OKALOOSA COUNTY, Fla. – Have an interest in becoming a ham radio operator? An entry-level class for the amateur radio technician license will be held in Niceville beginning Feb. 19. Registration is now open, the North Okaloosa Amateur Radio Club has announced.
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Those with a technician class license have all ham radio privileges above 30 MHz. These privileges include the very popular 2-meter band.
According to the North Okaloosa Amateur Radio Club, those who complete the course will:
- Learn the information to pass the FCC license exam and get their own call sign
- Be able to send email messages when the Internet is down and cell towers are overloaded
- Have the ability to communicate with the county emergency operations center
- Be able to support special events (such as parades) in the community
- Meet other “hams” in the local area
- NOT be required to learn Morse Code
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Classes will be held on at the Rocky Bayou Baptist Church in Niceville on Tuesdays, 6:45 p.m. to 9 p.m., beginning on Feb. 19 and ending on March 21. The cost is $15 for the class and $20 for the book. The cost for additional family member and students is $8. There is no charge for those under age 18.
To begin the registration process, email Bob Hurley at school@w4aaz.org with your phone number. You will be contacted with registration information.
The registration deadline is Feb. 3, 2023.
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According to the National Association for Amateur Radio, many Technician licensees enjoy using small (2-meter) hand-held radios to stay in touch with other hams in their area. Technicians may operate FM voice, digital packet (computers), television, single-sideband voice, and several other interesting modes. You can even make international radio contacts via satellites using relatively simple station equipment.
