Classes for folks
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CARC to Host Amateur Radio Licensing Classes
The CARC Education Committee is in the process of organizing another licensing class for anyone interested in testing for a Technician-class Amateur Operator license.
Please note: Classes are being planned for Spring 2011. Keep checking this page for updates.
How Much
Classes are being offered without charge by CARC. Yup! No charge to take the class! But we do want each student to get their own course book. Family members may share a book.
Order it direct from the ARRL for $29.95 + 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 that will carry them through each of the classes. 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!
What's Required
You! Anyone interested in Amateur Radio is welcome! Bring your friends and family along!
Students are highly encouraged (strongly suggested even) to get their own copy of the License manual. Order it direct from the ARRL for $29.95 + shipping. 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.
Group Book Purchases
If we know of enough folks that are interested, it's possible for us to get a 'group discount' on the books. If you want to take a class - please contact us and let us know so we can try to get a group purchase organized.
How much time
The length of each class session will ultimately depend on the curriculum to be covered. Students are encouraged to ask questions, since the whole point of this is to teach YOU how to operate legally, effectively, and have fun while doing it!
Each successive class will continue from where the previous one left off. You will not want to miss any of them.
What To Bring
- Notebook and Writing Instrument for keeping notes
- Student Manual
Registration
Please send an email to "Casper ARC" if you're interested in signing up for our next class session. We'd like a count of how many folks plan to attend, and we might even offer a class session earlier in the future if we have enough demand!
Testing
A Volunteer Examiner (VE) Test session will be held at the end of each licensing course. A VE test is where you take your License Exam. 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. There will be a testing fee and individual ID requirements, but all these details will be covered in the course. You will be ready!
Support
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"
Individuals may also make arrangements with any CARC member who's willing to help out. There should be plenty of opportunity for everyone to get the answers they need.
Discussion
If you're not sure you'll want to commit to the entire course, interested individuals are welcome to come to the first class and 'get a feel' for what's going on. There should be time to get your book and be ready for the 2nd class - if you're quick about it!.
Any questions or comments will be entertained either via the CARC discussion board or email to "Casper ARC".
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 license class grants privileges to more spectrum than the previous. 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.
Good luck!!
