The first radio I got in 2008 was a modified ARGO 300 CB ship scanner, using a 29.6 FM receiver that I installed myself. The case was rusted, and the internal components were waterlogged. During ice storms, it would connect with Taiwanese stations. Later, a local "big shot" obtained a broken 725A from an unknown source and claimed it was a genuine Yaesu 750, calling him "Mr. Ye." After that, I acquired a Yaesu FT180A (which I believe most people haven't seen; it was a popular modified platform at the time). I built my own PLL oscillator. During the Wenchuan earthquake, I used it to listen to emergency frequencies. Looking back now, there are so many options for beginners!