The short version: for most new hams in southern Alberta, the best first radio is a dual-band (2 m and 70 cm) radio, and a mobile radio in the vehicle or at home will reach much further than any handheld. A good antenna matters more than any feature on the box.

Start with what you’ll actually do

• Talk around town and on local repeaters: a dual-band VHF/UHF radio. That covers VE6DOK (UHF) and VE6UP (VHF).
• Talk from the truck or RV on the highway: a dual-band mobile radio with an outside antenna.
• Talk across the country or the world: an HF radio, which needs Basic with Honours or the Morse qualification.
• Emergency preparedness: a handheld for grab-and-go, plus a mobile for real range.

Handheld or mobile?

• Handheld (HT): about 5 watts, portable and affordable. Good in town, but from inside a building or a valley it may not reach the repeater.
• Mobile: 25 to 50 watts, a proper outside antenna and much better receive. It runs from a vehicle battery or a 13.8 V power supply at home.
• Many hams end up with both. If you can only have one and you drive a lot, the mobile is often the better first buy.

Budget handhelds

Inexpensive handhelds are hugely popular and they do work, which makes them a fine way to start. Know the trade-offs:

• Receive performance is usually weaker, and strong nearby signals can overload them.
• Programming from the keypad can be frustrating. Plan on using a computer and CHIRP.
• The stock antenna is the weakest part. A better antenna is the cheapest real upgrade.
• Quality varies from unit to unit, so buy from a seller who takes returns.

Digital modes and features

• The VE6DOK repeater runs Wires-X, which needs a Yaesu System Fusion (C4FM) radio for the digital side. Any FM radio works on its FM side.
• DMR needs a DMR radio and a free radio ID. See DMR.
• Built-in APRS and GPS are nice to have, not essential. See APRS.
• Don’t pay for features you won’t use in the first year.

New or used?

• Used radios from other hams are often excellent value, especially HF rigs. Buy from someone you can ask questions, and try it before you pay if you can.
• Club members, estate sales and swap meets are good sources. Ask at SAARC.
• Check that it powers up, transmits into a dummy load or a known antenna, and receives well on all bands.
• Avoid radios with missing knobs, burnt smells or “just needs a small repair”.

What doesn’t matter much at first

• The number of memory channels. You’ll use maybe 20.
• Extra receive bands and scanners.
• The colour of the display.
• More power on a handheld. A better antenna or more height beats an extra watt.

Where to go next

• Programming Your Radio
• VHF/UHF Mobile
• HF Overview
• Your First Month on the Air