Online Class: Ham Radio 101

For nearly one hundred years, ham radio has been a part of many people's lives and it is a part of American technological history. Over that time, with the many advances in technology, it has grow
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  • 15
    Lessons
  • 32
    Exams &
    Assignments
  • 23
    Students
    have taken this course
  • 13
    Hours
    average time
  • 1.3
    CEUs
 
 
 

Course Description

For nearly one hundred years, ham radio has been a part of many people's lives and it is a part of American technological history. Over that time, with the many advances in technology, it has grown into a community that spans the globe, comprising many millions of operators, or "hams," as they are called. For some it is a hobby, and for many it is a profession. As you will learn in this comprehensive course, the ham radio community is one of the most diverse communities of enthusiasts in the world. Regardless of age, background, technological ability, or training, there are countless opportunities for ham radio operators to get involved within their community. 

The practice of ham radio operation began mainly as a hobby for many people, but there are also many professional uses for the technology, with operators providing many services such as emergency communications. Through the advances of the Internet, lasers, and microwave transmitters, today's ham radio operators are making contact with people in greater numbers than ever before. In fact, the use of a ham radio can enable a private citizen to have one of the most powerful wireless communications devices possible. It opens up a wide variety of opportunities for both amusement and professional endeavors. 

This course will enable you to learn both basic and advanced concepts in ham radio operation as well as guiding you through the logistical and legal process of obtaining your own license and setting up your own in-home radio station, or "shack."

Courses Frequently Bought Together:
  • Completely Online
  • Self-Paced
  • 6 Months to Complete
  • 24/7 Availability
  • Start Anytime
  • PC & Mac Compatible
  • Android & iOS Friendly
  • Accredited CEUs
Universal Class is an IACET Accredited Provider
 
 

Course Lessons

Lesson 1: Introduction to Ham Radio

40 Points
As you will learn in this comprehensive course, the ham radio community is one of the most diverse communities of enthusiasts in the world.
  • Lesson discussions: Ham Radio Course
  • Complete Assignment: An Introduction
  • Complete: Lesson 1 Assignment
  • Assessment: Lesson 1: Introduction to Ham Radio

Lesson 2: Ham Radio Technology

35 Points
While an extensive background in technology is not required to enjoy the hobby or even to engage in professional operation, it does help to have a basic understanding of some concepts.
  • Complete: Lesson 2 Assignment
  • Assessment: Lesson 2: Ham Radio Technology

Lesson 3: Ham Radio Organizations

35 Points
In addition to all the new general concepts and technical details a newcomer to ham radio must learn, there are also inevitable challenges and difficulties along the way.
  • Complete: Lesson 3 Assignment
  • Assessment: Lesson 3: Ham Radio Organizations

Lesson 4: The Licensing Process

35 Points
In order to begin transmitting over ham radio, a ham in the U.S. needs a license from the Federal Communications Commission (FCC)
  • Complete: Lesson 4 Assignment
  • Assessment: Lesson 4: The Licensing Process

Lesson 5: Obtaining Your Own License

35 Points
The licensing process really consists of passing an exam for the licensing class the ham desires. After that, the license and call sign are issued, and the ham can begin transmitting!
  • Lesson discussions: Licensing
  • Complete: Lesson 5 Assignment
  • Assessment: Lesson 5: Obtaining Your Own License

Lesson 6: Contacting Other Operators

35 Points
After you have set up your radio, obtained your license, and reviewed the basics of ham radio technology and logistics, you are ready to make your initial contact.
  • Complete: Lesson 6 Assignment
  • Assessment: Lesson 6: Contacting Other Operators

Lesson 7: Making Your First Call

35 Points
A call sign is a combination of letters and numbers and it identifies your station, but when you say it on the air, it is always spoken using words so that hard-to-understand letters are not misunderstood.
  • Complete: Lesson 7 Assignment
  • Assessment: Lesson 7: Making Your First Call

Lesson 8: Operating as a Hobby: Casual Contact

35 Points
In this chapter we will learn about all the possibilities that the hobby has to offer.
  • Complete: Lesson 8 Assignment
  • Assessment: Lesson 8: Operating as a Hobby: Casual Contact

Lesson 9: Operating as a Hobby: Ham Etiquette

35 Points
In this chapter, we will discuss the etiquette of on-the-air conversation, or ragchewing, as it is called.
  • Complete: Lesson 9 Assignment
  • Assessment: Lesson 9: Operating as a Hobby: Ham Etiquette

Lesson 10: Professional Operation

35 Points
A ham enjoys the privileges of amateur radio, including access to frequencies and protection under rules and from interference.
  • Complete: Lesson 10 Assignment
  • Assessment: Lesson 10: Professional Operation

Lesson 11: Two Specializations: DX and QRP

35 Points
As with most any hobby, ham radio offers a wide range of specific areas for hams to delve into and explore. Two of the most popular are DX-ing and QRP-ing.
  • Complete: Lesson 11 Assignment
  • Assessment: Lesson 11: Two Specializations: DX and QRP

Lesson 12: Digital and Satellite Transmissions and Radio Contests

35 Points
Hams are enjoying specializing in newer technologies, such as broadcasting via digital means and satellites, and even sending images over radio waves! Additional lesson topics: History of Amateur Radio Satellites
  • Complete: Lesson 12 Assignment
  • Assessment: Lesson 12: Digital and Satellite Transmissions and Radio Contests

Lesson 13: Selecting Radio Equipment

35 Points
Getting started in ham radio can feel overwhelming. There are so many choices to make: type of transmissions, type of radio, type of antenna, and so on.
  • Complete: Lesson 13 Assignment
  • Assessment: Lesson 13: Selecting Radio Equipment

Lesson 14: Selecting Antennas and Computers

35 Points
A radio can only work as well as its antenna, so carefully choosing an antenna will ensure a wise return on investment.
  • Complete: Lesson 14 Assignment
  • Assessment: Lesson 14: Selecting Antennas and Computers

Lesson 15: Setting up and Maintaining a Shack

103 Points
Organizing the ham shack is an important part of ham radio operation. Hams spend a lot of time in there, so the shack must be comfortable and efficient for the best possible use.
  • Lesson discussions: Final Course Poll - Your Opinion; Program Evaluation Follow-up Survey (End of Course); Course Comments; Course Comments
  • Complete: Lesson 15 Assignment
  • Assessment: Lesson 15: Setting up and Maintaining a Shack
  • Assessment: The Final Exam
598
Total Course Points
 

Learning Outcomes

By successfully completing this course, students will be able to:
  • Describe what exactly is ham radio.
  • Describe ham radio technology.
  • Describe ham radio organizations.
  • Describe the licensing process.
  • Summarize contacting other operators.
  • Demonstrate making your first call.
  • Describe professional operation.
  • Summarize digital and satellite transmissions and radio contests.
  • Identify selecting radio equipment.
  • Describe what to look for when selecting antennas and computers.
  • Demonstrate mastery of lesson content at levels of 70% or higher.
 

Student Testimonials

  • "Good stuff especially for new course!" -- Kyle B.
  • "This course was very enjoyable to take." -- Frank R.

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