We are pleased to announce the QRZ New Ham Jumpstart, a program that will help new hams get on the air faster than ever. The program, which is jointly sponsored by QRZ and GigaParts, will provide a FREE, New Ham Welcome Package to eligible applicants. Among the goodies in the first edition of the Welcome Package, we are including a brand-new dual-band handheld transceiver, the Explorer QRZ-1, along with a host of other sponsor-supplied goodies. Purpose of the Jumpstart Program This program is designed to promote amateur radio to the masses, helping to eliminate a possible barrier to entry by providing new hams with their first radio. The Jumpstart program will provide the QRZ-1 radio to new hams who meet eligibility requirements. No purchase or subscription of any kind is necessary. The welcome package is FREE to those who qualify. The QRZ-1 is a brand-new, entry-level, dual-band ham radio transceiver that has been custom manufactured for QRZ and GigaParts and is available for sale at GigaParts. We worked with an established radio manufacturer to make a special edition radio just for new hams. Our involvement was much more than a re-labeling of an existing product, because several important improvements have been made. For starters, the radio firmware has been modified to make user interaction straightforward and easy to understand. In addition, the user manual was rewritten in English (not simply translated) so that new hams may grasp its operating concepts clearly. Eligibility New hams who have just obtained their first license from the FCC may apply for a welcome package. Applicants must apply within 30 days of the license grant date per the FCC records. The eligible ham must have a QRZ user account and be able to log in and apply for the award. Certain types of identification, including a photo ID, will be required. This information is not shared or exchanged with any party and is used only to validate eligibility under this program. Additional shipping charges may apply when shipped outside of the contiguous 48 states. This program is available exclusively to USA licensed amateur radio operators. You Can Donate It Some new hams may not need a new, entry-level radio and might instead enjoy a full year of a QRZ Premium subscription. If you opt for this choice, you will make the radio available for another newcomer and help us extend the program into the future. It's an easy way to "pay it forward" that others will appreciate. If you are interested in this option, please send an e-mail to Support@qrz.com. Limited Time Offer The program ends on October 31, 2022. If you are or about to become eligible, please keep this in mind. In all cases, the New Ham Welcome Packages are subject to availability and therefore the program may end earlier than expected. QRZ assumes no responsibility for the failure to deliver New Ham Welcome Packages, even if an application was granted. The packages have no cash value and may not be redeemed or exchanged for other QRZ products and/or services. QRZ may, at its sole discretion and at any time, change the contents of the package. Signup Instructions We will begin accepting welcome package applications on August 19, 2022 at www.qrz.com/jumpstart
defintely could have used this as a new ham!!! Thank you for helping all the young people who want to be a ham radio op but don't have the money.
You can use the Contribute button on the QRZ Home Page (lower left). Any amount that you contribute will go towards funding new ham packages. Please write in the comments section of your contribution that you would like for funds to go to the Jumpstart program. Please note that the contributions are not tax-deductible. We don't qualify as a charity, but that absolutely won't stop us from helping new hams get started in the hobby. 73 -fred
Very cool. I think a lot more new hams will know what to do once they get there callsign and have a LOT more fun with the hobby.
This is a great idea, but offering free study guides and a free pass for one testing session would go alot further attracting new hams. I know of several folks who buy W5YI technician books for kids interested in the hobby, and when they pass their test, the local club has a free HT for them.
I will try and get this. Thank you very much as a new ham! Edit: My license was activated on the second this month, but for some reason it is saying im not eligible.
Love it! I wish that I was still in my first 30 days (I am at 10 months now). That would have helped me tremendously, being on an SSDI budget.
