Why get into HAM radio

There's a good piece for nOObs on Rawles' blog.

Communications: Why You Should Get Your Ham Radio License, by M.G. - SurvivalBlog.com

The author makes a strong argument for getting a Yaesu FT-60R.

Enjoy.

 

Getting my tech license was easy and I met several other preppers thru the class. Bonus

 

I prefer HTs to have the capability to switch antennas so I can switch between a short rubber duck and a 5/8 wave.

 

Then don't buy an FRS radio.

Even back to the mid-1980s HTs have had this capability. SMA, BNC, RCA, phono, mini phono, micro phono...all sorts of jacks for external antennae, but they had them.

Personally, I don't see why everyone puts so much stock into HTs when those only cover a very small part of the allocated spectrum available for amateur use. Even Technician class licensees have privileges on multiple HF bands. My HTs have been the most under-used pieces of radio gear I've purchased. Mobiles and base units see much more activity, be it on a daily basis or during severe weather events.

 

My one HT has the capability of connecting to almost any modern antenna made as long as I have the right adapter. Would not even bother to buy a duel band HT here as 2 meter gets just about all the attention for local talk especially with the local repeaters. Mobiles and base units, as Techsar said, are the way to go, if you budget your hobbies, as some of have to.

 

I have no plans on buying FRS. I'm pretty much CW and DX.

My only use for an HT was when I was involved with an active club. An HT and a repeater is/was decent local communications.
I have a 2600A and a 9130 2 mtr multi-mode which haven't seen much if any use in 20 years. lol.

True, typically Kenwood, Icom, Yaesu used BNC.

 

This was what I was looking for! Thanks for posting the link to this article. Seems achievable now and answered some of my newbie communication questions. Although, I still have plenty more lol