002 - Why Radio? Why Now? How GMRS & Cheap Baofeng Radios Inspired Me To Finally Get My HAM License
In this episode, I share my unique journey of how I finally got serious about getting my amateur radio technician license. I've always been interested in radio, from my childhood experiences with Mr. Microphone and CB radio, to having a two-meter radio as a teenager. But I never took the step to get licensed seriously.
That all changed during the COVID-19 pandemic lockdowns in 2020. With my normal routines disrupted, I started to feel a sense of fear and anxiety about the situation. I heard about how cheap "Baofeng" handheld radios and GMRS (General Mobile Radio Service) radios could be used for emergency communications.
I purchased a couple of Baofeng radios and got a GMRS license, only to be let down by the experience. The radios ended up tucked away in my tech closet, not seeing the light of day until just over a month ago.
I initially believed GMRS had serious limitations for long-distance communication. However, about two months ago, I learned about GMRS repeaters and how to program them. Suddenly, I was bitten by the radio bug.
I longed for access to all the amateur radio repeaters within range of my radios. This desire sparked my serious consideration of obtaining an amateur radio technician license. It wasn't until I began connecting with other GMRS users on local repeaters that I felt truly inspired to take the plunge and commit to studying for the exam.
In the end, it was the GMRS experience - the ability to talk to people 40+ miles away, but also the limitations I encountered - that motivated me to get my ham license. With my technician ticket, I now have access to a whole new world of radio communication.
I'm excited to share more about my radio journey in this and future episodes.
Iā€™d love to hear from you. Email me your comments and questions at [email protected]
Learn more about me at CliffRavenscraft.com