Becoming an Amateur Radio Operator

Amateur Radio is a fascinating hobby that has broad appeal. More than 600,000 people in the United States are licensed in the Amateur Radio Service. Since the dawn of the radio era, licensed Amateur Radio operators have made significant and critical contributions to radio, television and other communication technologies.  Designing, building and tweaking electronic communications equipment is only one aspect of the hobby. Talking with fellow Amateurs throughout the world certainly has its appeal as does serving the public during disasters and other emergencies.

Today, becoming a licensed Amateur Radio operator is easier than ever. The requirement to learn Morse code, long an impediment to licensing for many, has been eliminated. Three license classes exist with the entry-level Technician class requiring passing a 25-question exam. The General class requires passing a 35-question test and the top level Extra class requires passing a 50-question exam.

If you're interested in joining the exciting world of Amateur Radio, you can get on the fast-track by taking a Technician-class licensing course sponsored by the Penn-Del Amateur Radio Club. Hal Frantz, KA3TWG, President of the Penn-Del ARC and Delaware County ARES-RACES Assistant Emergency Coordinator, has been successfully teaching a one-day course that culminates in the Technician class licensing exam. The success rate for those taking the course is phenomenally high. If you wish to sign up for a licensing course or obtain information, email Hal at hfrantz@comcast.net.

Learn about Amateur Radio here