FCC Licensing

ALEXANDRIA RADIO CLUB
FCC LICENSE SCHOOL
DIGITAL REGISTRATION FORM
(Spring Class Schedule)

REGISTRATION NOW CLOSED

First Class Date:  Each Tuesday, March 2, 2021 (tentative start).
The required FCC Exam will be given on the last session on May 11, 2021.
Class Start Time: 1900 hours until 2100 hours ( 7:00 PM to 9:00 PM)
Teaching Site: Alexandria Police Department Headquarters, 3600 Wheeler Ave, Alexandria, VA (Just off Duke Street about 1 block west of Quaker Lane) (Changed to Zoom Meetings)
Cost: ARRL License Manual $30.00 + FCC Exam Fee $15.00 + Class Material $5.00 = $50.00. We prefer cash or checks at the first class since PayPal charges us transaction fees.


FCC License School Coordinator: Rich Adamy, KA4GFY

For additional information contact Rich at (703) 969-6615 or ka4gfy@arrl.net.

Rich is assisted by a cadre of instructors who were electronic and communications specialists in local industry and/or military training centers. All are Extra Class licensees and several have commercial FCC licenses.

The FCC License Class Syllabus covers 400 question topics from which 35 pool questions make up the license exam. Classes incorporate ARRL PowerPoint Topics & Film Clips portraying the historical evolution of radio communications. License practice exam questions are available on the Internet.

Learning International Morse Code is NOT an FCC license requirement, but is highly encouraged.

FCC Title 47 Telecommunications Part 97 Amateur Radio Service Federal Regulations

Amateur Radio is rewarding hobby enjoyed by people all over the world.  Amateur radio operators or “Hams” enjoy the privilege to experiment with and use a wide range of radio frequencies from HF to Microwaves.  With these privileges there are technical and legal responsibilities.  All amateur radio operators in the United States must posses a valid FCC license and operate according to the rules set forth by the Federal Communication Commission.  There are three Amateur radio license exams Technician, General and Extra each offering increasing privileges but requiring more knowledge.  Tests are given by “VE” volunteer examiners which are other hams who have volunteered their time to administer and grade the test on behalf of the FCC.

The Alexandria Radio Club offers classes to assist hams in getting or upgrading their license.

Classes Offered


Technician:

Hand-held transceiver
Hand-held transceiver

The entry level for ham radio.  Talk around town on a hand-held radio using “repeaters” provided by groups of fellow hams.  That’s called “two meters” and “four-forty”.  Talk regionally on “six meters” and “ten meters”; when propagation is good you can even get to the Caribbean!  The test is 30 questions mostly about operating principles, the FCC rules, and enough technical information to connect the radio, pick the frequencies, and operate.  This takes 10 weeks of two-hour classes and, depending on the student’s background, lots of study and sample test taking.

 

General:

HF vertical antenna
HF vertical antenna

Opens up world-wide communications. Talk around the world on most of the popular “HF bands” with as much antenna and power as you can afford!  There’s a lot more to learn about electronics so there’s more technical material than in the Technician class.  You have to pass the Technician test before you can take the General exam.  The test is 30 questions with the operating principles and the FCC rules that fit international communications.  And there’s more technical content.  This takes 10 weeks of two-hour classes and, depending on the student’s background, lots of study and sample test taking.

Extra:

A license that allows the use of all the ham bands, especially those frequencies used in long-distance contests.  It also qualifies you to become a license examiner for all levels.  It’s pretty technical.  You know your electronics and the formulas by the time you pass this test.  The exam is 50questions dominated by technical content.  You must have passed the Technician and General exams to take the Extra test.  This takes 10 weeks of two-hour classes and, depending on the student’s background, lots of study and sample test taking.

 

Morse Code:

Morse Code Key
Morse Code Key

It’s now optional; it’s no longer required to get a General and higher license.  Ironically it’s gaining popularity now that it’s optional!  There are occasional meetings of the class and weekly code practice sessions on a radio net.

 

FCC License School Syllabus and Faculty Instructors: