Ham Radio N00B. I need help.

[JLeon]

Hey guys,

I'm interested in getting a ham (or CB) radio. I know I need to get a license and all that jazz. I was looking on ebay and came across this handheld ham radio. Can anyone tell me if it's any good or 'less than good'?

http://www.ebay.com/itm/TH-UV3R-Dual-Band-HT-Transceiver-Ham-Radio-TYT-/150800114693?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item231c632405

Thanks

[kf5ntj]

Well, I've owned baofengs, Wouxuns, and another one that didn't even have an english name on it (and it was weird), but it's just another one of the chinese pocket radios, it looks like. Why not go with an inexpensive dual-band radio that at least has a decent reputation, like the Wouxun UVD-1P?
here's one: http://www.maintradingcompany.com/cart/ ... -Cable.118 it's a bit more expensive, but (probably) more reliable. I'm not a member, nor a customer of, Main Trading Company, it's just the least-expensive one that came up in a search, but I have owned one of these HTs, and I bought one for my wife. Now I'm rocking the Yaesu FT-817nd, which is by far the best radio I've ever owned.

[JLeon]

Thanks. Will I need a license to use it? I don't mind getting the license, if needed. Just making sure that all laws are being followed.

Jonathan

[kf5ntj]

Yes, you'll need at least a Technician class Amateur Radio license to legally use it.

[JLeon]

Thanks.

[MarkW]

If you are in Beaumont TX there is a really good amateur cub there:

http://www.qsl.net/w5rin/


You should go to a meeting and check it out, then you can get some hands on experience with radios, and they just sent a balloon up to 93,000 feet with a package about a week ago.