Which HAM radio is best for beginners?
When you first get into HAM radios, which are also known as Amateur Radios, it can feel like everyone is speaking a language you don't understand. Don't worry; it gets easier. As a beginner, picking the right radio is very important.
Learning the Basics of HAM Radio
Let's make it easy to understand. People can talk to each other over long distances without the internet or cell service with HAM radios. People use them for a wide range of things from talking to loved ones in an emergency to chatting with other hobbyists across oceans. A radio for beginners should be simple to use and dependable.
There are two main types of entry level HAM radios handheld (HT) and mobile/base units. Handheld radios are small and easy to carry around just like walkie talkies. These are great for beginners because they are easy to use and simple. Mobile units need more setup time but they have more power and features.
A radio should be easy to use. Find one that has buttons that are easy to see a display that is easy to read and a size that is easy to handle. You want something that will help you learn without making you feel stressed. A device that is easy to use makes it much easier to learn the basics like what frequency is and how to tune it. For more information the American Radio Relay League has great resources for getting licensed and for beginners in general.
Things to think about when making a budget
Let's talk about money. How much should you pay for your first HAM radio? Prices vary but a good beginner model usually costs between $30 and $150. You might want to spend more but think about starting small.
The main investment should be in something that fits your learning style it doesn't have to be fancy. Sometimes more expensive radios have features that beginners won't use. The last thing you want to do is buy something that feels like a waste. There is also a less well known rule in radio circles called the "80/20" rule. This means that 20% of your radio's functions will be used 80% of the time.
A handheld like the Baofeng UV 5R which costs about $30 is a good place to start. It does a good job of teaching the basics so you won't have to figure out how to use it while waiting in line at a fast food restaurant. You can always upgrade as you get more confident. If you think that having radios for prepping purposes is useless what ... another well known brand offers detailed beginner guides on what features to look for.
Features are important but don't make it too complicated.
There are a lot of buttons and knobs that can be hard to deal with. Find radios that do the basics well without too many extra features. You need a radio that can work on both the VHF and UHF bands since these are the most common and easiest for beginners to use.
The ability to program frequencies through a computer interface like CHIRP software is another must have feature that can save your life. It saves you from having to enter each frequency by hand which can feel like typing with mittens on.
Also look for radios that can send out emergency alerts. These can send out distress signals or automatically switch to emergency frequencies. This feature isn't just useful it's necessary in unexpected situations.
Why a Good Antenna is Important
You might have the best beginner radio but if you don't have a good antenna your communication range will be like trying to talk to someone in a crowded room. A good antenna makes your radio work a lot better.
Most radios come with "rubber duck" antennas that limit what you can do. You might want to think about buying an aftermarket antenna that is made for better range and clarity. A good antenna is very important if you want to talk to people outside of your yard.
Look for names like the Diamond SRH77CA or the Nagoya NA 771 which are known for being reliable and having a longer range. They don't look great but they work. It's a great way to improve performance for a low price and you don't need to be a tech wizard to use it.
Rules and help from the community
Last but not least there are the rules and the community. HAM radio is a great way to meet people who share your interests. Joining local clubs can help you learn a lot and meet new people. Often other fans are happy to help new people by giving them hands on advice that no book or YouTube video can.
You need a license to use a HAM radio so know that. For example the FCC in the U.S. requires this to make sure that people use the airwaves safely. The process isn't as scary as it looks and there are a lot of study guides available. For a simple way to do it look at ARRL Licensing Help.
Joining the HAM community can make it easier for you to go from a beginner to an experienced operator. Plus you can always talk to someone whether you're talking about the weather or just sharing tips and tricks.
When it comes down to it the best beginner HAM radio for you will depend on how useful it is how much it costs what features it has and how well it works with other people. It may seem hard at first but remember that you are part of a long line of people who have tinkered and communicated who started out just like you. So relax and enjoy the ride.