Take the HAM radio course

Basic Course

Are you interested in becoming a Ham radio operator, or just want to know what Ham Radio (Amateur Radio) is all about?

The course contents follow the Coax Publications Inc Study Guide (9th. Edition). It includes about 44 hours of instruction, including classroom and hands-on sessions. This comprehensive course has successfully completed the entry-level qualifying exam for most class members, including a mix of males and females, those with and without a previous technical background, and ages from 12 or younger to over 70 years of age. We believe this is the best way to start your career in amateur radio. The first meeting will be an introduction to ham radio, and I urge anyone who thinks they may be interested in becoming a ham to attend that evening. You will have an opportunity to hear about the many exciting dimensions of our hobby and obtain detailed information about the course.

Venue & Fee

HARC Basic Qualification Amateur Radio Course (in-person) will be offered an in-person course at the Club station this fall.
Address is 2050 Hammonds Plains Rd, Hammonds Plains, NS B4B 1P3.

Cost for the course is $30. The Study Guide is $55 (see below for details)

Manual and Books

Coax Publications Inc 9th edition, 2023; this Study Guide covers and explains all topics and concepts in the current ISED examination. Some new subsections have been added to provide context for the existing material where the authors felt it was appropriate. This new printing has been compared to the ISED June 2022 question bank, covering all questions. Printed on lighter, 50 lb paper to provide a better reading experience.

PS: errata pages will be provided to update the 5th printing study guide with the new ISED content. See Coax Publications Inc website for full details. The study guide can be obtained from the club for $55 or purchased directly from Coax Publications Inc.

Exam

The final exam will be provided by one of the Club’s Volunteer Examiners (listed below). The pass rate for obtaining the Basic Certification is 70%. However, if you pass with honours (80%), you will be granted a Basic With Honours Certification that provides full operating privileges for all bands. You can also obtain full operating privileges with an initial pass rate of 70% by demonstrating Morse code proficiency at five words per minute (wpm).

Although Morse code is no longer an absolute requirement for licensing, it remains a beneficial and enjoyable aspect of our hobby. Please note there is no morse code training planned at this time..

Schedule dates for the HARC Course

Estimated start is September 20, 2025. The course runs 9am to noon for 12 weeks at Station 50.

Brian Allen VA1CC (902) 489-4656