Just Radio: The Anti-Ham Radio Ham Radio Operator's Guide to Getting Started

The power's out. Your phone says No Service. Now what?

Just Radio is the guide I wish I had when I bought my first GMRS radio. It explains what radio can actually do, helps you figure out how far you want to go, and gives you a plan that still works when the cell towers don't. You don't need a license to start, and you don't need to become a ham to get value out of it.

What's inside

• Start Here: what's in the bundle and the order to use it in
• The Guide (29 pages): the 10 questions every beginner asks, answered, with simple diagrams
• Quick-Start Path: four questions, five paths, step-by-step checklists, and a page of hard-to-find links
• Field Checklist: a summary and checklist for each question, plus a game plan tracker
• Radio Comms Plan: my own PACE plan as a worked example, plus a blank template for yours
• Antenna Basics: how to get more range out of any radio
• GMRS / FRS Channel Chart and License-Free Channel Chart (FRS, MURS, CB, NOAA)
• Radio Check Checklist with a log to track your weekly checks
• Band Cards: 24 cards showing Technician and General class privileges, band by band

Good to know

• Instant download: one ZIP with 10 print-ready PDFs, sized for US Letter
• This isn't a ham license study guide or a Baofeng programming manual. It points you to good resources for both.
• Frequencies, power limits, and license rules are current as of November 2026.

Louis, K1EMO

Fine print

Just Radio is for general information and education. It isn't legal advice. Radio rules are current as of November 2026 and can change, so check fcc.gov before you transmit. You're responsible for getting any license you need and for operating legally.

I'm not affiliated with or endorsed by the FCC, ARRL, NOAA, SARnet, or any manufacturer mentioned. Brand names belong to their owners. There are no affiliate links, and I wasn't paid to mention any product.

Radio is a backup, not a guarantee. In an emergency, call 911 first if you can. Antenna installs, vehicle wiring, and battery work are at your own risk.

My comms plan is included as an example only. Build your own plan, and don't copy my frequencies, tones, or talk groups.

This is a digital product, so all sales are final once it's downloaded. It's licensed for your personal use only. Please don't resell or share the files.