Just got my GMRS license and call sign. Fee has gone from $70 to $35 for 10 years (same for HAM). Gonna start working on getting my Amateur Radio tech license but was wondering if there is testing here on Oahu or online. Have taken 6 practice exams and aced 5 so not worried about pasting (was a Radiomen tech controller in the Navy for 21 years).
Looking at GMRS radios now. Baofeng, B-tech and Radioddity seem to be some of the best and the Higrt end Baofeng is a true super hetrodyne transceiver which is superior to ROC (radio on a chip) transceivers but they come with a price. Any suggestions?
Any info would be appreciated!
Thanks

Start off with a BF and a good antenna, and then when you upgrade you have a spare radio that you can leave in a go bag or hand out if the need arises. People say UV5r is the same as uv8r but cheaper.

Get the good programming cable as well. The cheap ones don't work.

Start off with a BF and a good antenna, and then when you upgrade you have a spare radio that you can leave in a go bag or hand out if the need arises. People say UV5r is the same as uv8r but cheaper.

Get the good programming cable as well. The cheap ones don't work.

Thanks for the info…. Was leaning towards the BF UV5R……
Is there a place here that I can test for my technician license?

I'll add this to my To-Do list. First, I need to get a Part 107 Drone Pilot license, given how important this talent is in Ukraine. You never know when a Russian sub will land commandos in HI.

If you want a pretty good / cheap 2m/70cm radio, Anytone makes some decient ones.  I own a 778 and a 779.  The 779 is super small and light, puts out about 18 watts.   The 778 is a little bigger and outs out about 25 watts which is fine for around here.  They are both easy to program with chirp as long as you have programming cables for them or you can make them with a usb/ttl which are cheap enough off ebay or where ever you get your parts.  You can easily make a J-pole antenna for it, just look around online as there are different designs.  I make mine with 3/8 aluminum and it works well, you can also make it with plumbing copper.
Tech can use some of the 10 meter band which is good for global and there are radios that will do 10 meter but when you get the general class you can use most all of the HF bands.
I have a BF, the f8hp which gives me a couple extra watts.  You can pick up a nagoya 15" whip antenna off ebay for like 2 bucks or more depending on the vendor.  The cost to performance is good, you can also program them with chirp.

oh yeah, you can go here to study and find out when there are tests around here. 
http://www.hameducation.org/2020/

This is probably the best way to learn morse code.
https://w5nor.org/morse/

oh yeah, you can go here to study and find out when there are tests around here. 
http://www.hameducation.org/2020/

This is probably the best way to learn morse code.
https://w5nor.org/morse/

Thanks for all the info. Will look into it..
Btw Morse is no problem for me…although not I’m not as fast as I was at 18 (Navy Radioman NEC 2304) I can still receive at about 30 WPM
and send at about 25. Make it a point to practice about 2-3 times a week.
 

Watch "Bug Out Comms HT Accessories you should look at" on YouTube


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This is probably the best way to learn morse code.
https://w5nor.org/morse/

Might give it another try. Spent some time 20+ years ago, but lost interest as I already has a tech license and realized I did not have that much to say.
Always been more into design end of things.