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The time is
03:57:29
Today's date is
Tuesday 7
September,2010.

Training Information

If you are thinking of coming to the club for training, below is some useful information. It is however best that you speak directly to Ian G0GRI who will be able to provide you with more guidance and dates for courses.

You are always welcome at the club whether or not you are undertaking training.
G3VRE FORUM

You will need to buy a training book "Foundation Now" (you might also like to buy the intermediate training book "Intermediate License") available from RSGB www.rsgb.org/shop or telephone orders to 0870 904 7373. You will also need to look at the Terms & Conditions License booklet issued by Ofcom (Formerly Radiocommunications Agency)

The sample license document page is:- found here

The main page where you'll find other license info is here

Please also have a look around the RSGB website

Other local clubs

There is no requirement to sit a course for the M3 (Foundation License) but you will be required to undertake some practical tests, which can be done locally by a full licensee (this can be done at the club)

The Intermediate & Full license courses at the moment are run in Bath. These typically commence in October each year and run until January when the exam is held, with full license exam around July time.

The Foundation Exam is a 25 question multiple choice paper based on the training book – the club can help with lots of practice papers. On line sample here

Please do some research into the hobby which has many facets, not only telephony and morse, but data/digital modes as well as voice of internet. We have access to dedicated amateur frequencies and each license grade gives access to some or all of these and with certain other restrictions, e.g. power levels. It is strongly recommended that in order to familiarize yourself with activity on the amateur bands locally and worldwide you actually get some listening in on HF and/or VHF/UHF frequencies. This may entail purchasing some equipment. Something with general coverage receive is ideal. Of course transmitting equipment you can own without a license BUT obviously you should NOT transmit until you hold the appropriate license.

The club has access to several local friends selling equipment and will be happy to pass on details as and when items are notified. Please also check the website For Sale board on the Forum.

You will also find dedicated stores selling Amateur Radio equipment in the pages of "Radio User" or "Practical Wireless" available for order via your good local news agent - these are monthly magazines.

Also consider home construction of equipment, it can be very rewarding. Many simple kits are available.

You will also find equipment on Ebay, with the usual proviso "!!!buyer beware!!!!" It’s always best to buy equipment from a known and trusted source.

Equipment for the hobby is very much dependant, like other hobbies, on how much you want to spend.

Computers also play a big role in the hobby particularly with the advent of soundcard driven software for data communications.

FT817

Nowadays many modern compact pieces of equipment will give you most bands in one rig as well as general coverage. Simple FM VHF/UHF only hand-helds can be bought new quite cheaply as low as £40-50 - these are ok for very local communications, however the range can be extended using any of our local dedicated amateur repeaters (some linked to the internet).

Ian Carter

G0GRI