Choosing a portable ham radio is more profitable as its portability allows it to be used anywhere, and it just requires a battery to operate. Also, handheld radios are easily accessible.
However, there are two main factors in choosing a radio. First, the bandwidth that you are privileged to use and the second one is your budget. Do not only focus on these two factors though there are also other factors to consider such as frequency range, users manual, memory slots, programmability, power, dual bands, and backlit display.
Frequency Level:
Different radios have different receive and transmission frequencies, choose the radio that has the most appropriate frequency depending on what bandwidth you are allowed to operate. Obtaining a radio with frequencies that are different from your appropriate bandwidth will be illegal to use because a ham’s license indicates the allowed bandwidth usage.
User Manual:
A new ham radio user will require an immediate understanding of the radio. This is done through the user manual which should be already supplied along with the radio. You could download the online user manual to check if the manual has good quality. An informative user manual should be able to help the new ham radio operator in having the appropriate knowledge required to operate the radio, not to further confuse the user.
Memory Slots:
Only a dozen memory slots are needed if you are communicating locally. However, 100-200 memory slots are needed for national and international use.
Programmability:
It refers to the ability to manually program the radio. Most radios use keypads and buttons to input commands while newer models can be connected to a computer by the use of a cable to make programming easier.
Power:
Five watts of power is enough for an average ham radio operator. Make sure that your radio has high and low power settings to suit your needs.
Dual Brand:
A radio capable of dual bands is essential for amateur radio users because it allows for long frequency range communications.
Backlit Display:
A radio with a backlit display that can be toggled on and off is a must. It will be helpful for emergencies and scenarios where a source of light is limited.
