Ham radio course set

The Mississippi County Amateur Radio Association is offering a free Ham radio course at 6 p.m. on March 27 at the main ANC campus in Blytheville.

Amateur radio is helpful with things such as storm spotting (Skywarn) and emergency communications. It can also be very interesting talking and listening to people locally and internationally over the airwaves. Even the International Space Station picks up and talks to hams all of the time. Why, you might ask?

“We need to have a backup system in place just in case high-technology fails us someday,” said Charles Moody. “That’s why we at MCARA want to offer this class. This course will prepare you for your amateur radio license test conducted by a third party when the course is completed. When you pass your test, you will be eligible to receive your call sign from the FCC.”

MCARA has been around for some time but as technology expanded with cell phones and the internet, interest fell off and members disbanded. But with more people becoming active with storm spotting, natural disasters and emergencies in general, interest once again started to grow. Also, the government encourages people to practice and experiment with amateur radio just in case the unthinkable happens. The FCC regulates the airwaves and issues licenses to people who want to talk on certain frequencies and who have been trained in proper radio etiquette. Many people become involved in amateur radio as a hobby. And with any hobby, you can spend as much as you want.

“However, I paid about $35 for my dual band handheld radio that works great for communicating while storm spotting,” Moody said. “Plus, it also scans and plays all the FM radio stations.”

If you would like to know more about amateur radio, call 870-278-7216 or look up Mississippi County Amateur Radio Association on Facebook.