It’s worth it!

Over the past couple of weeks, a number of subscribers reached out asking: how can I get an amateur radio license? Before I can answer that question directly, a bit of an intro.

Amateur radio is all about wireless communications – essentially, receiving and transmitting radio signals. Those signals ‘contain’ our voice, or Morse code, or data, and we have a fairly large spectrum of frequencies which are designated for us – the amateurs. However, amateurs are not the only users in the spectrum, so a proper understanding of procedures, practices, regulations and safety measures is absolutely essential. Therefore, the best way to get ‘on the road’ is to have proper practical training at a local radio club.

Please don’t freak out – stay with me. Radio amateurs who are going to train you are trained themselves in providing adequate tutoring. They want you to succeed, learn the basics, and pass the exam. They are on your side. Kids at the age of 9 have passed the exam so it’s possible, but you would have to study for it so be prepared to take it seriously.

The entire process could be broken into 4 steps:

1. Attend a radio club two day training course

2. Sit the multi choice foundation exam

3. Complete a practical assessment

4. Obtain your licence from ACMA – Australian Communication authority.

Foundation license is a basic entry, you will be limited to operate at certain frequencies and at a rather low power level, but that is actually not a bad thing; it will help you build your skills and prepare for the next class level. Yet even with 10W power you can make two way contacts all over the world. It’s not about the power – it’s about the antenna.

If you are located in Sydney: Dural radio club [ARNSW facilities at 63 Quarry Road, Dural] is organising a two day training course on November 11-12. Here are the details:

https://arnsw.org.au/html/exams_arnsw.htm has plenty of useful information.

Get ahead by ordering The Foundation Manual – Your Entry Into Amateur Radio [$35] from:

https://www.wia.org.au/licenses/foundation/foundationmanual

This manual contains all the relevant information you will need to know to successfully complete a training course to obtain a Foundation Licence.

If you prefer an online course, then go to  www.res.net.au.

There are numerous other radio clubs all over Australia who provide Foundation license training courses. Perth and Adelaide are major centres.

If you get into it now, by Christmas time you will be on air, making two way contacts like a pro!