What is Amateur Radio?

Amateur radio is a hobby of exploring the limits of radio, electronics and digital technologies. Once you've passed the licence exam, you'll allocated a worldwide-unique call sign and can operate (and build) radio equipment capable of international and space-based communication, from where ever and whenever you like.

What can you explore?

• developing your own digital radio projects using Arduino and raspberry Pi micro-computers.
• bouncing radio signals off asteroids and talking to the International space station.
• you can communicate with other electronics and radio hobbyists around the world – without a cell phone of skype.
• designing and building radio transceivers and antennas.
• sending signals 2000km using just a Raspberry Pi and an antenna.
• exploring what can be done linking the Internet, radio and computers.
• providing communications support for search-and-rescue and emergencies.

HamCram - obtaining an Amateur Radio Licence

Like driving, becoming licenced requires passing a technical competence exam. To help with this, the Manawatu and Wanganui Amateur Radio Clubs have organised HamCram - a self-study workbook-based course. The course will conclude with a weekend spent with experienced tutors revising the workbook modules in preparation for the multi-choice Amateur Radio Operator's Certificate exam on Sunday afternoon.

What do I need to know?

The course will take you through all you need to know to pass the exam and become licenced. Some prior understanding of science or electronics would be helpful but not essential...

What does it cost and what's included?

There are two options, both of which include the HamCram weekend:

• Complete Program including a printed manual - $190.00 (includes exam fee)
• Complete Program with a PDF version of the manual for you to print - $140.00 (includes exam fee)

The HamCram weekend runs from 8.30am to 5pm on both days.

• teaching sessions by experienced tutors
• exam fee for the official amateur radio licence exam
• a light lunch and morning & afternoon tea on both days On passing, you'll also receive
• free membership of NZART (National Association) for 12 months ($99 value)
• free membership of selected local NZART branches

When can I enrol?

Enrolments are open from 1 August – and close on 30^th September 2018.

we recommend enrolling early so you have the maximum study time. 

The HamCram weekend will be run on 13^th & 14^th October 2018.

How do I enrol in the HamCram program?

It is simple, just email the organiser at newham@zl2ko.org.nz and we will send you an enrolment form and documents or fill out the attached enrolment form.

What happens once I pass the exam?

Once you've passed the exam, you will be eligible for issue of a call sign. This entitles you to operate on a restricted number of amateur bands until you have accumulated 50 logged contacts.

To help you obtain those contacts quickly, the Manawatu Amateur Radio Society's annual activity contest will be run one week after the exam to help you obtain those contacts and introduce you to your first contest.

Further Information
For further information contact:

• Peter Moore           ZL2AUB    (06) 354 7861
• Warren Crawley     ZL2JML     (027) 249 8252
• Laurie Winton        ZL2TC       (027) 878 9286
• Mike Newman        ZL1BNB    (06) 344 6830
• or email newham@zl2ko.org,nz

So you want to become a Amateur Radio Operator? Where do you start??

First you need to sit and pass your GURL (General User Radio Licence for Amateur Radio Operators). This licence allows you, by law, to operate any Amateur Radio Equipment. The theory test is made up of 60 questions form the question bank which are multi choice answers. Once you have 40 correct answers, you can apply for your Amateur Radio Licence and CallSign then you can operate on the air.
To get started head to the "Online Study Guide" to start your course. Once you think you are ready to sit your exam, we can organise an Examiner to put you through your exam and organise your call sign, once you have passed.

If you would like to know more then feel free to contact us at info@zl2ko.org.nz.