Category: Getting Started
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What Is an SDR Transceiver, and Why Does It Matter?
Software defined radio has quietly taken over the amateur radio market. Here is what an SDR transceiver is, why it helps, and some popular current rigs.
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RF Exposure Compliance: What the FCC Actually Requires of Your Station
This is not an optional guideline anymore. Every US amateur station is now expected to have completed an RF exposure evaluation. Here is what that actually means and how to do it.
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FRS vs. GMRS vs. Ham Radio: Which License (If Any) Do You Need
Three radio services, three very different rules. Here’s the plain-language breakdown of FRS, GMRS, and amateur radio, and how to figure out which one actually fits what you’re trying to do.
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Renewing Your Ham Radio License: What to Know Before It Expires
Amateur radio licenses run for ten years, which is plenty of time to completely forget the renewal process exists. Here is what to know before yours runs out.
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GMRS Licensing 101: Cost, Application, and What It Actually Covers
No test, one application, and a license that covers your whole family. Here’s exactly what GMRS licensing costs, how long it takes, and what you’re actually allowed to do with it.
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What Is SWR, and Why Does It Actually Matter?
Part of our Building Your First Ham Radio Station guide. SWR is the number every new ham gets nervous about before they understand what it means. It shows up on the radio’s display, on a meter, on a tuner, and it gets treated like a pass or fail grade for an antenna. It’s simpler than…
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Ten Years of Playing Radio Before It Actually Clicked
I ran GMRS and listened to VHF/UHF for a decade before I got licensed. I thought I understood radio. I was wrong, and getting my ticket changed everything.