Looking to seriously get into the hobbie and learn what I need to finally get a license.
Hello, I'm 32m from long island new york. I've been interested in getting into ham for a few years. Went out and got a baofeng and watch hours of videos all about it. I got discouraged when I started to feel overwhelmed and intimidated by all the information and knowing I had to take a test to get on the air. So I put it down for a while. I got a gmrs license and then realized no one really just wants to casually chat over a repeater, it's more for clubs and private groups. Most of the repeaters near me are private as well. Then I moved to CB more recently with no luck. I can hear them they can't hear me. Sounds like everyone out there is just using amplifiers and there far away. So now I'm here, I started using hamstudy to practice and I'm looking to seek out a community because I'm still wanting to get on the air and meet new people. Are there groups out there that will welcome me even though Im not licensed yet? Any recommendations where to start? This is my attempt to reach out. Thanks for taking the time to read this.