Explore the world of radio communication and find a community of young radio enthusiasts. Your journey into the exciting world of amateur radio starts here!
Radio communication isn't just your grandpa's hobby! It's a fantastic blend of technology, science, and social connection that opens doors to:
Best of all? It's completely free once you get your license!
Discover all the gear you need to get started. Can you believe it only costs around $50?
Baofeng UV-5R is perfect for beginners! It is easy to use, powerful, and has great battery life. The antenna is removable, so you can easily extend the range by replacing the stock antenna with one that has a higher gain.
With its 3 dBi gain, the Nagoya NA-771 antenna is a great companion to the Baofeng UV-5R, significantly increasing radio transmission range. If you choose a different antenna, ensure it has the proper connector or use an N to RP SMA adapter like this.
The BL-5L 3800mAh is the essential backup battery for your Baofeng transmitter, allowing you to operate for days without needing a recharge. It comes with a USB cable that can be plugged into an adapter and / or your car.
Modern radio is powered by software. Get the best apps that make it amazing - they're free!
The best free, open-source tool that allows you to program handheld and mobile radios. Get it from here
The best solution for radio amateurs who are interested in weak-signal communication. It is available here
Eight apps that are useful for DXing, spotting clusters, rig control, and logging. Download it from here
So about 20 years ago, I’m at this Scout camp, right? And our troop leader hands out these chunky yellow walkie-talkies that look like they survived the Katrina hurricane. "Stay in touch," he says, like we're about to embark on some epic wilderness adventure instead of hiking to the mess hall. But you know what? Those beat-up radios actually worked pretty well, and this got me thinking about the whole radio thing...
Look, I'm not going to lie to you: when I first heard about making antennas from random junk in my bedroom, I thought it sounded like something only weird ham radio dads did in their basements. Then my WiFi died during a crucial Netflix binge, and suddenly I was very interested in signal boosting. Turns out, antennas are everywhere around you right now, and half the stuff cluttering your room could probably...
So, you're scrolling TikTok, right? And suddenly you wonder - could I actually talk to someone in, say, California while I'm sitting here in my bedroom in Ohio? Not through the internet. Not through your phone plan that your parents pay way too much for. I'm talking about radio waves, bouncing off the atmosphere, doing their invisible magic thing. The answer? Absolutely yes. And it's way cooler...
I know, ham radio isn't actually secret agent stuff. But here's the thing that'll mess with your head: it's way cooler than what most spies in movies are doing, and infinitely more real than whatever gadget Q just handed Bond. You ever sit in your room at night, maybe scrolling through the same five apps for the hundredth time, and wonder if there's anything actually interesting happening in the world?
Connect with mentors and make lifelong friends. Be part of something bigger than yourself!
YOTA: A group of amateurs working to promote youth in amateur radio. They organize camps, contests, and youth-to-youth networking.
YARC Discord: Created for young hams with the goal of helping them find like-minded hams, help each other, and spur innovation.
Jamboree on the Air: A Scouting event that connects Scouts around the world with the use of amateur radio.
Begin your amateur radio adventure by following these simple steps
Use HamStudy.org to prepare for the Technician exam. You'll only need to study for about two weeks.
Find a local Volunteer Examiner or a ham club that offers remote testing. The exam costs around $15.
Baofeng UV-5R is perfect for beginners. Alternatively, find an Elmer who can loan you some equipment.
Make your first contact, join a club, participate in nets, and explore all the amazing things amateur radio offers.