The ARRL has created a very nice infographic that shows a breakdown of the various bands and the permissions that each license class has on that band.
Source Link: ARRL Band Chart
The ARRL also has another really nice graphic that just displays all of the Technician privileges.
Source Link: ARRL Tech Bands
ARRL Links http://www.arrl.org
Decibels (dB) Tuturial: Link
Frequency Band Charts: Band Chart: Link; Technician only Band Chart: Link
CHIRP – https://chirp.danplanet.com/projects/chirp/wiki/Download
CHIRP is a piece of software used to program your baofeng (and similar) radios. It may not be the most user-intuitive, but once you figure out how to use it (hint: plenty of videos on YouTube) it makes programming all of your desired frequencies into your radio super easy.
EARCHI – http://www.earchi.org/
A shout out to my local area’s club, the Emergency Amateur Radio Club – Hawaii (EARCHI).
EchoLink – https://secure.echolink.org/
This is a great way to connect with other Hams around the world. EchoLink is only available to licensed hams, and you have to verify your license before you are able to use it. It essentially a way to tie the analog radio world together with the digital computer world. You can use your smart phone or computer to connect directly to other hams or connect to digital repeaters (for lack of a better name) and participate in nets anywhere in the world.
Ham Study – https://hamstudy.org/
This is, IMHO, the best site for studying for your Ham radio exams. They provide a study mode and a random quiz mode that make it feel just like sitting the real exam. They include the entire question pool for all three classes of licenses. The website is well designed and modern. They have companion apps on iOS and Android that make it easy and convenient to study anywhere you go, no need to be connected to the internet. Best of all – It’s FREE!
I’m not sponsored for this endorsement, but the company behind this site (SignalStuff.com) does make and sell some great antennas for your handheld radio that are made in America and come with a lifetime guarantee.
Ham Academy – http://www.hameducation.org/2020/
This is another site to help you with studying and taking practice exams. This site is entirely free and is run by EARC.
Radio Reference – https://www.radioreference.com/
Look up frequencies in use by local government agencies and businesses in your area.
RepeaterBook – https://repeaterbook.com/index.php
RepeaterBook is Amateur Radio’s most comprehensive, worldwide, FREE repeater directory. It also offers free iOS and Andriod apps for your smart phone too.
Stay tuned! More stuff to come….