Your First Ham Radio
Which radio will you purchase for your first Amateur Radio station? Do you want a large, full-featured transceiver for the HF bands? Perhaps a mobile radio for operating on VHF or even a tiny handheld transceiver? Before you decide on your purchase, review the advice offered here to help you focus on the features and functions you will need for the operating activities you plan.

Perhaps one of the most important factors in selection of a radio is your amateur radio license. If you are licensed as a Technician, your license privileges limit you to transmitting on the bands of 23 cm, 33 cm, 70 cm, 1.25 M, 2M, and 6M. The most common being the 2M band, using simplex or a repeater. So you would probably want to shop for a VHF (2M) radio or perhaps a dual band VHF (2M) / UHF (70cm) radio. You should not shop for a HF rig if you don’t have the HF privileges of a General or Amateur Extra license holder. On the other hand, if you are a General or Amateur Extra, you may want to shop for multiple radios or an all-mode rig to cover all your privileges.
It is important to know that your first radio (and even later rigs) doesn’t have to be new. There are many older transceivers that have years of useful service left in them. These transceivers (“rigs,” as hams call them) are often available for sale at online auction sites such as QRZ.com, QTH.com, eBay.com and others.
Do I need a license to buy a ham radio? No, but you will need a license to transmit on a ham radio.
Choosing a Ham Radio-2014.pdf (arrl.org)
Minnesota Ham Radio page: Choosing your first Ham Radio | Minnesota Ham Radio
Ham Radio Suggestions | What Radio Should You Buy First (hamradiofornontechies.com)
What to look for When Buying A Ham Radio
Most new HAM’s start off with a handheld (HT) radio. They are very reasonable in price, easily portable and it will get you on the air fast!
Another factor to consider is your financial situation. If you have limited cash to buy a radio, then an HT might be a good first choice until you can save up for better equipment. If money is not a factor (within reason) then you may want to get a higher end HT radio or possibly go into a mobile radio (which can be used as a base station at home or in your car) or maybe you want to get yourself a base station radio that you can grow into as you follow your journey in HAM radio down the road.
Cost Breakdown for Common Ham Radios
HT Radios – $30 – $800
Mobile Radios – $250 – $1100
Base Station Radios – $800 – $10,000
Keep in mind with radios, as in most things in life, you get what you pay for. The intro level radios will work, you may have them for years, however, if the cost difference is only $30-$50 more for a better item, save up and get the better item, you will thank me later!
Here are some links for the new Ham:
What Should I Get for My First Radio? (hamradioschool.com)
How Much Does it Cost to Start in Ham Radio? – Ham Radio Insider
Other equipment
Once you progress beyond a HT to a mobile or base station type rig you will probably need some additional items such as coax, antenna, and a power supply. Research what you will need before you purchase. An antenna can be constructed from lengths of wire for very little cost or you can purchase manufactured antennas that will cost more. Power supply for your radio may be a 12V battery or an actual power supply; 12V batteries will need to be charged/recharged and chargers often inject unwanted electrical “noise” into the radio. Power supplies must be rated heavy enough to supply the required voltage and amperage.
