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I'm hoping to get my Ham Radio license - one day - but in the meantime, I'd like to buy a receiver (for emergencies) so I'll have the ability to LISTEN to other Ham Radio operators.
I went to Amazon to look for something but the choices are daunting. Can someone recommend a receiver that is affordable and well-made?
If you are interested in becoming a licensed operator find yourself a transciever. You can listen all you like but you can not transmit until you have your license. I think you would be happier doing something like that than buying an am/fm/sw receiver that maybe only monitors on the 2 meter band.
What do you consider affordable? Are you looking for HF only, or do you want it all, HF, VHF, UHF. Don't forget, most amateur radio activity on HF is CW and SSB. Most of it is FM above 50Mhz, but SSB is common in some areas. Inexpensive receivers often limit you to AM or FM only. Do you want a tabletop, mobile, or portable (handheld) model? There are also receivers which interface with computers.
There are plenty of inexpensive receivers. However, the sensitivity and selectivity are poor. The difference between a $100 shortwave receiver and a $500 one can be like night and day. You will probably be happier by spending more for a better receiver. The better receivers also have jacks for external antennas. Inexpensive receives often limit you to the little metal whip they come with.
Don't limit yourself to Amazon. Universal Radio has a good selection of receivers, as does Ham Radio Outlet and other Amateur Radio retailers. They also have a staff you can call and ask questions.
Another option to consider is a used transceiver. Many amateur radio retailers sell used equipment, and at that point the price may be close to one of the better receivers on the market.
I'm hoping to get my Ham Radio license - one day - but in the meantime, I'd like to buy a receiver (for emergencies) so I'll have the ability to LISTEN to other Ham Radio operators.
I went to Amazon to look for something but the choices are daunting. Can someone recommend a receiver that is affordable and well-made?
Thanks.
Rose
Rosemary, You might check with your local club. Often interested people can attend a meeting or two before joining, attend "ham-fests" big club sale with lots of radio gear, and learn/buy from other club members.
If you mostly want it for listening to local "emergencies", such as the severe weather net that is called up in most areas, a receiver that will pick up the local 2-meter repeater (2 meters is between 144-148 MHz) will suffice. It all depends on what you want to be able to listen to.
I wouldn't allow myself to purchase a transceiver until I got my ham license. It served as a great incentive!
Thank you so much for the responses. I'd love to get my Ham license, but am fearful of the test! I've got the booklet. How hard is the math portion of that test?
You can buy a book with sample questions. If you encounter any math it is going to be at the Jr High level. The most difficult thing on the test may be Calculating Ohm's law, which is basic algebra.
The Technician Class license test is very easy to pass. You won't have to worry much about math unless you want to transmit on HF (shortwave), but to do much of that you'll need a General class license. I passed the General test without specifically studying for it, but I'd been an SWL for 30 years. HF is where it's at for me, though, because you can talk around the world (sunspots help).
I agree with the previous poster. There is no Morse code requirement at all any more, so you can get on the air fairly easily.
I'm hoping to get my Ham Radio license - one day - but in the meantime, I'd like to buy a receiver (for emergencies) so I'll have the ability to LISTEN to other Ham Radio operators.
I went to Amazon to look for something but the choices are daunting. Can someone recommend a receiver that is affordable and well-made?
Thanks.
Rose
If you want to listen for emergencies, you need a scanner. A ham radio will do you no good in an emergency.
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