I just passed my techincians test...now what?

[OrchidBetty]

I just passed my HAM radio exam. I was pretty happy I passed however, I'm not sure WHY I did it. I don't know anybody else who has a license and I live in a low tech (somewhat remote) area and I hardly get any radio signals here.The local channels were programmed in however I did try on an "el cheapo" $20 handheld HAM radio. Would a better more expensive radio yield better results?

I thought it would be cool to be licensed however, I don't have a ton of money to throw at it right now.

-Total noob questioning her own sanity.

[armymars]

  Start with a better antenna. Then find the local radio club. If you don't have a ham club near by, then try one of the on line clubs. Of course you can get good info here.

[SCWolverine]

Congrats!  Now the fun/learning begins!

I'm gonna suggest taking a peek at my former Ham Radio Podcast Start Here Page: http://hamradio360.com/index.php/start-here/

Or just pick one of the 99 episodes that sound interesting to you: http://hamradio360.com/

that show was pretty much chronicled my Ham Radio Adventure (2014-2018) as I was learning the ropes! 
You're interest will change, as will your budget as you progress through the hobby. 
Your Local Club(s) could be a great resource as well! http://www.arrl.org/find-a-club

[Alan Georges]

Congrats, OrchidBetty!  Now about your "now what?" question, a really great ham instructor has a whole (but short) book on the topic, "21 Things to Do After You Get Your Amateur Radio License."  What's more, he's blogged most of the chapters, so you can scope out the content for free: https://www.kb6nu.com/?s=%2221+things%22

If you want to read more, in addition to what SCWolverine suggested, here's a good book for beginners, in pdf and for free: https://www.qsl.net/sp9hzx/img/Ham%20Radio%20for%20Dummies.pdf  There's a new version out ($$), but this old version isn't too out of date and it'll get you started.

  Start with a better antenna. Then find the local radio club. If you don't have a ham club near by, then try one of the on line clubs. Of course you can get good info here.

Yep, this is likely the problem.  If you have any repeaters within 20 miles or so, either one of these DIY antennas will probably let you reach it for under $20:
http://thesurvivalpodcast.com/forum/index.php?topic=20653.0
http://thesurvivalpodcast.com/forum/index.php?topic=50529.0
If you'd rather not DIY it the first time around (and I can't blame you), here's a decent hang-it-in-a-tree antenna solution for less than $30:
http://www.2wayelectronix.com/main.sc
You can even get it with attached coax cable and whichever connector your radio needs.  Plug & play.

Like SCW and AM said, a good local club could be the way to get things rolling for you.  Anyway, congrats again, and keep asking questions.

[fred.greek]

General authorizes more access.

http://www.hamwhisperer.com/p/ham-courses.html

or look him up on youtube.

His presentations were GREAT.

[Carl]

  Welcome to the exciting hobby of Ham radio. There are many things a new Ham can do to find others who share the hobby and you are not so alone as you may think you are. Their are many directions open to a new Ham operator and you will find some of interest to you. You are not so limited as you think as many frequencies are available to the 'NEW' Ham that allow use of short wave to satellites for communications and you are only limited by your imagination and your budget. The hand held radio is somewhat limited to it's effectiveness and a good base or mobile radio with more effective antenna would be a big help to your effectively communicating with others. SEARCH out Ham Radio and your city ,area,or zip code and find a club....or start a club in your area