Ham Radio Classes Being Offered

Dale Hummel (KL2BO), Contributing Writer

When a storm, forest fire, flood, or earthquake happens do you ever wish you could do something to help? When you see events on the TV, or read about natural disasters in the paper do you wish you could do something? Would you like to give something back to your community?

Amateur, (Ham) radio is a great way to do your part in either a disaster or community service.

Today?s ham radio is not the hobby of your uncle or grandfather who may have sat in his little room or in that corner of that basement with his headphones on and sent Morse code. Today?s radio includes Internet radio linking project, (IRLP), echo link, digital communications, voice, moon bounce, satellite reflection, and even Space Station communication.

Worldwide communication is a very common thing. The ham radio of today is very exciting and new advances in the hobby means the sky is limit. Go to http://youtu.be/varHL752Odk see more on ham radio.

The common misconception is that citizen?s band, (CB) and ham radio is the same thing. The only common link between the two groups is that both groups talk on a radio, but that?s about where the similarities end. Anyone can buy and use a CB radio and, unfortunately, some of the people who use these high frequency devices do not have the training to use them properly.

Many of those who use CBs speak poorly, cuss and operate their equipment illegally. Ham radio goes beyond just training and mature conversation. With ham radio, training is required to obtain a license that is mandatory by the Federal Communications Commission, (FCC). This kind of training and licensing puts hams on a higher level of operation and mature communication.

LBCC is hosting classes for FCC ham radio licensing. Starting on October 23 the K7LBC Ham Radio Club will be co-sponsoring ham radio licensing classes with the Linn County Amateur Radio Emergency Services group. The classes will be held in room RCH 116 at 7 to 9 pm for 8 weeks. The cost will be $15 for the test at the end of the class and $30 for the text book. The classes are open to any age. The books are also available from the Amateur Radio Relay League at www.arrl.org/shop/Ham-Radio-License-Manual-Revised-2nd-Edition/?page=1.

The classes are subject to cancellation as a result of lack of participation. The classes are taught by experienced licensed operators in the area and are completely unpaid volunteers. $15 is for the processing of the testing and licensing, and $30 is the price of the text. To attend the class please contact Roger Emery at 541-924-9262

For more on ham radio, go to http://youtu.be/WnynwMAw03k , and http://youtu.be/5Z9136_Nhh4 to see what you can accomplish and how much fun you can have as an amateur radio operator.

Commuter Staff (625 Posts)

The Commuter is a weekly student-run newspaper for LBCC, financed by student fees and advertising. Opinions expressed in the Commuter do not necessarily reflect those of the LBCC administration, faculty, and associated students of LBCC. Editorials, columns, letters, and cartoons reflect the opinions of the authors. Learn more about the Commuter?s staff of contributing writers here.

Source: http://lbcommuter.com/2012/10/22/ham-radio-classes-being-offered/

2013 srt viper scott walker recall fisker atlantic social darwinism jamie lynn spears wisconsin recall election april 4