{"id":18611,"date":"2026-09-27T21:48:13","date_gmt":"2026-09-27T20:48:13","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.essexham.co.uk\/train\/?page_id=18611"},"modified":"2026-09-27T21:48:13","modified_gmt":"2026-09-27T20:48:13","slug":"what-next-handheld-problems","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.essexham.co.uk\/train\/what-next-handheld-problems\/","title":{"rendered":"What Next: Handheld Problems"},"content":{"rendered":"
BETA<\/span> JUST PASSED? WHAT NEXT?<\/div>\n

This page is part of our new What Next? project, designed to help newly licensed radio amateurs get started. We're still developing it, so please try the suggestions below and tell us what works, what doesn't, and what we've missed.<\/p>\n \u2190 Back to What Next?<\/a><\/div>\n \n

I’ve Got a Handheld \u2013 Why Can’t I Hear Anyone?<\/h2>\n

You’ve bought a 2m\/70cm handheld, switched it on, scanned around the bands and… nothing.<\/p>\n

Don’t assume there’s nobody out there \u2013 and don’t assume there’s anything wrong with your radio.<\/strong> This is a very common experience for newly-licensed amateurs.<\/p>\n

How much you hear on VHF and UHF depends on several things, particularly your antenna, location, radio settings and when you’re listening<\/strong>.<\/p>\n

1. Your handheld antenna has limitations<\/h3>\n

The small flexible antenna supplied with most handheld radios is convenient, but it’s a compromise. Used inside a house, its effective range may be surprisingly limited.<\/p>\n

On VHF and UHF, height and location can make a huge difference<\/strong>.<\/p>\n

Try taking the radio upstairs, standing near a window or, better still, taking it outside. If you can get to some higher ground with a reasonably clear view of the surrounding area, you may hear considerably more.<\/p>\n

If that makes a big difference, you’ve already identified one of the main limitations \u2013 your antenna and location rather than the radio itself.<\/p>\n

2. Check your radio settings<\/h3>\n

It’s worth checking the simple things:<\/p>\n