Honestly I’ve been doing this for like 2 years now and I’ve not really keyed up and transmitted in the amateur radio sense, just GMRS walkie talkie stuff with the homies. Still, it’s super cool being able to listen. Picking up satcom stuff is just neat. I also take it to the airport and listen to the pilots talk with tower/ground crew.

One of these days I’ll transmit for real, but I have no problem following the “LURK MOAR” guideline as applied to amateur radio as I learn the culture.

[–] some_kind_of_guy@lemmy.world 3 points 5 hours ago* (last edited 5 hours ago) (1 children)

Honestly, just go take the test. It became way more fun once I could participate. Soon after getting my call sign I found my home repeater with a great group of folks of all ages and levels, really large rf footprint and a daily net.

https://hamradioprep.com/ was useful for me as it has actual test material from past tests to practice with, and a nice mobile interface.

If I were to do it again I'd study for at least up to General. Most clubs will let you test for General for free immediately after passing Technician. I ended up passing Technician, but not General. It's been a few years so I'll have to re-study and go back.

General unlocks a lot of the fun HF privileges.

[–] deranger@sh.itjust.works 2 points 2 hours ago* (last edited 2 hours ago) (1 children)

I did - I’ve got my general license. Missed extra by 2 questions despite not studying for it whatsoever.

[–] some_kind_of_guy@lemmy.world 1 points 36 minutes ago

Nice! I misread you not txing to mean you weren't licensed yet, my bad!