Ham Radio Question

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I�m thinking about getting a ham radio.  There is a club in my area that offers the amateur
license class (without Morse code) for $10. 
It is a full two day class.

My question to the forum is how much does it cost to buy the
equipment and is this a worth while investment in my time and
funds?  Also, how many of you have a ham
radio and an amateur license?  

Thanks for your thoughts.

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Gexydaf Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List Admin Group Location: Washington Joined: April 26 2006 Location: United States Status: Offline Points: 252	Post Options Post Reply Quote Gexydaf Report Post Thanks(0) Quote Reply Topic: Ham Radio Question Posted: December 09 2006 at 2:06pm
	I�m thinking about getting a ham radio. There is a club in my area that offers the amateur license class (without Morse code) for $10. It is a full two day class. My question to the forum is how much does it cost to buy the equipment and is this a worth while investment in my time and funds? Also, how many of you have a ham radio and an amateur license? Thanks for your thoughts.

randyb Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List Adviser Group Joined: March 24 2006 Location: United States Status: Offline Points: 49	Post Options Post Reply Quote randyb Report Post Thanks(0) Quote Reply Posted: December 26 2006 at 7:57am
	I'm a HAM (KB9LZD). The test is not expensive and is a two part test. Gordon West's books are my preferred reading for test taking. A good 2 meter handheld (HT) can be purchased in the $100-200 range. Dual bands/Tri and Quad bands are even more. A mobile rig with a single band is not much more than an HT. I bought a good dual band antenna and just unplug my mobile rig and take it inside for home use, or use one of my HTs. Don't skimp on the antennas, that is what gives you the most band for the buck. My wife, my brother and his wife are HAM's and most of my caving buddies as well. I carry a 2 meter rig just about everywhere, even when i work on the ambulance, since my 2m would get out where phone and EMS radio did not.