What Radio Should I Get After Getting My License? (

[@Cbro-621]

I’m studying for my technician license, pretty nervous but excited to get on the air! I appreciate your videos very helpful!

[@thork0tjt515]

Mr. Casler, you are a true gem to the amateur radio community! I hope 2021 brings you good health and prosperity! Happy New Year to you! 73

[@Roddy1965]

I have a FT-450AT that I bought in 2010. I only got HF qualified in 2019 (VHF in about 2002), so it more or less sat on the shelf for 10 years. I can now easily afford a much better radio, but I recognize that between my experience and my antenna and location, I'm sticking with the FT-450 for a few more years. Dave's advice is spot on.

[@dimitriapproved]

Dear David Morgan; After you pass your test, decide whare and what types of antennas you will use. The higher the better!!! Next decide on a radio. Radios are not like airplanes. If you can afford the 7610 you should go for it. There is no roadmap on what "yor first radio should be".. It should be a radio that when you use it it makes you smile. Radios are not like cars either. New driver behind a Porsche GTR3 will probably end up crashing it. You cannot crash a radio. You can make a lot of other hams envious but that should not stop you. Ham radio ie playing with radios believe it or not is all about you and what makes you feel good doing it and doing it with. If QRP on a hilltop in the rain is your thing....do it. If lugging a 100W radio and a car battery is your thing , do that! Whatever radio you are considering, read the manual before you buy it! As for VHF/UHF delay-gital or distor-gital, "digital" modes....analog FM still sounds the best , works everywhere, no matter the hype of the local group. Of course if jumping from DMR to Dstar to whatever is your thing...then do it. And if you end up with an anlong only radio and still want to talk to "the world", there is echolink. Or exchange skype ids with an eham or qrz user and chat away. I'll get off the soap box now, I'm getting dizzy. Good luck on your test. (And of course never introduce yourself as a "new ham" - "they" can figure it out from your callsign if it really matters to them that much!).

[@sklegg]

I’m so glad your training reached further than your local club. I wouldn’t have gone this far in the hobby without your lessons.

[@stevenreid7165]

Thanks Dave I'm watching too

[@panzerdivizzion]

Hi Dave. I try to watch all of your videos, but miss from time to time. I am currently studying for general. This video is by far the most honest response to all the advertisements/hype you are bombarded with as a new ham that I have ever seen. I have been struggling with the 991A V.S 7300 since around 2018. LOL. Thanks for all the great videos.

[@Fix_n_Fly]

On getting a radio before obtaining a tech license, I would have to agree with you. As we were getting our final class before the exam the guys running class suggested getting inexpensive Bofang hand helds. Their cub had a repeater and ran a newbie net once a week. I wasn’t as afraid to push the button when I knew who I was talking to. We had fun and gained experience doing real radio. I took two years before getting my general and extra tickets. During that time I found so many different aspects of radio I was interested in. As I was going along my wish list would keep changing. With my extra in hand I wanted to do portable and got a FT-891 and a DX Commander antenna. A simple, portable combination with easy setup for the field. Your videos have answered many of my questions. Thank you for your help, and have a happy, healthy new year. Fred W2FTR

[@AnthonyBecerra]

Thank You so much for your end comments. So positive! Have a Happy New Year and 73!

[@researchcapt]

Dave, Now I am officially an Oggie. Thanks for your advice. That was very kind of you.

[@compsmith007]

Got myself a Baofeng UV-5R for $35 to check my interest. It worked. Got my Tech license a couple of months ago, and that thing is now on my window sill monitoring all the time. Between you and W4EEY I anticipate taking my general ticket in a few months. Thank you for your efforts, happy New Year, and 73! de KF0CBS.

[@davidjeanpierre2358]

Great video sir! I'm studying to get my license and i have the honor of having made friends with 5 licensed operators of which 3 i talk to on the phone regularly picking their brains and just absorbing their knowledge. I find radios, antennas and how they work fascinating. I'm planning to have my license by my birthday in May and i look forward to joining this hobby.

[@otrdriver6767]

But very much appreciate your time and education. I am another one of those studying to be licensed folks that put the cart before the horse. It is difficult for me to not buy equipment knowing that I want the 7300 and the buddistisk pro deluxe for my apartment living condition. I also want the ability to randomly drive away and set up elsewhere. Getting the license needs to be my first goal.

[@rollandmason5596]

Very good points Dave. Wish a very Happy New Year and good health to you and yours.

[@UndernetSystems]

Thank you for the video David. I know a lot of people who have gotten their techs and slowly faded away from the hobby. It's good to start with a cheap radio and continue purchasing as you gain experience and interest in different aspects of the hobby.

[@disparky]

I got impatient and bought my IC-7300, antennas, etc. and set up my shack before I had my technician license. Taking the general test in February at the Central Florida Fairgrounds.

[@K4SRF]

Great! I too am in Florida, and I have had QSO's from all over the state; who knows, we may just have one ourselves. I usually hang out on the 40 meter band between 7.150 - 7.200. Also, being in Florida, have you checked out SARnet? If not, visit their website at www.sarnetfl.com. '73/Steve/K4SRF

[@MichiganPeatMoss]

Jan 2021: If this video were done 15 years ago, you'd be pointing at large, chunky boat anchors on the bench. Now showing these tiny black boxes held in one hand. Such miniaturization! lol

[@Justin-bd2dg]

For anyone going to test Tech, study and test GENERAL at the same time! General opens you to the entire spectrum of bands and modes and the test is very much just a more in depth Technician test. It won't cost you anything more to at least try. Many people get both and many Technicians never continue in Ham after they get bored with the entry level!

[@carol5606]

Ha ha. Loved it. You just said get your license BEFORE you get your equipment. BUT me -got all the equioment related to the reference station and it took me 4 years to afford it all with many the distractions and other priorities. And NOW finally I am studying the books to get licensed. We shall see whether my backwards approach works. Let's hope so. In my opinion, it will have been money well spent on a good cause in our changing world. And even though AI promises to undermine it all, I will just be thankful to have begun this journey.

[@shandybrandy5407]

Hi Dave, hope you are fine and in good health. It is always a pleasure and a great learning watching all your videos. Ever since I got my license, certain queries always spin around my mind, and therefore, felt like asking you. 1. Towards the end of a QSO between two Hams, is it right to say '73', '73's, or '73/s'? I see people mentioning in personal messages and so want to know which is the right way 2. When a ragchew is underway and if someone wants to join, which is the correct way - identify one's callsign, mention callsign and say listening or say 'break, break? As far as I understand 'break, break' is used during an emergency when a ham want to join a ragchew underway and disclose the emergency news or situation 3. During a ragchew is it necessary to identify one's callsign every over or only once in every six minutes. I find in my area Hams every over identifies their callsign as well as others 4. I understand calling 'CQ, CQ' is justified in the HF bands, but is it also ok calling the same way in the VHF and UHF bands particularly in Simplex mode? I hear lot of people in my area calling this way. However, when I am on the 2 meters Simplex, I just mention my callsign and for example say, 'this is xyz, calling, any stations in this frequency for a quick radio check.... this is xyz listening and on standby mode...' 5. Finally, I would also like to know what to write in my profile page in QRZ.com. I had just got my licence sometime in the last week of November 2020, got two dual band handies and went live on air since 24th December 2020. My apologies for shooting you with so many queries, but then, I want to go through the right way which should get registered in my mind. Like thousands of people around the world, I also sincerely look at you as my mentor. 73 and wish you a blessed Sunday ahead. VU3TQT New Delhi

[@darinhitchings7104]

Great advice, thanks Dave

[@inspector1794]

Good points and well explained Thanks for the content All the best in the new year

[@itwasrightthere]

Thanks for another great episode. Have a happy and safe New Year! 73 de AC9EV

[@frankvandornis4373]

Great video Dave, thanks. the club I'm in (Leisure World A.R.C.) has a person in exactly the same situation and that's exactly what we've told him. Thanks again!

[@KO4AFL]

happy new year Dave. Thanks for all you do for ham radio and youtube. 73

[@MichiganPeatMoss]

Jan 2021: I still have my FT101EE from the 1990 Dayton Hamvention - looking forward to getting relicensed and getting it back out!

[@liontomh]

Thank you, Dave. Happy New year! I have a 7300 and still trying to learn it all, Transmitting at 50W using an MFJ-2010 at 20" above the ground. Love that I can monitor 80m with it. Wish I could respond. 73

[@anthonyschenck7076]

Thank You.

[@sarbog1]

Very cool ..... got my novice and advanced class in the 1960's much has changed since then

[@shandybrandy5407]

Thank you Dave for this excellent video loaded with important information. Happy new year! 73s

[@PapasDino]

Something to be said for "Buy nice, not twice".

[@barlscharkley5411]

Or, as I've heard it, "buy once, cry once."

[@derekdowns6275]

Boy, you're right about that. I've got a brand new 10 meter rig, never transmitted on, @ 4 hours received, and is coming up on turning 20 years old. Passed both elements of Novice and passed Technician 2 weeks later, but FCC said they never received my Novice results, so no ticket for me. Then life got in the way...

[@ReedAB8AS]

Thanks Dave for all your videos during 2020. Good recommendations for new or soon to be amateur operators. Happy New Year.

[@jeromemckenna7102]

We purchased a radio before getting our licenses, but we had been studying and we were very sure we could pass tests once they started having tests again in our area. Still I agree with you, but my wife wanted use to buy some equipment while we had the money for it.

[@ojjenkins7110]

Happy New Year King OG. KØOJ

[@saidci2002]

Great stuff once again Dave. Happy New Year!

[@indrajitR]

HI dave. wish you happy new year. may we see more and more of your vedios in 2021. may we benefit from your knowledge, study hard and get licenses and come on air. merry xmus & seasons greetings.

[@TheNoCodeTech]

Great video

[@닥터플레그]

Happy new year!! 😆

[@DonDegidio]

Hi Dave, All good info. Happy New Year and stay safe. 73 WJ3U

[@fodderman1]

great advice Dave

[@stephenkolcinski3179]

Great job from an Extra class VE, KB0OSH

[@davidbyrd5065]

It’s not a rule to start your amateur radio career with a handheld . For a modest amount of money you can get a mobile radio that can be used as a base station as well. I think the new tech. Will have a better experience with a 50 or even a 25 watt mobile. You can always get a cheap handheld later . My thoughts. KN4BHS

[@dougtaylor7724]

You are saying I should have started with the 7300? Just passed general and bought a 9700. I guess the 160 foot rotating tower with 5 single band yagi antennas that’s going up in January is overkill too? Just kidding. Wonderful channel Dave. Hope 2021 is a great year for you!

[@troy3456789]

wow, I just saw the ICOM IC-7610 at $3,250. I somehow doubt that it will be obsolete in 10 years.

[@lawndart8932]

Yesterday I took the Technician test and passed. Can you believe the FCC already gave me a callsign? Now I can use the 7300 i got for christmas. All i need now is an antenna and a tuner.

[@MichiganPeatMoss]

Congrats, 73s, and enjoy!

[@HubertKirchgaessner]

Than you so much for your work, Dave! 2020 has been quite a challenge, but following your channels on KZbin certainly made it easier to bear. Please stay healthy, we need you!

[@matthewsutton3682]

Good video.

[@terrygraham4555]

Thanks for the video please have a safe and Happy New Year from Ke7omu Terry Graham

[@bearchris121]

I'm ordering a HTY TC-8900R

[@leosedf]

Radio amateurs and companies made a nice salad of standards which made the whole market crap. Everybody uses it's own standard and codec2 is just sitting there (and free open source) without nobody using it. Way to go hams you made it a mess like your equipment :P

[@JoseRivera-lk4cz]

Me too

[@allanmccullough8550]

Buy the major quality brands, avoid the chi-com stuff. As far as buying a cheap radio for your first radio I would spend that money on the better radio.

[@AC-nt1ph]

Dave, Maybe he just wants your expert opinion so they can set the money aside or save for it for when he's licensed. Just like I did.

[@researchcapt]

Hello AC, I am going to take Dave's great advice on this. Financially, the $1000 transceiver makes three times more sense than the $3000 radio. :).....and it is going to do me just as much good. You have a great New Year.

[@ferdinanddeliva6779]

Here in the Philippines, getting a "LICENSE" is OPTIONAL!😀😁😂🤣😃😄😅😆😉😊😋😎

[@RobB_VK6ES]

HaHa you guys are rank amateurs compared to the Indonesians. RIP 40m

[@paulaubuchon2336]

Great video Dave..happy new year...getting back into ham radio after 10 year hiatus...looking at the IC 7300 or the FT 891...I am HOA prisoner and antenna will be a loop on my second floor lanai..any thoughts?? 73 Paul K1YOU

[@BruceNitroxpro]

You may wish to cover people who are NOT "ultra-techies" despite their experience and license grade... NOT because they CAN'T "do it," but because amateur radio started with people, not technology. Talking with PEOPLE seldom takes more than an Icom 7300. de KQ2E

[@peterfenwick2540]

I am a proud subscriber!! 73 ZS1PF

[@jaynone9262]

10 years ago I would know someone voice at a ham event and know who they are without ever seeing or meeting them. Now with these new radios everyone sounds very different than there real face to face voice. I can not stand these digital radios.

[@toomas.t6736]

I am not agree with you terms when to get the first radio, I purchased my first cheap Baofeng uv-5r vhf/uhf 32 $ from Micro Center and then 6 month laterI I purchased my Yaesu 817ND and I was listener about 2 years before I get my first license (technician) and then month later general license, otherwise I was never known what I’m doing or do I like it to be a ham radio operator. that’s mean I advice to get the cheap cheap radio to able to understand all this radio stuff before you get licensed.

[@billlamb8944]

Thanks David for another great show. KD9HWH

[@davidjones5569]

A base radio

[@williamdarico2369]

How would anyone know if I don’t have a license?

[@davidjones5569]

What radio has all bands for the best buy

[@RobB_VK6ES]

My opinion on buying into a DC to daylight radio is it should be reserved for mobile and portable use. You will notice all of this style of radio in recent years at least are aimed toward this market. The makers worked out the points following some time ago i.e. all in one base stations don't sell. Yes you can press them into base station duty but at a significant operating penalty. For example typically you cannot be working HF while monitoring 2m/70cm and visa versa. The operating interface is often compromised by the compact size and last but by no means least because cramming so many bands into one compact radio you are buying into simplified or compromised circuitry. Finally If you look into the financial side it is possible to buy a decent HF + a decent 2m or 70cm mobile or handheld albeit FM only for less than the cost of a DC to Daylight rig.

[@warrenmasters3036]

Stick to radio Dave, you don't do epidemiology very well...

[@nywildcats]

Not your best program