What Do I Need?

(first, bonus points if you can identify  what aircraft cockpit  is pictured at the top of this page)

The first question we always get from new MCARS operators is "what equipment do I need?"  While the specific radio equipment is not super important, there are certain basics that are always needed.

First and foremost is a Technician Class (or higher) amateur radio license.  Without that you cannot communicate with anyone in the Amateur Radio Service (ARS).

The most basic radio would be a 2-meter (144-148 MHz) FM radio.  We call this "analog FM" and most people will get a dual-band (2-meter/70cm) radio that also covers the 440 MHz radio band.  This radio can take several forms from hand-held to mobile/base radios.  You should be portable, so that you are not tied to one location.  While handheld radios are great (and necessary), they generally run less power (5 watts), so a mobile radio is also very handy (from 40-70 watts).  Having multiple portable antenna options will help you to communicate no matter where in the county you are assigned.  You also need a way to independently power your equipment, at least for a few hours.

We do not endorse one radio brand or model over the other.  Many people start out with inexpensive "Chinese" radios such as Baofeng, Radioditty, etc. and then move up later to higher quality "Japanese" brands like Yaesu, Icom, or Kenwood.  As long as you can communicate, we don't care what radio brand you have... but please make sure you learn it!  Your radio has a manual for a reason!  There are also other resources on the web such as YouTube videos.  You need to learn how to program your radio from its front panel, keyboard, or microphone!  I cannot stress how important this part is... if you need to change frequencies, having a separate computer to program your radio is probably not an option.  Learn your equipment.  We will be glad to assist you when you have questions!!