nofars.net

If you enjoy using radio to communicate, get started now on earning your  FCC Amateur Radio license.  You can have fun designing an effective station, experimenting with antennas, talking with others and meeting new friends.  

In addition to using a base station, you can operate portable or mobile from your car or truck.

You can participate in local, regional, national and international networks, or nets, that meet daily or weekly on the air.  Some are aimed toward specific purposes while others are general interest.  Most welcome you to join in.

In addition to analog voice nets, a variety of voice and data digital systems connect operators locally and over longer distances.

If you prefer competitive events, weekend radio contest sponsors welcome your participation.  A variety of operating awards are popular with hams. See how many countries, states or even U.S. counties that you can contact. 

While some operators have tall towers and elaborate arrays, many operate effectively using low profile antennas.  If you live in a restricted development, see our information on home owner associations   and simple antennas for tips.

Also, you can assist your neighbors and community by providing public service communications, especially when normal communications and utilities are disrupted.

To earn your entry-level (Technician) license, you must score 75% or higher on a 35-question multiple-choice exam. 

Formal classes are offered through several sources when justified by a minimum number of registrants.

Most earn their licenses without attending formal classes.  The question pool can be downloaded from the FCC web site http://www.fcc.gov or via  http://www.arrl.org/tech-question-pool

Online web sites offering sample tests and drills can be located through Internet search engines. One site is http://kb6nu.com/tech-manual/

TESTING OPPORTUNITIES

Opportunities to take an exam for your license are plentiful in northeastern Florida.  NOFARS sponsors weeknight testing each quarter.  Other organizations provide weekend testing.

Click on the FCC TESTING link in the upper right part of this page for details about NOFARS testing.

To find a convenient testing session, access  www.arrl.org and click on "Licensing, Education & Training" near the top of the main page. Under "Resources," click on "Find An Exam Session."

Click the "Amateur Radio Advice and Information" link on the right side of this page for more details on getting started.

LICENSE STUDY GUIDES

Detailed printed study guides are available through the American Radio Relay League web site

ARRL offers a variety of Technician, General and Amateur Extra class study guides in several formats.  Click on the Licensing, Education and Training link at left.

Another good source for study material is the www.w5yi.com web site. The W5YI Technician Class Study Manual  is a good reference.

 ATTEND  NOFARS MEETINGS

All who are interested in Amateur Radio, whether licensed yet or not are invited.

Meetings are held monthly except August, usually at Ed White High School; 1700 Old Middleburg Rd., near Interstate 295 and Normandy Blvd.  Meetings begin at 7:00PM.

Informative meeting programs help you understand a variety of operating modes.  If you have a question or problem, NOFARS meetings offer an excellent opportunity for you to seek help and guidance.