Operating instructions
4 Choosing a Ham Radio
From Where Will You Be Operating?
Radios are designed with sets of features that
favor the types of use listed at the side of this page,
although they can be used in more than one way.
Considering the circumstances in which you expect
to do most of your operating and the ranges at
which you expect to make contacts will help you
decide what type of radio is right for you.
Radios designed for base or fixed-station are the most capable and powerful. They are
also bigger and their standby power requirements are higher. Many of the manufacturers
of base-type radios also offer smaller, lighter models for portable operating in tight quar-
ters, from a vehicle, while camping or otherwise away from home and with limited power
availability. These radios generally don’t have the same level of performance or as many
front-panel controls as base station models. A mobile radio is one intended for use in
vehicles, usually on FM voice in the VHF and UHF bands. Mobile “rigs” with a dc power
supply make a good VHF/UHF FM voice base station, too. Handheld radios are intended
to be carried while in use, operate from rechargeable battery packs, and have FM voice
transmitter outputs of a few watts on the VHF and UHF bands.
Ready, Set, Go!
Begin by reading this guide from start to finish, even if you think you already have a
good idea of what radio you want. You might find some material that changes your think-
ing a little bit, possibly saving you some money or increasing your long-term satisfac-
tion with the equipment you select! Once you’ve finished, focus on the frequency bands
(VHF/UHF or HF) and type of operating (base, mobile, portable, or handheld). Then
make your list of “must-haves” and “nice-to-haves” (useful features that aren’t absolutely
necessary). Armed with catalogs and a Web browser, you’re ready to start shopping or
take in a hamfest (a ham radio flea market and convention)! A blank form to help you
compare different radios is available for downloading at www.arrl.org/choosingaradio/
compare.
VhF/uhF equiPmeNT
The VHF and UHF bands above 30 MHz are available to all classes of ham licensees
and are widely used for local and regional contacts. The majority of activity uses FM
voice on repeaters and simplex channels at the higher frequency segment of each band.
The lowest frequency segments in each band are set aside for weak-signal operating
where longer range contacts are made using SSB voice and Morse code. (SSB and Morse
offer better performance than FM for contacts made over long distances without the aid
of a repeater to relay weak signals.) In adjacent segments you’ll also find Amateur Radio
satellite signals and data communication using digital modes, among other activities.
For FM voice in an area with good repeater coverage, a handheld radio provides the
maximum flexibility in operating—from home, a vehicle, or while on foot. It’s more prac-
tical, however, to purchase a higher-powered mobile radio that can be used at home, too.
Most hams have a mobile radio in their vehicle plus a handheld radio for portable opera-
tion.
If you are going to operate primarily from home, an all-mode radio designed for fixed-
or base station use may be a better choice. While larger and more expensive than mobile
and handheld radios, they also operate on SSB and CW (Morse code) and offer better
receiver performance, larger displays, and easier access to many controls and functions.
TypesofOperation
Base or Fixed (a permanent location)
Mobile (in a vehicle)
Portable (temporary installation)
Handheld (carried by hand, pocket, or belt clip)