If you are not an Amateur Radio Operator (Ham) and are interested in Skywarn operation, this is the opportunity to get your ham license to fully participate in reporting severe weather conditions. You can become an Amateur Radio operator--no matter what age, gender or physical ability.

The Amateur Radio Association of Bloomington and The Bloomington Communications Group are sponsoring a weekend technician class on February 17 - 19, 2006. This will be a Friday evening, Saturday, and Sunday class. Volunteer Examiners will hold a Federal Communications Commission license exam immediately following the class Sunday afternoon.

Now You're Talking will be the course book and can be purchased through the ARRL or Radio City (in Mounds View). The class will be at the Bloomington Civic Plaza, located just west of I-35W on 98th St. The charge for the class will be $40, which includes the VE exam fee and a one-year membership in the Amateur Radio Association of Bloomington.

Tentative schedule:
Friday February 17
5:00 - 6:30 pm - Overview and Introduction
6:30 - 7:30 pm - Chapter 1, Federal Communications Commission Rules
7:30 - 8:00 pm - Chapter 2, Methods of Communication
8:00 - 9:00 pm - Chapter 3, Radio Phenomena

Saturday February 18:
Coffee & Donuts
8:00 - 8:30 am - Chapter 4, Station Licensee Duties
8:30 - 9:00 am - Chapter 5, Control Operator Duties
9:00 - 10:30 am - Chapter 6, Good Operating Practices
10:30 - 10:40 am - Break
10:40 - 12:30 pm - Chapter 7, Basic Communications Electronics
12:30 - 1:00 pm - Lunch catered in
1:00 - 5 pm - Chapter 8 , Good Engineering Practices

Sunday February 19:
8:30 - 10:30 am - Chapter 9, Special Operations
10:30 - 10:40 am - Break
10:40 - 11:30 am - Chapter 10, Electrical, Antenna Structure and RF Safety Practices
11:30 - 12:30 pm - Review
12:30 - 1:00 pm - Lunch catered in
1:00 - 2:00 pm - Review
2:00 - 4:00 pm - FCC License Examination.

NOTE: You must bring a photo ID (driver's license or legal alternative) for the examination.

If you plan to attend the course, please notify us soon to reserve your seat. To register, please contact Bob Schwartz (KTØT) by February 8th at 952-944-5731 or via e-mail at KTØT@arrl.net.