Becoming an Amateur Radio Operator
So… you said I have to study. Does that mean I can’t just buy a radio and start talking? That is correct. To transmit as a Ham Radio Operator, you need to be licensed by the FCC. There are three levels of licensing: Technician / General / Amateur Extra
Here is a good article by the ARRL on the three levels: Why Should I Get Licensed
How hard is the test? With a little study using some great tools available online, you will have no problem passing your Technician Exam. The exam consists of 35 multiple choice questions. You need to answer 26 questions correctly (74%) to pass. Easy!
Here are some links to phone apps that many use to study. The apps make sure you have seen all the questions, and are answering them correctly. Then you can take as many practice tests as you want. Once you are consistently passing the practice tests with scores of 80% or higher, you will have no problem passing the exam.
Study Apps
If you prefer to read, there are books available from the ARRL or Amazon
Technician Class: Pass Your Amateur Radio Technician Class Test - Craig Buck
Gordon West Technician Class - Gordon West
Everyone learns differently, so choose the method that works for you. When I was licensed in 2022, I did all my studying using the Study Apps on my phone. I did this for all three levels.
YCARS also has an Open House every Wednesday night from 6-8 PM. We don’t have a formal class, but you can come and chat with other Hams who can offer good advice on the process!
The EXAM
Once you are ready to take the exam, you can do that with us also! YCARS holds testing sessions every other month. See the schedule here. The cost to take the exam is $14. Once you pass, the FCC will have a fee of $35 to get your license - which is good for 10 years.
Once you are licensed, then the real fun begins! Radios, antenna’s, making contacts, learning operating skills, and more.
And remember, when all else fails, ham radio still works.
If you have questions, come to an Open House, or email us at ycars@ycars.org.
The York County Amateur Radio Society receives $100,000 grant from the Amateur Radio Digital Communications Foundation
Rock Hill, SC - 10/10/2023
The York County Amateur Radio Society (YCARS) announced that their Project Target grant proposal was successfully funded by the private foundation Amateur Radio Digital Communications (ARDC). YCARS’ Project Target encompasses several initiatives to help serve York County through education and public service.
“This grant will be a game-changer for the entire York County Community as it will help in three specific areas. First, it will provide funding to help educators and students in local educational institutions with STEM (science, technology, engineering and math) education. The grant will fund equipment, study materials and training to introduce students to the principles of wireless and radio communications, as well as their application in the real world. Secondly, the grant also funds new communication assets that will allow YCARS to expand its auxiliary communication services to local and state Emergency Management and local first responders and provide radio communications to local charities for public service events. Finally, the grant will help fund the construction of a remotely operated radio station at the YCARS facility. This station can be used by local school amateur radio clubs and scouting troops, as well as licensed amateur radio operators who are now in assisted living facilities, or other situations where they can longer install and outdoor antenna.” said Scott Putnam, KG9V, YCARS Secretary and manager for Project Target.
During the last two years YCARS provided radio communications for a variety of community service events in York County including Emergency Communication Exercises, the Mike Doty Memorial 5K, the Rock Hill Christmas Parade, and the No room for Racism Basketball Tournament. YCARS members volunteered 1,255 hours of time while providing all of the radio equipment used totaling over $45,000 in radio communication services to the community.
In addition, YCARS has engaged with schools in Mecklenburg County NC, Union and York counties in SC helping educators develop STEM curriculum and providing in class and out of classroom education for students. We were instrumental in helping Pleasant Knoll Middle School in Fort Mill, submit a successful application to ARISS (Amateur Radio on the Internation Space Station) for a direct RF contact with the ISS. This is an opportunity for the students to talk with the astronauts aboard the ISS via amateur radio, which will take place in April 2024.
Founded in 1948, York County Amateur Radio Society is the oldest continually operating radio club in the state of South Carolina. For 75 years YCARS’ mission has been to promote advancement of the art, science, public service, and fellowship of Amateur Radio. We accomplish our mission through education, mentorship and public service.
Founded in 2011, Amateur Radio Digital Communications (ARDC) is a private foundation that exists to support amateur radio and digital communication science and technologies. They accomplish this by providing grant funding to scholarship programs, research & development projects and managing 44net. https://www.ardc.net
Mike Doty Memorial 5K race
A run, A Rainbow and Radio great morning at the Mike Doty Memorial 5K race!!! YCARS public service team and YC ARES providing communications!!!
