In the quiet town of Springdale, Wisconsin, where technology often played second fiddle to tradition, lived a young man named Alex. Growing up surrounded by smartphones and instant messaging, he was drawn to the allure of technology. However, it was not the flashy apps or the latest gadgets that captured his imagination; it was the subtle whisper of radio waves, the hum of electronics, and the promise of connecting with the world through ham radio.
Continue reading “A Ham Radio Fable … once upon a time… .”How to get a license
1. Understand the License Levels
- Technician: Entry-level, grants access to VHF and UHF bands.
- General: Allows access to more HF bands.
- Extra: Grants access to all amateur radio bands.
2. Study for the Exam
- Technician License: Study materials typically cover basic electronics, radio theory, and operating procedures. Books, online courses, and practice exams are available.
- General and Extra Licenses: More advanced study is required, including deeper technical knowledge and operating rules. Resources like the ARRL (American Radio Relay League) provide study guides and practice tests.
3. Find a Testing Location
- Exams are administered by Volunteer Exam Coordinators (VECs). You can find test sessions through local amateur radio clubs or on the VEC websites. The ARRL VEC, W5YI VEC, and other organizations can help you locate a testing session near you.
4. Register for the Exam
- Check the testing schedule and register for a test session. Some VECs allow you to register online.
5. Prepare Required Documents
- Photo ID: A government-issued photo ID (driver’s license, passport).
- FCC Registration Number (FRN): If you don’t already have an FRN, you can get one by registering on the FCC’s website. You’ll need this for your application.
6. Take the Exam
- Arrive at the testing location on time. The exams are typically multiple-choice and administered in a proctored setting. You’ll need to pay a small fee, usually around $15.
7. Receive Your Results
- Results are usually provided on the same day. If you pass, your exam paperwork will be sent to the FCC for processing.
8. Wait for Your License
- The FCC will process your application and issue your license. This can take a few weeks. You’ll receive your call sign and license details via email or postal mail.
9. Start Operating
- Once you receive your license, you can start operating on amateur radio frequencies. Make sure to follow all regulations and operating practices.
Additional Tips:
- Join a Club: Local amateur radio clubs can offer support, resources, and community.
- Use Online Resources: Websites like QRZ.com and the ARRL offer valuable information and tools.
- Stay Updated: Regulations and procedures may change, so keep an eye on updates from the FCC and amateur radio organizations.
Good luck with your journey into amateur radio!
Heartfelt Thanks for an Unforgettable Christmas Party!
Relive the enchantment of our Christmas party, expertly organized by Danni, Heather, Pete, and Dave, as we invite you to browse through the delightful moments captured in our photo gallery – a heartfelt thank you to all who made it a night to remember!
Dear LRA Members and Guests,
We hope this message finds you still basking in the warmth and joy of the holiday season! As we bid farewell to another year, we wanted to take a moment to express our deepest gratitude to everyone who made our Christmas party a resounding success.
Continue reading “Heartfelt Thanks for an Unforgettable Christmas Party!”Christmas Party 2023
December 2023 Newsletter
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AllStar rules
We welcome anyone to connect but, please disconnect from others before connecting to us to prevent bridging.
Cross banding and linking
Be mindful of what your receiver can hear but, you may not. Please use a unique pl/ctcss to protect your receiver from unwanted signals. When not in use or not attended please disable it.
If you want to link to us permanently please contact us at board@kr9rk.com. Our preferred method is via AllStar.
AllStar Links
Start here to register for allstar you wont need to register for a node if you are just wanting to use DVSWitch for android or Repeater Phone for IPhone. You will only need to register and wait for your them to verify your account.
Hamshack Hotline Has RF links into AllStar using an IP phone.
What is a Repeater?
A repeater is an electronic device that receives a portables or mobile signal on one frequency and re-transmits the received voice audio at a higher output level on another frequency, so that the signal can cover longer distances without degradation. The term “repeater” originated with Morse code telegraphy and referred to an electro-mechanical device used to regenerate telegraph signals. Today the Lakeshore Repeater Association operate the Three KR9RK repeaters in the VHF and UHF spectrum including both analog and DMR UHF systems. These repeaters cover a large area of South Eastern Wisconsin and parts of North Eastern Illinois. These repeaters help the Ham Radio community keep in contact over long distances that would otherwise not be possible in the Very-High and Ultra-High Frequency spectrum.