Category: Getting Started
-
Understanding PRB-1 and Local Antenna Ordinances
PRB-1 is the federal rule hams cite constantly when a local ordinance tries to ban antennas outright. It is also frequently misunderstood. Here is what it actually protects, and what it does not.
-
My Recommended First Ham Radio Station: Budget and Mid-Tier Builds for New Hams
Two complete station recommendations for new hams, one budget and one mid-tier, covering radios, antennas, and power supplies for VHF/UHF and HF.
-
Getting Kids and Teens Licensed: Programs, Camps, and What Actually Works
The average ham’s age keeps climbing, and the hobby’s long-term health depends on getting more kids and teens licensed. Here’s what actually gets young people through the exam and, more importantly, on the air afterward.
-
Repeater Offsets and Duplex, Explained Simply
Part of our Getting On The Air: Modes, Operations, and Making Contacts guide. Offset and duplex are two of the settings that confuse new hams the most when programming a radio for the first time, mostly because the terminology is used loosely and the concepts get blurred together. They are actually simple once you separate…
-
Finding a VE Test Session Near You (and What to Bring)
The whole question pool is public and the studying is on you. The last piece is finding an actual test session and showing up with the right paperwork. Here is how.
-
Getting Your Ham Radio License: Technician, General, and Extra Explained
Three exams stand between you and the entire radio spectrum. Here is what each one actually covers, and why the climb is more approachable than it sounds.