Where to Start?

There are many ways to learn, so don’t stick to just one.  

  • Club Field Events
  • Ham study courses
  • Club meetings

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

You have several options.  If you are short on money, the club has several free options as well.  Here are our recommendations:

  1. Join the ARRL (https://www.arrl.org/) through the club by contacting our secretary 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 ARRL website, we will sign you up as a club member.)
  2. 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.  The printed books are be available for you to borrow for free until you are done with the class.  You can also purchase the books from hamradioschool if you want to keep them.
  3. We provide free comprehensive online study courses from hamradioschool.com to help you prepare for Technician, General, and Extra class licenses.  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.  

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