Home › News › Local
Getting ham handy
RELATED STORIES
More Local
- ABQTrib.com to remain available
- Former Marine to serve two years in jail for killing Albuquerque robber
- Wilson-Pearce battle for U.S. Senate exemplifies party's disparity
MOST RECENT TRIB STORIES
-
ABQTrib.com to remain available
08:48 a.m., February 25, 2008 -
Congressman is indicted
08:37 a.m., February 23, 2008 -
Series of attacks target Green Zone
08:36 a.m., February 23, 2008 -
Iran is defying U.N., agency says
08:35 a.m., February 23, 2008 -
Waterboarding approval probed
08:34 a.m., February 23, 2008
TRIB IN THE BLOGOSPHERE*
- Ty Murray Invitational thrills fans in Albuquerque
- Is Rome Burning?
- Ominous Skies
- The Road to Invalidation
- Albuquerque company participates in “Extreme Makeover: Home Edition”
*Note: The Tribune does not create and is not responsible for the blogosphere's headlines and stories. These links to blogs talking about ABQTrib.com are automatically generated. Use them at your own risk.
STORY TOOLS
SHARE THIS STORY [?]
Getting an amateur radio operator's license is relatively fast and inexpensive, especially since the FCC recently dropped a requirement that made all operators learn Morse Code.
Amateur clubs in New Mexico run classes and licensing tests every month, said Mike Scales, who handles emergency-management communications for Sandoval County.
"We have classes available in Sandoval County, and there are others in Bernalillo County," Scales said. "Ours costs $50, which includes the $14 testing fee to get your license for 10 years. The rest goes for your textbook and study materials."
Amateur radio licenses are issued for three classes. From easiest to hardest, they are: Technician, General and Extra. Each class allows more privileges.
Equipment is also inexpensive compared to other technical hobbies, with dual-band radios for in-state communications running from $325 to $500, he said.
For a full list of classes, visit www.arrl.org.
For more information, visit www.hello-radio.org or www.emergencyradio.org.

