Alachua County Ham Radio Club Offers Weekend Course for Amateur Radio FCC License Exam
Press release from Alachua County
ALACHUA COUNTY, Fla. – Alachua County Emergency Management invites the public to attend an Amateur Radio Emergency Service (ARES) training on Saturday, August 27, and Sunday, August 28, 2022. The training assists participants in qualifying for the FCC Amateur Radio Technician-level license. The Alachua County Amateur Radio Emergency Service and the North Florida Amateur Radio Club (NFARC) will conduct this weekend-long training course at the Alachua County Emergency Operations Center (1100 S.E. 27th St., Gainesville). The training will be held over two days on Saturday, August 27, from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m., and then on Sunday, August 28, from 1 p.m. to 6 p.m. The course is open to all ages (a parent or guardian must accompany minors to the training).Â
Those participating in the training must register online.
Once obtained, the license can be renewed every ten years for life. It is the primary vehicle by which the United States allows citizens to participate in both near and far radio communications, giving many the chance to find a new hobby or even a new vocation, and allows parents to involve their children in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) activities. Locally, licensed volunteers are an integral part of Alachua County’s Emergency Operations Team, submitting to background checks to become badged volunteers who can serve the county at the direction of the Emergency Manager.
While I definitely understand the need to stay off emergency and FAA channels, I find it disappointing that we have to ask government’s permission to communicate over the airwaves.
Citizens Band radio is minimally regulated. The same for FRS. I too have a bias against government regulation, but CB radio is a carnival of rude and vile communications. Radio waves do not stop at property boundaries or international borders, and someone else’s use can easily interfere with your own. There just isn’t always room on the radio spectrum for everyone to do anything they want to. I think some regulation is in order, but it should, just on principle, be minimal.
These operators have provided invaluable service during many past storms, hurricanes, power outages, rescues, etc. Willing to give free training to those wanting to learn is is admirable! Keep on keeping on Operators! Your service is appreciated!