What would be a good HAM radio setup for someone who just got their license in the Rockford IL, area?

Since you just got into amateur radio, you should look into either a mobile or HT dual band radio(2m/70cm). If you go with the mobile option, a good dual band mobile antenna will help such as a Diamond antenna. This will help you get your feet wet with FM repeaters and simplex transmissions. Look on craigslist.org or ebay.com to find good deals on used amateur radio equipment. Also, check with your local amateur radio clubs. Sometimes, they have swap meets or little flea markets where equipment is sold.

Within a few days of getting my license years ago, I bought two Yaesu FT-7800's off of craigslist for $200 each.

The Federal Communications fee regulates and promises this license. The examination is far less technical and is designed to make certain you already know the common standards relative to habit and content textile. it particularly is approximately onair deportment and not saying particular issues. you're no longer required to understand a thank you to construct or fix your own kit yet that awareness could no longer injury. it particularly is approximately courtesy. some adult men advance their wattage illegally. that's what you hear once you're applying a extreme band receiver and a few pirate yahoo interior of sight comes to a decision to circulate on line together with his new doped up kit. Play via the guidelines, be courteous, you would be high quality. ` touch the FCC and get the handbook, be taught it, then circulate take the attempt. easy. it particularly is approximately like taking the written attempt for a drivers license. you should purchase a suited kit on line or at shops like I.T.C., Fry's, and so on.

About a month ago I bought a Quansheng TG-UV2 dual band handheld. I also bought a mobile antenna for it. I travel 48 states for a living and use it constantly. It cost me $70.00 including shipping off of ebay. It has plenty of features and is very well built. NOT a cheap made radio. The only down side was I had to wait about 4 weeks for it to ship, but at the price it was worth the wait.

Since you will eventually upgrade you need an all band radio. The best thing to do is look at ham radio store websites for their sales. I think all the brands work good equally well but sometimes you are just paying for bells and whistles. I use an old Icom 735. Its a basic radio that performs well and travels nicely as a mobile rig. Check with your local radio club. You might be able to pick up some good used equipment.

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