Transmit your voice and data across the globe via radio waves.
Reviewed May 18, 2026
Physical
Sedentary
Mental
Analytical
Social
Group-friendly
Structure
Structured
Payoff speed
Fast feedback
Getting licensed
Study for and pass your Foundation licence
UK: RSGB Foundation exam covers basic radio theory, operating procedure, and safety. US: FCC Technician exam (35 questions, open book study guides available). Both allow you to legally transmit on air.
Get your callsign
UK: OFCOM issues your callsign after passing. US: FCC issues via the Universal Licensing System (ULS) — check the database to confirm. Your callsign is your legal on-air identity and must be given at regular intervals.
Join a local amateur radio club
Most clubs run Foundation licence training and have club stations for new members to use. The Elmers (experienced members willing to mentor) are the fastest route to practical radio knowledge.
Advanced operation and community
Pass the Full/Amateur Extra licence exam
UK: RSGB Full licence. US: FCC Amateur Extra. Full access to all allocated amateur bands and maximum power limits. The exam covers advanced electronics, antenna theory, and regulatory knowledge.
Build a kit or homebrew transceiver
The QRP Labs QCX mini (CW transceiver kit, £50) and the uBITX (HF multiband kit) are the most popular introductory builds. Building your own radio is the activity that connects all aspects of the technical hobby.
Amateur Radio Transceiver
Recommended All-Band/All-Mode Transceiver
Offers the best balance of features, performance, and future-proofing for new operators.
$550
Antenna
Versatile Dipole Antenna Kit
The best value for reliable on-air performance across multiple bands with straightforward setup.
$120
Power Supply
Regulated Linear Power Supply
Offers clean, stable power with minimal electrical noise, ideal for sensitive receiver performance.
$150
Coaxial Cable
Low-Loss RG-8X or LMR-240 Coaxial Cable
Minimizes signal loss, crucial for maintaining transmit power and receive sensitivity over longer distances.
$50
SWR Meter
Digital SWR/Power Meter
Offers precise readings and often includes power measurement for better system analysis.
$75
Take the free quiz to rank the full catalog by your time, motivation, and setup — about five minutes.
5 stages · 20 milestones
Tick off milestones as you go — from first session to confident practitioner. Progress saves to your account so you can pick up where you left off.
Study for and pass your Foundation licence
UK: RSGB Foundation exam covers basic radio theory, operating procedure, and safety. US: FCC Technician exam (35 questions, open book study guides available). Both allow you to legally transmit on air.
Find gearGet your callsign
UK: OFCOM issues your callsign after passing. US: FCC issues via the Universal Licensing System (ULS) — check the database to confirm. Your callsign is your legal on-air identity and must be given at regular intervals.
Join a local amateur radio club
Most clubs run Foundation licence training and have club stations for new members to use. The Elmers (experienced members willing to mentor) are the fastest route to practical radio knowledge.
Join r/amateurradioMake your first voice contact (QSO)
Monitor a local 2m (144 MHz) FM repeater for activity. Listen to how contacts are structured (callsigns, signal report, location, 73s) before transmitting. Your first QSO is the practical validation of everything learned.
~$945
Core gear to get going. Estimates from curated picks; actual spend varies.
+~$160
Nice-to-have upgrades once you know you are sticking with it.
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No pro tier listed yet.
Links open Amazon with your affiliate tag. Prices are ballpark catalog values.
Shop starter kits on AmazonOffers the best balance of features, performance, and future-proofing for new operators.
The best value for reliable on-air performance across multiple bands with straightforward setup.
Offers clean, stable power with minimal electrical noise, ideal for sensitive receiver performance.
Minimizes signal loss, crucial for maintaining transmit power and receive sensitivity over longer distances.
Offers precise readings and often includes power measurement for better system analysis.
