{"id":39,"date":"2026-02-11T03:53:35","date_gmt":"2026-02-11T03:53:35","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/cqprideaugusta.us\/blog\/?page_id=39"},"modified":"2026-02-11T03:55:37","modified_gmt":"2026-02-11T03:55:37","slug":"getting-started","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/cqprideaugusta.us\/blog\/getting-started\/","title":{"rendered":"Getting Started"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p class=\"has-large-font-size\"><strong>New to ham radio? We\u2019ll help you get licensed, choose sensible gear, and get on the air\u2014without the overwhelm.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>CQ Pride Augusta is an LGBTQIA+ friendly Amateur Radio community in Augusta, Georgia \/ the CSRA. If you\u2019re curious, studying, or newly licensed, we\u2019re happy to help you take the next step.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-buttons is-layout-flex wp-block-buttons-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-button\"><a class=\"wp-block-button__link wp-element-button\" href=\"mailto:president@cqprideaugusta.us?subject=NEW%20HAM%20-%20Getting%20Started\">Email Greer (K5CVD)<\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Step 1: Understand the license levels (quickly)<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>In the U.S., Amateur Radio licenses come in three main levels:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Technician:<\/strong> the usual starting point. Great for local VHF\/UHF, repeaters, and some limited HF privileges.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>General:<\/strong> opens up a lot more HF (long-distance) operating.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Amateur Extra:<\/strong> maximum privileges and more band access.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>If you\u2019re new, aim for <strong>Technician first<\/strong>. Many people then upgrade to <strong>General<\/strong> once they get comfortable.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Step 2: Get your FCC FRN (before your exam)<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>You\u2019ll want an FCC Registration Number (FRN) so your exam results can be filed correctly. You can register in the FCC\u2019s CORES system and get an FRN online. The FCC provides a step-by-step FRN registration help page here:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/apps.fcc.gov\/cores\/html\/Register_New_FRN.htm\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">FCC CORES: Register for a New FRN<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>ARRL also maintains guidance for CORES\/FRN registration (helpful if you get stuck):<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><a href=\"http:\/\/www.arrl.org\/fcc-cores-registration-instructions\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">ARRL: FCC CORES Registration Instructions<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Step 3: Study for the Technician exam<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>The Technician exam is multiple-choice (35 questions). A great way to study is to use flashcards + practice exams until you consistently score well above passing.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Free practice tests and flashcards:<\/strong> <a href=\"https:\/\/hamstudy.org\/tech2022\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">HamStudy Technician practice<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Study tips:<\/strong> <a href=\"https:\/\/hamstudy.org\/content\/study_tips\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">HamStudy Study Tips<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Official overview of getting licensed:<\/strong> <a href=\"http:\/\/www.arrl.org\/getting-licensed-step-by-step\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">ARRL: Getting Licensed \u2013 Step by Step<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-small-font-size\"><strong>Tip:<\/strong> Don\u2019t just memorize answers\u2014focus on understanding repeaters, basic electronics, and operating practices. That makes your first weeks on the air much easier.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Step 4: Take the exam (in person or online)<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Amateur Radio exams are administered by Volunteer Examiners (VEs) through VEC organizations. You can often test in person near you, and some groups offer online exam sessions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>To find an exam session, ARRL has a search tool here:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><a href=\"http:\/\/www.arrl.org\/find-an-amateur-radio-license-exam-session\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">ARRL: Find an Amateur Radio License Exam Session<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>HamStudy also has an exam session finder:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/hamstudy.org\/sessions\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">HamStudy: Find an Exam Session<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>After you pass, your license application is submitted to the FCC. HamStudy\u2019s \u201cHow do I get licensed?\u201d page includes a clear overview (including the FCC fee step):<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/hamstudy.org\/content\/how\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">HamStudy: How to get licensed<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Step 5: Choose equipment (simple recommendations)<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>You don\u2019t need expensive gear to get started. Pick gear that matches <strong>how you\u2019ll actually operate<\/strong>: at home, in the car, or walking around at events.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">The \u201cfirst radio\u201d decision tree<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>If you want local repeaters + portability:<\/strong> start with a <strong>VHF\/UHF handheld (HT)<\/strong>.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>If you want reliable local coverage from home:<\/strong> consider a <strong>25\u201350W VHF\/UHF mobile radio used as a base<\/strong> (with a real outdoor antenna).<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>If you want long-distance contacts:<\/strong> plan for a <strong>General upgrade<\/strong> and then an <strong>HF radio + antenna<\/strong>.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Beginner equipment list (practical)<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Handheld VHF\/UHF radio (HT)<\/strong> (2m\/70cm) + its stock battery\/charger<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Better antenna<\/strong> (a quality whip often makes a bigger difference than upgrading radios)<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Programming method<\/strong>: a programming cable or software\/app (depends on the radio)<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>For home use:<\/strong> an outdoor VHF\/UHF antenna + coax feedline (this is the real performance upgrade)<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>For mobile:<\/strong> a magnet mount or proper NMO mount + a good antenna<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-small-font-size\"><strong>Newcomer caution:<\/strong> Some very cheap handhelds exist. They can work, but they can also create frustration (audio, front-end overload, programming quirks). If you\u2019re not sure what to buy, email us first\u2014we\u2019ll help you avoid common traps.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Step 6: Get on the air (your first week)<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<ol class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Program your local repeater(s) into the radio (or ask for help).<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Listen first. Then make a short call: state your callsign and that you\u2019re new.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Check into a net when you\u2019re ready\u2014nets are designed to help people participate.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Keep it simple: clear audio, short transmissions, and don\u2019t worry about being perfect.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n<p>Want a low-stress first contact? Email the President and we can help you plan your first on-air check-in.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-buttons is-layout-flex wp-block-buttons-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-button\"><a class=\"wp-block-button__link wp-element-button\" href=\"mailto:president@cqprideaugusta.us?subject=NEW%20HAM%20-%20First%20QSO%20Help\">Help me make my first contact<\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">What CQ Pride Augusta offers newcomers<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Friendly mentoring (Elmering)<\/strong> for radios, programming, antennas, and on-air confidence<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>License study support<\/strong> (Technician first, then General if you want HF)<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Nets and on-air activity<\/strong> that make it easy to participate<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Events and portable operating<\/strong> (Field Day-style, parks, and learning outings)<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-small-font-size\"><strong>All are welcome on the air.<\/strong> If you\u2019re LGBTQIA+ (or an ally) and looking for a respectful place to learn, you\u2019re exactly who this club is for.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-small-font-size\">Questions? Email <a href=\"mailto:president@cqprideaugusta.us\">president@cqprideaugusta.us<\/a> \u00b7 Website: <a href=\"https:\/\/cqprideaugusta.us\">cqprideaugusta.us<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>New to ham radio? We\u2019ll help you get licensed, choose sensible gear, and get on the air\u2014without the overwhelm. CQ Pride Augusta is an LGBTQIA+ friendly Amateur Radio community in &#8230; <a title=\"Getting Started\" class=\"read-more\" href=\"https:\/\/cqprideaugusta.us\/blog\/getting-started\/\" aria-label=\"Read more about Getting Started\">Read more<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"parent":0,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"","meta":{"footnotes":""},"class_list":["post-39","page","type-page","status-publish"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/cqprideaugusta.us\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/39","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/cqprideaugusta.us\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/cqprideaugusta.us\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/page"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/cqprideaugusta.us\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/cqprideaugusta.us\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=39"}],"version-history":[{"count":3,"href":"https:\/\/cqprideaugusta.us\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/39\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":42,"href":"https:\/\/cqprideaugusta.us\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/39\/revisions\/42"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/cqprideaugusta.us\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=39"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}