Announcements/News/General Information
Ham Radio CW and HF Operating Course Starting September 23rd, 2010
Prepared by Merlin Williams - KD0V

The objective of the course is to introduce Licensed Amateur Radio Operators (HAMS), to the basics of using Morse Code, CW, and operating the high frequency (HF) radio bands. The HF bands allow Hams to contact other Hams any where in the world with very modest equipment. The course will prepare participants to make on the air, CW contacts.

I have made numerous contacts with hams in Australia using CW and only 4 watts of output power.

All amateur radio operators have Morse code privileges on the HF bands. Technicians are limited to CW portions of the 80, 40, and 15 meter bands.

The course materials are free and consists of a CD by Chuck Adams, K7QO. It is a basic CW course that teaches the alphabet, numbers, and basic communications. The CD also contains the complete book War of the Worlds at speeds from 17 words per minute to 27 words per minute.

The plan is to introduce 5 new characters each course session. Those taking the course will be encouraged to spend at least 15 minutes per day on their own practicing code. Like learning any other new skill, CW takes lots practice to become proficient.

Those who do not have stations capable of HF operation will be encouraged to build a modest CW station which includes a key, transceiver, and antenna. The cost will be around $200. The transceiver to be built from a kit and antenna built from locally purchased materials.

Those hams that already ham HF stations will be encouraged to build an electronic keyer or a QRP low power CW transceiver. Kit building teaches the HAM how to solder, conduct basic testing of equipment, and how electrical components interact.

The course will begin 7:30 p.m. on Thursday September 23rd, 2010. It will be held at 12825 385 Avenue, Waseca, MN, KD0V.s QTH.

For further information call Merlin Williams at 835-2344 to reserve a place in the course.

Those who are not yet licensed, but are interest in ham radio may also attend. During the course you will encouraged to study and obtain a Technician License.

Albert Lea Special Event

The Albert Lea Radio Club will be holding a special event station at the October 2nd and 3rd at the Big Island Rendezvous & Festival.

General Class

The Viking Amateur Radio Society will be offering a class for the General Class upgrade license starting Thursday, Janurary 20th at 7:30 through Thursday, April 14th at the Waseca County EOC. A Testing Session will be held on April 16th running from 9:00am through 12:00 (noon). The required book for the General License Book is The ARRL General Class License Manual (ISBN-13: 978-0-87259-996-3) or (ISBN-10: 0-87259-996-5). The cost of the book is 24.95. They can be purchased from V.A.R.S. if paid in advance or through the various online book sellers and the ARRL web site. The exam fee is $15, government issued photo ID is required along with the orginal and copy of your existing amateur radio license. Contact Reg Cass at 507-835-2644 for more information.

Map showing the location of the Waseca County EOC is here