You passed. Now what?
A practical guide for newly licensed operators.
Your first radio
A handheld VHF/UHF radio is the usual starting point, and an inexpensive one is fine. Spend your money on a better antenna before a better radio - it makes far more difference.
Your first contact
Find a local repeater, listen for a while, then key up with your callsign and say you are new. Amateur radio is one of the few communities where announcing that gets you help rather than sarcasm.
Your first net
Nets are scheduled on-air meetings with a controller. Most areas have a beginner-friendly net; checking in is the single fastest way to meet local operators.
Join a club
Clubs give you people to learn from, equipment to try and a reason to keep operating. Use our map to find the ones nearest you.
Log your contacts
Keeping a log is no longer required, but it is how awards, contests and QSL exchanges work. Free logging software is plentiful.
Keep learning
Digital modes, satellites, POTA, emergency communications, antenna building - the wiki is a good place to see what is out there.
Three habits that make you sound experienced
- Listen before you transmit, and identify with your callsign at the end of a contact and at least every ten minutes.
- Leave a gap between transmissions so someone with an emergency, or someone joining, can break in.
- Ask questions on the air. Elmering - experienced operators mentoring newer ones - is the oldest tradition in the hobby.