Hello everyone! My name is Luis and I recently passed the Technician exam. I have a Baofeng UV-5RM but am still learning how to use it. I was a comm/nav troop in the Air Force in the 1980’s, so I am amazed at all the changes. I would welcome any help getting started. Thanks!
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@KJ5MVR Hey Luis!!!
Welcome!!! Congratulations on your tech!!! I would say the best thing to do would be to look into POTA and start studying for your General. That would drastically open up the spectrum of bands that you are able to operate on. You can use Ham Radio Prep (our other company) to study and take practice tests. If you have any specific questions please feel free to ask! We’re happy to help, glad to have you!
Thanks & 73
Brad K4AZE
Hello Luis, Congratulations on your tech license. The UV-5RM is a solid starter radio. I have one and am mostly using it for APRS. I use CHIRP (https://chirpmyradio.com/projects/chirp/wiki/Home) to program my radio. True that one needs to learn to program the radio manually, but I did not put much effort into this radio because it is my tertiary backup. Start to join local nets and clubs; you can often find some helpful resources there. Get a good antenna; I’m using the Ed Fong J-Pole antenna for my home base station. Feel free to reach out to me if I can assist you with anything. Full disclosure, I obtained my technician license in September 2024 and upgraded to general a few weeks later; therefore, my knowledge is not as extensive as that of others who have been licensed for much longer. All the best, 73. W5TRI.
PS: I used Ham Radio Prep to study for my exams. I would strongly recommend it if you want to upgrade.
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