Subj : Todays New Gear Tip To : All From : Daryl Stout Date : Sun Nov 05 2017 12:05 am Ready, Set, Go! Begin by reading this guide from start to finish, even if you think you already have a good idea of what radio you want. You might find some material that changes your thinking a little bit, possibly saving you some money or increasing your long-term satisfaction with the equipment you select! Once you've finished, focus on the frequency bands (VHF/UHF or HF) and type of operating (base, mobile, portable, or handheld). Then make your list of "must-haves" and "nice-to-haves" (useful features that aren't absolutely necessary). Armed with catalogs and a Web browser, you're ready to start shopping or take in a hamfest (a ham radio flea market and convention)! A blank form to help you compare different radios is available for downloading at www.arrl.org/choosingaradio/ ---