It's Great, but Not That Simple
"i was thinking about getting my technician license and a cheap radio. just wondering if there's anyone out there interesting to talk to "
Since the thread has popped up again, I observed that the question really hasn't been answered. At least not the unstated part of it.
Ham radio is great, esp. for bad situations like weather emergencies or anything that shuts down the power and communications supply. But unlike guns, it's a technical service. With guns, you might just buy a revolver to drop in your pocket for protection, very simple, or you might develop a sophisticated hobby out of it involving lots of time, money, training, expertise, etc.
With ham radio, there's a basic amount of study and knowledge needed to make practical use of it. It's not hard, you just have to like it or you won't follow through.
So you need to ask what you want to get out of it, and how much effort, time, and money you want to put into it.
I figure it cost me about $300 to get started with study, testing, and my basic radio equipment. It was useful but no fun until I upgraded to General class and HF equipment, adding another $500. That's cheap fun over a period of 15 years. (You can spend tens of thousands if you buy high-end equipment and money is no object, or you can go the traditional route and make do.)
I have used my radio for good, practical purposes in real tornado emergencies and other weather situations. I have one older model HF radio (long distance communications), using a simple wire antenna in my attic, and it's good enough. I've made contacts in Europe and South America. I also have two HTs (hand held radios) and I keep one with a spare battery in my briefcase due to many tornadoes in my area. HTs are for local short-range communication only, but very useful and there is plenty of activity on local repeaters.
I also have two very good GMRS radios. You get a license for about $75, it covers the whole extended family, and there's no test. It's like an FMRS radio on steroids, or a junior ham radio. I use them for camping with my wife. The difference is that no one listens on GMRS except your partner, so it's useless for emergency communications. It's for personal use, but it's cheap and high quality.
One problem -- hams tend to overstate technical things at times. Yes, science is a real and important part, but many people get so intimidated that they don't actually enjoy the service. When you get past that and tell yourself, "I'm just gonna throw a damned length of wire over a tree and see if I can contact someone" instead of agonizing over the perfect antenna design, you'll have some success and have some fun. And you'll learn the first lesson in SHTF communications -- how to do what you can with what you've got. Then you can advance to more technical things without sacrificing the fun.
Finally, it really isn't hard if you are willing to join a local club. Dues are cheap and you'll make friends and get lots of help.
73 (Regards) and Good Luck,
KB3GDD
