W.E.A.R.C.
West Essex Amateur Radio Club, Essex Fells, NJ
an ARRL Special Service Club
Web Links
Retail and Ham Services
KJI Electronics
Ham Radio Outlet
AES
Texas Towers
Ham City
Radio Works
R & L Electronics
HamPros
Burghardt
Ebay
Chassis Kits & Enclosures
Manufacturers
Kenwood
Icom
Yaesu
TenTec
Alinco
SGC
MFJ
GAP Antenna
Elecraft
Cushcraft
Hygain
Diamond
Bencher
Vibroplex
Get Licensed
Amateur Radio is an internationally regulated
hobby. For US Domestic licenses, the Federal Communications Commission
(FCC) has jurisdiction over the Amateur Radio Service. The FCC formulates
Amateur Radio regulations consistent with International treaties governing the
use of Radio Spectrum, as well as laws/regulations passed by Congress.
Currently, the US Amateur Radio licensing structure consists of 3 tiers, with
operating and radio spectrum privileges increasing with each tier. Each
license tier requires the prospective licensee to pass an exam which
demonstrates knowledge of electronic theory, rules and regulations, and
operating practices.
There are several excellent self-study resources available to those interested
in becoming a licensed Ham. The
ARRL offers introductory books,
as well as study guides for each class of license. There are also
study guides available from 3rd party commercial providers. See also our
Resources web link on the right margin of our web pages. Occasionally a
local Ham or Club will host licensing classes. The ARRL maintains a web
resource for clubs or ham organizations which host licensing classes to
advertise their class. Go
here to browse their database to see if a course is offered near you.
WEARC is not hosting a class at this time.
The 3 licensing categories are summarized below:
Technician Class
The entry level license tier is Technician. By successfully completing a 35-question multiple-choice examination, the licensee is granted relatively limited radio spectrum operating privileges. No Morse code test is required. The exam places a particular focus on VHF (Very High Frequency) and UHF (Ultra High Frequency) applications.
Technician Class operators are authorized to use all amateur VHF and UHF frequencies. Technicians who elect to take a 5 WPM Morse code examination are entitled to operating privileges on limited HF frequencies with significant power output limitations.
Note: In July of 2010, the Technician Class license question pool will change. It is our understanding that some of the electronics theory questions may be a little more challenging than in the current test.
General Class
The General Class offers much greater radio spectrum operating privileges as well as increased power output limits. Technicians may upgrade to General Class by passing a separate 35-question multiple-choice examination geared toward more sophisticated electronics theory and the rules and regulations, as well as operating practices specific to General Class operation. No morse code test is required. General Class operators are authorized to operate all the frequencies of the Technician Class plus many more.
Extra Class
The Extra Class license provides for access to all radio spectrum allocated to the Amateur Radio Service using all authorized operating modes at maximum power output limits, as specified by the FCC. General licensees may upgrade to Extra Class by passing a separate 50-question multiple-choice exam. No Morse code test is required. The test covers the more sophisticated operating practices, as well as advanced electronics theory and design.
Web Links
Resources
ARRL
FCC
R.A.C.E.S.
Essex SKYWARN
ARRL Hudson Div
QRZ
Eham.net
AMSAT
NJDX Assn
NNJ Red Cross ARC
Int'l Dx Assn (INDEXA)
NOAA
HDTV Links Page
This old Radio
|
New Gear We Like
|
QSL of the Month
|
Antennas for the Farm
|
