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Join the Radio Fun
You can get involved in Amateur Radio with the International Space Station, Computer to Computer communications, and speak to the world by getting an Amateur Radio Licence. Chester & District Amateur Radio Society can support you on your journey to get a licence. We provide you with a friendly social setting to foster Amateur Radio in the general Chester area, Information and Education to those interested.
How much does it cost
You can get started listening to see what Amateur Radio is all about now, immediately, for free. Some Amateur Radio enthusiasts provide free access to their equipment on the internet. A popular one is Hack Green Cheshire. To Transmit you will require a licence, and your own equipment. Your own equipment can cost from tens of pounds upwards. To get a licence you will need training. The training is to ensure you can transmit safely, and without upsetting your neighbours.
Licenses
When you start on your amateur radio licence journey you will find different levels of licence reflecting the level of your understanding. You can achieve these three license levels – Foundation, Intermediate and Full. As you progress through the licence levels more rights are granted to you.
Getting a licence
We are a club dedicated to providing both a social setting to foster Amateur Radio in the general Chester area and for informing and educating those interested in the hobby. This applies both to our own members and to those aspiring to become licensed radio amateurs who may then wish to join our club.
The following information is provided to help those wishing to get licensed understand the different licenses available and how best to prepare for getting them.
Classes of License
There are three license levels – Foundation, Intermediate and Full. Licenses are issued by Ofcom who provide detailed information on how to become a radio amateur in this useful document which can be viewed here.
How to get started.
The Radio Society of Great Britain (RSGB) has an online bookshop which provides a number of publications aimed at preparing people to obtain the different license levels. For some this may be all that is needed to acquire the necessary level of understanding for success. Details of the current publications can be seen here. If you are an RSGB member there is a small discount.
Online Training.
The current trend for getting rapid success with progress in obtaining a license is by using Online Training aids. Different online aids focus on different license levels which are described below;
Foundation License (Essex Ham)
The Essex Ham Website has a comprehensive package of material geared at steering newcomers towards gaining Foundation License status.
Intermediate License & Full Licenses (Bath Based Distance Learning)
The Bath Based Distance Learning Website has learning packages aimed at gaining both Intermediate and Full License status. The website gives dates of when the training is running and who is providing it.
Foundation, Intermediate & Full Licenses (Online Amateur Radio Community)
The Online Amateur Radio Community Website provides a rolling program of courses; Foundation, Intermediate, and Full. Starting in January, February, April and repeating July, August and October each year.
UK Full License Maths - GW4OKT
For those wanting to refresh or gain a better understanding of any maths required in the Full License exam club member Keith GW4OKT has prepared an excellent resource which can be viewed here.
Summary
It's likely that the choice of which online resource suits best will vary with each individual. In all cases there is a provision for individual mentoring with each online resource to support the learning process.
As a Society we are able to offer locally based mentors to whom you can be put in touch. By joining us as a member you will also get that additional level of information which is sometimes difficult to acquire during formal training.
For any further info either pop along to a club meeting or email via the Contact Us link below.