Amateur Radio (ham radio) is a popular hobby and service that brings people, electronics and communication together. People use ham radio to talk across town, around the world, or even into space, all without the Internet or cell phones. Although Amateur Radio operators get involved for many reasons, they all have in common a basic knowledge of radio technology and operating principles, and pass an examination for the FCC license to operate on radio frequencies known as the “Amateur Bands.” These bands are radio frequencies allocated by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) for use by ham radio operators.
The FCC created this service to fill the need for a pool of experts who could provide backup during emergencies. In addition, the FCC acknowledged the ability of the hobby to advance the communication and technical skills of radio and to enhance international goodwill. Countless lives have been saved where skilled hobbyists act as emergency communicators to render aid, whether it’s during an earthquake in Italy or a hurricane in the U.S.
Basic study materials for passing the FCC test and getting your initial license are FREE at this web site and the FCC test is at Red Cross also FREE . Plus, a 1 years MEMBERSHIP also FREE in the Roanoke Valley ARC. There are also Classes held by many local groups for people who want more interaction. Once you have your first license, most hams find it best to start with simple equipment and grow over time. It usually costs less than $38 to get your own first radio and start talking to other hams. Many ham radio flea markets are held all over the country that sell good used equipment for even less.
LICENSE EXAMS
Held on the 3rd Sunday of each month
June Testing at Field Day
No Test Session in December (Christmas)
Sponsor: Roanoke Valley ARC
Time: 2:00 PM
Contact: Ray Pillow (KK4HR)
(540) 312-8241
Email: kk4hr@arrl.net
VEC: LAUREL ARC
Red Cross
352 Church Ave
Roanoke VA 24016
LEVEL 1: Technician Class License
The FCC Technician License exam covers basic regulations, operating practices and electronics theory, with a focus on VHF and UHF applications. Morse code is not required for this license. With a Technician Class license, you will have all ham radio privileges above 30 MHz. These privileges include the very popular 2-meter band. Many Technician licensees enjoy using small (2 meter) hand-held radios to stay in touch with other hams in their area. Technicians may operate FM voice, digital packet (computers), television, single-sideband voice and several other interesting modes. You can even make international radio contacts via satellites, using relatively simple station equipment. Technician licensees now also have additional privileges on certain HF frequencies.
LEVEL 2: General Class License
Exam Requirements: 35-question General written exam (Element 3).
License Privileges: All VHF/UHF Amateur bands and most HF privileges (10 through 160 meters).
The General Class license is the second of three US Amateur Radio licenses. To upgrade to General Class, you must already hold a Technician Class license (or have recently passed the Technician license exam). Upgrading to a General license–which conveys extensive HF privileges—only requires passing a written examination. Once you do, the entire range of operating modes and the majority of the amateur spectrum below 30 MHz become available to you.
As you advance to General, you’ll gain a deeper understanding of the signals you use to communicate. The methods of constructing transmitters and receivers are also covered. You’ll be able to communicate more effectively as a result.
LEVEL 3: Extra Class License
Exam Requirement: 50-question Extra written exam (Element 4).
License Privileges: All Amateur band privileges.
General licensees may upgrade to Extra Class by passing a 50-question multiple-choice examination. No Morse code test is required. In addition to some of the more obscure regulations, the test covers specialized operating practices, advanced electronics theory and radio equipment design. Non-licensed individuals must pass Element 2, Element 3 and Element 4 written exams to earn an Extra License. The HF bands can be awfully crowded, particularly at the top of the solar cycle. Once one earns HF privileges, one may quickly yearn for more room. The Extra Class license is the answer. Extra Class licensees are authorized to operate on all frequencies allocated to the Amateur Service.