Classes for folks
From Carc-wiki
CARC is NOT CURRENTLY planning to hold any classes, until further notice. If you're interested in taking a class, test preparation or just have questions, please - visit the discussion board.
For some background on what it means to 'be a Ham', please see this ARRL site and explanations.
For those of us in the US, there are three levels of Amateur Radio license issued by the FCC. Technician, General and Amateur Extra. Each successive class grants privleges to more spectrum than the previous. Technician license holders are allowed to use all legal modes on any allowed frequency above 50Mhz. General license holders are allowed some access to frequencies below 50Mhz - the 'HF' bands. Amateur Extra, or 'Extra' as it's more commonly called, are allowed access to all frequencies and modes allowed the Amateur service.
There're two basic approaches to passing an amateur exam. First is the 'get it done' model, the other is the 'know it well' approach. Since the pool of questions used in the actual exam are freely available to the public, it's easy to simply learn the questions and their correct answers - without understanding why they're correct. The expectation is those who pass their exam this way will involve themselves in the hobby and learn by doing. The 'knowing it' approach is to learn the theory and application of the various concepts, practices and rules to such an extent the examinee is able to correctly answer whatever questions are asked on the exam - without knowing them ahead of time. These folks are then expected to be even better equiped to participate at a higher level from the 'get go'. Downside is it can take quite a bit of effort to achieve this level of understanding.
In practice, I think most folks that pass their tech exam fall someplace in between thsee two extremes. In that light, I expect we'll hold classes that use the test question pool as an 'outline' of material presented. But won't go into excruciating detail and techno archania yet still provide a level of understanding. The idea is to get folks into the hobby and on the air - not make RF engineers out of 'em.
The primary text used will be the book Now You're Talking!, published by the American Radio Relay Legue (ARRL). CARC is looking into providing this text for the class. Students that want to keep a copy (suggested) as a handy reference guide after they pass their exam are encourged to purchase their own copy.
If you've any ideas, suggestions or desires for the class, please register a username on the discussion board and let us know your interest.
Good luck!!
