Skyview Radio Society Clubhouse in Lower Burrell

Skyview Radio Society is having a one-day Amateur Radio Technician Class license coarse this December 1st from 8:00am to 6:00pm.

The class is free. The student will need to buy the Amateur Radio License Manual, Technician Class from www.arrl.org or order on-line from most book stores. Class starts at 8:00am and will end later that same day with a test session.

Ham radio is a life long hobby and a great companion to computer technologies. Class will be at the Skyview clubhouse on Turkey Ridge Road in Upper Burrell Township. Directions are on the Skyview web site home page- www.skyviewradio.net

Amateur radio is an all volunteer service made up of people from all walks of life. From the most famous people you know, to the average "Joe". They are typically folks that are public service minded and are interested in the way things work. Every amateur radio operator has his or her own reasons for being in the hobby. Ham radio has so many different aspects that you can spend your whole life exploring them all. From morse code and voice communications, to digital and video modes. From public safety communications to looking for people in rare countries to make contact with, to talking to astronauts on the International Space Station! These are just a few of the many aspects of amateur radio. The FCC is the governing body that makes the rules and gives us use of the radio frequencies that we hold. Amateur radio operators have a long and impressive history of public service and helping out in times of emergency. Did you know about 150 amateur radio operators participate in the Pittsburgh Marathon? We provide communications for all aspects of the race. Not just the marathon either. You will find us at The Race For The Cure and other major events. There are contests and special event stations such as stations set up at various lighthouses around the world and many other special locations. These are just a few areas that amateur radio can be found. There are many, many more!

What does it take to become an amateur radio operator? You need an FCC granted license to use amateur radio frequencies. To get a license you need to know some things about amateur radio operating procedures, electronic theory, and FCC rules, also morse code for higher license classes. There are three classes of amateur radio licenses. the first being Technician class, then General class, and finally the Extra class license. Each license comes with increased operating privileges, and a more involved test. Learning morse code is required for the General and Extra class licenses. Once you get your license, it is up to you as to what you do with it and how far you want to go.

Contact Robert Bastone at 724-448-5774