Becoming an Amateur Radio Operator
Are you interested in:
- Radio Communications
- Connecting with people
- Computers
- Electronics
- Taking things apart
- Putting things back together again
- Experimenting
- Science
If so, perhaps Amateur Radio is for you. It is also known as Ham Radio. Ham Radio is a popular term for Amateur Radio, derived from "ham" as an informal name for an amateur radio operator.
Amateur Radio is many things to many people. Your first step to become a ham could be as simple as dropping in to one of the SaDARA Informal Coffee Gatherings on a Saturday morning and introducing yourself as interested in Amateur Radio. There is usually about 10 of us there and one or all of us will be happy to assist you in your journey to become a licensed Amateur Radio Operator. Feel free to contact us at the club email as well with any questions you have.
What does it take to become a licenced Amateur Radio Operator? You will need to learn some simple electronic theory and pass an examination. While SaDARA does not currently offer courses, there are some online self study courses and once you are ready, SaDARA can set you up with a local examiner.
The following are some of the online resources:
RAC Basic Qualification Amateur Radio Course: Fall 2024 - Radio Amateurs of Canada
Online Study Course - https://www.clares.ca/
ALGOMA AMATEUR RADIO CLUB
Basic:
https://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=Algoma+Amateur+Radio+Club+Basic+Course
Advanced:
https://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=Algoma+Amateur+Radio+Club+Advanced+Course
The standard reference books are the Coax Publications Basic (Green) and Advanced (Blue) study guides. Ron Ford has copies available for purchase.
There are other written materials available as well from the Internet. Google search:
https://www.google.ca/search?query=Canadian+Amateur+Radio+Club+Basic+Course&search=1#ip=1
Alvin VE5XAM is the examiner for the Saskatoon area.