Federal Regulations (CFR47, Part 97) that govern the Amateur Radio Service described the Basis and Purpose of the Service
“The rules and regulations in this part are designed to provide an amateur radio service having a fundamental purpose as expressed in the following principles:
(a) Recognition and enhancement of the value of the amateur service to the public as a voluntary noncommercial communication service, particularly with respect to providing emergency communications.
(b) Continuation and extension of the amateur’s proven ability to contribute to the advancement of the radio art.
(c) Encouragement and improvement of the amateur service through rules which provide for advancing skills in both the communication and technical phases of the art.
(d) Expansion of the existing reservoir within the amateur radio service of trained operators, technicians, and electronics experts.
(e) Continuation and extension of the amateur’s unique ability to enhance international goodwill.”
The most effective way for operators to fulfill these requirements is to continually train to improve you technical and operating capabilities. This training can be achieved through several ways.
- Take classroom and online training courses
- Study available materials from hard copy or online
- Practice amateur radio skills at home and in group activities
- Support activities that provide an opportunity to practice those skills
Support to Emergency Communications (EMCOMM) and the National Weather Service SKYWARN) are covered in other areas of this site.
The best way to address the advancement of technical knowledge and operating capabilities is to obtain your license rating beginning at Technician and then advancing to General and to Amateur Extra. Jim Bell Wireless provides license classes at all three levels. The class cost is $35.00 and includes textbook and classroom instruction. The classes typically run for 7-8 sessions, one per week. We like to have a minimum of six (6) students and look for a location/time that is convenient to all.
If interested in finding out more about training and improving your knowledge and operating skills, please use the contact form on the Contact Us page to drop us a query.
The following links will provide some information for self improvement.
- Additional informational links can be found on the “Links” button on the On_Air page.