Equipment Guidance

Radio Buying & Selection Guide

Match radios, accessories, and budgets to the way you actually operate.

See Vendor Directory Ask for Station Mentoring
4 tiers

Station archetypes covered

< $400

Starter HT bundles

2 yrs

Typical warranty window

Buying a radio is easier when you start with the mission, not the catalog. Decide what problems you need to solve—local nets, travel monitoring, HF DX, emergency deployments—and then pick gear that fits the requirement plus budget.

Use this guide to compare trusted models, identify hidden costs (programming cables, batteries, filters), and plan for upgrades.

Define Your Use Case

Answer these questions before spending a dollar.

  • Where will you operate most? (home, car, field events, travel hotel room)
  • Which modes are essential? (FM, C4FM, D-STAR, DMR, HF voice, digital data)
  • How portable does the solution need to be? (handheld, backpack, vehicle power)
  • What support gear already exists? (antennas, power supplies, grounding, logging tools)

Handheld / Portable Radios

Good for nets, public-service events, and crossband work.

Mobile & Cross-Band Workhorses

Install in a vehicle or use as a compact base with a quality power supply.

HF & SDR Stations

Consider ergonomics, band coverage, and computer integration.

Software & Accessories

Budget for the extras that make stations shine.

  • Programming: RT Systems, CHIRP, or manufacturer suites. Keep code plugs in cloud storage.
  • Digital modes: WSJT-X, FLDigi, Ham Radio Deluxe, and SignaLink or integrated USB interfaces.
  • Power & audio: Quality power supplies, Powerpole distribution, headsets, foot switches, lightning protection.
  • Data & logging: N3FJP, N1MM+, or cloud loggers synced to LoTW/QRZ.

Featured Resources

Vendor Comparisons Backup & Power Planning Digital Voice (WIRES-X)

Want a hands-on demo?

Bring questions to the monthly “Show & Tell” or request a shack visit to try radios before you purchase.

See Meeting Schedule
Updated November 2025
Curator: Technical Committee