Amateur radio is just that - amateur. We make our own gear, make our own equipment, troubleshoot our own problems, and work with whatever we've got.
As you press forward, over time you're going to acquire some gear and you're going to need some more. I'm a fan of Amazon Prime for some things, and also Ebay. I use Amazon for where price isn't an issue, and I need something quickly and want it to work for me reliably, I use Ebay where something might be very hard to find, discontinued, or extremely expensive where buying used isn't going to be an issue.
It is the Lord's counsel that we should always be thrifty and practice provident living, so you may get some equipment and later upgrade to a better version - the goal is going to be to get what you need so you can do what you need to. Personally I dislike borrowing any tools only because I never know if I'll finish a project anytime soon, so I slowly acquire gear over time. However, if you have an issue such as weather, or something gets blown down by a storm, or your kids or neighbors trip over a line, you'll want the tools to repair your own gear on hand - mine were slowly acquired over several years.
So, aside from individual projects with tools needed for the prjects, here's just a list of equipment you may acquire over time:
Multimeter - this is used for testing electrical circuits, continuity, battery charges, resistance - at some point you will be using this and need one. These can be bought on Amazon (or Ebay) and start as low as $8.00. You'll be using this if you do anything beyond buying a handheld from the factory.
Wire stripping, cutting, and crimping tool - these become a real heaven-sent work-saver when you're working on any project where you're stripping, cutting or crimping. You just put the wire across the top, and squeeze and voila - you have a perfectly stripped wire at exactly the right length with one swift move, no more twisting or trying to pull the insulation or outer sheath off or even accidentally cutting through the wire (this isn't what you use for coax). These start around $22, not a high priority item, but when you start working on multiple projects, I don't want to be without mine. You'll obviously want regular wire-cutters as well.
Coax crimping tool (big blue thing) - you're going to be using this to put connectors onto your coax, like a PL-259. You'll have to see Youtube or get a ham to show you how to use it.
Coax cutting tool (small grey thing) - you'll be using this to strip your coax outer layer before you put your connectors on it. You'll probably need someone to show you how to use it or you can go on Youtube and look up how to use it.
These are often sold together in kits, sometimes with connectors like shown here, the kits run about $22 on Amazon. The small blue pliers I use for trimming up cuts.
EMF detector - these are useful when trying to pin down any interference within your home or on your vehicle or stray emissions, or even make sure your RFI exposure / emissions within your equipment is within limits. These can run about $30 on Amazon.
Soldering iron - perhaps the most needed item, you'll need that and some solder. Ultimately you'll be having to hold multiple pieces together, so if you can get a kit that comes with arms that will hold things together, definitely go for it. Mine allows me to control the temperature of the iron as well. Simple kits start around $10, and ones with a few accessories like this one shown can run around $40.
Heat gun - for a lot of your connectors, making them waterproof, you'll want shrink-wrap tubing or your connectors will come with it for outdoor applications. These start around $16 on Amazon
Network analyzer - these can get expensive, but you can't get into HF without them, but this is the entry-level-just-as-good basic version, the Nano VNA (Vector Network Analyzer) - you'll learn about these between your General and Amateur Extra Licenses, this one comes with an SMA connector, you'll need to purchase an SMA to SO239 connector (also available on Amazon or Ebay). Make sure it tests the bands you're going to be woking with - 80M is going to be in the 3MHz range and if you use it up to the UHF spectrum, you'll need one that goes up to the 500's MHz - these start around $40 on Amazon and ebay, keep an eye out for deals. This does not have a fancy protective case, it is a circuit-board, screen, and adapter ports - it was specifically designed to be inexpensive for hams and other hobbyists to get into because the item after this is spendy.
"Rigexpert" antenna analyzer - if you'll be doing this at all for any extended period of time, this is much nicer to have than the Nano VNA. However, again, check the bands it works on, a lot of these only work on HF or a limited section of the bands. I watched for months on eBay until I found one that was for $200.00 used that does all HF, VHF and UHF bands, they run $900+. Again, you'll learn about these in your General and Amateur Extra but definitely worthwhile to have, a very good investment.
BUTANE TORCH - if the electricity goes out, soldering with electricity isn't going to be much of an option. These can be used for soldering in the field with a bit of practice and skill. A pair of them can run about $15 on Amazon.
Other items:
Folding tables - if you're out making your own command station, or doing a field day, a folding table can be really nice that you can pack up and take with you, along with some folding chairs. If you can get a canopy, I recommend it.
Coax connectors - PL259, SO239, BNC, SMA - whatever you're using, pay attention, they are not all the same, some are meant for crimping, others are made for soldering only, some are made for thicker cables, others for thinner cables - if you're working on HF at all, having a bag of these is pretty nice, can be bought on Amazon.
Electrical connectors - multi-packs - available from Home Depot, for working on your car electrical system, making pig-tails, you name it. Make sure it's the right gauges and sizes.
Electrical tape - you'll be using this, multi-colored tape is nice because it makes it easier to identify components in the dark or rain.
Spare fuses - you'll want spare fuses that go with any of your gear and match them and keep them with your gear.
Zip ties - small and large - you'll be using these.
Silicone tape - self-sealing, also can be used for weatherproofing connections between cables or out in the elements.
Dielectric grease - can be used to improve connections where there's been moisture or light corrosion, if you have a rough connection, do not get it on the center of your coax, some hams report having had a ton of noise from their system with this, fine on the outer connections but keep it from the center.
At any rate, these are just some of the tools you'll run into needing or using over time, keep an eye out, say a prayer, and the Lord will bless you.
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