If you got that ham license you would not be asking many of those questions and would gain the knowledge needed to be able to use the radio fully, within the boundaries of its capabilities. You would also learn about the different communication protocols that hams and commercial radios use that are beyond the capabilities of that model radio. Not to sound like a smart ass but without the simplicity of channels like CB and GMRS with compatible modes of operation you have to kind of understand the principles of radio communications and propagation.Recently bought a Baofeng UV-5R on amazon, only $22 and it actually appears to be a well made device. I was able to tune in to NOAA weather radio (No big deal, 162.400 megahertz) but find it lacking with many of the frequencies found in radioreference.com. Only periodically get a set of digital beeps on the stations using the "Scan" channels feature. Also does receive FM, but who really cares. Are all police and fire digital or encrypted now? Are there other HAM radio users here? Are their any frequencies worth tuning in to? Did I just blow $22? Should I get a HAM License?