#GeneralLicense

Ham Radio’s Biggest Problem: Why Clubs Can Be Hostile and What That Means for Newcomers

1,841 words, 10 minutes read time.

Amateur radio has long been celebrated as a cornerstone of technical curiosity, public service, and self-reliant communication. From helping communities during emergencies to connecting hams across continents, the hobby offers practical skills that extend far beyond mere novelty. Yet, despite these clear benefits, many newcomers in 2026 find themselves hitting an unexpected barrier: the social environment within clubs and online communities. This isn’t about licensing, equipment, or technical skill—it’s about the human side of ham radio.

As highlighted in a recent video by Ham Radio 2.0, titled Ham Radio’s Biggest Problem | Here’s What’s Wrong, many people attempting to enter the hobby encounter clubs and online groups that are, at best, indifferent and, at worst, openly hostile. According to the video, individuals often ask basic questions—where to get started, how to study, what equipment to buy—only to be met with dismissive or antagonistic responses. This raises a vital question: why does a hobby centered on connection, communication, and public service sometimes repel its newest members?

The issue, as the video points out, isn’t the challenge of learning or obtaining a license. It’s cultural: many existing ham operators, particularly in local clubs, have inadvertently created an environment that discourages newcomers. For aspiring hams, this can feel like a closed door rather than a community, slowing both individual progress and the growth of the hobby itself.

The Social Barrier: Clubs and Online Communities

The traditional route for learning ham radio has always been through local clubs. Clubs often provide mentorship, known as Elmering, which pairs experienced operators with newcomers to guide them through licensing, operating techniques, and equipment choices. Historically, this approach worked well: clubs were welcoming spaces, hands-on, and oriented toward building both skill and camaraderie.

However, Ham Radio 2.0 points out that today, the situation is uneven. Some clubs are vibrant, supportive communities; others are “clickish” and unwelcoming to outsiders. Reddit threads, forum discussions, and online comments echo this experience: many beginners report hostility, dismissiveness, or outright condescension when asking simple questions. One Reddit user recounted joining local clubs only to feel ignored, while another described the barriers he faced during pandemic-era licensing courses. Even online, certain platforms—especially Facebook groups—can amplify these challenges. Personal experience confirms this: hostile or combative responses on Facebook groups prompted leaving nearly all amateur radio groups, highlighting a larger pattern where online spaces sometimes exacerbate frustration rather than providing guidance.

It’s important to clarify that this isn’t universal. Many clubs, especially those that have embraced online engagement through platforms like Discord, YouTube, or Zoom, actively welcome newcomers. The contrast between hostile and supportive environments is stark, and it shapes whether a beginner persists or abandons the hobby.

Online Communities as Modern Elmers

Given the uneven club landscape, newcomers often turn to online resources. Ham Radio 2.0 emphasizes YouTube channels, Discord servers, and other virtual communities as modern Elmers—mentors who provide guidance, answer questions, and foster engagement. Unlike some traditional clubs, these spaces prioritize accessibility, inclusivity, and patience, making them ideal for learners without local support.

YouTube, for example, allows new hams to learn at their own pace, watch demonstrations, and ask questions in a moderated environment. Discord servers enable direct interaction with experienced operators, offering one-on-one mentorship that parallels the traditional Elmer model. Even beginners without local club access can build meaningful connections, ask questions without fear of ridicule, and gain confidence in operating equipment, building antennas, or participating in nets.

The lesson is clear: social barriers are not insurmountable. Where traditional clubs may falter, online mentorship can provide guidance and reassurance, helping beginners avoid the discouragement that often comes from unfriendly or hostile communities.

Licensing and Early Learning: The Technical Path

A recurring misconception is that getting licensed is the hardest part of amateur radio. In reality, licensing is structured and well-documented. In the United States, the FCC provides the regulatory framework, while ARRL, Gigaparts, and other educational organizations offer structured classes for Technician, General, and Extra licenses. These courses can be in-person or online, and they cover the required theory, regulations, and operational procedures.

The key insight from Ham Radio 2.0 is that learning is iterative. Many hams pass their license exams without deep understanding of equipment or operating practices, gaining hands-on expertise only after being on the air. Passing the exam is a milestone, but operating a transceiver, building an antenna, and participating in nets or contests provide the context and skill that make the hobby meaningful.

This approach aligns with the concept of “learning by doing.” Beginners shouldn’t feel pressured to master everything before acquiring a license. Instead, early exposure to on-air operation and guided practice—either through a welcoming club or online community—accelerates competence and enjoyment.

The Culture of Ham Radio: Why It Matters

Amateur radio isn’t just a hobby; it’s a cultural institution with a public service mission. Licensed operators play critical roles in emergency preparedness, disaster response, and local communications infrastructure. Spectrum stewardship and technical literacy are shared responsibilities that transcend personal interest.

When clubs and communities alienate newcomers, the hobby risks stagnation. As older generations of hams age, the pool of experienced operators shrinks. Protecting the spectrum, maintaining emergency capabilities, and preserving a culture of technical excellence requires a pipeline of engaged, competent newcomers. Making ham radio accessible isn’t simply an act of kindness; it’s vital to the longevity and public value of the hobby.

Hostility Online: Facebook Groups and the Modern Challenge

Social dynamics are particularly relevant online. Many beginners experience frustration when seeking help in Facebook groups. Discussions intended for support can devolve into hostility, criticism, or outright sarcasm. This behavior drives away potential hams, reinforcing a perception that the hobby is insular or elitist.

Your own experience, leaving nearly all amateur radio Facebook groups due to meanness, reflects this broader pattern. While Reddit, YouTube, and Discord offer alternatives, Facebook groups often magnify interpersonal friction, highlighting the need for moderated, inclusive spaces for mentorship and dialogue.

These experiences underscore a key point: the biggest obstacle isn’t technical skill—it’s the culture of engagement. Beginners are deterred not by theory or test questions, but by unwelcoming behavior that discourages participation and slows learning.

Practical Solutions: Finding Supportive Spaces

Fortunately, there are proven strategies for newcomers to overcome hostile environments:

  1. Seek out online communities with moderation and mentorship. YouTube channels like Ham Radio 2.0 and Discord servers run by experienced operators provide guided access to information and advice without judgment.
  2. Diversify learning sources. Don’t rely solely on local clubs or social media groups. Explore ARRL learning networks, eHam.net forums, and online courses from reputable stores like Gigaparts.
  3. Engage in structured practice. Hands-on operation, antenna building, and participation in nets are key to learning. Many skills are best acquired after passing the license exam, not before.
  4. Look for welcoming clubs and regional networks. Some local clubs are still supportive and inclusive. Attending multiple clubs or virtual events can help identify environments that are constructive.
  5. Embrace iterative learning. There’s no single correct path. Memorizing exam answers is acceptable, as is deep study. On-air experience will teach more than theory alone.

By following these strategies, newcomers can bypass the unwelcoming environments and access the full benefits of amateur radio.

Stories from the Field

Ham Radio 2.0 shares numerous anecdotes that illustrate the impact of social barriers. One Reddit commenter described taking the Technician and General licenses online during the pandemic due to mobility challenges, only to find local clubs unsupportive. Another recounted attending annual ham events, only to feel ignored or dismissed.

Conversely, newcomers who engage with online communities often find mentorship, encouragement, and practical guidance. One user highlighted that YouTube channels, Discord servers, and even virtual hamfests can provide the same camaraderie and knowledge traditionally offered by local clubs. This demonstrates the evolving nature of amateur radio community culture and the opportunities for modern engagement.

The Future of Amateur Radio Communities

The social challenges in amateur radio highlight a broader opportunity: shaping communities that are inclusive, welcoming, and focused on skill development. Ham Radio 2.0 suggests cataloging welcoming clubs by state and region, promoting online mentorship, and leveraging social platforms for structured guidance.

As technology evolves, the hobby can adapt to ensure newcomers feel valued and supported. Online tools, streaming events, and moderated forums are increasingly effective in creating spaces where curiosity and skill development are encouraged rather than discouraged.

Encouragement for New Hams

If you’re a beginner feeling frustrated by unwelcoming clubs or hostile online spaces, take heart. Licensing, learning, and on-air operation are accessible, especially if you leverage supportive online communities. Discord servers, YouTube channels, and active forums provide mentorship that mirrors the traditional Elmer model, making the hobby approachable even in areas where local clubs are less welcoming.

Persistence pays off. Even if your first attempts to engage are met with indifference or hostility, finding the right community will accelerate your learning and connect you with others who share your interests. Amateur radio is fundamentally about communication, collaboration, and problem-solving. These values thrive when the environment is supportive, and modern online spaces increasingly provide that support.

Conclusion

Amateur radio’s greatest obstacle in 2026 isn’t technical. It’s cultural. Hostile or indifferent clubs and online spaces create barriers that frustrate newcomers, slow the pipeline of new operators, and threaten the continuity of a hobby that is valuable both culturally and practically.

Yet, solutions exist. Supportive online communities, mentorship channels, virtual clubs, and open-minded local groups demonstrate that ham radio can still be accessible, exciting, and socially rewarding. By recognizing the social dimension of the hobby, newcomers can navigate hostile environments, find guidance, and become active participants in a community that spans the globe.

Ham Radio 2.0’s insights remind us that inclusion and mentorship aren’t optional—they’re essential to preserving the hobby, protecting spectrum, and ensuring the next generation of hams has the skills, knowledge, and encouragement to thrive. For those starting today, the message is clear: don’t let social friction stop you. The airwaves await.

Call to Action

If this story caught your attention, don’t just scroll past. Join the community—men sharing skills, stories, and experiences. Subscribe for more posts like this, drop a comment about your projects or lessons learned, or reach out and tell me what you’re building or experimenting with. Let’s grow together.

D. Bryan King

Sources

Disclaimer:

The views and opinions expressed in this post are solely those of the author. The information provided is based on personal research, experience, and understanding of the subject matter at the time of writing. Readers should consult relevant experts or authorities for specific guidance related to their unique situations.

#AmateurRadio #amateurRadioBarriers #amateurRadioChallenges #amateurRadioClubsNearMe #amateurRadioConnectivity #amateurRadioCulture #amateurRadioExam #amateurRadioHostility #amateurRadioMentorship #amateurRadioOnline #amateurRadioOnlineLearning #amateurRadioOpportunities #amateurRadioSocial #amateurRadioSociety #amateurRadioSpectrum #amateurRadioStudy #ARRLResources #beginnerHamRadio #beginnerHamRadioSupport #discordHamRadio #ElmerMentor #Elmering #EmergencyCommunication #ExtraLicense #FacebookHamRadio #FCCAmateurRadio #GeneralLicense #gettingHamRadioLicense #GigapartsClasses #hamRadio #hamRadio20 #hamRadioAccessibility #hamRadioAdvice #hamRadioBeginners #hamRadioBeginnersGuide #hamRadioClasses #hamRadioClubs #hamRadioCollaboration #hamRadioCommunity #hamRadioContests #hamRadioConventions #hamRadioCulture #hamRadioCultureImprovement #hamRadioCultureProblem #hamRadioEducation #hamRadioEncouragement #hamRadioEngagement #hamRadioEngagementStrategy #hamRadioEquipment #hamRadioEvents #hamRadioExperience #hamRadioFrustration #hamRadioGuidance #hamRadioGuides #hamRadioHobby #hamRadioKnowledge #hamRadioLearning #hamRadioLearningPath #hamRadioLicensing #hamRadioLivestream #hamRadioMentorship #hamRadioMentorshipPrograms #hamRadioNets #hamRadioNetworking #hamRadioNetworkingTips #hamRadioNewOperators #hamRadioOnAir #hamRadioOnlineCommunities #hamRadioOnlineMentorship #hamRadioOnlineResources #hamRadioPersistence #hamRadioPositiveCommunity #hamRadioPractice #hamRadioPublicSafety #hamRadioPublicService #hamRadioResources #hamRadioSkillDevelopment #hamRadioTips #hamRadioTipsForBeginners #HamRadioTraining #hamRadioTroubleshooting #hamRadioTutorials #hamRadioVirtualClubs #onlineHamRadio #onlineHamRadioGroups #QRZForum #redditAmateurRadio #startingHamRadio #supportiveHamRadio #TechnicianLicense #welcomingHamRadioClubs #youtubeHamRadio

Male amateur radio operator at a desk with radio equipment, laptop showing online communities, looking thoughtful; the image includes floating icons of Discord, YouTube, and Reddit, with the title “Ham Radio's Biggest Problem | Here's What's Wrong” prominently displayed.

Understanding Antennas: A Beginner’s Guide

1,790 words, 9 minutes read time.

If you’ve ever tuned a receiver or held a handheld transceiver, you know the thrill of connecting with someone miles away over invisible waves. Yet, no matter how impressive your radio or its features, the antenna remains the real workhorse of your station. Think of it as the engine of a sports car: you can have the finest chassis and interior, but without a capable engine, performance suffers. The same principle applies to ham radio. A well-designed antenna can make even modest equipment sing, while a high-powered rig can struggle when paired with a poorly chosen or installed antenna.

This guide isn’t about licensing or exam questions. Instead, it’s about helping you master the science and art of antennas so that when the time comes to pursue your license, you already understand what makes an antenna work—and why it matters more than most novices realize. By the end, you’ll have the insight to make informed decisions about design, installation, tuning, and optimization, and you’ll understand why the antenna is the heart of every station.

The Big Picture: What an Antenna Really Does

An antenna is, at its simplest, a bridge between your radio and the world. It converts electrical energy from your transmitter into electromagnetic waves that propagate through the air. On receive, it captures those waves and converts them back into electrical signals for your radio to decode. While radios can be complex, antennas are governed by elegant, consistent physical principles.

Key characteristics define performance: frequency, wavelength, radiation pattern, feed-point location, and impedance. Frequency determines physical size; lower frequencies need longer elements, while higher frequencies allow smaller antennas. Wavelength defines the resonant length of the antenna, determining how efficiently it radiates or receives energy. Impedance is crucial for matching the antenna to your radio and minimizing power loss. A mismatch can result in reflected energy, poor performance, or even equipment stress.

The antenna’s shape, orientation, and height relative to the ground all shape its radiation pattern—the “footprint” over which your signal travels. A simple horizontal dipole a few feet off the ground will behave very differently from the same dipole mounted 30 feet high. Understanding these nuances early will save frustration later, especially when space, trees, and rooftops impose real-world constraints.

Antenna Theory for Beginners

When learning about antennas, it helps to think in terms of waves. Radio waves have both a wavelength and frequency. A quarter-wave or half-wave element resonates when its physical length is proportional to the wavelength of your frequency of interest. This resonance ensures maximum energy transfer and minimal loss.

Impedance is another cornerstone concept. Most amateur radios expect a 50-ohm load. An antenna presenting a significantly different impedance causes reflections back to the transmitter, measurable as Standing Wave Ratio (SWR). Understanding SWR is crucial: a high SWR indicates energy is bouncing back toward your radio, while a low SWR shows efficient transfer. Modern antenna analyzers make this process easier, but grasping the principle early ensures you interpret readings correctly.

Height, feedline quality, and nearby obstacles all interact with theory. A well-placed antenna can outperform a technically superior antenna that’s poorly installed. Even the choice of coax or ladder line matters; losses in feedlines reduce overall effectiveness. Understanding these elements before you even cut your first wire sets a foundation that will carry you through your first contacts and beyond.

Exploring Common Antenna Types

Choosing the right antenna often comes down to balancing your goals, available space, and budget. The horizontal dipole is a classic starting point: easy to construct, effective, and versatile. Variations like the inverted-V conserve space while maintaining reasonable efficiency. The G5RV multiband wire is another beginner favorite, providing access to multiple bands with a single installation.

Vertical antennas, including ground-plane designs, offer a smaller footprint and omnidirectional coverage, making them suitable for limited space. However, verticals often require a decent ground system for efficiency. Portable hams often start with rubber-duck handheld antennas or lightweight whips. While these are limited in range and performance, they provide essential practice in tuning, orientation, and handling.

Directional antennas, such as beams or Yagis, allow you to focus power in a particular direction, improving signal strength and reception. While these require more planning, supports, and often rotators, they demonstrate the profound impact antenna geometry has on performance. Even simple directional configurations like a corner reflector or quad can dramatically improve reception without increasing transmitter power.

Installation Considerations

An antenna’s effectiveness hinges on proper installation. Begin with a site survey. Note available supports, nearby obstacles, and ground conditions. Trees, metal structures, and other antennas can influence radiation patterns and SWR. Height is your ally: higher antennas generally produce lower take-off angles, enhancing long-distance performance.

Feedline choice is critical. Coaxial cable is convenient, widely available, and easy to handle, but every foot adds loss, especially at higher frequencies. Ladder line or open-wire feedlines minimize loss but require careful routing and insulation. Matching devices like baluns and tuners correct impedance mismatches and maximize power transfer, but they cannot compensate for poor placement or inadequate height.

Grounding isn’t just about lightning protection—it also improves safety and can reduce RF interference in your station. A properly grounded antenna system protects both your equipment and your home while ensuring more consistent performance.

Tuning and Optimizing

Once your antenna is up, tuning is the next step. Measure SWR across your desired frequency range. Small adjustments—trimming or lengthening elements, adjusting angle or height—can significantly improve resonance. Even a minor shift in a tree branch or support can alter SWR readings.

Baluns and matching networks help achieve impedance compatibility, but efficiency always begins with the antenna itself. Understand feedline losses versus antenna gain. In many cases, a slightly less “ideal” antenna installed correctly outperforms a theoretically perfect antenna with installation issues.

Routine monitoring ensures sustained performance. Seasonal changes, weather, or vegetation growth can subtly affect your antenna. Keeping a notebook with element lengths, feedline types, and SWR readings creates a reference that saves countless hours troubleshooting later.

Understanding the Math Behind Antennas

Even if licensing isn’t your immediate goal, some math from the Technician and General exams is invaluable for designing and tuning antennas. Let’s break it down.

Wavelength and Antenna Lengths

Radio waves travel at the speed of light, roughly 300,000,000 meters per second. The wavelength (λ\lambdaλ) is calculated as:

Where ccc is the speed of light in meters per second and fff is frequency in hertz. For example, a 14 MHz signal:

Using wavelength, antenna lengths are derived. A half-wave dipole, the most common, is approximately:

A quarter-wave vertical would be:

These formulas allow you to calculate almost any basic wire antenna length accurately.

Impedance and SWR

Understanding SWR requires a bit of algebra, but the principle is simple. SWR is the ratio of the maximum to minimum voltage on the line:

An SWR of 1:1 indicates perfect impedance matching. If your antenna presents 75 ohms to a 50-ohm transmitter, SWR rises to 1.5:1. Knowing this math helps interpret readings and adjust antenna lengths to minimize reflected power.

Power Loss in Feedlines

Feedline loss depends on frequency, cable type, and length. The basic relationship is:

Where III is current and RRR is the resistance of the line. While hams rarely calculate exact wattage losses, understanding that longer coax and higher frequency result in more loss helps you make smart installation choices. For example, 50 feet of RG-58 at 14 MHz may lose several tenths of a dB, while the same length at 144 MHz loses significantly more.

Resonance Adjustment

Small adjustments in element length directly influence resonance. For a half-wave dipole, a change of 1% in length shifts resonance by roughly 1% of the operating frequency. Understanding the proportionate effect of element trimming helps you fine-tune SWR without guesswork.

Growth Path: Beyond the Beginner Antenna

Your first antenna is not the end of your journey—it’s the foundation. Once you understand resonance, SWR, feedlines, and radiation patterns, upgrading to more complex systems becomes far less intimidating. Transitioning from a simple dipole to a directional beam, or from a single-band wire to a multiband installation, is much smoother when grounded in fundamental knowledge.

Experimentation is encouraged. Try different heights, orientations, or portable setups. Document every change. Over time, this builds not just skill but confidence. A well-documented antenna journey also creates a valuable reference for troubleshooting or mentoring newcomers in your local club.

Practical Tips and Takeaways

Start simple and test early. A straightforward dipole or vertical, installed thoughtfully, offers a playground for learning without the frustration of complex setups. Prioritize site and installation over chasing high-gain claims; a well-placed, modest antenna frequently outperforms flashy designs.

Keep detailed records. Note heights, element lengths, SWR readings, and observations. Engage with local clubs or online communities to exchange insights. Remember, there’s no “perfect” antenna; each design involves trade-offs. Your goal is functional, efficient, and maintainable—something that gets you on the air while teaching you valuable lessons along the way.

Conclusion

Understanding antennas is the cornerstone of being a competent ham operator. By mastering fundamental theory, experimenting with design and installation, learning to optimize performance, and applying some of the math behind resonant lengths and SWR, you lay a solid foundation for the future. The knowledge you gain now makes licensing less about memorization and more about applying what you already know.

The antenna is more than a piece of hardware; it’s a bridge between your curiosity and the world. Build it thoughtfully, learn from each adjustment, and your first transmissions will carry far further than just radio waves—they’ll carry experience, understanding, and confidence.

Your journey is just beginning, and the airwaves are waiting.

Call to Action

If this blog caught your attention, don’t just scroll past. Join the community—men sharing skills, stories, and experiences. Subscribe for more posts like this, drop a comment about your projects or lessons learned, or reach out and tell me what you’re building or experimenting with. Let’s grow together.

D. Bryan King

Sources

Disclaimer:

The views and opinions expressed in this post are solely those of the author. The information provided is based on personal research, experience, and understanding of the subject matter at the time of writing. Readers should consult relevant experts or authorities for specific guidance related to their unique situations.

Related Posts

Rate this:

#advancedAntennas #amateurRadioLearning #amateurRadioTips #antennaAnalyzer #antennaBlog #antennaCalculators #antennaConstruction #antennaCoverage #antennaDesign #antennaEfficiency #antennaEfficiencyTips #antennaExperiments #antennaFeedline #antennaForBeginners #antennaFormulas #antennaGain #antennaGrounding #antennaGuide #antennaHeight #antennaImpedance #antennaInstallation #antennaMatching #antennaMaterials #antennaMath #antennaModeling #antennaOrientation #antennaPerformance #antennaPolarization #antennaReferenceGuide #antennaSoftware #antennaTesting #antennaTheory #antennaTipsAndTricks #antennaTroubleshooting #antennaTuning #baseStationAntennas #beamAntenna #coaxialCable #dipoleAntenna #directionalAntennas #diyAntennas #fccExam #generalLicense #groundPlaneAntenna #hamRadioAntennas #hamRadioClubs #hamRadioCommunity #hamRadioMath #hamRadioProjects #hamRadioResources #hamRadioSetup #hamRadioSignals #hfAntennas #hfBandAntennas #hfPropagation #ionosphereEffects #mobileAntennas #omnidirectionalAntennas #portableAntennas #practicalAntennaGuide #propagationTips #radiationPattern #radioCommunication #radioEquipment #radioFrequency #radioHobby #radioLicensing #radioPerformance #radioPropagation #radioScience #radioSignalStrength #radioWavePropagation #resonantFrequency #rfDesign #solarActivity #swrCalculation #technicianLicense #uhfAntennas #uhfBandAntennas #uhfPropagation #verticalAntenna #vhfAntennas #vhfBandAntennas #vhfPropagation #yagiAntenna

Outdoor ham radio antenna setup featuring vertical, dipole, and Yagi antennas with labeled components and propagation wave patterns, titled “Ultimate Antenna Guide.”
2024-12-27

@JamiePauls Are you a #Ham? I am & I'm currently working toward my #GeneralLicense. You certainly have a great voice for it. :)

2023-12-18

@blind5sparrow @JohnMcCann
Congrats to my amazing #HamRadio elmer!
I plan to go for my #GeneralLicense sometime in 2024! :)

Since I got sick and it through off my timing for when I wanted to try for my #GeneralLicense I have switched over to the question pool that starts in July. Now to set a new goal for myself of when to try for the general test. #AmateurRadio #WE8MAY

2023-04-23

Good day everyone. A quick reintroduction since I haven't posted here in a while. My name is May, I'm totally blind and I live in Michigan. I've had my US #TechLicense for a couple of years now and I am now studying to upgrade to #GeneralLicense and it is making my head spin. Things got pretty nuts for me with work and kids so I haven't had the chance to really get into everything, but I'm hoping that can change now.

Now I move from frequencies breaking my brain to antennas. I don't think I'll like numbers any longer after studying for my upgrade, lol. #GeneralLicense #AmateurRadio

my goal is to try for my #GeneralLicense by the end of June of this year before the question pool changes over to the 2023-27 one in July. #AmateurRadio

2023-04-22

this is a post that comes from @MayAnderson2022 instead of quoting it, or reposting it, I will paste it here. can anyone help her out? her post starts on the next line.
Ugh, it hasn't been quite 24 hours since I started studying, but it looks like the frequencies for general is fogging my brain cells. I need to find a good accessible resource, chart or something that will help me get these to stick in my head. Just the beginning, but so far outside of those darn frequencies, I'm not doing too bad. #GeneralLicense #WE8MAY

Ugh, it hasn't been quite 24 hours since I started studying, but it looks like the frequencies for general is fogging my brain cells. I need to find a good accessible resource, chart or something that will help me get these to stick in my head. Just the beginning, but so far outside of those darn frequencies, I'm not doing too bad. #GeneralLicense #WE8MAY

Ok, now that I found the site I was looking for I must make myself stop studying and go to bed, work tomorrow! HMPH. However, with the brief studying I just did it doesn't look like I will have to pull too much hair out when trying for the #GeneralLicense after all. #AmateurRadio #WE8MAY

For the #AmateurRadio operators out there I'm in need of your assistance. Can you let me know what the best accessible online study place would be for the #GeneralLicense My poor brain can't remember the site I used when I studied for my #TechLicense and it's driving me nuts! Of course, it's probably just my luck the site I used no longer exist, lol. @BlindHams

So I have decided to take the leap and I’m now going to try for my #GeneralLicense here in the US for #AmateurRadio. I’ll most likely end up giving myself more of a headache and pulling my hair out, lol. #WE8MAY

2022-11-15

@KE8UPE A fellow YL! Hello!

If you need a carrot to get your general, get an HF radio with 10m which you can work as a tech. And then when you listen in on the other bands, you’ll want nothing more than that #GeneralLicense! 🙂

2022-11-14

#Introduction:
Hello, My name is Jessica. I'm visually impaired & have been licensed since April of this year. I'm also in college, studying #ComputerScience. In my freetime, I plan to study for my #GeneralLicense. I attended my very first #FieldDay this passed June which is what inspired me to even begin thinking about getting my #generalLicense.

Client Info

Server: https://mastodon.social
Version: 2025.07
Repository: https://github.com/cyevgeniy/lmst