Setting Up Your Station

What You Need to Get Started

A basic amateur radio station can be very simple:

1. A radio — handheld, mobile, or base station
2. An antenna — matched to your operating band
3. Coax feedline — connecting radio to antenna
4. Power supply — 13.8V DC for mobile/base radios (handhelds have batteries)
5. Your license — you must be licensed before transmitting!

For a VHF/UHF Station (The Easiest Start)

The simplest setup is a handheld radio programmed with your local repeater frequencies. You can be on air within minutes of getting your license.

For better results at home, a mobile radio with a power supply and a vertical antenna on a short mast will give you excellent repeater access across your region.

For an HF Station

An HF radio, power supply, and a simple wire dipole antenna is all you need to start making contacts across Australia and the world. Even at 10 watts, worldwide contacts are possible with favourable conditions and a bit of patience.

Connectors

• PL-259 / SO-239: The most common HF connector. PL-259 is the plug, SO-239 is the socket.
• BNC: Common on handheld radios and some VHF equipment. Quick-connect bayonet fitting.
• SMA: Small connector used on many modern handhelds.