PORT ANGELES — Free classes for amateur radio enthusiasts who want to earn licenses will be offered beginning Saturday.
The three classes for those interested in earning entry-level technician class (Level 1) or general class (Level 2) amateur radio licenses will continue April 9 and April 16.
Classes are from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., with a one-hour lunch break, in the training room at the Port Angeles Fire Department at Fifth and Laurel streets.
The free classes will be presented by Clallam County Amateur Radio Club volunteers.
Each student must purchase an American Radio Relay League (ARRL) Ham Radio License Manual Level I or The ARRL General Class License Manual at a cost of $32.95. These books are available from the ARRL.
Students will learn rules and regulations, basic electronics, operating amateur radios and radio frequency safety.
Testing will be at 1 p.m. April 16 after a short class and review that morning.
Tests cost $15 for FCC processing.
All classes of amateur radio license tests will be administered — technician, general and extra.
Test questions are based on the ARRL study guides, which contain all the information required to take the FCC license exams. The manuals contain all of the actual questions that appear on the tests.
Those earning entry-level licenses will be able to communicate with other hams worldwide and to participate in the Amateur Radio Emergency Service.
Each test participant must provide either a Social Security number or an FCC-issued Federal Registration Number. Participants are encouraged to apply for a registration number prior to the test session.
Participants also must have legal photo ID.
Those upgrading a current amateur license must bring a photocopy of the current license to turn in to the examiners.
For more information or to register for the class, call Chuck Jones at 360-775-8201 or Dennis Tilton at 360-452-1217.