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.

I’d love to hear from you. Email me your comments and questions at Cliff@CliffRavenscraft.com

Learn more about me at CliffRavenscraft.com