Welcome to Ham Radio! The Amateur Radio Service frequency bands are the place on the usable radio spectrum where you as an individual can develop and experiment with wireless communications. Hams not only can make and modify their own equipment, but can create whole new ways to do things.

Amateur Radio is regulated by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) under the Communications Act of 1934. It is also subject to numerous international agreements. All Amateur Radio operators must be licensed. In the U.S. there are three license classes. Each successive level of license comes with an expansion of privileges. Your entry into Amateur Radio begins with a Technician Class License.

Earning each license requires passing an examination. Although regulated by the FCC, license exams are given by volunteer groups of Amateur Radio operators. Operating under organizations called Volunteer Examiner Coordinators, volunteers administer and grade tests and report results to the FCC, which then issues the license. U.S. licenses are good for 10 years before renewal, and anyone may hold one except a representative of a foreign government.

The PCARA is a great club and invites anyone interested in becoming a ham to join in the fun. Most of our members live in or near Polk County, WI and offer you their experience to learn more about this excellent hobby.

We offer help for newcomers and enjoy mentoring prospective hams. All you have to do is show an interest and we will provide the rest! Come to one of our meetings, they are open to the public. For location and meeting times, click on the Meetings link.

License study guides are available from:
ARRL National Book Store
Radio City, Mounds View, MN
For more information about ham radio, and how to become a ham, visit the Amateur Radio Relay League site. http://www.hello-radio.org/