Classes for folks
CARC to Host Amateur Radio Licensing Classes
When
None scheduled at this time. Let us know if you're interested!
How Much
Classes are being offered without charge.
We do want each student to get their own course book. Family members may share a book.
We currently have 6 student manuals available at $29.95 each - first come first served.
or, you can order one direct from the ARRL for $32.95 + shipping.
Who
Though there are no age limits to getting a Ham License (if you can understand the material and pass the test - you pass!) Students should be able to read the material on their own and have sufficient attention span and self discipline to carry them through each of the classes. Some classes may last up to 3 hours. Many younger people have successfully passed their technician exams - youngest we know of was about 5 years old - but they had wonderfully supportive parents that already had their own licenses and were able to teach their children themselves. These classes are likely best for students 13 and older - but we won't turn anyone away who gives it a serious try!
Requirements
Of most importance, is your attitude and presence!
Anyone interested in Amateur Radio is welcome. Even if just to drop by and 'see what it's all about'. Visiting the first class session does not obligate you to continue.
Students are highly encouraged (strongly suggested even) to get their own copy of the License manual. This is the book that will be used in the course, contains all the study materials we'll use as well as information to help ensure a successful VE exam. Though it is possible to be successful without this book - you will greatly increase your chances for success with it.
Time
The first class in the series is usually the longest. Two and a half to three hours. After that, each class should be around two hours. Of course, there will be some variability.
What To Bring
- Notebook and Writing Instrument for keeping notes
- laptops/netbooks welcome, but optional
- Student Manual
- Learning mindset
Registration
Best plan for finding classes is to look for them using this online resource. NOTE: These are mostly study guides and registrations for exams.
It will be to your advantage to use their free registration offer. You'll then be able to track your progress as well as more easily sign up for an exam when you're ready.
Testing
A Volunteer Examiner (VE) Test session will be held at the end the course. This test session will be open to anyone (not just students from this course!), but we expect those that complete this course will be ready to successfully earn their own FCC Technician Class Amateur Radio License. Normal testing requirements will apply, including testing fee and individual ID requirements, but all these details will be covered in the course. You will be ready!
Classes of License
For those of us in the US, there are three levels of Amateur Radio license issued by the FCC.
- Technician
- General
- Amateur Extra.
Technician license holders are allowed to use all legal modes on any allowed frequency above 50Mhz (VHF and above).
General license holders are allowed some access to frequencies below 50Mhz - the 'HF' bands. HF bands are the ones that can be used to communicate around the world.
Amateur Extra, or 'Extra' as it's more commonly called, are allowed access to all frequencies and modes allowed the Amateur service. You can see a chart that clearly shows the privileges and bands for each license class on the ARRL site.
In order to earn a higher level license, you must either already hold or have passed the previous level of exam. ie. You can't just take the Extra exam and then receive an Extra license. You have to take all three exams, and pass them, in order to progress to an Extra class license.
The CARC VE team does it's best to offer all three levels of examination at their test sessions.
Support for the Class
CARC offers it's discussion board (registration required) and other online resources to help any student with questions or challenges. See the 'CARC Online' box on the left side of this page. You can also email us at "Casper ARC"
Please follow the instructions for registration on the discussion board. If you don't, your registration will be discarded. Sorry.
One on One
Though not part of the course, it is possible to arrange one on one times with experienced hams. Just ask at the class and we'll get folks in touch with each other to make their own arrangements.
Course Outline
This is the outline for the course. It's designed for 22 sessions. We're going to combine some of these and get it done in 11.
- Welcome to Amateur Radio
- Radio Signals and Waves & Modulation
- Radio Equipment Basics
- Math Review
- Electricity
- Electronic Components
- Types of Radios and Radio Circuits
- Propagation
- Antennas and Feed Lines
- Practical Antenna Systems
- Basic Amateur Radio Station Equipment
- Power Supplies and RF Interference
- Communicating with Other Hams, Part 1
- Communicating with Other Hams, Part 2
- License Terms and Working with the FCC
- Bands and Privileges
- International Rules and Call Signs
- Operating Regulations, Part 1
- Operating Regulations, Part 2
- Electrical Safety
- Radio Frequency Exposure
- Mechanical Safety