Amateur Radio Class/Licensing

[Archangel 06]

NOTE TO MODS: This class date has been confirmed. There is a repeat class the next weekend.

What: This is a two-day class being taught by Mr. Allen Kerr, N7YAF, to teach the fundamentals of amateur radio and then test the participants so that they can receive their FCC license.

When: 9-10 April 2010

Basic timeline: Friday: 1800-2100 Class
Saturday: 0800-1400 Class, 1400-? Testing

Where: 15344 Henrici Road, Oregon City 97045 (Latter Day Saints Church)

Event Cost: $15 - Cash is OK, but check is preferred made out to ARRL/VEC.

Age Limit: NONE!

Player cap: None

Materials to bring: Pencil(s), eraser, paper, Social Security Number (unless you have an ID # issued by the Federal communications Commission, in which case bring that), Photo ID, Simple calculator.

Anyone interested, please let me know here so I can give Allen a count. There is also going to be a class the following weekend for those that are unable to attend this one. This is an excellent opportunity, and Allen has a 99.5% success rate.

Edit: Below is a list of those who are interested.

1. oda315 +1?

[oda315]

I signed up for the class the following weekend, but is it possible to go to this one instead? No problem if not. Thank you.

[Archangel 06]

Sure. I have not yet given a list to Allen for the class, due to the class that everyone is commenting on is still pending (unknown to me, the Mods deleted this event the first time due to the fact that they looked identical). So, yes, you are on the list.

[Darius137]

I'd like to go to this.

Now about the cost, it's free for it? Does that include the FCC licensing?

[Archangel 06]

I am fairly sure the class is free, and I do not know about licensing. If it does cost, it's only ~$20-30, and that covers you for ten years.

[SilentStalker]

Just tested for my license in Salem and the total cost to me was $4. Yes, only 4 and that was to cover the supplies for the testing. My license was free. If ARRL is the sponsoring club for the testing then it will cost no more than $15 per their website for tests.
Good luck to all that test and hope to hear you pn the air waves soon
KF7HPW Clear

[Archangel 06]

Well, there's a great answer that is recent. Thanks SilentStalker.

[Hoff]

What does having an FCC license allow you to do?

[SilentStalker]

It allows you to use Frequencies that you right now can not use and also gives you a little more range because of the type of radio you are using.
Bad news is if your entire team is not using the same type of radio not brand or model but type you can not hear them and the can not hear you (IE. you are using an FRS/GRMS and I am using a UHF we can not talk to each other.) But having an FCC license to use amateur radio will give you access to better comms. As in all radios they have limitations but the amateur radios seem to put out more power than the FRS/GRMS radios put out and also all the noobs will most likely not have anything but the FRS/GRMS and you will not have to listen to their chatter or their call buttons.

[ogrejager]

Iamateur radios seem to put out more power than the FRS/GRMS radios put out

Specifically, the typical FRS is 0.5 watts of power and most handheld 2 meter ham radios are between 4 and 6 watts. I've had 2 meter conversations at 10 miles....

[SilentStalker]

Thanks ogrejager, I am still learning all about amateur radio

[Raging Hormann]

I am interested, a lot.

I'd like to be able to use radios that will let me talk through buildings and trees successfully over long distances...

[Archangel 06]

UPDATE: Event cost was raised from my initial number due to FCC costs. Sorry for the late notice.

[oda315]

Archangel,
I might bring one more with me. Not certain about that yet. Thanks.

[Darius137]

I'm in.

Anyone care to give a cripple a ride? I can't ride my monitor lizard when I have a broken foot.