Activities
Training Courses
Amateur radio hobbyists are often lumped together with CB radio enthusiasts in the public's consciousness, but the two groups are typically very different from each other in a number of ways. One difference lies in the knowledge required to use amateur radio equipment.
Amateurs are permitted by regulating authorities to use large portions of the radio spectrum, instead of the single tiny portion reserved for CB. They can transmit in many different modes (not just voice), and transmit at up to 250 times more output power than CBers. There is therefore a higher potential for interfering with other spectrum users and equipment, and even a chance of harming people or damaging property.
For these reasons, amateurs around the world must be trained and government-certified for their hobby. In Canada, would-be amateurs must pass certification exams administered by the federal government's Industry Canada department.
Industry Canada Exams
The Industry Canada exams are designed to test that amateurs know enough to not cause interference or harm to anyone (including themselves). To pass the exams, amateurs must know or learn about electricity and electronics, radio design, antennas, transmission lines, digital modes, government regulations, and more. Passage of the Basic Level exam is required, and optional Advanced Level and Morse Code exams are available.
While some would-be amateurs study the material and pass the exams on their own, most take training courses to learn the sometimes-complicated material, usually courses provided at very low cost by clubs like ours.
Basic Course
Our club regularly offers a training course for the Basic Exam, one evening per week for ten weeks. The course includes teaching, demonstrations and presentations, lots of opportunity for questions, and ends with administration of the Industry Canada exam by our club's government-authorized examiners. The cost is very modest - currently under $100 - and includes a textbook and other materials, club membership, and the examination.
Advanced Course
The Advanced certification gives an amateur expanded operating privileges - such as using self-built radios, or operating repeaters - in exchange for proving deeper knowledge of radio's fundamentals.
We offer a training course for the Advanced exam, one evening per week for six weeks, in a similar format to the Basic course and also ending with the Industry Canada exam.
Morse Code Training
Although Morse Code is no longer a requirement for amateur certification, many amateurs continue to use it and so our club offers Morse Code training by experienced operators.
Our Courses Are For Everyone
All of these courses are carefully tailored to the students' needs. Students with no background at all in electronics or other radio-related disciplines are usually successful in our courses. The courses are offered on an as-needed basis, usually at least once per year, with the start date determined by the number of students interested.
If you are interested in taking one of our training courses, please contact us. We can tell you when the next course is planned. We can also answer any questions you may have about taking the course, and about beginning or extending your exploration of the wide world of amateur radio.
For more information, come out to one of our meetings (no invitation required) or contact us via our Contact Us page.
