I recently got an email from a fellow who writes:
We are new to Ham radio and before we spend money on a license we would like to know how to set up our radios so we can at least communicate with each other in case of an Emergency. I know all about the license part so I don’t need a speech just some information.
I replied:
Without knowing what kind of radio that you have, the best thing for you to do is to read the operator’s manual. By studying for and getting a license, you’ll learn more about how to do this.
To which, he responded:
I have. It is very vague. (I presume he’s talking about the operator’s manual.)
I have two Anytone 778s. Both are mobile radios. Like I said I have no desire to spend money on a license if I’m only using it for a SHTF kinda of day. All I want to do is be able to reach someone in an emergency. Everyone is all about a license. I could care less if the FCC is listening, and besides i really think that they have better things to do with their time then chase me fo talking on a radio.
I replied again:
You’re right. In an extreme situation, it’s unlikely that the FCC is going to be listening for unlicensed operators, but there are advantages to being licensed:
- t will help you learn how to program and use your radios properly.
- By using your radios regularly, you’ll learn something about radio technology, which can definitely help you in an emergency situation. For example, you’ll learn about what kind of antenna to use and how best to deploy it.
- By using your radios regularly, you’ll ensure that they will operate when there is an emergency situation. If they sit on the shelf for a year or two or three, there’s no guarantee that they will work correctly when you do need them.
I’m sure I could think up several more good reasons for getting a license, but these three are what popped into my head at at the time. Perhaps those of you who are more involved with emergency communications could provide a few more reasons for this fellow to get his license.
Bob K0NR says
This is actually quite simple. The notion of having radios available to magically save you in a time of crisis is silly. Similar to having a firearm, medical gear, or rescue equipment stashed away for a crisis but not knowing how to use it.
To use a ham radio and become familiar with it requires actual use, which will require an FCC amateur license. Perhaps a better option for this person is GMRS or simply FRS radios.
Frank K4FMH says
Dan,
Using a radio on a license-required frequency space should be something not undertaken by planned intention but a last resort situation. In this case, the prospective user is willfully, intentionally and with forethought stating they will violate federal regulations. This should be viewed as willful intent by the FCC EB.
There are other alternatives besides amateur radio for this person’s use in a SHTF emergency. He should use the pones you identified.
An analogy might be: I bought a car in case of emergency. $$$ invested. But I don’t want to pay the fee to get a drivers license, I’ll just beg forgiveness if, for instance, there’s a hurricane and I need to evacuate, Or, I just need to go to the grocery store because I “must” have food.
For me, it’s the intent that matters.
Stan says
Excuse me for being a little skeptical but this person is concerned about the cost of getting a license after purchasing two mobile radios. The cost of getting a license is quite small compared to getting equipment. That doesn’t sound right to me. Regardless, I agree with Bob – sounds like GMRS is a better fit for him.
Rob W4ZNG says
>>>Excuse me for being a little skeptical but this person is concerned about the cost of getting a license after purchasing two mobile radios. The cost of getting a license is quite small compared to getting equipment.<<<
That was my first thought upon reading this too. Also, the cost of burning out and replacing radios – because the correspondent couldn't be bothered with learning about high SWR on the way to a Tech license – will only push the price higher.
Yohei N8YQX says
On the first reply, you should have told him studying for his license will teach him the fundamentals of setting up his station.
John - KF6EFG says
I see this kind moving at the fringes of Ham radio too much in the last 10 years,
Some will get licensed to satisfy the requirement, but a significant number will not.
John says
Dan
You hit the high points.
The petitioner obviously isn’t interested in participating in amateur radio or adding to the body of knowledge about radio. Buying gear tends to be a salve for anxiety among some people. The best way I have found to address that anxiety is teaching them: about radio, home canned food, gardening, etc. Experience changes perception and tends to build confidence.
Skill matters most when things go sideways. Gear can usually be improvised. That’s held true for me across decades in the army and years at war. Some folks will use any excuse to avoid putting in the work.
Dan KB6NU says
I don’t think he’s trying to avoid the work. He just doesn’t get it. I’m afraid that he’ll just have to learn the hard way, although I hope it doesn’t really come to that.
Jason VE3MAL says
If this were someone local, I would say the best ham would respond with: “I don’t know if you will be able to communicate between those two points with that type of equipment; why don’t I and my friend come by on Saturday and try it with our radios?”
Then show up, play radio for 5 minutes, and tell them a) what type of radio is required, and b) that an un-tested and un-practiced radio setup is absolutely worthless. If you want something that will just work, you want a commercial product like a sat phone. You can pay for someone else’s expertise, or you can develop your own. That’s a truism that applies to radiocommunications as well as it does to other aspects of life.
Unfulfilled Expectations says
I think the biggest thing for him will be expectations. He probably just expects the radios to work. But without a license he can’t test them fully to understand all the variables. And they probably won’t work like he expects when he needs them the most. I agree with others that GMRS might be better for him. I’ve been recommending that a lot for families to get into GMRS since the license coverage is really broad. Obviously UHF isn’t as robust as other amateur bands, but it’s a great alternative for family ecomm like he’s talking about.
chris g tucker says
The word is out that the FCC are Paper Tigers, not to be feared anymore.
Just go on CB sometime ?
Illegal Power and Height are rampant, people threaten people’s lives, use foul language, and the FCC does Zilch!
No wonder he feels he does not need a license ?
Here in the Tampa Florida, it is totally out of hand!
Because I clean roofs for a living, I have been approached by local CB Operators to install antennas for them with my bucket truck!
Of course, I always say no.
Dave New, N8SBE says
This guy is not looking for advice – he’s looking for validation.
He has no intention of following through on anyone’s opinion that varies from his own. He made that abundantly clear from the get-go.
Until he is teachable, he would be a waste of anyone’s time to try to convince him otherwise.
No telling what, if anything, will make him teachable. Likely when it happens, it will be too late.
John Merkel says
Has anyone considered that maybe this guy isn’t serious and is just trolling us?
Dan KB6NU says
I honestly don’t think he is just trolling us. Since I posted this, we’ve swapped some more email, unfortunately with the same result. He just doesn’t get it. I really think that his first clue should have been that he didn’t have a clue as to how to use the radios he bought.