Amateur (Ham) Radio basic course
Hi and welcome! You are probably looking for a course in Ham Radio.
Information below this point is for historical purposes. We are not running a waitlist at this time as we have no course dates planned.
You’ve found it, however due to the unprecedented global events in the spring of 2020, our Ham Radio Basic Course as described below this point was cancelled. Due to the hands-on nature of the material, the class is run as in-person only and is 35 hours long. Have you ever wanted to learn about Ham Radio? Our next course is in the Spring of 20xx in the March and April timeframe – comprised of one evening’s kickoff, a week study break, a full Saturday and Sunday of classroom time, a two week study break, then a full weekend of classroom time ending with the exam on Sunday afternoon.
About Ham Radio
Come and learn all about Amateur Radio and prepare for the Basic level examination. Amateur Radio (ham radio) is a popular hobby and service that brings people, electronics and communication together. People use ham radio to talk across town, around the world, or even into space, all without the Internet or cell phones. It’s fun, social, educational, and can be a lifeline during times of need.
Although Amateur Radio operators get involved for many reasons, they all have in common a basic knowledge of radio technology and operating principles, and pass an examination for the Industry Canada license to operate on radio frequencies known as the “Amateur Bands.” These bands are radio frequencies regulated by the Government of Canada for use by ham radio operators.
Getting started
If you wish to get started ahead of the course, review the links below. To help get you started, download the Industry Canada Question Bank. The question bank has every question (and answer) that is on the Basic and Advanced test. You can take practice exams on the Internet using the actual questions from the exam bank and measure your progress.
While the exam generator will help you memorize the correct answers it doesn’t teach you the theory behind the question. Come to this class and learn why ham radio works as it does, equipping you with the skills you need in the field to fully benefit from your involvement in this hobby, plus you’ll get instruction on how to operate properly.
Course dates: dates are March 5 1900-2200h, March 21&22 0900-1700h, April 4&5 0900-1700h So that’s one Thursday evening to get you started and review chapter 1, a week and a half to read ahead, one complete weekend, two weeks to read ahead and study, one weekend including the final exam on the Sunday.
Place: tbd
Exam: Basic Qualification exam included, taken on the final day
Cost: $tbd, includes one examination attempt. Textbook required, available at GPS Central for about $45
Note: Payment must be received in full by March 1 20xx. Attendance is limited and a minimum number of participants is required to run the course. Full refunds will be given in the event the course does not run.
About your instructors
Dann St-Pierre VE6TD licensed in March of 2002 and holds his Basic and Advanced level qualifications in Canada, and earned his US Extra class privilege in December 2009 and holds call sign KU7R. He is the Communications Director for the Foothills Amateur Radio Society and plays a key role in the design and maintenance of the FARS’ repeater network that covers 50,000 square kilometers of Southern Alberta.
Vince d’Eon VE6LK licensed in March of 2002 and holds his Basic, Advanced and 5wpm Morse code qualifications. He earned his US Extra class privilege in October 2014 and holds call sign AI7LK. He is the Membership Director of the Foothills Amateur Radio Society and was the lead Ham Radio operator during the High River floods of 2013, Canada’s Worst Natural Disaster. He participates in many Car Rallies and has done many other events around Western Canada as a radio coordinator or operator.
Getting Started Resources – get a jump-start on the course with these items:
Purchase: Canadian Amateur Radio Basic Qualification Study Guide
https://www.coaxpublications.ca/ord0001.php available at GPS Central in Calgary
These links require updating and may not be correct:
Review: Radio Amateurs of Canada
Review: Radio Information Circular RIC-3
Review: Regulation by Reference RBR-4
Review: Available Call Sign Lookup
Review: Exam Generator and Question Bank