FCC License class this fall

Beginning Oct. 15, the Wahkiakum Amateur Radio Club will again be hosting a free FCC Amateur Radio License class on Wednesday from 6:30-8 p.m. at the Wahkiakum HS Robot room (500 South 3rd Street). Those interested in attending can just show up or register ahead of time to receive a lesson plan outline by emailing n7wah.club@gmail.com.

Those attending our class who live in the county and pass the FCC are eligible to have their test fee paid by the Wahkiakum Amateur Radio Club. The class is expected to last six Wednesdays, with the test taking place on Nov. 19. The club will also be encouraging everyone to view the recorded videos being offered by the WSARC ham radio club with great reviews. This means they can also "take" the class on their own schedule and check with the club when they have questions.

Once one has received their license, they can go "fishing" for other hams throughout the world. Two weeks ago during the "Salmon Run," the Wahkiakum Amateur Radio Club set a new personal best of over 101,000 points (previous best was about 56,000). Over 24 hours, the club talked with over 500 other hams from all over the world, including 47 of the country’s 50 states and as far away as Belgium, Russia, and Italy. The club’s busiest "run" was Saturday afternoon for 90 minutes when it averaged one new "fish" every 45 seconds.