Introduction to Amateur Radio Class and Free License Exam

Introduction to Amateur Radio Class and Free License Exam

Submitted by Gregory Hancock.

Do you like science and electronics or just like to learn new things? Are you interested in a new hobby that is both technical and social? Or have you thought about how you can help the community during a major disaster, like a cyberattack on our power grid or a mega-earthquake in the Cascadia subduction zone? Consider getting an amateur radio license – it’s a way to recharge your batteries while helping your community and connecting with interesting people.

An amateur radio license, obtained from the Federal Communications Commission by passing a brief proctored exam, grants access to radio frequencies dedicated to amateur use. As well as getting you on the air, the license really opens the door to experimenting with and understanding radio technology, a fascinating and vast subject with a crossover into many related fields like space, electronics, computers, alternative energy, audio, manufacturing and disasters. answer.

The San Juan County Amateur Radio Society (SJCARS) will be hosting a free Amateur Radio (“Amateur Radio”) license exam on Saturday, October 29 at the Orcas Senior Center. All ages are welcome! For more information, call (360) 375-7144. This is the first amateur radio license exam held on Orcas in several years, so don’t miss this opportunity!

Home study materials are available at http://www.arrl.org/studying-for-a-technician-license.

Local amateur radio operator Greg Hancock will give an optional “Introduction to Amateur Radio” talk via Zoom on September 13 at 7:00 p.m. PT. If there is interest, there will be a test preparation class in the following weeks. Call for info.

Amateur radio is a fun and interesting hobby for anyone curious about science and willing to help the community by providing communications if all else fails. And we need more licensed operators to properly staff our local disaster activation points. Radio operators use amateur radio between our islands, across oceans or even in space, all without the internet or cell phones, and often without a power grid. Proficiency in Morse code is no longer required, but it is still used by some and is a nice new skill to pick up if you’re interested.

Mr. Hancock, a licensed amateur radio operator since 2006, enjoys participating in amateur radio events using portable, minimalist equipment, and he trains regularly to provide county and statewide communications after a major disaster. Drawing on the knowledge he gained from amateur radio, Mr. Hancock’s professional work currently keeps him designing wireless devices for the smart grid industry.