Beginner question | Frequencies

What frequency should I use on ham radio?

The best beginner answer is: use the local repeater or net frequency that matches your license, radio, and area. Do not treat ham radio like a walkie-talkie where every channel is interchangeable. The right frequency depends on band, mode, license privileges, local band plans, and whether you are using simplex or a repeater.

Start With Repeaters

For a Technician license and a handheld radio, local 2 meter and 70 centimeter repeaters are usually the easiest starting point. They give you a known place to listen, learn procedure, and make a first contact after you are licensed.

Use Simplex for Nearby Contacts

Simplex means radio-to-radio without a repeater. It is useful for local practice, neighborhoods, events, and family plans when every transmitting operator is licensed. Use local band plans and listen first before transmitting.

Build a Small Frequency Card

Listen First

Before transmitting, listen for ongoing contacts, nets, repeater IDs, or emergency traffic. If a frequency is busy, wait or choose a better place. Good radio habits are part of what makes amateur radio useful.

For a practical local process, read how to find local ham radio repeaters. In Lee County, the LeeCARES net trainings are also useful for seeing how local operators practice on a schedule.