When I first got into amateur radio, I had a great Elmer (that’s ham radio speak for a mentor) who helped me get set up and start learning the ropes. But even the best Elmers can miss a thing or two. While exploring on my own, I stumbled upon RepeaterBook.com, and it turned out to be a total game-changer.
Repeaterbook app page from google play store
If you’re not familiar, RepeaterBook and other similar sites are a super helpful place where you can search for repeaters (which help extend your radio signal) in your area. In North America, you just type in your ZIP code (or postal code), choose how far out you want to search, and boom—you get a list of repeaters nearby. It’s that easy.
Search options within the app
When I used it, I found a few repeaters that weren’t on the list my Elmer gave me. One of them was just a few miles from my house! So, I added it to my radio’s memory and decided to give it a try.
Example search inquiry from Repeaterbook App
One evening after work, I sat down, turned on the radio, and called out:
“KF8CRS calling CQ. Anyone out there?”
To my surprise, someone answered almost right away. Then another person chimed in. And another. Before I knew it, there were six of us chatting away. I had found myself in a local “ragchew”—which is ham-speak for a friendly group conversation where people talk about their day, share advice, and just enjoy the airwaves together.
That night changed everything for me.
The folks I talked with told me about our local radio club and how they hold regular “net” meetups on that same repeater. A net is kind of like a roll call and discussion time for ham radio users. You check in, say hello, ask questions, and sometimes even practice emergency communication skills.
Through those conversations, I learned about all sorts of opportunities to keep growing in the hobby. They told me about FEMA courses on emergency management, how to build antennas, and how to keep learning on my own. Some of it was even required if I wanted to become a full club member.
Of course, upgrading my license—like studying for the General or Amateur Extra classes—is part of the journey, too.
That night, after all the goodbyes were said and the conversation slowed down, I turned off the radio with a big smile on my face. I had dipped my toe into amateur radio and ended up diving into a whole new community of people who were just like me—curious, helpful, and excited to keep the hobby alive.
It’s amazing what one little website and a friendly “CQ” call can lead to.
73 and happy hamming my friends.
KF8CRS 
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