The following frequently asked questions (FAQs) are provided to help answer prospective student's questions on the technician ham radio class. Any additional questions on the class or obtaining an amateur radio license may be sent to Rich Adamy KA4GFY at ka4gfy@arrl.net.
Q:
What is the Technician amateur radio license?
A: The Technician license
is the introductory amateur radio license. There are a total of four license types:
Technician, Technician with Morse code, General and Extra. Each license type,
beyond the entry level Technician, provide additional operating frequency privileges.
Q: What can I do with the Technician amateur radio license?
A:
The Technician license allows you to operate an amateur radio station on all amateur
radio frequencies above 30 MHz. The Technician frequency privileges include the
popular 2 meter band where most local and area communication occurs. An amateur
with the Technician license can use voice repeaters using a mobile or hand-held
radio to communication with other hams in the area or around the world via internet
connections or amateur radio satellites. Many hams use their technician license
to participate as severe weather storm spotters or to provide emergency communications
support.
Q: Will I have my Technician amateur radio license at the end
of the technician class?
A: The class will prepare you to take the Technician
amateur radio license exam, known of Element 2. The license examination session
is administered by Volunteer Examiners (VEs) who are hams from the local area.
The scheduled VE testing session will be held on the final night of class.
Q:
Do I have to know Morse code to get my amateur radio license?
A: Morse
code is not required for the entry level Technician license. However, passing
a 5 word-per-minute code exam does provide more frequency privileges. The 5 word-per-minute
code exam is also required for the more advanced General and Extra licenses.
Q:
Are there any age requirements to get an amateur radio license?
A: No,
anyone can obtain an amateur radio license as long as they pass the license exam.
Q: How do I enroll to take the technician ham radio class?
A:
You may register by emailing Rich Adamy KA4GFY at ka4gfy@arrl.net
Q:
How much does the technician (or General) ham radio class cost?
A: The
fee for the technician class is $45. The fee includes the exam fee and a copy
of the "The ARRL Ham Radio License Manual - All you need to become an Amateur
Radio Operator" (also known as the Technician Class Manual).
Q:
Where and when does the technician ham radio class meet?
A: The technician
ham radio class will meet on 12 consecutive Tuesday evenings at INOVA Alexandria
Hospital, Training Rooms 1 and 2, 4320 Seminary Road, Alexandria, VA. The class
will start at 7:00 p.m. and end at approximately 9:00 p.m.
Q: Will there
be ham radio class homework?
A: Following each class, the student will
be expected to review the material presented during the class, read the appropriate
chapters in "The ARRL Ham Radio License Manual - All you need to become an
Amateur Radio Operator" study guide and review questions in the question
pool for the Technician exam. The complete question pool for the Technician exam
is published in "The ARRL Ham Radio License Manual - All you need to become
an Amateur Radio Operator" publication. Computer software and web sites are
also available to assist reviewing the question pool and to take "practice"
tests.
Q: Where and when do I take the Technician amateur radio license
exam?
A: The Alexandria Radio Club provides license exam sessions twice
a year. Club members serve as Volunteer Examiners (VEs) for the testing sessions
with a VE testing session being held on the final night of class. Prior registration
for the VE testing session is not required and you do not have to be a class member
to come take an exam. The fee for walk in exams is $14.00.
Q: What topics
are covered on the Technician license exam?
A: The Technician license exam,
known as Element 2, consists of 35 multiple-choice questions. The test covers
basic FCC rules, communications methods and procedures, basic electronics and
safety topics. A passing score is 70% or 26 questions answered correctly.
Q:
Who are the instructors for the technician ham radio class?
A: All instructors
are members of The Alexandria Amateur Radio Club and hold Extra Class amateur
radio licenses.
Q: Do I need a radio to attend the class?
A.
A radio is not needed to attend the class. The instructors will demonstrate different
types of amateur radio equipment during the class and there will be discussion
on what characteristics to consider when purchasing your first radio.