Some one just gave me a Galaxy GT550 HAM radio and I am wondering how to use it. Is it a tube radio?
This is my first HAM radio.
What do I need in the way of a code key, mic, speakers, etc?
Main thing is how to use it?
First - it's over 30 years old. It's what we call a "boat anchor." Likely it needs some capacitors replaced, at least. It will not operate on the recently added ham bands (the so-called WARC bands). Its receiver is in no way competitive with modern triple-conversion receivers.
Beyond that: Transmitting with that radio, with any radio on the ham bands, requires a license. You'll need a "General Class" license.
Put it away - or at most, use it on receive only - until you get an amateur radio license. Start with the arrl link below. There is much to learn.
By the way, according to one review at eham.net (see below), the mic jack on the front is a .206 phone jack, not a standard quarter inch phone jack. It will likely be easier to change the front panel jack than to find a matching plug! It's also possible that that has already been done on the unit you received.
After you get your license, do NOT attempt to transmit unless you have connected a proper antenna for the band (a random "whip" antenna or length of wire will not do) and you know how to "tune up" the transmitter. You can damage the transmitter significantly otherwise. A matched antenna for the HF ham bands is not a small thing, either. This isn't like a CB.