Licensing Requirements
You can listen to amateur radio for free, but to transmit you need an amateur radio license.
To use ham radio, you just need to pass a written exam and then be given a call sign from the FCC. For example, my call sign is “NØCKR”. I’m the only licensed radio operator in the world with that unique call sign. Until recently you also had to pass a Morse code exam to get a ham license. However, the FCC did away with that requirement several years ago. There are no more Morse code tests!
The FCC has three classes of amateur radio licenses:
Amateur Radio is a family-friendly activity. The use of profanity and vulgar language is prohibited. This is not CB radio.
What can I do with it?
Ham radio is basically a social hobby — whether you’re talking around town, around the world, at club meetings or conventions, you’ll be getting to know some pretty darn nice people! Some hams like to experiment, designing their own radios, or building them from a kit. Some experiment with radical new designs for antennas.
Others enjoy collecting QSL cards, postcards from other hams confirming contacts around the world. Some go for awards, like the DX Century Club (DXCC), which means you have confirmed contacts with hams in 100 different countries. (DX is the abbreviation for distance, but we use it to mean contacting someone outside of our own country.)
How about traveling and operating in obscure and remote locations, helping other hams get contacts with rare locations like Clipperton Island and Scarborough Reef!
Hams operators enjoy public service, providing communications support for events like RAGBRAI, parades, and 5 & 10k races. When large crowds of people try to use their cell phones all at the same time, the cellular systems are swamped and unreliable, but ham radio gets the message through!
And most important of all, emergency communications: Remeber 9/11? Hurricane Katrina? The Iowa Derecho? When the primary communications networks go out, amateur radio operators are trained, equipped, ready, and able to provide emergency communications. When all else fails, there’s amateur radio!
How much does it cost?
If you want to talk around the world, a complete HF station can start anywhere from $100. It doesn’t matter whether you live in an apartment or a house.
On the inexpensive side, if you’re willing to settle for used equipment without all the latest features, you can often find fully functional HF rigs in the $100-$300 range, and it costs next-to-nothing to build your own homemade dipole antenna. Once you obtain your license, get involved in your local amateur radio club for advice and to hear about the latest local deals.
Local Amateur Radio Testing Sessions
Cedar Valley Amateur Radio Club hosts local testing sessions. We have testing sessions and pre-registration is usually required. Please request pre-registration through the CVARC VE Manager Al Butler, KA0IES at 319-237-4050 or email ve_manager@w0gq.org. Testing fee is $15.00 or only $5.00 for those who are 17 years old or younger. Testing is usually conducted once a month. W0GQ Cedar Valley Amateur Radio Club VE Team is our Facebook page for the latest information.
Amateur Radio Technician Classes
One Day Class: Cedar Rapids Area or Anywhere Upon Request
Why should I take this class?
- Communications Back-Up Plan When Cell Phone System is Down
- Increase Understanding of Communications Electronics
- Make New Friends All Over the World
- Learn a new language with your new friends
- Advance Communication, Navigation, & Electronic Technology
- Public Service – assist in communications for local emergency agencies
- Experiment / Invent / Learn
- Try various forms of communications
- Satellite, Networking, Digital, Television, GPS, Morse Code, and yes, voice!
- Build things
- Radio receivers & transmitters, antennas, computers, test equipment, and even satellites!
- Resume Builder & Help Improve Job Knowledge
- Fun!
When: A Future Saturday 8:00 am – 5:00 pm
Where: TBD
Cost: $129 + IA sales tax
What is Included:
- This Full Day Class
- Study Guide Book
- Frequency Chart
- FCC Technician Class Exam & Same Day Results!
- Membership in local amateur organization(s)
- Your First Amateur Radio!
- AND Lunch!
- Q: Can I really do this in a day?
- A: Absolutely! The basics are actually fairly simple. The math is basic. You’ll learn a lot more AFTER you earn your license! Our first-time pass rate is 92%!
- Q: Is there an age limit?
- A: No! If you can read and write, you can earn a ham license.
To Pre-Register, email: IowaHamClasses@yahoo.com
Include your name, address, & phone number
We will email you future class schedules.
Not enough? Here is some more information in presentation form: Amateur Radio Presentation