Discover / Amateur radio
A whole world.
One radio away.
From your first handheld to a station that reaches around the globe—explore the hobby with people who enjoy helping you get started.
Build your station, one step at a time
Start small. Keep exploring.
01 / Handheld
Your first radio.
An HT is an accessible way to start listening to local repeaters, nets, and conversations while you work toward your license.
02 / Mobile
Take it on the road.
A mobile transceiver and vehicle antenna bring the popular 2m and 70cm bands along for the ride.
03 / Base station
Make room for the world.
Explore VHF, UHF, and HF with a home station, power supply, antennas, and help from an Elmer.
The full equipment guide & getting started
About HAM Radio and Things You'll Need
These are the things you'll need to "just get into it" so to speak.
The least expensive way to introduce yourself to the world of HAM is by:
- Purchasing an HT (Handi Talki, or sometimes know as a walkie talkie)
- You'll be able to listen to your local repeater until you get your license. Listen to NETS and folks just conversing.
The next step up will be for you to purchase a Mobile Transceiver for your car/truck.
- Of course a transceiver (radio) for your truck. This should include the 2m and 70cm bands. These are the most popular and accessible frequencies to receive in your vehicle.
- You'll need to buy a mobile antenna as well. Whether that is an antenna that is magnet mounted to the top of your vehicle or one of the more obscure and less obtrusive, such as a bumper or front hood mount, this would be all you NEED. (Different from WANTS of course)
Lastly the ultimate, a Base Station for your Radio Room, HAM shack, Garage Nook, or of course spare bedroom.
- Of course, a Transceiver (a microphone is included same as a mobile unit) This radio is going to have your VHF/UHF to cover your primary 2m and 70cm bands the same as your Mobile Radio but it will also include the all important HF (High Frequency) bands 10m,12m,15m, 17m, 20m, 30m, 40m, 60m, 80m. These are the bands, which encompass the accompanying frequencies, are where you're going to talk with and make contacts from around the globe!
- A 12v power supply. The Transceiver above does not just plug into the wall, you'll need to connect it's red and black wires to the correct terminals on the back of the power supply. The power supply then plugs into the wall. Don't forget your surge protector
- Yep, you guessed it, an antenna. You'll need at least 2 antennas. One that will be of the proper length and construction to receive your VHF/UHF signals. This is usually a vertical antenna, like a stick, car antenna, etc. But, a bit longer and thicker. The second antenna would be for your HF bands. These as a starter antenna can be a horizontally run wire 10-30 feet above the ground running 100 feet or so. An End Fed or Dipole antenna will work best for the least amount of cash. Some of the Dipoles do NOT cover all the bands mentioned above so be sure to ask your Elmer what he or she recommends based on your needs.
- Cable, unlike the mobile antenna, these don't come with lengths of cable. There are a gazzillion types and lengths of cable and once again your Elmer/Mentor can very easily make recommendations based on what you intend to be doing. Remember Elmers are free,,, and we love just helping fellow HAMS.
We hope to have some links to a few fantastic vendors here soon. We've reached out to see who will help the club with an affiliate program of some sort.
Lastly, you've got to get at least your Technicians License if you wish to transmit. Take a class, buy a book and an easy workbook, take a week or so to study and take a test. Remember, it's multiple choice, and you know every question and answer in advance!
73's as is said in the HAM world when you're saying "So long" to someone.
Club resources & supporters
Tools for your radio journey.
Ham Radio Deluxe
Club information & details
Ham Radio Deluxe:
A complete suite of software for the amateur radio operator. They have provided HLARC with an exclusive 20% discount code for our members. "HLARC20".
This software for your laptop or workstation, functions as the following:
- Rig control
- QSO Logging
- Digital Modes Support
- Rotator Control
- Satellite Comms
DX Engineering
Club information & details
DX Engineering:
At DX Engineering, Amateur Radio is what we know. From the pleasure of rag-chewing to the satisfaction of working that new, rare one—we understand your every need for top-performing and reliable products. It's impossible to overstate the importance of filling those needs.
Our goal is simple: Fulfill your needs with the best products and technical support
They graciously contributed $100 in gift cards and 10 DXE baseball caps for us to raffle off and use as club fundraisers. With this said, help support them with your sales needs. They are the ONLY outlet that contributed to help our club. Don't go anywhere else.
RT Systems
Club information & details
RTSystems - Radio Programming Made Easy
Their product is awesome. Load it onto your laptop connect the proprietary cable they send you, to your radio and you can EASILY fully program your radio settings!
They have a product for virtually EVERY radio made.
Thanks for contributing a full license and cable for our monthly raffle, and your ZOOM presentation during the meeting!
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