Radio Buying & Selection Guide
Match radios, accessories, and budgets to the way you actually operate.
Station archetypes covered
Starter HT bundles
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.
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Analog + C4FM, rugged housing, USB charging accessories available.
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D-STAR handhelds with built-in GPS and microSD recording.
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Dual-band FM + DMR with powerful programming software and roaming.
Mobile & Cross-Band Workhorses
Install in a vehicle or use as a compact base with a quality power supply.
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True dual receive, APRS, and remote-head mounting for tidy installs.
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System Fusion mobiles with Bluetooth, WIRES-X controls, and detachable displays.
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D-STAR mobile with touch display, crossband repeat, and GPS.
HF & SDR Stations
Consider ergonomics, band coverage, and computer integration.
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Direct-sampling SDR rigs with built-in spectrum scopes and USB audio.
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Excellent roofing filters, contest-friendly layout, remote-control support.
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Network-native SDR ecosystem with multi-operator capability and smart control surfaces.
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
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