New to amateur radio. First milestones?

[MCH170]

Hello, I just got my amateur radio license and I wanted to ask what my first goals should be. Should I just talk locally on the air? try to build a basic radio? attempt an international contact?

Thanks.

[ThaDood]

Congratulation on getting into Amateur Radio. For me??? It was early 1991, when the USA 1st came out with the Codeless-Tech Class License. Even back then, VHF / UHF was expensive, and my 1st rig, (Still have it.), was the portable dual-band Alinco DJ-560T. Over $500.00, plus accessories, but that got me access to the local repeaters at the time, where I could talk with 5W on 2M / 440MHz. At the time, I was living on the ground floor of an apartment complex, with no external antennas allowed. So, CB and Shortwave possibilities were limited there. However, VHF / UHF could reach out of an apartment better, and hit the local repeaters. It also helped that my 1st contact was with a co-worker. Later, when I was at another apartment where I could put up antennas, I expanded to 2M SSB, 222MHz, and even 6M, a.k.a., 50MHz. Could also talk further simplex with outdoor antennas. Today, I have HF Privileges, and have been on an AM Mode kick. Each mode has its perks & jerks about it. Locally, there are 10M SSB Chit-Chats, so an HF rig talks nicely there, as do retuned CB antennas. Antennas, you could save on the costs by building, as I have build many of my own. On VHF / UHF, ground-plane antennas still work well, and are easy to build. I guess one thing to consider is, where is most of the Amateur Radio activity going on where you are? That could be a great place to start. Great luck to you. 

[The Mercian]

Again, congratulations!

For me in the UK in the 1970's with a 'B Class' licence I was limited to 144Mhz and above - get to know the locals on VHF/UHF and learn the local etiquette ... then QSO's will be easier as you will fit right in!

How did you start in radio?  CB, SWL, scanning or just a technical interest in radio?

For me, I was an SWL before I got my 'ticket', and I was familar with the how it all worked and felt I knew all the locals even though I had never spoken to them.

Is there a local radio club?  That will get you loads of help and advice.

I passed my morse test in 1984 and obtained my 'UK A Class' licence, but although I was able to use HF I stayed as a VHF/UHF enthusiast and HF for me is a 'nice to have'.  When I do use HF, I tend to use 60m and 40m mostly.

[FrancoDX]

Congratulations.

Depends where your interests are within the hobby but I would advise to talk locally (if you can) and get to know other hams near you. Whether that is by joining a club or VHF/UHF.
The community generally helps each other out with technical advice and sometimes equipment, you will gain knowledge and also build up some friendships.

I went in from being a SWL and Scanner enthusiast so kind of knew who was who before I got my ticket. Obviously I already knew about band plans, propagation and antenna building and my goals were DX, mostly on HF but was surprised what can be achieved with Sporadic E on VHF.

Try different things, different modes, different bands, try portable, build an antenna… it’s an experimental hobby and you will soon find the parts you enjoy the most.
Forgot to mention, the hobby can cost you as little or as much as you want. I know some operators that enjoy working through Gateways/Repeaters with a cheap handheld, or use a Hotspot. Some have towers and HF beams up with the latest HF radio. The second hand market is also quite good but find a reputable seller.

GL 73

[Stretchyman]

The first time I ever used a ham radio was with a local ham sat along side and let me call CQ using his callsign. This was the heady days of the mid 80's and skip on HF was phenominal!

And what did I hear after a short delay?

My own voice! It had travelled all the way around the world!

I'd definately look for an international contact and tell them it's your first day/week/month on the air.

You should get lots of contacts and feel rather pleased with yourself!

Good Luck My Friend.