I started with a Baofeng too, the UV-82. It works adequately, though the receive function is lacking a bit of sensitivity.

To help, I added the "Comet Original SMA-24J 144-149/430-450 MHz Dual-Band Antenna - SMA Female". It cost more than the radio, but it's a good antenna.

Others gave you good advice about the technician license. Go for it. Nobody "knows everything" when passing that test; it's really just giving you the legal basis to begin trying things out and learning. It's a lot of fun!

Don't Use That Link! Use This Link HERE.

Name: Comet Original SMA-24J 144-149/430-450 MHz Dual-Band Antenna - SMA Female.

Price: $30.91

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