Ham Radio 101

[Blast]

Here's a video I did for Wazoo Survival and Georgia Bushcraft on the basics of ham radio and why it's really important but really easy to get licensed. Cheap, too!
IMPORTANT: Never broadcast without an antenna attached to your radio. Doing so will transmit all the power into the guts of your radio, frying it.

https://youtu.be/eqF-BXfULvE
-Blast (Merriwether)

[NT2C]

IMPORTANT: Never broadcast without an antenna attached to your radio. Doing so will transmit all the power into the guts of your radio, frying it.

True for many of the cheaper radios, but the better quality brands like Yaesu, Icom, Motorola, etc. usually have circuits that cut transmit power if high SWR is detected.  Such circuits shouldn't be abused though.  On the plus side, even a dummy load allows some leaked transmission, so in an emergency, a small dummy load in your kit and appropriate power setting on the rig may be enough to get you help when you've lost or damaged your antenna.

[Chipmunk]

Thanks, I was just about to ask you some of these questions!

[Neptune]

HiHi, fellow HAM here with Tech license. 

Have a few HT's, may eventually get a base station or mobile unit... though my current project is building a GMRS repeater.  Got that license, too.

[Blast]

Howdy, Neptune!  Are the SW bands around you very active? It seems here in Houston at least half the HAMs are prepers, which leads to all sorts of useful information.
-Blast

[KentuckyCarbine]

I'd like to get licensed - does any have recommendations for study materials?

I've looked at a few books on Amazon - but I'd prefer to have a real recommendation.

Thanks

[Blast]

I'd like to get licensed - does any have recommendations for study materials?

I've looked at a few books on Amazon - but I'd prefer to have a real recommendation.

I used the free Practice Exam feature at https://hamexam.org/ to just take the tests over and over until I memorized the answers.
-Blast

[KentuckyCarbine]

I like your style Blast!

[SCBrian]

Make sure you study the general exam questions as well.  When you take the test for technician (And hopefully pass) you will generally be given an opportunity to also take the general as well.  And the extra if you feel spunky.