly359]

I love that you're doing this. I am a disabled veteran and I've been thinking about getting my HAM radio license and some budget friendly equipment. just need the motivation and a place to start

[@GoDaveGo]

I’m doing the same. $4 for HamStudy app, $14 for test, $25 for radio. It isn’t free, but it starts out reasonably

[@ahendrix9787]

please do it! a BTech uv-5x3 (a US company-modified BaoFung uv-5x3 radio) is a cheap way to get started and some of the problems with it have been resolved...do a search for that radio for reviews, recommendations, and how to program...the question pool for the Technician changes after - i believe - June 2022, the General pool is good to 2023, and the Extra 2024...there are many YT videos and ham experts who are informative, and many of them are vets! all are willing to help! Best wishes! (73)

[@williamstiefel3908]

@@GoDaveGo you forgot $35 for the license itself

[@JohnDoe-zg6fn]

Go GMRS it’s much easier and cheaper and get get it now.

[@patriot9455]

@@JohnDoe-zg6fn Both have a place, and you can have both licenses.

[@billbbobby2889]

This was a great talk. Hopefully someone could do a great talk on what would happen if the whole grid went down, or we had EMP issues either from a rocket blast or the sun. That would be the best time that these ham radios would be life saving.

[@Jake-yv9cr]

Upgrading to General, radio is a great hobby and preparedness asset!

[@gilbertblanco14]

I love how Amber really breaks down the abreviations and tech lingo into layman's terms. This keeps the information very absorbable. Great work!

[@Grantlozier]

Josh does not get paid to educate people to help themselves. I have followed Josh on line and he has a lot of information about survival.

[@allenpoindexter1825]

Josh rocks! He is so knowledgeable regarding anything ham radio. I've also learned he is quite versed in survival, ecoms and firearms. :D

[@HamRadioCrashCourse]

@@allenpoindexter1825 I dabble. 🤣

[@allabtMando]

One thing I've learned about ham radio in the last few months is that there's a decent amount of people in that community that are ready and willing to teach. I'm going to get my first radio soon and try for my license, there's a local club in every other town around me.

[@P3T3RXIII]

As a Texan this is an important topic for myself (and for most Americans as well) especially with what we experienced on February of 2021. Thank you so much for sharing this video.

[@takeahike2993]

Texas grid failed last month, as well.

[@Coffeeology]

I was in Austin area for the Feb 2021... That's why I started looking into ham radio. Josh and his group helped me get my technician licence.

[@dave_dennis]

I had to think for a minute what happened in Feb of 2021. How soon we forget. Which is exactly what Abbot has counted on.

[@blankreganon5395]

Another option that most people don't use is MURS It is license free and is 2 watts like FRS but has a couple of benefits. First it is VHF instead of UHF. Because of that it might be a little better in the woods. Second, you can remove the antenna and use a better one including using one 60 feet above the ground. It only has 5 channels instead of 22 like FRS. But, it is not as widely used so it is great for family and small groups.

[@baddriver3580]

Great addition to the emergency com for the family in time of emergency and crisis also to use daily! MURS is awesome for lots of uses 👍 73’s

[@richarda996]

When I had children I gave each of them a walkie-talkie for around the house and on vacations. It saved me a lot of walking. Also just listening I could tell where they were generally. Easy to walk to the car turn on the CB channel 14? And call supper is ready,lol.

[@joeblow9284]

She’s an outstanding interviewer.

[@BBaldwin]

She’s sexy, no doubt!😛

[@cappaculla]

Yeah, Luckily Josh didn't wear his tight pants..

[@V1AbortV2]

No, she’s really not. 🤦🏻‍♂️

[@chrissewell1608]

I thought she was very good as the interviewer. Keeping the questions on target, and in order. Also helping to explain, abbreviated jargen.

[@SweatyElectrician]

She kinda looks like Stephi Lee

[@wingrider1004]

I have had my Tech license for over a year. I am just now getting ready to buy my first radio. There are so many options, and the price ranges, I just couldn't sift through it all to make a radio choice. After watching one of his vids, I am taking his advice to get an inexpensive radio and just jump in and get my feet wet and see what it's all about and just go. Gotta start somewhere. I'd love to grab a nice base station and all that, but I'd be jumping into the deep end of pool with no idea of what to do. Sadly, there are no mentors near me, so I'm on my own. Looking forward to finally getting off the bench and getting in the game.

[@robertivey3268]

Have you tried finding a ham club near you??? That might be a good place to start and get a lot of questions answered.

[@wingrider1004]

I have interacted with a group since I posted 😄

[@chriscroley9279]

Absolutely outstanding content. This is what we need to grow the community, Thanks Amber and Josh keep up the great work.

[@tomsimota2117]

Great job with keeping the acronyms from obscuring the interview.

[@ke8mattj]

Recommended by YT to me because I'm into prepping, clicked because I saw Josh on the thumbnail since I'm also into ham and watch the HRCC videos. The time spent watching this video was not wasted. Would recommend HRCC if someone is interested in radio communications.

[@corewarrior]

Amber is such a thorough interviewer. Nice job Josh.

[@glenncapone]

I love your "find a mom"; you know they're involved until the kid's mom is found.

[@Texassmith9095]

Amber does such a great job of speaking on these episodes and really is very informative. Josh does a great job of explaining ham radio technology on a level that is easy to follow. Anytime I need information , he's the guy I go to. 😎👍

[@twohandsandaradio]

The uptalk drives me batty.

[@morganw02]

I appreciate having Amber in these videos. It really helps get my wife involved when she sees a woman's perspective.

[@HamRadioCrashCourse]

I agree, Amber was fun to work with!

[@jinksomiabodyart3189]

Yeah, it was very sneaky 😄

[@guy1021]

If you put your name/phone number/address to a tune or rhyme, a kid can learn it at a super young, and then just practice on long car rides. Taught my nephew at 2 that way.

[@HamRadioCrashCourse]

Very true. In fact all Morse characters have a cadence to them that aids in learning.

[@Blue-Collar-Radio]

A radio is like a gun, learn to use it and be proficient. You wont rise to the occasion.

[@HamRadioCrashCourse]

Yes!!

[@wild-radio7373]

Well said, luv! :)

[@elliothuh669]

Sorta

[@lpark8]

Great intro. Ham license ideal. With or without it a Garmin mini and base level subscription is very good - emergency button if gets first responders if needed, can link phone and send texts to cell phones - all via satellite and no license needed

[@DARTHDANSAN]

I don’t leave the house with out mine

[@fm71450]

Very appropriate subject. I have been following Josh for some years, glad you teamed up with him. Thank you.

[@rangersmith4652]

Losing all comms (AT&T wireless and Internet went hard down for hundreds of miles around) after the Dec 25 Nashville bombing is the reason I got interested in radio. We take comms for granted until we don't have comms. Cover all the bases: I have GMRS, HF, VHF/UHF, and CB, so something is almost always going to be working, and someone in range is going to be listening.

[@gregsherwood4758]

Went and joined Josh’s channel. Thank you both for the information, I will be working on it this summer.

[@W6IWN_Radio]

Lots of great information!!! I got my license and upgrade easy with the ham radio prep app. Just keep taking those practice tests and studying! Josh has a ton of videos on HAM stuff. Thanks for being prepared 👍👍

[@machninety7334]

I got a set of walkie-talkie’s for my son. He was 3. I took him to the park so he could play on the jungle gym equipment. I clipped the walkie-talkie to his waist band, and turned it on. Sat down on the bench, turned mine on, and told him to go play. He took off, and then I had my fun. I pressed in the button, and called out, “Turn left. Climb that ladder. Go right. Cross that bridge. Don’t touch the pole. You have no upper body strength and will fall. Climb those stairs. Go to the slides. Let that girl go ahead of you. Slide down.” Lol you get the point. To put it one way, would be that this is by far the most complex and advanced remote control device I ever made. And I made all of it from scratch. Except the controller. No one builds their own controllers anyways.

[@briangarrison9518]

I just happened stumble on to this channel. Fantastic! Everyone should at least know basic communications skills for any emergency situation. I taught my kids the same at a young age. Now, I'm also a Ham Operator. Thanks!

[@macgyver5108]

"MOMS"... The most universally trustworthy institution known to planet EARTH!❤️ 100% Guaranteed to "Mother" even a total stranger's child until everything's "ok"!

[@karlmadsen3179]

Many people get turned off of ham because to get licensed one must learn things. Those things, mostly, are useful and make sense of radio stuff that otherwise would forever be unknown. Shhhhhh. Radio is physics and science, people, and saying that too loudly scares some away. Knowing what's going on and what makes it work is essential to being heard and hearing radio stuff.

[@garrettstephens91]

I think that is largely true. From my experience (as a HAM radio operator trying to get people involved in HAM radio) I think something that deters (especially young people) from HAM radio more than the test is the SOLE fact that they have to get a license. I hear them say things like, "The government has no right to license talking to another person, I am not going to get a license to talk to someone on a radio!"

[@blazegulizack]

Wright in the Rain notebooks are outstanding! These are the standard in the military especially for the field!

[@alwaysbepreparedwithjeff3245]

Thanks Again For Sharing Your Knowledge

[@pibble3962]

Excellent breakdown. Precise questions and knowledgeable answers!

[@bryanmcdermott4204]

Thank you. Ham is something I need to learn about.

[@Subgunman]

Great video! The issue with Sat Phones is that if something goes wrong with the satellite constellation ie attack on the satellites or a solar event that would disable the network you have an expensive brick on your hands. As a ham I utilize the ham bands for rag chewing however when it comes to the rest of the family I use commercial radios on P25 encrypted on general dot frequencies used for itinerant communications. For local comms I hold a private carrier class license for business which I can authorize users to use the repeater for business with a monthly fee. Repeater is on battery backup.

[@Mykael_G]

Question for Amber, at what age did you start implementing these things with your kids? And could you give an example of how to teach them this concept of learning? Thank you guys

[@LeonardChurch33]

I think the coolest part of Amateur radio and the thing that makes it the most valuable for the E in the PACE plan is that it is its own infrastructure. If you have a radio you can transmit to anyone within range of you and they can re-transmit to anyone within range of them. No towers, no satellites, just EM emissions through the air. In a wide area emergency it's certainly slower than the internet but way faster than word of mouth.

[@chrissewell1608]

I liked this episode. And the casual style. Being a Ham Radio operator, I am aware of this info., but its a casual way to introduce new comers to radio communications. I am going to subscribe.

[@Mark-we7mn]

Love seeing Josh on this channel!

[@HamRadioCrashCourse]

Thank you!

[@arikjohnson412]

Josh is the greatest and Amber is a great interlocutor 😎🙏🇺🇸🎈God bless America!

[@amateursandairwaves]

Great interview, thanks for bringing Josh on, I hope there is more content to come with him!

[@henryslab]

Great information. Love the integration

[@theokayestguy9167]

He is crazy knowledgeable! Great interview.

[@wyatthunter5876]

Great information ❤️🇺🇸❤️👊🏼😎 i need a larger home station to reach out far. I got a hand held.

[@ironsurvival7011]

Benn a technician for 9 years, currently working on my General Class.

[@johne9341]

Great video! Thank you Amber for adding the definitions and clearing up the acronyms to make Josh understandable to the layperson. Some of us are still communicating at "waist level." I have tried to follow Josh on his channel but he speaks in acronyms and technical terms which I do not yet understand.

[@garrettstephens91]

Yeah, just like the military, we HAMs like to speak in acronyms. We often forget that not everyone else is a HAM and we have to be casually reminded.

[@ahendrix9787]

i just got my ticket...acronyms are just part of amateur radio...look at as a form of shorthand...i am still learning...the truth is that amateur radio is deep and wide, so it's not easy to explain complex things in a few minutes...electronics, physics, and some earth sciences are all included - hard to pack in a 20 minute video. ;) anyone who really wants to learn can just do a search for "ham radio" and jump in! 73

[@sleeve8651]

Josh says in one of his recent videos that in an emergency any frequency is fair game ! So why bother with all this testing and stuff ? Just wait for an Emergency, real or imagined and talk ! Thanks Josh ! 👍😉

[@reddirtwalker8041]

I have a Technician license and I do participate some, but at least in my area most of the HAMs are retired old guys. I'm not a spring chicken, but we need to get more young people involved.

[@sorenpx]

I'm going through a course right now and one of the instructors is in his 30s and the other looks like he's early 20s at the oldest.

[@reddirtwalker8041]

@@sorenpx When I took my test there were some young people there also, I had hope. However, on the local Nets I have never heard one. I joined the local radio club and my first meeting, there were 2. Never saw them again. I know young people are getting a license but I don't know what they are doing with it as I never heard them on a Net and they don't participate in the local club.

[@sorenpx]

@@reddirtwalker8041 I definitely will be able to speak more educatedly about it after I get my license and start really getting involved. But as I said, the two guys running the course--these are local guys--look to be 30-something and early-20s. Also, I got involved because I ran across a booth for the local radio club at a street fair, and one of the guys at the booth looked to be somewhere in his mid-to-late 20s. In any case, I definitely agree that hobbies like this need young people getting involved. For the hobby to survive, you always need new blood coming in to replace the outgoing generations.

[@shadowsun199]

I keep write as rain notepads, "Oh I do to!" in their backpacks "Oh right for the kids... . " lmao

[@Davidg1t1]

Great information and interview. Thank you.

[@robertduncan2742]

A issue with ham radio is all the liscencing which needs done and with what's coming people aren't going to be worring about call number or what to say. What's you backup power when grids fall and cells are gone. My thoughts are a good radio with a good range area

[@dr.projectx5142]

This is great info. I still use my 29 lt cobra classic and a mag mount. Great radio for quick communication. And also carry a 2 uhf radios a bearcom by 130 and spirit motorola radio.

[@billmcdonald2436]

Thanks for mentioning the app for practice tests. I downloaded it.

[@dakotahayden6937]

Can you tell us the makes/models of the three radios on the table?

[@andrewyoung-n8ary]

The big one is an Icom IC-705, the short HT with the big screen is a Yaesu FT3DR, and the last one is a GMRS radio and I don’t recognize it.

[@capnrob97]

I am 57 and studying for the tech listen. I have a few handheld transceiver radios I listen to. Probably won’t transmit much when I get licensed, but figure I should have in case I ever need to.

[@TXLorenzo]

You had me when you started talking PACE, lol

[@ferryvantichelen6521]

The acronym translations are very useful haha, thanks!

[@MENSA.lady2]

Bear in mind that this site is USA specific. The rules are likely to be different where you live. Check before you spend any money. Also, the person you are talking to cannot tell if your equipment is brand new, state of the art and expensive, or 50 years old, bought at a local Hamfest for little more than pennies. It is not necessary to pay a lot of money. My first receiver, an RCA AR88D cost very little as it started life in a WWII Sherman Tank and was very heavy.

[@zayl777]

You guys found Josh! Awesome video

[@outlawbadge1]

While I have used CB raiders all my life, the ham radios with all the options are very confusing, at least at this point. We have no ham radio experience but with the wife and I camping or traveling, we would like something we can communicate with each other easily or be able to reach someone for help no matter where we might be, boondocks, forest, woods, extttt… we aren’t sure what ham radio would be best for our needs and possibly seeking a license as well. Thanks for the video,,

[@adlucem9845]

Skip the license. Get baofengs. Also make yourself a guerilla repeater. (doubles as a battery pack) Guerilla repeater: -.50 cal ammo can - surecom or Argent simplex repeater ($55) -spare baofeng or 25w mobile radio -size 14 atv battery fits in ammo can nicely -20w - 40w solar panel - N9TAX slim Jim antenna. These hang from a tree and are quite good antennas. A tree makes a fast and easy way to get an antenna high without a mast. -25-50ft of coax. LMR400 or KMR 400 (knockoff but good and cheap at $35 for 25'). and appropriate connectors to hook to whatever radio you get. (Mobile radio and slim Jim need nothing) Put it all in the ammo can and route your hand held radios transmissions through it. It provides anywhere from 15-50 miles of total range. Deploys easily, cant be smashed, water proof, packs up small.

[@aliensojourner]

Great video, Thank you!

[@Hjaal904]

Learned a lot from Josh and crashcourse!

[@HighDesertAdventurer]

Just registered for a class and test at the local Community College.

[@up2top]

Great intro video and an excellent compliment to the FieldCraft channel.

[@josephukedaddy0548]

Josh is the best! Big fan

[@elliottdmann]

I love the idea of whistles as well as weather proof notepads for kids to keep with them. Excellent!

[@tonylion2680]

pencil instead of ink, and what replaces paper as water-resistant?

[@elliottdmann]

@@tonylion2680 If I understand your comment correctly, it sounds like you suggest pencil instead of an ink pen for writing in all weather, and you ask what weather resistant alternatives there are for plain paper. Write-in-the-rain is a brand with numerous styles of waterproof pens as well as water proof paper and notebooks. I own several of the notebooks; they hold up well - even against toddlers chewing on them! Not so for notebooks made with plain paper.

[@DonkeyMusic777]

Very well done.

[@michaelsavage1532]

Awesome video!!!

[@CJLiveFromTheOutdoors]

Thanks for the useful information! HAM radio is overwhelming to those of us with no knowledge. This helped.

[@garrettstephens91]

If someone as dumb as me can pass the first and second levels of the HAM radio exam, then everyone else can too. It is not that difficult and there is lots of study material available. I used the book "All Ham and No Spam" by K4IA, it helped a lot.

[@paullaidler1426]

Hosh!🔥🔥🔥🔥

[@ezekielswiss4347]

I am more confused now then i was before this video. lol i have alot to learn

[@DonzLockz]

Josh is da man for HAM!👍🤓📻

[@countrysister700]

Being old school, my learning needs to be able to review print, diagrams, outlines (showing term like FRS and the types that are subsets). This convo us pleasant but I'm not left understanding more than when I started. Simply don't know where to start to get the info in a format I can understand, retain and act on confidently.

[@jsnjyn]

Seems this was more of an intro or “hook.” Maybe the “getting started” playlist on his channel would be a good next step.

[@LegacyRetics]

I think i was probably 4-5 when I learned my parents number. The school I went to was smart and made it our password for computer class, easy way to help kids remember parents numbers in today's world.

[@ncphotos]

Great show W2CSI

[@learnshareevolve1842]

Update - The GMRS license fee has now (finally) been reduced to $35. The "Not A Rubicon" channel has a helpful video on how to navigate the (not helpful) FCC website, in order to get your GMRS license. Only one GMRS license is needed per family. No test is required, beyond navigating the FCC website, which might test your patience a bit. GMRS radios are favored by the 'Off Roading' community, can have higher power (up to 50w?) mobile radios, and licensed individuals may also put up their own repeaters to extend range and/or cover a broad area. Many/most GMRS radios include weather radio and FM (broadcast) radio receiving.

[@Andrewbreeze316]

Love this guy

[@DK5ONV]

KI6NAZ rocks . . . 👍👍👍 73's de Your Friend Uncle Guenter from the German Frontiers

[@chefprepjustindieh]

Great material!

[@11ccom]

My 50 cal needs a ham radio.

[@nunzioification]

After rigorous consideration, your comment wins

[@t.c.2527]

Great Info Amber, Thanks

[@davidkay7389]

Great HAM resource

[@garyhineman2555]

This sounds more like a personal conversation not teaching anybody anything

[@V1AbortV2]

Exactly! This was a waste of time to watch.

[@chrissewell1608]

I liked it. A very informal, comfortable, conversation on communication options.

[@Caderic]

You sure can send your kid down the trail with a ham radio. $25 Baofeng...there you go. It's what I do. But the whistle code is a great additional system!

[@mmartinez3619]

Good stuff on PACE Thanks!

[@Blue-Collar-Radio]

Woot Woot!

[@dwpinspectot]

What would a "Carrington Effect" have on hams? What would be protective measures to protect your equipment?

[@nealfry2230]

I really Love you Hayden Panettiere

[@nealfry2230]

A Back up Generator for your Home and HAM Radios.

[@nealfry2230]

I'll Always Love you Hayden Panettiere

[@nealfry2230]

I'll Pay for all Expenses. I Promise, Neal Patrick Fry from Detroit, Michigan.

[@nealfry2230]

Merry Christmas Hayden Panettiere

[@RocksNRuts4]

some good info. HI AMBER!!!

[@wild-radio7373]

Very cool interview! 🤜🏻👍🤛🏻♡♡♡

[@haileymaya2030]

That is great that you teaching your kids to find an adult that would help them if they're lost but you're teaching them wrong at the same time you're teaching them how to be afraid of someone in a uniform that's exactly who they want to go to always teach them to ask if there are security law enforcement or firemen they will have no problem in showing them their identification just to ease their mind this is how a lot of kids getting to trouble because parents teach them how to be afraid of people in uniform inform them teach them don't make them afraid I've worked security for almost 30 years I lost count how many kids I reunited with their families I'm also a volunteer firefighter for almost 30 years so please don't teach him wrong from right

[@rebeccaseveringhaus8642]

Which Ham Radio should I buy? There are so many.

[@macgyver5108]

Josh here is only a Lockheed Martin engineer... I'm sure he's way "underqualified" on this sort of subject! 🙃 I'm SO going to work on getting my amateur radio license! (an upgrade to the mid level amateur General license from my current one as a base level Technician!)

[@markhaywood7307]

Amber is over the top on to it.

[@Dram_bam]

She’s a keeper!

[@boo-ix]

Excellent!

[@limacharlietac]

When the grid falls, your license means nothing. Remember that before you waste your money

[@garrettstephens91]

You still have to practice now and know what you are doing with the radio when the grid goes down (which requires a license to practice now). Do you expect to never use a firearm then be able to use it proficiently when someone breaks into your house? Same concept.

[@africantwin173]

In the Netherlands most youngsters find the ham exams too difficult. And with a Dutch General Class license you still cannot use the 80 meter band for local work. The ITU 1 and IARU need to do something about all those band plan differences and difficulty in exams. Ham Radio is very nice hobby. Most hams in my area are very old. Hardly any young hams. The bands are quiet. Most new hams wont go further than General Class. And if they have the papers, then they use MMDVM with Internet. SO no rf repeaters any more . Just internet hotspots. Fusion and DMR.