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RE: Introduction - VE3YRG

in Ham Radio5 years ago

Currently I only have a handheld unit with 5 watts of output power which can probably get 20-50 miles/kms depending on terrain and obstructions. I am able to get greater distances with various repeaters that are setup and if I was to get involved with another type of repeater setup I would connect to a local repeater which would then connect to a repeater over the internet and then broadcast wherever that repeater is located. Need more learning time and experience on the radio.

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Thats pretty cool. What was the cost to get started?

Well I got lucky and my brother gave me an old handheld he was not using. I spent $100 for a membership in the local ham club which also go me a study guide and a 12 week course (Saturday mornings 3 hr). You could get a basic handheld BaoFeng UV-5R for under $50US and whatever study materials for US. I understand that US technician is not too hard to get. If you are interested contact a local ham radio club for help and connections on getting licensed. Check out this YT channel for alot of information about US ham radio:
https://www.youtube.com/user/hoshnasi