Nice! They're a hard value to beat. I have 3 of them I different iterations.

I ordered a UV-5R with longer antenna, 2 way hand mic, extra batt, mount, car charger and desk charger, ear bud etc for $40 on amazon. Now I need to attend tacoma class! Will be using it this sat when we do the trip with Darin for listening only.

A handheld will generally do okay for shorter range trail communication. Setting up an external antenna is even better and would probably be just fine. I used a 5w handheld with an external 5/8 wave antenna for several years before getting a proper mobile. I will say though, after having a mobile, there's no way I would ever go back. They can be had pretty inexpensively too. A single band Yaesu or Kenwood will run under $200. Even less for a Chinese radio. I just picked up a tiny 25w dual band mobile for Kristal's rig for $70.

Kewl, I'll have to try and contact the local club to see when they will be doing it. I had planned to attend the Tacoma one next month.

You just missed it. A couple of weekends ago, they did a Ham Weekend in Wenatchee where they did a cram course and did testing. There's another one coming up in Tacoma in October (check the events).

As Ole said, the test is only $15, usually there's a small fee to the radio club that is proctoring the test. Local clubs will do a test every quarter or so, (Wenatchee - Apple City RC, Ellensburg - Rodeo City RC). You can take unlimited practice tests at QRZ.com

Agree with JR on the hand held recommendation, it's the cheap and easy way to get started. Looking at Amazon, best guess the Tidradio is just a rebranded Baofeng. The model JR mentions is the most common, so you're very likely to find someone else who can show you how to use it if you're interested.

The test typically costs $15. I don't think you can take it online, but you should be able to find one nearby at this link.

On top of what JR says, keep in mind that most of the transmit power will stay inside your truck if it has a metal roof. Probably not a big deal if you have a ragtop Jeep, but if you're in an F-350 or a 4Runner you'd be wise to spend a few dollars on a mag mount antenna. The cheap Baofengs can connect to an external antenna, although it typically needs an adapter, search Amazon for SMA female to SO239.

How much cost to get lisence as I see they have a class comming up soon. Can I take test online? Just want a very basic lisence for now. I know a few guys use them without a lisence for trail use only. Have you been effected by any of the fires yet?

Not familiar with the Tidradio, probably out of the same factory, just out a different door with a different logo on it. A higher grade antenna (Nagoya or ??) will help any of the radios. From my place on Chumstick Hwy I was able to hit the repeater on Burch Mtn above Wenatchee and talk to someone up on Sugarloaf. Not bad for a cheapy little handheld

Is there any difference between the Baofeng and the Tidradio brands? I found on Amazon eith one for under $40 with antenna, hand mic, extra nattery and charger.

Get yourself a little Baofeng UV-5R (or 1 of the many variants) handheld units and be happy with how well it works and how cheap. Get a better antenna to start with, and if you eventually want, you can add an external antenna to your vehicle. They're great little radios, not a bad idea to have an extra one along. Non-Hams can always listen along with it. Get comfortable with amateur radio, then decide if you want something more elaborate