Types of Radios
Handheld Radios (HTs)
A handheld transceiver (HT) is the easiest way to get started. It's an all-in-one radio with a built-in antenna, speaker, and battery. Most operate on 2m and 70cm (VHF/UHF).
- Typical power: 5 watts (within Foundation limits)
- Great for repeater use and local contacts
- Portable — take it anywhere
- Limited range with the built-in "rubber duck" antenna — an external antenna dramatically improves performance
Mobile Radios
Designed for mounting in a vehicle. More powerful than handhelds (typically 10-50W) and used with an external antenna on the car roof.
- Foundation operators can use up to 10 watts
- Better receiver performance than handhelds
- Can also be used as a base station at home with a power supply
Base Station / HF Radios
Larger radios designed for home use on HF bands (and often VHF/UHF too). These are the radios that let you talk around the world.
- Foundation operators are limited to 10 watts on all bands
- Even at 10W, HF contacts worldwide are possible with a good antenna
- Need a 13.8V DC power supply (or built-in)
Key Controls You Need to Know
| Control | What it does |
|---|---|
| Frequency/Channel | Selects what frequency you're listening and transmitting on |
| Volume | Controls speaker volume |
| Squelch | Silences the speaker when no signal is present — turn it up until the noise just disappears |
| PTT (Push to Talk) | Press and hold to transmit, release to receive |
| Power | Sets transmit power level — keep to 10W max for Foundation |
| Offset | Sets the repeater offset (+ or −) |
| CTCSS/Tone | Sub-audible tone needed to access some repeaters |
Foundation rule: You must use commercially manufactured equipment. You cannot build or modify transmitters at the Foundation level (that comes with Standard and Advanced licenses).