Getting On the Air

Back in 2022, I was on the path to FINALLY using the privileges granted by the Amateur Radio license that I earned decades ago. In my “Getting That First Contract in 2022” (https://www.apirateontheprairie.com/post/getting-that-first-contact-in-2022) post, I mentioned that I had been reviewing the study materials for the Technician class exam with the intention and expectation of getting comfortable with the rules and practices of the amateur radio service before finally getting on the air. Well, that fell through. As things are sometimes wont to do, other priorities took precedence and that “resolution” didn’t happen.

With the disastrous impact that Hurricane Helene has had on communications systems and infrastructure, I am once again reminded of the role that amateur radio operators and technicians can play in their communities particularly as it concerns emergency communications and disaster relief efforts. If some disaster befell me and the people of Northern Illinois, I realize that I wouldn’t be as helpful and useful as I could be because I am not prepared to help with the communications effort beyond performing grunt work. That is unacceptable.

I need to set aside some time each day to reviewing the exam preparation materials and then start getting some experience and getting involved. I need to take some of the available training relating to emergency communications.

The nation could definitely benefit from having more trained, experienced amateur radio operators and technicians, particularly during emergencies. So I need to get active and get involved. But what about you? You have a community with your own family, friends, and neighbors. What if they need help? Are you prepared to provide a service to them? Could learning how to operate a radio effectively during an emergency be useful?

It has clearly never been easier to get licensed and get active in amateur radio. I learned earlier today that you can now take the licensing exams remotely versus traveling to a testing site to take the exams. Below is a link to an article about such remote testing and a link to the American Radio Relay League page devoted to getting the necessary education/training and getting licensed. With some time and some effort, you might actually beat me in getting onto the airwaves.

“Can you take the ham radio license test online?”

https://t.co/wToXyHA3vh

“Licensing, Education & Training”

http://www.arrl.org/licensing-education-training