Where to Start?
There are many ways to learn how to get the most out of radios. Each method will give you valuable knowledge and skill, so don’t stick to just one. Attending a club field event will give you hands-on time with experienced operators. If there is a field event happening soon, then this is an ideal way to get started. If not, you can start by studying. Nothing compliments real world knowledge like hitting the books.
Club Field Events
Join us during our exciting club field events where members can gain practical experience in ham radio operations. Upcoming events should be listed on every page of the website. Have a look and see if you can find something that fits your schedule. These hands-on sessions provide opportunities to:
- Set up and operate radio equipment in real-world conditions
- Learn antenna construction and deployment techniques
- Practice emergency communication protocols
- Engage with experienced operators for mentorship
Ham Study Courses
Studying for your license is an important step if you want to be highly competent. You have several options to study. If you are short on money, the club has several free options as well. Here are our recommendations:
- Join the ARRL (https://www.arrl.org/) through the club by contacting us at info@cwarc.club. The ARRL has a wide variety of study courses for licensing as well as short courses on specific topics. If you want to learn, this is a great resource. (Don’t join on the ARLL website, we will sign you up as a club member.)
- Purchase learning materials. There are many good learning programs available for you to purchase online. As a club, we like hamradioschool.com, but they are not your only option. Some of the programs available are books, some are online courses.
- We provide free comprehensive online study courses from hamradioschool.com to help you prepare for Technician, General, and Extra class licenses. Features include: To get it for free, sign up through the club (info@cwarc.club) and pay CWARC for the cost of your class, and when you pass your license exam we'll reimburse you the full cost of the material. The printed books will be available for you to borrow if you choose, and you will return them when you are done with the class. You can also purchase the books from hamradioschool if you want to keep them.
Short-Form Lectures at Club Meetings
Every club meeting concludes with an informative short lecture designed to enhance your ham radio knowledge. Topics include:
- How to get the most from Ham, GMRS and CB Radios
- Basic and Advanced radio concepts.
- Digital modes and software-defined radio.
- Regulatory updates and best practices
Monthly Q&A Sessions
Our monthly Q&A sessions are listed in the events section of every CWARC web page for members studying for their ham radio license exams, but they are open for anyone who wants to know more about any related topic. These sessions offer:
- Direct interaction with experienced licensees
- Clarification on complex exam topics
- Study tips and resource recommendations
- Support for Technician, General, and Extra class exams
Email info@cwarc.club to RSVP so we can be sure to have the learning materials that you will need available.