If there is enough public interest and time permitting, NORAC tries to hold in class basic licence courses in Amateur Radio.
Classes typically run 2-2.5 hours, and will run two nights per week, for 6-8 weeks. This splits the content into absorbable chunks and makes it easier for us to schedule our team of volunteer instructors.
Given the latest changes and updates by ISED (Innovation, Science and Economic Development) to the Amateur Radio courses, we are finding that “in-person” classes are less convenient for most people. Therefore, NORAC has tried to adapt and offers a hybrid course.
NORAC is now offering self directed online courses to the general public for free. There is assistance offered by NORAC for registered students as they make their way through the course.
To co-ordinate exams and student assistance, the club offers tentative start and end dates, based on those interested in taking the course. However, feel free to take the course in a time a schedule that suits your needs.
NORAC has “in house” examiners available, so at the end of each course, exams can be arranged at a set time for a nominal fee to cover examiners/examination costs.
The exam is a 100 question multiple-choice written test. Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada is the issuing body to gain a Federal licence for amateur radio operation. A score of 70% is a pass, and a score above 80% is considered passing with 'honours' which unlocks additional frequencies for new operators.
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What is Amateur Radio?
Amateur radio (ham radio) is the licensed and private amateur use of designated radio bands, for purposes of recreation, non-commercial exchange of messages, global wireless communication, experimentation, self-training, and emergency communications.
Why attend?
Amateur Radio frequencies and mountain top repeaters can then be legally utilised by licensed operators in times of emergency, or for general communications.
If you are an avid outdoors person, snowmobiler, hiker, or hunter etc., basic equipment can be used to contact other licensed amateur radio operators. It is also possible to make a phone call when deep in the bush well outside of cellular range or for emergency contacts.