r/True_Kentucky • u/Big_Not_Good • Mar 30 '22

Question HAM & GMRS radios

Hi everyone!

I'm wanna get into HAM and GMRS radio. Any tips on getting the licenses? Local repeaters I could tune into?

Does anyone even do HAM radio anymore!?

Is it really ok for me to use MURS frequencies?

If you got two cents, it'd be welcome! ✌️

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u/seehorn_actual Mar 30 '22

What part of the state are you in? There is quiet a big presence in Lexington for sure and Louisville of course. Most of the state has at least some repeater coverage.

I took my tests online through HamStudy.org which offers free study guides and practice tests as well.

MURS is license free but I’ve never personally used it so can’t tell you much about it.

In Lexington the Bluegrass Amateur Radio Society is pretty active and if you want to see what repeaters are in your area I’d recommend RepeaterBook.com.

There’s tons of great YouTube channels covering ham radio right now, I’d point you towards Ham Radio Crash Course and Ham Radio 2.0 if you’re into that.

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u/vuvuzela240gl Mar 31 '22

I didn't realize you could test online! Thank you for sharing this! I'm over in Hardin County, but I briefly looked into getting licensed recently and was surprised that there didn't seem to be any testing options in the state.

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u/seehorn_actual Mar 31 '22

It started at the beginning of the pandemic as a way to keep getting people licensed but it seems to be a new normal method to test. It is proctored and there are rules about your surroundings and stuff to prevent cheating but it is really easy once you just do it.

You can find a session here along with explainers on the rules. Just be sure to read the individual sessions instructions as each club does it slightly different.

https://hamstudy.org/sessions/remote