Classes to obtain ham licenses:

Classes are held in the Science Center for those wanting to earn their ham
licenses, or to upgrade to a higher class license.  Classes are open to anyone
who can read the manual and take a 30 question test.

There is no cost for the classes, but you will need to buy a License Manual which
is available in the Science Center Gift Shop for $20.00, and the cost of taking
the test for your license is $14.00.

You can get further information and/or sign up for the classes by contacting:

Dennis,  KAØDOS,   (515) 279-8942
Don,   KCØWJ,      (515) 279-5722 or 321-4902

Testing to obtain ham licenses:

The tests will be given on  Mar. 19, May 21, July 16, Sept. 17,
and Nov 19.The tests are given at the North Warren County Fire Station
located at SW 7th and Army Post Road.  Sign-up starts at 12:30 pm and the
tests start at 1:00 pm.  The administration fee for each test in 2006 is $14.00.

Although walk-ins will be accepted, it would be best to call in advance to make
sure the test you want to take is being planned.  Contact Dan Miller, KCØFRL
at 515-285-7981 or 515-491-0186.  Tests are also given in other locations
in Central Iowa, so if the time or location does not fit your schedule, contact
Dan or visit http://www.scarc.networkiowa.com to find other locations or times
that might be more convenient.

There are three license classes:

Technician Class.

 Hams enter the hobby as Technicians by passing a 35 question
multiple-choice examination.  No Morse code test is required.  The examination
covers basic regulations, operating practices, and electronics theory, with a
focus on VHF and UHF applications.  Technician Class operators are authorized
to use all amateur VHF and UHF frequencies (all frequencies above 50 MHz)
Technicians who pass a 5 WPM Morse code examination are entitled to limited
power outputs on certain HF frequencies.  "Technicians with HF" may operate on
the 80, 40, and 15 meter bands, using CW, and on the 10 meter band using CW,
voice, and digital modes.

General Class

The General Class is a giant step up in operating privileges.
The high-power HF privileges granted to General licensees allow for cross-country
and worldwide communication.  Some people prefer to earn the General Class
license as their first ticket, so they may operate on HF right away.  Technicians
may upgrade to General Class by passing a 5 WPM Morse code test and a 35
question multiple-choice examination.  The written exam covers intermediate
regulations, operating practices, and electronics theory, with a focus on HF
applications.  In addition to the Technician privileges, General Class operators
are authorized to operate on any frequency in the 160, 30, 17, 12 and 10 meter
bands.  They may also use significant segments of the 80, 40, 20 and 15 meter
bands.

Extra Class

The HF bands can be awfully crowded, particularly at the top of
the solar cycle.  Once one earns HF privileges, one may quickly yearn for more
room. The Extra Class license is the answer.  General Class licensees may
upgrade to Extra Class by passing a 50 question multiple-choice examination.
No further Morse code test is required.  in addition to some of the more
obscure regulations, the test covers specialized operating practices, advanced
electronics theory, and radio equipment design.  Frankly, the test is very difficult,
but others have passed it, and you can, too.  Extra Class licensees are authorized
to operate on all frequencies allocated to the Amateur Service.

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