What use is an F-call?

A recurring theme appears to be "What radio do I buy?" I asked another HAM and their breakdown went like this:

Basically it's like Macintosh vs. Windows, or vi vs. emacs, or Holden vs. Ford, or Petrol vs. Diesel, or Gin vs. Tonic. Every person you ask will give you a different response.

Instead of asking "What radio do I buy?" ask yourself another question: "What do I want to do with my radio?"

In answering that question, you'll come across some suitable candidates. With your short-list in hand, do some research, ask other Amateurs and see what your supplier has access to. You'll get a much better outcome and end up with a radio you can use.


Soooo, "What do I want to do with my radio?"

The obvious response is "Everything!" Well, yes, but if you have a Foundation License, you cannot talk everywhere, you cannot use all modes and you can only use 10 Watts. You might live on a hill with nothing but farmland around, or you might live in an apartment with neighbours in all directions. You might have $100 to spend, or $5000, you may want to do contests or have your radio as a safety device, it might want to live in your car, or you might need to take public transport. You might want to talk to a local repeater, or you may want to work DX on HF.

Each of those different answers requires a different radio. The more you can articulate what you want to do, and talking to other Amateurs is an excellent way to find out what there is to do, will give you a completely different answer.

I purchased my radio because I wanted it to be all-bands, small and portable, but that's not necessarily you. So, think about what you want to do with your radio so you can decide what radio to get. As a final note. Each use scenario might call for a different radio, so don't be surprised if you end up with more than one - I know I'm beginning to see a trend - Hi Hi.

I'm Onno VK6FLAB