Online Class: Ham Radio 101

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 grow
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  • 15
    Lessons
  • 32
    Exams &
    Assignments
  • 13
    Hours
    average time
  • 1.3
    CEUs
 
 

Course 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."

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Course Lessons

  • Lesson 1: Introduction to Ham Radio

    As you will learn in this comprehensive course, the ham radio community is one of the most diverse communities of enthusiasts in the world.

  • Lesson 2: Ham Radio Technology

    While an extensive background in technology is not required to enjoy the hobby or even to engage in professional operation, it does help to have a basic understanding of some concepts.

  • Lesson 3: Ham Radio Organizations

    In addition to all the new general concepts and technical details a newcomer to ham radio must learn, there are also inevitable challenges and difficulties along the way.

  • Lesson 4: The Licensing Process

    In order to begin transmitting over ham radio, a ham in the U.S. needs a license from the Federal Communications Commission (FCC)

  • Lesson 5: Obtaining Your Own License

    The licensing process really consists of passing an exam for the licensing class the ham desires. After that, the license and call sign are issued, and the ham can begin transmitting!

  • Lesson 6: Contacting Other Operators

    After you have set up your radio, obtained your license, and reviewed the basics of ham radio technology and logistics, you are ready to make your initial contact.

  • Lesson 7: Making Your First Call

    A call sign is a combination of letters and numbers and it identifies your station, but when you say it on the air, it is always spoken using words so that hard-to-understand letters are not misunderstood.

  • Lesson 8: Operating as a Hobby: Casual Contact

    In this chapter we will learn about all the possibilities that the hobby has to offer.

  • Lesson 9: Operating as a Hobby: Ham Etiquette

    In this chapter, we will discuss the etiquette of on-the-air conversation, or ragchewing, as it is called.

  • Lesson 10: Professional Operation

    A ham enjoys the privileges of amateur radio, including access to frequencies and protection under rules and from interference.

  • Lesson 11: Two Specializations: DX and QRP

    As with most any hobby, ham radio offers a wide range of specific areas for hams to delve into and explore. Two of the most popular are DX-ing and QRP-ing.

  • Lesson 12: Digital and Satellite Transmissions and Radio Contests

    Hams are enjoying specializing in newer technologies, such as broadcasting via digital means and satellites, and even sending images over radio waves!

  • Lesson 13: Selecting Radio Equipment

    Getting started in ham radio can feel overwhelming. There are so many choices to make: type of transmissions, type of radio, type of antenna, and so on.

  • Lesson 14: Selecting Antennas and Computers

    A radio can only work as well as its antenna, so carefully choosing an antenna will ensure a wise return on investment.

  • Lesson 15: Setting up and Maintaining a Shack

    Organizing the ham shack is an important part of ham radio operation. Hams spend a lot of time in there, so the shack must be comfortable and efficient for the best possible use.
 

Learning Outcomes

By successfully completing this course, students will be able to:
  • Describe what exactly is ham radio.
  • Describe ham radio technology.
  • Describe ham radio organizations.
  • Describe the licensing process.
  • Summarize contacting other operators.
  • Demonstrate making your first call.
  • Describe professional operation.
  • Summarize digital and satellite transmissions and radio contests.
  • Identify selecting radio equipment.
  • Describe what to look for when selecting antennas and computers.
  • Demonstrate mastery of lesson content at levels of 70% or higher.
 

Student Testimonials

  • "Good stuff especially for new course!" -- Kyle B.
  • "This course was very enjoyable to take." -- Frank R.

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