Ham Radio 101

Unlock the Airwaves, Ignite Your Adventure!

Ham Radio 101

Unlock the Airwaves, Ignite Your Adventure!

Unlock the world of limitless communication and connection with Ham Radio 101--a transformative journey that transcends the ordinary. Join a vibrant global community where your voice becomes a beacon, linking you to distant lands and urgent needs. This course is not just about learning; it's about thriving in a realm where technology meets human spirit. Discover the craft of radio operation, master its art, and emerge with a unique skill. From emergency readiness to hobby mastery, this course will empower you with the tools to make a difference. Embrace the power of the airwaves and become a part of a tradition that's as rich in history as it is in opportunity. Step into your new world today.

Self Paced • Online Class • 13 Hours

$120

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OVERVIEW

CURRICULUM

Ham Radio 101

Name: Ham Radio 101
Price: 95.00 USD

CRN: 8900060

Lesson 1. Connect and Communicate: Ham Radio Essentials

Explore the vibrant tapestry of ham radio--a realm where hobbyist passion meets professional necessity, binding operators in an intricate network of communication that transcends geographical boundaries. This course unravels the mysteries of ham radio, guiding learners in everything from legal logistics to the technical nuances of propagation.

Lesson 2. Radio Spectrum: Unveiling the Bands and Frequencies

Radio waves, a part of the electromagnetic spectrum like visible light, enable the transmission of signals at the speed of light through electric and magnetic fields. Transceivers combine transmitters and receivers to allow two-way communication, using antennas like dipole and beam designs to connect with different frequencies.

Lesson 3. Building Connections: Navigating Ham Radio Organizations for Beginners

International conventions and local hamfests present excellent opportunities for enthusiasts to discover the latest trends, interact with peers, and immerse themselves in diverse aspects of the amateur radio hobby. By engaging with clubs and online forums, newcomers and veterans alike can broaden their expertise and enjoy a thriving amateur radio community.

Lesson 4. Ham Radio Licenses: A Beginner's Guide

The FCC recognizes the passion and skills of ham operators, regulating the radio spectrum to facilitate global amateur communication. Licenses are crucial as they delineate frequencies and ensure qualified operators contribute effectively during crises.

Lesson 5. Navigating the Path to Your Ham Radio License

The FCC requires aspiring radio amateurs to pass a multiple-choice exam to receive their license and call sign. Beyond studying the question pool, understanding underlying radio operation concepts is crucial for success as a radio operator.

Lesson 6. Frequency Fundamentals: Understanding Bands and Sub Bands

Mastering your radio and its settings is key to connecting with other ham operators, requiring an understanding of different bands, frequencies, and equipment. By exploring tuning techniques and transmission types, you lay the foundation for seamless communication.

Lesson 7. Step into the Airwaves: Mastering Your Initial Call

Initiating a Morse Code call mirrors voice calls except for using 'DE' for 'from,' and it ends with 'K' to signify the end of the transmission. The lesson emphasizes learning these abbreviations and understanding shorthand responses such as 'TKS' for thanks.

Lesson 8. Operate with Ease: Casual Ham Radio Connections

Discover the art of ham radio as a hobby, where casual operators connect globally, even in remote areas, using various setups from home to portable radios on the move. Adhering to simple regulations ensures an enjoyable experience, with the FCC Rule Book providing essential guidelines and tips.

Lesson 9. Mastering the Art of Ham Radio Conversation: Etiquette and Guidelines

In ham radio, balanced on-air conduct requires discerning which bands suit casual chats and respecting organized group activities. By tuning into the social nuances of radio communication, operators enhance both personal interactions and the hobby's community atmosphere.

Lesson 10. Emergency Response 101

Amateur radio hams play a crucial role in emergency communication by volunteering with groups like ARES and RACES, backed by training and support from the ARRL. Their preparedness and ability to handle traffic communication make them indispensable for emergency response and public service.

Lesson 11. Ham Radio's Specialties: Exploring DX and QRP

Many amateur radio operators advance into skill areas like DX-ing, calling for detailed knowledge of signal propagation based on atmospheric conditions, and aiming for distant contacts that may earn awards. QRP-ing involves deliberate low-power communication challenges, often requiring custom equipment build, and presents its own achievement records within the community.

Lesson 12. Digital Waves and Satellite Signals

Rising from traditional voice and Morse code transmissions, digital ham radio has leveraged computer technologies to send data using Internet protocols despite ionospheric challenges. Participants engage in contests and awards while experimenting with modes like radioteletype and PACTOR that offer reliable, albeit sometimes slow, communication with error correction.

Lesson 13. Choosing Your First Radio: A Beginner's Key to Entry

Ham radio's diversity demands strategic planning in equipment selection, considering where and how radios will be used and setting clear operational goals. By understanding the significance of filters, digital capabilities, and personalized accessory needs, enthusiasts can enhance their radio communication experiences.

Lesson 14. Computers in Ham Radio: Beyond Logs and Record-Keeping

A successful ham radio setup relies on choosing appropriate antennas and computers which aid in digital communication and system control. From wire and vertical to beam antennas, each serves a distinct purpose and requires specific support and maintenance.

Lesson 15. Designing the Ideal Ham Shack: A Comprehensive Guide for Comfort and Efficiency

Maintaining a ham shack involves keeping a comprehensive notebook detailing equipment schematics, maintenance records, and a contact log for troubleshooting and performance tracking. A well-stocked toolbox aids in basic repairs and ensures equipment remains in optimal working condition.

In This Course

13 Hours average completion time
1.3 CEUs
15 Lessons
31 Exams & Assignments
16 Reference Files
Mobile Friendly
Last Updated November 2025

Description

For nearly one hundred years, ham radio has been a part of many people's lives and it is a part of American technological history. Over that time, with the many advances in technology, it has grown into a community that spans the globe, comprising many millions of operators, or "hams," as they are called. For some it is a hobby, and for many it is a profession. As you will learn in this comprehensive course, the ham radio community is one of the most diverse communities of enthusiasts in the world. Regardless of age, background, technological ability, or training, there are countless opportunities for ham radio operators to get involved within their community.

The practice of ham radio operation began mainly as a hobby for many people, but there are also many professional uses for the technology, with operators providing many services such as emergency communications. Through the advances of the Internet, lasers, and microwave transmitters, today's ham radio operators are making contact with people in greater numbers than ever before. In fact, the use of a ham radio can enable a private citizen to have one of the most powerful wireless communications devices possible. It opens up a wide variety of opportunities for both amusement and professional endeavors.

This course will enable you to learn both basic and advanced concepts in ham radio operation as well as guiding you through the logistical and legal process of obtaining your own license and setting up your own in-home radio station, or "shack."

Skills You'll Develop

Understanding radio spectrum and frequencies
Amateur radio licensing knowledge
Equipment selection and setup
Digital and satellite communication
Emergency communication skills
Effective communication etiquette
Community building and networking
Propagation and signal analysis
Radio communication proficiency
Morse code operation basics
Technical troubleshooting and problem-solving

Skills You'll Develop

Understanding radio spectrum and frequencies
Amateur radio licensing knowledge
Equipment selection and setup
Digital and satellite communication
Emergency communication skills
Effective communication etiquette
Community building and networking
Propagation and signal analysis
Radio communication proficiency
Morse code operation basics
Technical troubleshooting and problem-solving

More About This Course

Frequency Fundamentals: Master bands, frequencies for seamless communication.
Mastering Conversation: Enhance etiquette for effective radio communication.
Connect and Communicate: Engage globally with ham radio enthusiasts.
Ham Radio's Specialties: Explore advanced skills like DX-ing and QRP challenges.
Operate with Ease: Enjoy casual, global ham radio connections.
Emergency Response 101: Support community during emergencies with expertise.
Building Connections: Join thriving ham radio communities and organizations.
Radio Spectrum: Unlock the secrets of bands and frequencies.
Navigating the Path: Pass exams to earn your radio license and call sign.
Ham Radio Licenses: Obtain credentials for global amateur communication.
Step into the Airwaves: Initiate calls and understand Morse Code shorthand.

What You'll Achieve

Define key components and functions of ham radio technology, including radios, antennas, and frequencies.
Demonstrate the ability to obtain a ham radio license and set up a basic in-home radio station.
Define the properties of radio waves in the context of the electromagnetic spectrum.
Distinguish between the different frequency bands and their applications within ham radio communication.
Identify strategies for effectively participating in ham radio clubs and organizations to enhance skill development and community engagement.
Evaluate the benefits and resources provided by prominent ham radio organizations such as ARRL and specialty organizations to support ongoing learning and emergency preparedness.
Define the three main classes of amateur radio licenses and describe the frequency privileges associated with each class.
Identify the role of the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) in regulating radio spectrum allocation and explain its impact on international ham radio communication.
Define the steps required to obtain a ham radio license, including passing the exam and completing necessary FCC paperwork.
Identify study resources and techniques to understand and prepare for the ham radio licensing exam, including utilizing Elmers and practice exams.
Define and tune into specific ham radio frequencies and modes, such as CW, SSB, or FM, using appropriate equipment and settings.
Identify and describe different types of ham radio contacts, including ragchews, nets, and contesting, and their communication protocols.
Recognize and repeat call signs accurately using the Ham Radio Phonetic Alphabet during radio communication.