Hey Andy, It's a scanner. I am studying right now for my HAM license right now. I am planning on taking all three tests at the same time, what do you think? I have a pretty good electronics background. After licensing I am thinking about getting a Yaesu VX-7R. They seem to be the cat's meow as far as portables go. In a SHTF or any disaster situation I think HAM will be a must.
Good luck on your tests! My parents, brother, uncle, and grandpa are all HAMs. I got my license when I was about 14, my brother got his at 10 or 11. And that was before they had no-code tests. We had to learn code. I memorized Morse code after only 30 mins of looking at the symbols to memorize them. My Mom didn’t believe me that I learned it that quick, so I proved it. The fastest that I ended up being able to copy code at was 13 WPM, which was almost fast enough to pass general class. I stopped at Tech Plus though. I was never especially good with the technical stuff like my Dad. I just memorized the answers to the questions from the practice book. Now that we have cell phones, I never use it anymore. I have the equipment if I need it though. My radio is a TR-2600A Kenwood (very old now). I bought a 50 watt 2 meter amp for it on eBay to put in my truck that’s hooked up to a whip antenna.
If you haven’t done so already, you might see if there’s a HAM club in your area that you could join in your area. Sometimes they have classes to help you pass. Support from like-minded people with the same hobby is nice too. Hope you do well!
73s,
KB9IZK