Northwest Illinois Amateur Radio Club
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Getting a Ham License

The Federal Communications Commission licenses Ham radio operators.

Morse code proficiency is no longer required for any of the license classes.

There are 3 license classes: Technician (easiest), General and Extra (most difficult). 

Operating priveleges increase with the license class.

Passing a written test is all that is required.

The NWIARC holds classes to prepare people for the tests & administers the tests. Approximately 4 class sessions are enough to pass the Technician test.

Operating activities:

Ham radio has many facets so that almost everyone can find something that they enjoy. Operating activities range from contacting the International Space Station and bouncing signals off of the moon to chatting with neighbors across town.

Operating modes range from Morse code and voice to sending television signals to other hams. A modest station will let you make contacts around the world when conditions are good. Many hams have stations in their vehicles so that they can have fun while driving.

Handi-talkies the size of a cell phone connecting through a repeater allow local contacts from wherever the ham is.

Interested in getting a ham license? Contact us.