Why Don't YOU Have a Ham Radio License?

[@bendeleted9155]

Jason, you are right. It's the other way around. A retired electrical engineer friend got his Tech, bought an expensive radio and went to a local ham club meeting. He was discouraged and set it all aside. I hadn't seen him in a few years, but found him in ULS while looking for other local GMRS/hams who I might know in my area. Got in touch and as it turns out, KZbin, (you, Josh and Randy) got him interested in radio in the first place! Thank goodness for KZbin. The motivations are different now, but just as valid.

[@HamRadio2]

Thanks!

[@daveLU323]

I don’t have my ham license because I’m having so much fun on 11 meters. I’ve been given so much FREE equipment and help. Connectors, microphones, radios a TOWER, coax and so many great people!

[@HamRadio2]

Awesome

[@robertmeyer4744]

I still talk on CB . I love all of radio that includes TV .Witch is radio sending video . RF is RF and it's fun !

[@chrisdelong2932]

Did you know in an SHTF event government can take over your Amateur Radio station? Time of trouble such as the world has never seen? No thanks. Quite possibly only people who have been the victim of tyrannical government will understand. You might as well have a bullseye on your forehead.

[@frankthetank3342]

Amateur raduo bands give you way mote access, to local and DX repeaters and general HF DX. It's like digging a small hole for a pond, when the ocean is right next door. Take the leap! You can still use 11 meters, but I doubt you'll go back, much.

[@chrisdelong2932]

@@frankthetank3342 I was an extra class more than 20 years ago. Ham radio has changed for the worse. There is no one worth talking to on ham radio anymore. Ham radio is dying a slow death by a thousand cuts.

[@AmbassadorEarl]

Back in 2018 I started to study for the technician lic. with the HAM Test Prep app. The more I studied and the more videos I watched of yours and Joshes, the more overwhelmed I felt with all the new information and advancing technology and gave up. Since then I’ve obtained my GMRS license and gotten a few different radios. My wife sees me playing with the radios a lot and is encouraging me to get ham license. I think I’m going to use your discount code and sign up for the course.

[@v0n1b0]

KZbin has not killed ham radio. I've been watching you, Josh, Randolpho and many other youtubers for the past 6 months. No prep courses at all though. I absorbed enough to take a practice tech test and only missed passing by 2 wrong answers. With some proper studying should be able to pass easily.

[@UndyingShadow83]

KZbin SAVED ham radio.

[@K4WYZ]

A ham radio boot camp would be awesome!

[@blairsmith201]

I personally have done the Memorize the answers to pass the test. There is a lot in the test that means nothing to me. I am not going to build a radio, I am not doing FT8, I am not trying to reach the ISS, a so on. IF I decide to do one of those afterwards, you do not learn enough from the test to do them anyway, and its time to go deep on a subject to learn what you need.

[@UndyingShadow83]

Memorizing the test proves you have 3 things that a surprisingly large number of people lack : The ability to read, the power to hold enough information in your head to answer a test, and finally, the will and effort to study for the license, which is a gate that if you get past hopefully means you'll not be a complete fool on the air. Ham radio still feels like radio wild wild west, and the FCC expects good behavior because they have neither the time nor the money to play band police 24/7.

[@ConsolidatedPBY]

You, Josh, Mike, and NotARubicon, real people for real radio folk. I owe all my HAM fun to you guys, not local gatekeepers of the porta let.

[@rich-kc3tbc286]

I too studied for my amateur radio license while furloughed from work during the pandemic. I used the Gordon West Technician Class study book. I was granted my tech license in November 2021. Two years later I used "HAM Radio Prep" to get my General Class, November 2023. The amateur radio hobby has been all fun, educational and gratifying. Of all my hobbies (there are many) amateur radio is the best. Thank You Jason for your contribution to the hobby with your KZbin Channel. Your reviews of radios have saved me money and time in making informed purchase decisions. 73 Rich KC3TBC

[@NavyVet2243]

Your comment about starting with CB is how I started before joining the military and when I got out and started trucking still have my cb and a gmrs and now working on trying to get my ham

[@jackmortimer329]

I had interest in ham radio decades ago. I knew a couple hams but never got into it then. I studied for and passed my commercial radio phone license in the early 70's and kept it current for a while but never used it. I was an aviation radio operator (HF) in the military for a few years. A year or two ago someone showed me his Baofeng HT. That lighted a spark. This year I bought my own cheap HT, got a study book, passed the technician license, got another study book, passed the general test. Now I am trying to build a decent antenna for my HF transceiver. (Thanks Walt) Earlier this year I joined a local club. The ham KZbin channels are great. Please keep going to educate and inspire us. 73

[@Bodhi1satva]

I wish I did! I have started and restarted studying so many times throughout my life. It’s really ridiculous how many times I’ve allowed other things in life interrupt my attention. Now I much older and after having several mini strokes, I have trouble with retention. My short term memory is bad, but I am still very interested and I am still trying. Yours and other videos here on youtube have motivated me again!

[@HamRadio2]

Thanks!

[@robertmeyer4744]

I have been going to hamfest for over 30 years now. Always had a great time ! A lot of venders and outher hams ask what my interest is and we go from their. I started with short wave radio in the 1970's . Then CB then HAM then FRS/GMRS/MURS . A still love it all ! I have run into some sad hams but very few and far between. KZbin and ham radio has been great for me. always learning new stuff. 73

[@jessywallace3907]

Just passed General exam yesterday. The club that I'm in around my local area it really isn't bad, but i think there is two main issues with ham radio. 1. I read on Reddit a few days ago, and someone had been training in ARES for 3 years, hurricane Milton happens and ham radio operators step in to help. He was saying that a lot of the older hams were rejecting help from newer hams, even though they have been training for 3 years for this. I kind of understand the frustration behind that because you can't want more people in the hobby so it doesn't just die off because not a lot of people are really interested in ham radio, and then push people away when they can use those skills in an actual situation that has organizations in the hobby for those types of situations. 2. Another thing I've noticed (even getting into the hobby myself) is there isn't a lot of direction. Get you license, get an HT, make contacts. That's it. I really wish there was a road map for ham radio so it made things easier for newer people. So if you wanted to get an HT, and do you want one with HT or all mode? Do you want to use it with WinLink and other digital modes? Do you want to use it as a mobile rig, or with a portable for POTA/SOTA? Etc. So people look up one thing and it leads them down a hole with 100 different other tunnels. I feel like the newer hams that I have spoken to really lack direction and that's what hangs them up.

[@ronanderson1592]

I agree.

[@mediocreman2]

I can see that, it's a pretty chaotic atmosphere. There's always some new technology that you don't have no matter what you buy.

[@ShayBlez]

Ive wanted to learn for eons, and just restarted the other day, glad I ran into your channel. :]

[@HamRadio2]

Welcome!

[@mbj332]

I was encouraged by several friends who were all ready licensed to get my ticket back in 2010. I did and continued up to an extra class which I now hold. There are a few ham operators in my area, not a lot, but they are all a very friendly group of people. We have a local club which is very informal and rarely has meetings but we as members run into each other in person or on the repeater on a regular basis. I have been asked many times by persons inquiring about the hobby and what it involves and I always share what I know and encourage and support them in the pursuit. I know several current active hams that got their start by asking me about it. The only time I can honestly say I came across "rude" hams was on HF. Sometimes you happen to come across a group rag chewing on the radio that do not want outsiders intruding on their group. Simple solution, I turn the VFO and move somewhere else. And sometimes contestors get a little upset if you try to make contact with them and do not reply with the info they want right away. Overall my experience has been very positive, and I try to convey that to others asking me about it when they express an interest.

[@frankthetank3342]

I like the Warc bands (at least 12m and 17m). No contesting and not very congested.

[@patthesoundguy]

I'm proud to say I actually do have my license. It was hard work but worth it. I got my HF privileges here in Canada. I have been welcomed to amateur radio with open arms from all over. My local folks are amazing. The Halifax Amateur radio club got me my exam when they heard I had taken the course and was ready to take the exam and they made an exam happen.

[@JustPlaneWoodWorking]

I would definitely enjoy a “boot camp” from you. About to take my test this week hopefully. I’ve already bought radios, antennas, etc., only to find out I should have done more research or wish I had more guidance. Bring on the boot camp !

[@MrFreddarama]

I've been an extra for over 35 yrs and the hobby is not the same. Today there are lots of silent repeaters, vacant HF frequencies and low information lid operators. I mostly use digital commercial radio, and gmrs and 11 meters as a backup.

[@HamRadio2]

Listen to 20M SSB on the weekends, it isn't that silent. You aren't wrong about the hobby changing though, but it isn't dying like some people say it is.

[@whit10mm72]

Pretty true about the clubs. I am a ham. When I took the test at the club I was told about the club. I went to one meeting. Treated like crap the first time. I asked about DMR and was told by the old guy, learn every button on that radio and then come ask questions. Until then just listen. I never went back. Learned it all by watching you and several other you tubers.

[@HamRadio2]

Thanks for sharing

[@Deenah-g4g]

Licensed operator.. studied hard to get my license 3 years ago. Now I'm the members coordinator for the club and enjoy it a lot. For the sad people.. if you smile in the mirror for 15 seconds every day, your mood will improve . 73

[@michaelparker6270]

I used ham radio prep. It only took me 2 weeks to pass my general.

[@HamRadio2]

Awesome

[@MrRobertSpearsJr]

I don’t use radio on a daily or even monthly basis. I might use a radio 2-3 times a year and always in a very remote, national forest location. I’ve been around radios all my life, from 15 to now 58. In my 20-30’s all HAM’s put me off because I was the IT guy; and believed everything should be free. I’m very much a people person, but didn’t care for HAM people. You know who you are. I’m probably an outlier, but life is what it is. I use my radio(s) to talk to only people I know and only one of us has their license (extra). I do realize every time I press the transmit button, I’m violating some rule. Same when I do 5 over the speed limit. Thanks for your content, I really do enjoy your videos.

[@JimMarshallUK]

I’m the same, CB Radios and 400 watt amplifiers that splatter RF noise all over the bands are a dime a dozen and openly sold. FCC only goes after complaints. They don’t care. I play around with HF and lots of Watts. I started in middle school 1995.

[@TonyYarusso]

The license only costs 29 cents per month though - isn’t that pretty darn close to free?

[@MrRobertSpearsJr]

@@TonyYarusso 29 for you, zero for me

[@TonyYarusso]

@@MrRobertSpearsJr That’s a pretty incredible degree of selfishness and disregard for the common good. Licensing exists for a reason and radio spectrum is a shared public resource. Why can your integrity be bought so cheaply?

[@MrRobertSpearsJr]

@@TonyYarusso and this is the interactions with HAMs I so despise. Jason says these interactions are few, but they happen all the time, ask any non-HAM. Read any non-HAM post. The fact of the matter is I don’t want to join your club, or your hobby. I don’t want to go to HAMfest. If using a radio I’m very familiar with twice a year in a National Forest lands me with a fine, so be it. I’ll pay the fine. At 58, it has never happened, and I’m willing to bet, it never will. I never insulted anyone here with my OP, I am however choosing to insult you. Your arrogance and inability to accept that some people are unlicensed because they choose to be unlicensed is stunning. Good day Sir.

[@sondrerisan6333]

In Norway, we only have one license level. it goes straight to usa's extra level. I haven't got my license yet because I'm struggling with maths, but I'll get it eventually

[@docalexander2853]

Don't give up.

[@DominicMazoch]

And you will learn about an imaginary friend, √-1!

[@UDX-3030]

Jason, I’ve been an on and off 11m guy for a long time which is kind of like the Wild West for the most part. 😂 However, my grandson has gotten into amateur radio and is a general license HAM and has been encouraging me to get a ticket which I’m considering. I’m semi-retired and have the time, but just haven’t gotten around to it. I’m always surprised how many great station operators there are in the 11m and freebanders area both here and abroad. We’ll see how it goes. I do enjoy your videos and I’m learning a lot, so keep it up !

[@rico13b]

Im not asking the government for permission to use emergency equipment.

[@RobR386]

I have my ham radio licence UK full, my stomping grounds are 40m, 20m, 2m and 70cm. CB is fun and it's where I started, but I do prefer more than one band and CW ops too 😊

[@johndowd7010]

Ham radio prep helped me get to general and real soon my amature extra..

[@Super_Sad_Ham]

I don't have my license because I don't want to end up on a list. Now if you'll excuse me, I'm going to renew my driver's license and sign up for a replacement social security card. I've been putting it off for too long because I got wrapped up in dealing with my taxes at the beginning of the year.

[@HamRadio2]

Well said

[@Robbie-sk6vc]

Your already on several lists! So I wouldn't worry about that.

[@Super_Sad_Ham]

@@Robbie-sk6vc Oh I'm on ALL the lists. I even have my own FBI agent! His name is Jerry, and he is SICK of my shit!

[@UndyingShadow83]

Yeah, you'd hate for the government to know you can read, follow basic guidelines, and operate electronics. They might think you were smart, and everyone knows the government is sending the military door to door such executing people.

[@stevethe1voipguy]

Make Amateur Radio Great Again (MARGA)

[@AnthonyKing-ko8kp]

Really enjoy your videos, you explain things very clearly. Been studying for just a few days now, but looking forward to hopefully gaining my technician license someday soon. Keep up the good work and thank you for sharing your knowledge!!

[@HamRadio2]

Best of luck!

[@michaeldiaz1723]

Ham Radio Prep and Gordo's books from ARRL or Amazon are my favorite study tools. Had my technician since 1998. Working on my General and Extra now. My experience is I got my ticket at 17 and most of my HAM peers were 40+ years my senior. Some took interest in me and helped others ignored me. It was most likely age and interest differences.

[@jwilly5336]

I spent the evening with an internet service tech installing new service at one of my properties. I mentioned I was a ham as we were looking at coax and he said he was an extra from 20 yrs ago. After two hrs to taking working etc. he said he really enjoyed our chat and missed the hobby. We talked about ham clubs arrl all stereotypes etc. I mentioned how KZbinrs had really helped the hobby grow. There is plenty of room for everyone and if someone is being a tool don’t get discouraged and find someone else. Plenty of people willing to help if asked.

[@jtaylor9648]

I've been licensed 32 years. I would love a bootcamp. N8QKE thanks for all you do. Enjoy your YT Channel.

[@Lee-mmg]

This is my first day watching your channel - and am ready to step into it! :-) For me and my Ds fam. Do a family-based club! I have family in a lot of different states. But, I am going to get my license. I tend to make people angry including (mostly) my family. Don't do it on purpose. Working on that - but at 75 whew - but, you can teach an old dog new tricks. If I live to 100 that is 25 years, I have to use a HR. Gotcha!!! LOL I will check it all out and see how far I get. Whooopeeeee :-)

[@johndminigan1869]

Got my first radio when I was 14. Always had a cb in the vehicle up until I turned 25. Got my CDL 1978 And for the past ten years, i've had end radios, Always wanted by ham radio license and presently own a Flex 6500 and a Yaesu 891 For the truck. Here in canada, you must pass one hundred question test and get eighty percent to get all privileges. I am currently testing around seventy percent, so I still have a ways to go. Although i'm not interested in any digital communication like FT8 Or anything like that. I'm only interested in 10 11 20 40 and 80 Meters. I will get there someday. PS. Really like your youtube channel.

[@DanDrolett]

I've had my Tech ticket for two years and am now working my General. How many rude Hams have I encountered in that time? 0. Everyone I've met on-air and in-person has been welcoming, friendly and enthusiastic about new folks joining the hobby. Not saying there aren't negative people in Ham Radio, but there are negative people in all walks of life. At least from my experience happy Hams far outweigh sad ones. 73!

[@USA-GreedyMenOfNoIntegrity]

I stopped going to beekeeping club meetings for the same reasons. Getting into ham now. You Tube will be fine for me.

[@aphantasiagreyman8445]

I purchased my first ARRL handbook in 2000. I didn't get my license until 2023. In 2022 I was on det in Japan and was absolutely blown away by their thriving electronics culture. I hadn't felt that kind of enthusiasm since the '80s when Radio Shack and Heathkit were still relevant. I've always been an electronics geek and I briefly got into Radio Shack scanners in the late '90s hence the ARRL handbook and other books but that quickly died as everything started going trunked digital. While on my Japan det I ended up buying a radio in Japan, an FT-DX10 as kind of a reason to get serious and get my license when I got home. I'm amateur extra now and I love the gear but it really does seem like a waist to listen to some boomer talk about his colonoscopy results. The nets can really drive you away. I'm actively working on learning CW and making good progress. I think I'm going to be one of those guys who only use CW. Phone just isn't compelling.

[@mediocreman2]

Dude, no offense. But you're supposed to start taking your colonoscopy at 45 years old. Boomers are like 80. I'm guessing because you were a detective in Japan, or on a diet in Japan, whatever det means, you're probably at least 45, which means you could just as easily be talking about colonoscopy results.

[@mruckman75]

Just got my tech then general class license in the last two months. Meant to do it a decade ago, but never could dedicate the time with military moves and deployments until now. Definitely interested in your idea of the “Ham Radio 2.0 Bootcamp”. I have the tickets, but not the practical experience… 73

[@davidtrembula1878]

I got my license back in the early 2000s but aside from about a few repeater contacts over a decade back I have not used it. Most of the reason I stopped was due to school and a few moves. At this point I have forgotten just about everything I learned getting my license. If you do end up making a class for people after they get their license that would be interesting.

[@ovidejesus]

This is why so many people are getting GMRS license because is a lot easier and it is true the ham radio community need to be a little less toxic I have a ton of radios and most of the time all I do is just listen because sometimes you trying to start a conversation with someone and it tastes nothing for that person to become toxic he make you want to turn the radio off I miss the good old days when everybody want to help each other

[@bassmanjr100]

Been in the hobby for three years. My experience with hams is that they are friendly helpful folks and I've meet hundreds. More friendly than the average. If people have problems with 'ham' people they may want to evaluate and take a look at the guy in the mirror. Not every personality is going to mesh with yours. Maybe the hobby isn't for you. We are all ok with that.

[@HamRadio2]

Well said

[@ahobbit56]

I Started with a CB radio back in the 70's ..... I don't know why some people are so rude.....we all should agree to disagree and stop the rudeness no one is better than an other

[@HamRadio2]

Yep

[@rrt08]

Same, got many post cards from people I talked with on CB SSB just legal power into a quad beam I had, best one was gentleman on his boat in the Caribbean. No politics, just good, fun communication.

[@UndyingShadow83]

The "internet of algorithms" poisoned discourse and devalued politeness and that's spilled into our society at large. Expending the effort to be polite is a mark of good person.

[@HamShackTV]

I’m seeing the same responses. Especially the people saying on my channel “ I’ll get on ham radio when I want, I don’t need a license”. I honestly don’t really engage simply because I feel like they are likely just trolls anyway.

[@OnAirVoice]

I have an Extra. Had to pass the code test back then.

[@michaelmeyer2725]

Boot Camp? I'd be very interested. Over the last year I've learned more from you, TO, Jim, Hayden, and other KZbin hams about even just Technician stuff than I did looking into clubs in my area my first 10 years licensed. I did buy the General course from Ham Radio Prep, but life has been interfering in my study time.

[@HamRadio2]

Thanks

[@GEAE_Denny_L]

I have the GMRS license, but now very interested in getting my Ham Technician license. Just bought a TidRadio H3 (as a starter transmitter) that has both bands. I’m a 71 old (retired from GE Aviation) male who is now under VA home health care, and bored to death. I have no patience to read a book so I would like to do a online study, preferably free. Any recommendations ???

[@kchaney56]

Have not passed the test yet. Plus 2 of the clubs in my area are very snooty, not friendly.

[@michaelraine6718]

Watching you and a few other hams doing POTA videos was definitely a draw for me to think about getting licensed. Regarding the comments about clubs, while I haven’t spoken to anyone locally there are 4 active clubs all in a 10 minute drive of each other. This did raise some concerns to me. Why would you need so many? I’m guessing it’s personally driven. I’ll be watching for your approved club list.

[@DougGwinner]

First it was the pandemic and there was no in person testing... at least not in CA (dont get me started on that). Then it was no time. But you know, there is never enough time. Its the most valuable thing we have. My exam is schedule for early next month. No more excuses.

[@JamesS.254]

I was looking into getting my Technician License about 2 year's ago and for some reason or another life got in the way, but here I am now studying for it again. The biggest thing holding me back at the moment is Time. I've found 2-3 different places to take the test and all of them are an hour drive or longer, and to top it off almost every class is on a weekday and late in the day like 6-8pm, which sucks because I work overnights during the week and I would not make it back home in time for work. All that being said I found that one of the locations has a test day coming up in November and it's on a Saturday. WooHoooo!!!So I will be studying up as much as possible until then. 🤘🏻🤘🏻 I have not purchased ANY radio yet and would welcome recommendations on a radio for a home setup (base station), preferably under $800, $1,000 is my absolute max. And I have tons of open space and tree's for setting up an antenna however I'd like to stay away from towers and poles. I'm in north east Ohio.

[@KD7JVR]

I think KZbin is encouraging operators and new operators to get more involved. If it wasn't for your channel, and Joss and Mike, I never would have upgraded to General. I love your idea of Ham Radio 2.0 boot camp.

[@HamRadio2]

Thanks

[@704Productions]

Thank you sir! A couple of weeks ago I committed to get my technician’s by February 2025. I’m 63, and I’m pretty sure I can get it before then!

[@HamRadio2]

Good luck!

[@DavidMitchell79]

You can do it, easily.

[@HiTechHudsonKQ4PMD]

I am happy i got my ham license. I have gmrs license as well. I really enjoy talk people on ham and gmrs. And yes there can be some but holes on air waves. Is that going stop me talk on the radio, No.

[@jamespowers8826]

Got my license when I was 10 years old. That was 64 years ago. Great lifelong hobby. Not a member of a club. Local club is mostly survivalist oriented, so not appealing to me. Belonged to a couple of good clubs over the years, so it's a mixed bag. Mostly into HF, particularly Qrp CW these days. Plenty of good resources on the web for getting your ticket quickly these days. Don't get discouraged.

[@jeffjohansen4945]

KZbin is great for ham radio beginners like me. My local club is great. Many helpful people there. But you can’t have it all handed to you, you have to make an effort to research things then ask questions and or ask for help with something.

[@glennfink8384]

I got more out of the technician course that you and smoking ape did than I did from Ham Radio Prep. I would love to see yall do a General class .

[@HamRadio2]

I've had a General Class on this channel for years. I'm working on an updated version

[@JWimpy]

Just came across your channel for the first time so I did not see your poll. But my answer is number 3. I have lived in several areas of two states and every experience talking to HAMs proved to me that they have no interest in talking to newcomers. So what purpose would getting a license trying to talk with stand-offish people?

[@UndyingShadow83]

With HF and FT8, you don't even have the TALK anymore, you can just enjoy a unique and geeky hobby and watch your signal bounce around the world. And meet fellow nerds who love doing the same thing, even if they have nothing they need to say on the air.

[@bigbtb]

For me I was interested in getting licensed at one point and even studied but it was and continues to be nearly impossible to find a test. If I simply could have found tests within a reasonable distance when my interest was there I think I would've had a lot of fun. I certainly enjoyed what I learned through that time studying.

[@TonyYarusso]

There are online testing options now, which is fantastic.

[@bigbtb]

@@TonyYarusso that's actually awesome! I had no idea

[@TonyYarusso]

@@bigbtb That’s how I did mine, pretty much immediately after COVID hit. Inconvenient testing was always one of my reasons, so as soon as they announced online options I was like “well shoot, might as well now”. :P

[@Wjaus]

I don't have mine yet planning for February. I did join a club here local but some of the members are set in there ways and I feel that the don't want to help new hams.

[@willemcyntje1969]

As son of PJ2MI in Curacao, and being an electronics engineer, I helped quite some hams, and would be hams. But still not gone for my license, as interests were other.

[@River5190-Actual]

Used to have a Tech license but when I went to renew in 2019, I had to check the felony box and got a No Bueno from FCC. Went to my US Congressman and raised holy hell and again, NO BUENO! Got red lighted and was told I could never upgrade or make a major change. Two local radio clubs then accused me of possessing an illegal license and called law enforcement on me regularly who though have no jurisdiction in the matter sure thought they did. I ended up cancelling the license.

[@truckinguy92]

That’s pretty crazy! You can’t have an amateur radio license if you’re a convicted felon. What ever happened to “you’ve paid your debt to society”?

[@TonyYarusso]

@@truckinguy92You can, but it depends on the details of the felony and such. I’ve heard of several people checking the box and still getting approved, but this is the first time I’ve come across an actual denial. Now I’m really curious what their conviction was that actually triggers a deny…

[@rj44319]

I like that bootcamp idea

[@AAPSG]

Taking tests isn't my strong point, but giving it a go eventually, bought a vhf/uhf mobile and have it sitting on desk for an incentive

[@UndyingShadow83]

Get the right people to test you and I GUARANTEE we'll make the process smooth as silk.

[@stevenburgess7467]

I am an aspiring general about 12 plus years. Listen to extras that misquote to such an extent that I wonder how they passed their tec. Once, before open heart, I could quote and memorize hours easily. Now it's long term memory and several weeks to learn one line of poetry. Why doesn't correct procedure and contribution amount to any points toward an extra. Steven MS., MS., BS. POET AND ORATOR, 33RD

[@wb2ire]

Hi; I have a friend that wants to take the test but clubs in the area are not offering the service. I heard somewhere that there is a way to take the test over the Internet. Is there a group that is offering this service?? Thanks for the great videos. Frank

[@westtexasprepper]

I have both a HAM and GMRS licenses. Good and bad with both groups.

[@w0mas366]

Thank you Jason for being an advocate and ambassador of HAM radio ! I just hate that a minority of Jerks, A**holes, and Keyboard warriors have managed to turn people away from a hobby that offers so much !

[@hazer72]

I'm only rude to non-licensed people. GET OFF MY LAWN!! 😂

[@denveradams4909]

I can give you 4 very good reasons why I don't have a HAM radio license. Regulation, Location, Confiscation and Prosecution. I have been a CBer off and on, most of my life and was even a member of a CB club for awhile. Talking SSB was one of my favorite free-time activities. My radios were always in the Uniden line, beginning with the 142GTL base/mobile radio. I later stepped up to the Cobra 2000 base and a 148GTL mobile. All radios had been modified, of course, but I never did use any kind of linear amp. That brings me to the recent past. Just about the time that COVID hit, I decided to get rid of my smart phone and purchase another radio. I decided on the President Lincoln II Plus, 10/12 meter radio, modified to include CB(11 meter). I also began taking the online classes in preparation for the beginner amateur radio license. I was taking the practice tests and getting fairly confident that I could pass the real test. Three things happened to make me drop the whole idea. First, I realized that the beginner license would not allow me to use most of the 10/12 meter bands of the radio that I had just purchased. Second, during the COVID shutdown, I had no local resource to take a live test. Third, Jan. 6 happened, prompting the FCC to send a warning letter to all HAM licensees because a few idiots at the protest were carrying the Chinese Boefang portable radios to communicate. This tells me that the FCC has their thumb on the ARRL and will depend on that organization to turn each other in, should anyone use their HAM radio to communicate anything that the FCC doesn't agree with. So, no, I will never have a HAM license because I no longer trust the FCC to do what is good and right for my country. Note: I no longer have this radio and during the 3 years I had it, I NEVER keyed on the HAM frequencies.

[@HamRadio2]

Interesting that I have been a Ham for 30 years and I never received an letter from the FCC, ARRL or anyone else about Jan 6. Someone is lying to you...

[@denveradams4909]

@@HamRadio2 It has been a few years ago and I cannot remember exactly who it was, but another Ham Radio KZbinr read the actual letter he received, in his YT video. So; I cannot speak to whether or not he was telling the truth, but I have no reason to question the validity of his letter.

[@HamRadio2]

@@denveradams4909 I believe *something* like that might have happened to some people. It is certainly possible. But I never got any such letter, nor did anyone I know. Had I received such a thing, I can guarantee I would have made a video about it, calling out the FCC for its stupidity.

[@jimmywayneoconner9225]

Working on it, too busy watching your videos!

[@HamRadio2]

Haha

[@TomSorrentino-r2p]

Answer to question- I have an extra class, give me a reason to buy an HF radio, so that I can justify graduating from 2 meter/ 70 cm. I have the local dual bander for emergency comms, but HF is a major expense with limited practical return. What am I missing? Tom

[@M1ke_A]

I liked the idea of ham radio, got my license, and joined a club (DCARA). I tried to participate and be more active with the club but came to the realization that i just don't get ham radio. I don't really care about talking to people i don't know (and will likely never meet) over the airwaves. Why talk over the air with static when i can text and/or join Telegram or Discord to chat with people around the world. I also have a GMRS license which i prefer much more because i have a uses case for it. I use GMRS to chat with my hunting buddies when we're all sitting in different blinds waiting for a shot.

[@HamRadio2]

Your texting, telegram and Discord rely on the internet being available. Your comments about GMRS are precisely why you should have a radio license. I use my Ham license at my hunting lease also and I've met some lifelong friends through Ham Radio that I often talk to.

[@vincentmichaels7514]

I have a ham radio license but none of my hunting friends do nor can i convince them to study for the exam. GMRS works just as well.

[@HamRadio2]

@@vincentmichaels7514 I use both of them

[@rrt08]

I have my license, but grew tired of the fighting at the local club meetings. Half the meeting was taken up with members fighting about equipment resources belonging to the club.

[@HamRadio2]

Again, the license and the club aren't the same thing

[@chrisbeckler3825]

The thing I Learned about being a New Licensed Ham Operator about 15 years ago is People with Big Ego's about being a HAM radio operators, ( I would have no idea why ) They have no patients for people learning to be a new operators. The Term a bunch of big azz-holes has been thrown around a lot, but I think now a days (Those Guys) are being out numbered by the amount of new operators coming on line. For me I'm still just a listener and only go active if the situation calls for it.

[@richerich853]

I would like to get my Extra at some point, but other than a missing out on a few rare DX contacts I'm good with being a General.

[@dmitrymelnik8296]

Speaking of the ham radio clubs the real problem in my opinion is that they are not open to a younger public, like high schoolers and college students. If you read biographies on QRZ, the majority of the older generation of HAMs got their licenses in their teens, this is something that is unheard of now. The PR of the hobby targeting the young blood is non-existing (although in the age of cell phones it is uphill battle). Two out three times I was taking the exam I was the youngest in the room, and I am in the mid-50s.

[@HamRadio2]

There's programs for getting Ham Radio into high schools. So it's not that unheard of.

[@Howie-wd5oc]

Yeah, why don't I have my Ham Radio License....well, I have my ticket, now. It only took me some 50 years. No, not because the test was to hard. I, like many, started with CB in my early 20's. I signed up for a communications electronics course through the GE Bill. The final project of that course was a 2 meter FM transceiver. I then started to learn Morse Code and get ready to take the test for novice. Well, long story short, life happened. Married, new house, etc., etc. I forgot about it. I was cleaning out the closets last fall and came across my old 2 meter radio. The light bulb went on! Why don't I get my ham license. Started an online course. Found a local club that held VE sessions. Within 4 months I had my Extra ticket. I joined that club. No clickiness. Everyone is friendly, eager to answer your questions and help out. A good place to continue learning. One of the "Elmers" is even helping and encouraging me to learn CW.

[@DominicMazoch]

DC Commander's Foundation Test vids are good to listen to. Might fill some knowledge gaps for studying for US Tech.

[@rpestess]

Check out the Portland Amatuer Radio Club in Portland OR. Good people.

[@jasonbrown467]

i love this radio stuff, but i am anti social in some ways. i dont want my name on another list and i dont want to talk to random people around the world, albeit i am doing it now i guess. the ham community has been great to me regardless and i try to do the same. but the tech is freaking awesome. radio and electricity are the closest thing we have to magic, this is what really draws me in. i have worked in IT for 20 years now and i have been using some of the radio concepts i learned from the hams and applied it to all sorts of things including my work and other various hobbies.

[@docalexander2853]

Learned the Morse Code in 30 minutes and passed the code test in 1954. My friend didn't tell me they had a theory test too. I flunked that because I didn't know anything about that.

[@HamRadio2]

oops lol

[@charlierumsfeld6626]

I have a do nothing club and let my club membership lapse. I just did renew my license for 10 years, first licensed in 1994. I participate with another counties club more than I deal with my own.

[@DanDrolett]

7.200 is a hot mess that makes the L.A. renegade repeaters look tame by comparison. Thank goodness it's the exception and not the rule.

[@John_Henry83]

Because I let my Novice License expire 40 years ago and am now studying to get my Tech again.

[@hartengel7724]

I do have my ham radio license, and the reason I'm not on the air is... I can't afford a new or used rig because on a fixed income.

[@joshuaqueen]

Good video! Need a better hat, though! 🤣

[@christophermcclellan8730]

Ya know, that behavior may be atypical, but it’s obviously not rare either. I had an issue with one of the VEs after I passed my test. We were shitting the shit waiting until I mentioned I had downloading APT images from NOAA satellites. I had to remind him you don’t need a license to receive, which went over just about as well as you think it did. That was my first in person interaction with a licensed ham. I brushed it off, but many would’ve just never picked a radio back up after that kind of experience. We really shouldn’t tolerate these people.

[@MrRedFox13Photography]

Cause I'm still learning. That test looks hard lol

[@flynlow43]

I got my license in April of this year. I have yet to make a "real" contact. The very few people that replied were really snotty and are not very welcoming into the hobby. I am treated like an interloper and not worthy of their time. My grandfather was an operator back in the day and taught me CW. My grandmother also had her license. My grandad told me I could have his radios when my feet were as big as his lol. Sitting in his shack with him for hours, listening to him talk to people all over the world and his walls covered with QSL cards seemed like so much fun. It has been a huge letdown. Im sorry I wasted the time and money betting The license and buying equipment

[@needhelp2453]

You might consider getting your general. I'm guessing that in your area you just have cliquish people. With a general on HF you can talk to people all over the world. You can listen to conversations until you find someone you really want to talk to. Who won't be miserable.

[@TonyYarusso]

What license level and what equipment do you have? Maybe we could arrange some contacts through the comments section here. :) It’s a good time in the solar cycle for Techs on 10m at least.

[@jrifter1281]

i been watching a few videos because i do kind of have interest in getting a radio and license. why exactly im not sure, ive not even owned an am/fm in my car in near 20 years. i got the time and the money at the right time of year. i guess im also looking for clickeyness, gate keeping of sorts. just deciding if its worth the effort. its like when i jumped ship to Linux years ago and everyone said we got a great community here, oh thats was BS! i found most online environment's extremely toxic therefore i was learning on my own or not at all. so again, i just got my feelers out here.

[@Everton4109]

Gmrs Facebook groups is not encouraged. lol. I have both licenses and the ham community hands down have been so resourceful and willing to assist (not help). I say assist because they push learning as you go and getting on the radio. I went to a couple meetings and two hamfest before even taking the test. I went to a local gmrs meeting and they talked about a repeater for 10 mins building a node for 5 and the rest of the raining hour was nascar, politics and bashing ham guys. My experience ham community is without a doubt amazing. And it’s really a hit or miss with gmrs. But in my area is a MISS.

[@sherriejeffers1]

Use Ham Radio Prep!! The best

[@jimcounterman804]

The reason I have not got my ham radio license yet is because I don't have the money along with I have trouble remembering everything that I learned for the license because of everything I'm dealing with in life right now

[@dri3r]

Think of a ham license like a driving license. You need to learn a lot of the traffic rules to pass the "driving license exam" and yet everybody I know has one :) I hope we all understand why this is necessary ..and the real (practical) knowledge comes only after the driving license.. It's the same with ham radio.. 73

[@ed-jf3xh]

Had one since 1967.

[@DustyTrailCFDA]

Rude Hams??? YEA RIGHT !!! I "NEVER" (tongue in cheek) ran into a rude GMRS or CB dude! You find rude people literally everywhere. PTAs, Sportsmans Clubs or car collectors, They are all over the place. I have found some repeater groups that were very "clicky" even though it was an open repeater. I encourage folks to do what they can to get on HF, lots more to do there and very few repeaters to try to "fit in" with.

[@HamRadio2]

Yes

[@DominicMazoch]

The UK Foundation Lic. test is harder than our Tech.

[@ahobbit56]

I just got my license. :)

[@HamRadio2]

Congratulations!

[@ahobbit56]

Thank you 😊

[@stuartlent2645]

I used to be KE7BJQ. I lost my license because of the software system at the FCC is crap. Now I am at a crux on whether I want to deal with the FCC ever again. I lost my license in July. Frankly I am so angry with the FCC. Why should I go and take my tests again? I was a general and was studying for my extra. Now I think that anything I do is useless. God won't allow it.

[@mediocreman2]

The problem I see with hams is just disrespect and/or condescension. I'm a highly educated professional that has a lot of hobbies. So when I come into ham radio and people are immediatel condescending because I don't know all of the caveats, all of the technology terms and all of the different types of antennas and technology, it's a hard sell. I've had a ham license for 15 years. But it's not my only hobby. I use it for pleasure and as a tool. Many hams don't know much else besides ham. And yes, this is true of any hobby, but it's different with ham radio because the point is to establish contact with other people. And if those same people are disrespectful, many people won't return.

[@christophersmith1155]

there is no place here in NYC to take the test. 22 million ppl here that have no access.

[@UndyingShadow83]

If you've got an internet device with a camera, you can get tested online. I've personally seen probably over a hundred people get their license that way.

[@HamRadio2]

Test online. They started that in 2020

[@christophersmith1155]

good to know. i will need to investigate.