Your first radio station

What to buy first, and what to skip, whether you are going GMRS, ham or both.

Start with a handheld

Handhelds are cheap, portable and great for local repeaters.
A better antenna helps more than extra power.
Buy a spare battery and a charger.

Then add a mobile or base

Mobile radios give you more power and run from a car or a 12 volt supply.
A good outdoor antenna as high as you can put it is the biggest upgrade.
Use quality coax and keep the run short.

Buy the right radio

GMRS radios need to be certified by the FCC for GMRS. Check the model before you buy; many low-cost ham radios are not certified for GMRS.
A radio that works on both ham and GMRS can still only be used on each service with the right license.
Look for a radio that you can program from a computer.

Extras that pay off

A programming cable and free software
An SWR meter to check your antenna
A power supply for a mobile or base radio
A small notebook or our online logbook

Then go on the air

Study for your license or apply for GMRS.
Listen to a net, then check in.
Ask questions. Most operators love to help.

General information, not legal advice. Check the current FCC rules before you transmit.