Technician Theory Classes
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The license for beginners is the
Technician Class license, which no longer requires a Morse
Code examination, and gives you all ham radio privileges above
30 Megahertz (MHz). These privileges include the very popular
2-meter band. Many Technician licensees enjoy using small
2-meter hand-held radios to stay in touch with other hams in
their area. Technicians may operate FM voice, digital packet
(computers), television, single-sideband voice and several other
interesting modes. They can even make international radio
contacts via satellites, using relatively simple equipment. To
earn a Technician Class License, you'll need to pass the
Technician written exam. These are multiple-choice tests,
written with beginners in mind. You'll study topics such as
radio operating practices, FCC rules and basic electrical
theory. Knowledge of Morse code is not required.
For the Technician class you
will need the following:
The ARRL Ham Radio
License Manual. First edition © 2006-2007, published by The
American Radio Relay League, Inc. (ISBN: 0-87259-963-9)
#9639 -- $24.95
Publications are available from the ARRL, 225
Main St., Newington, CT 06111.
http://www.arrl.org/catalog/ or Order Toll-Free 1-888-277-5289
General Theory Classes
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The General Class is a giant
step up in operating privileges. The high-power HF privileges
granted to General licensees allow for cross-country and
worldwide communication. Some people prefer to earn the General
Class license as their first ticket, so they may operate on HF
right away.
Technicians may upgrade to General Class
by passing a 35-question multiple-choice examination. The
written exam covers intermediate regulations, operating
practices, and electronics theory, with a focus on HF
applications. A Morse code test is no longer required.
In addition to the Technician privileges,
General Class operators are authorized to operate on any
frequency in the 160, 30, 17, 12, and 10 meter bands. They may
also use significant segments of the 80, 40, 20, and 15 meter
bands.
For the General class you
will need the following:
The ARRL General Class
License Manual. Sixth edition © 2007, published by The
American Radio Relay League, Inc. (ISBN: 0-87259-996-5)
#9965 -- $24.95
Publications are available from the ARRL, 225
Main St., Newington, CT 06111.
http://www.arrl.org/catalog/ or Order Toll-Free
1-888-277-5289
Extra Theory Classes
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The HF bands can be awfully crowded, particularly at
the top of the solar cycle. Once one earns HF privileges, one may quickly
yearn for more room.
The Extra Class license is the answer.
General licensees upgrade to Extra Class by passing
a 50-question multiple-choice examination. In addition to some of
the more obscure regulations, the test covers specialized operating
practices, advanced electronics theory, and radio equipment design.
A Morse code test is no longer required.
Frankly, the test is very difficult, but others have
passed it, and you can too.
Extra Class licensees are authorized to operate on
all frequencies allocated to the Amateur Service.
For the Extra class you will need the
following:
The ARRL Extra Class License Manual.
Ninth edition © 2008, published by The American Radio Relay League, Inc. (ISBN:
0-87259-135-2) #1352 -- $24.95
Publications are available the ARRL, 225 Main St., Newington, CT
06111.
http://www.arrl.org/catalog/
or Order Toll-Free 1-888-277-5289
