ARROW Communications Association

Amateur radio (sometimes known as "ham radio") is a great hobby. As an amateur radio operator, you can talk with other amateurs around the world, help with emergency communications during disasters, talk with astronauts, send television pictures, build your equipment, and much, much more.

You do, however, need to pass a test and get a license to do all this. ARROW can help. We sponsor both Technician Class and General Class license courses.

Technician Class License
The Technician Class license is the first license that most people get. We conduct one-day Tech classes four times a year. The classes take place on a Saturday and run from 9 am to 3 pm, at which time you take the test. The next class will be held on Saturday, September 12, 2008 at the Washtenaw Red Cross, 4624 Packard Road, Ann Arbor.

Can you really get your license in a single day? Well, yes and no. It's true that the class is only one day, but to increase the chances that you will pass the test, we strongly recommend that you read through our study guide beforehand. You can download a PDF file of the study guide for no charge (at www.kb6nu.com/2006techstudyguide.pdf). Printed versions of the study guide can be purchased for $13 at www.booklocker.com/books/3408.html.

There is a charge of $10 for the course, and you must pre-register. To register, e-mail Dan, KB6NU at kb6nu@w8pgw.org or phone him at 734-930-6564.

Can't make it on September 12? No problem. Just e-mail or call Dan and he will put you on a mailing list that will keep you informed of upcoming classes.

General Class License
The second class of license is the General Class. With a General Class license, you get many more operating privileges, and we encourage everyone to upgrade to General Class. To help people do this, we hold a General Class course every January. The next course will start on Tuesday, January 13, 2009.

We meet from 7pm to 9pm each Tuesday evening for eight to ten weeks. The class covers all of the theory and regulations needed to pass the General Class license test. Even more importantly, though, we try to teach you all the tips and techniques that you will need to be a successful amateur radio operator. And even though, there is no longer a Morse Code test, we will happily help you learn the code, should you so desire.

There is no fee for the course, but you will have to purchase (or at least want to purchase) a copy of the ARRL General Class License Manual. We usually order several copies and make them available for sale at the first class. For more information, or to register, contact KB6NU, at 734-930-6564 or by e-mail.