Beginner path
Learn the basics
Start with licensing, first radio setup, repeaters, and a practical operating plan.
Resources
Ham radio and emergency communications resources.
This page gathers useful links for learning ham radio, finding repeaters, programming radios, building go-kits, and connecting with emergency communications groups in Lee County and beyond.
Need the complete site directory?
The resources below are curated by task. The all-guides directory provides a direct crawl path to every KI5QHC article and hub.
Browse all guidesFast paths for practical readiness
Start with one task, then follow the next guide.
Texas Storm and Power-Outage PlanBuild the household plan around alerts, check-ins, radio, power, and printed notes.Read Emergency Weather RadiosCompare home alert radios and portable outage receivers.Read Coax and Antenna AccessoriesPick adapters, coax, mag mounts, and field pieces that make handhelds more useful.Read Battery Backup for the Radio ShackKeep a home radio station useful through outages and charging interruptions.Read Lee County Radio ResourcesUse LeeCARES, weather, licensing, and local practice links in one place.ReadLocal
Central Texas
Connect Lee County resources, emergency management, weather alerts, and local radio practice.
Radio skills
Program and reach
Build cleaner channels, choose better antennas, and understand repeaters before an outage.
Preparedness
Build the kit
Keep power, notes, antennas, and family check-ins organized in a repeatable plan.
Start Learning
- KI5QHC ham radio license guide
- Ham radio license in Texas
- ARRL Technician license information
- FCC Amateur Radio Service
Local and Emergency Communications
- KI5QHC emergency communications guide
- Central Texas ham radio and emergency communications resource guide
- Lee County Texas ham radio resources
- Family emergency communication plan
- Emergency radio plan for Texas storms and power outages
- LeeCARES / Lee County ARES
- Join LeeCARES
- LeeCARES trainings
- LeeCARES projects and EOC work
- What is ARES and how to get involved locally?
- KI5QHC family emergency communication plan
- Emergency communication drills for families
Repeaters and Programming
- How to find local ham radio repeaters
- How to program ham radio repeaters
- How to use repeaters when cell service fails
- Ham radio antennas and range guide
- What is a ham radio repeater?
- What frequency should I use on ham radio?
- Top useful frequencies for emergency communications
- How to use APRS for emergency communication
- What is Winlink and why should you learn it?
- How does Winlink work on ham radio?
- Winlink Express beginner guide
- How to operate Winlink for emergency communications
- Winlink forms for emergency communications
- Winlink vs APRS for emergency communications
- Baofeng UV-5R programming guide
- Is the Baofeng UV-5R legal for ham radio?
- CHIRP radio programming software
Go-Kits and Preparedness
- Ham radio go-kit for beginners
- How to build a portable ham radio go-kit on a budget
- Printable ham radio go-kit checklist
- Ham radio go-kit list for power outages
- What to monitor during a power outage
- Portable power for ham radio go-kits
- Battery backup solutions for your ham radio shack
- Emergency communications drills you can do with your family
- Can you use ham radio in an emergency without a license?
- Ham radio vs GMRS for emergencies
- Best GMRS radios for families
- National Weather Service SKYWARN
Radio Guides
- Best first ham radio setup for beginners
- Ham radio starter kit under $100, $200, and $500
- Best ham radio handhelds
- Best ham radio for emergency communication
- Baofeng UV-5R preparedness review
- What to buy after a Baofeng UV-5R
- Ham radio antennas and range guide
- Best antenna for Baofeng UV-5R
- How to improve handheld ham radio range
- Baofeng UV-5R vs Yaesu FT-65R
- Yaesu FT-991A guide
- Yaesu FTM-510DR mobile radio guide