Training

How we can help you to become a Radio amateur

Amateur Radio is a fascinating and sociable hobby that captivates the interest of millions around the world. Operators come from all walks of life and whether they prefer Morse code, voice communication, digital messages or TV transmission, they share an interest in radio communication. Ham radio offers the chance to speak to people across the globe, the make friends, to experiment and build equipment and to operate a station from your home. Entry to the hobby has never been easier. But to be able to transmit, you must obtain an amateur licence. In this country there are three types. Each gives a different level of privileges and requires exams at a different level to be passed.

Foundation Licence

The Foundation licence designed to get you involved in amateur radio quickly. Before you are allowed to transmit, it's important that you know how your radio works, the dangers of interfering with other radio users and the rules and regulations of holding a transmitting licence. To learn these skills, you take a Foundation licence training course. Most of the training is practical but there is a small amount of theory. The courses are run in an informal atmosphere and take about 10-12 hours. At the end, you will sit a short exam of 25 multiple-choice questions. Your paper will be marked on the spot. Once you have passed, you can apply for your M6-series call sign which enables you to operate on all bands without supervision but with a power restriction of 10 Watts.

Intermediate Licence

After experience at the Foundation level, you may wish to step up to the Intermediate licence where permitted power levels are increased to 50 watts. This course is longer than the previous course and aims to teach many of the fundamentals of radio by undertaking tasks like soldering and building a small project. After completing the course, you will sit the Intermediate licence exam, another multiple-choice test. Successful completion allows you to apply for 2E0-series call sign.

Full Licence

This is the highest level of licence which allows the holder to use up to 400 Watts of power. To gain, it you must pass the Advanced Radio Communications Examination. It's more advanced than the Intermediate, covering radio theory and licence conditions, electro-magnetic compatability, antenna design and safety in some depth. There is no requirement to take a formal training course, because the examination is theory-based. However, many Denby Dale club members have taken the club course run by lead tutor, Gerald, G3SDY, where studying is fun and the pass rate is high.

If you are interested in becoming a radio amateur and wish to take one of our courses, please speak to Gerald, G3SDY, on 01484 602905.