I just can’t afford the equipment. I thought about it back in the analog days, but back then you had to learn Morse code and I just didn’t think I was up for it.
And with the appearance of low cost Chinese brand radios, the equipment can be cheap for 2m, particularly.
The usual go-to for new hams is the Baofeng UV-5R and similar. The cost is about $20-30. It’s not the greatest radio and is kind of messy but for $20ish who cares if it gets you on the air.
Also Hamfests are a great place to pick up cheap used gear. For example I got an entry level 2m mobile rig (an old Radio Shack model) for $10 and antenna for similar.
If you want a new higher quality handheld transceiver (HT) there are options at $100 or less from Alinco and Yaesu. (Maybe Kenwood and Icom have budget options too idk)
You can get a Baofeng UV5R for about $20 and it can broadcast on ham frequencies! Just don’t tell anyone I recommended that radio to you (I have 2 of them though). Morse code isn’t a requirement anymore either. Time to do it!
I just can’t afford the equipment. I thought about it back in the analog days, but back then you had to learn Morse code and I just didn’t think I was up for it.
Morse is no longer required-- yay!
And with the appearance of low cost Chinese brand radios, the equipment can be cheap for 2m, particularly.
The usual go-to for new hams is the Baofeng UV-5R and similar. The cost is about $20-30. It’s not the greatest radio and is kind of messy but for $20ish who cares if it gets you on the air.
Also Hamfests are a great place to pick up cheap used gear. For example I got an entry level 2m mobile rig (an old Radio Shack model) for $10 and antenna for similar.
If you want a new higher quality handheld transceiver (HT) there are options at $100 or less from Alinco and Yaesu. (Maybe Kenwood and Icom have budget options too idk)
You can get a Baofeng UV5R for about $20 and it can broadcast on ham frequencies! Just don’t tell anyone I recommended that radio to you (I have 2 of them though). Morse code isn’t a requirement anymore either. Time to do it!