Anyone interested in becoming an amateur radio operator can sign up for free classes to learn more about the hobby and get information to pass the FCC license test.

The Delaware-Lehigh Amateur Radio Club will sponsor nine Tuesday evening classes, set for 7-9 p.m. at Gracedale, near Nazareth, starting March 10. Classes are open to anyone age 8 and up.

Amateur radio activities include base, mobile or portable communication with other hams, locally, around the world, even with astronauts in space in casual conversations and radio contests. Other opportunities include assisting in public service activities, emergency preparedness, providing emergency communication in times of accidents, floods, fires, snowstorms, hurricanes, etc. Hams also provide communication at civic and charitable events such as walks, runs, bike tours and parades. The list of areas of interest is lengthy.

To get details and answers to questions about amateur radio and/or register for the classes, email ke3aw@ arrl.net, call 610-432-8286 or visit www.dlarc.org.