Gary

What is right for you depends a lot on where you are and what your interests
are.

As a tech licensee, you won't have access to the HF spectrum, so for now,
you probably don't want to spend a ton of money on an HF rig. Of course,
even that depends a lot on your plans and your situation. Perhaps dropping
in the neighborhood of a grand for a radio that can cover VHF, and will
allow you to listen to HF to spur you on to get your general is what it
right for you. But for most people, it wouldn't be.

If your interest is public service, you may want to check your local
ARES/RACES group and see what they use. If you want to chat with local
folks, find your radio club, or check to see what repeaters are in your
area. Then perhaps try to locate some folks to talk with. In some major
cities you may find that 2 meters is so congested as to be almost useless,
and if you are going to enjoy your first experiences, you want to get on
70cm. On the other hand, in much of the country, there is NO 70 cm activity
to speak of. VHF and UHF are mostly local, so understanding what is
happening in your area is important.

If you're really into the tecchie stuff, perhaps you want to try some of the
more exotic modes. You will find QSOs few and far between, but there is a
trememdous amount of excitement from that first satellite or EME contact.

Keep in mind that, as a tech, most of the activity you will see is local, so
understanding what is happening in your area is a big deal. Also, on VHF,
the radio is less important than the antenna, and especially, on how high it
is. VHF is mostly line of sight, and the higher your antenna, the longer
that line of sight.

...

"abr" wrote in message ...
I am a newbie to the hobby, I arrived at this newsgroup from the "AM
window
web site,,, I will take my tech test in a few months, I need some advise
on
what to get for a transceiver and not spend a fortune. After 43 long
years
I have renewed my interest in the hobby and am looking forward to pursuing
it. Secondly, am I in the right place to ask this question or is there
another newsgroup that would be better for a newbie like me. Thanks for
all
your help,,, Gary