Amateur radio

Amateur radio is a fun hobby where you can talk with people across town or all over the world, even with astronauts in space, without telephone wires, cell phones or the Internet. It provides helpful communication service in emergencies, public service and community events.

Amateur radio operators come from all walks of life, from all ages, men and women, students and retirees, factory workers and doctors, and all in between. They all have one thing in common: ham radio.

They can tinker and experiment and build things. They can help with communications at parades and other community events. They send health and welfare messages in times of disaster; sometimes they are the only communications available. They can compete in radio contests, and they can have casual conversations with other hams worldwide.

To do all this, you need a license and a radio.

Delaware-Lehigh Amateur Radio Club will offer a series of nine Tuesday evening classes, 7-9 p.m., beginning March 8 at the Northampton County Gracedale Complex, Nazareth. The classes are free.

Instructors will help anyone interested in earning an entry-level FCC amateur radio license. They also will offer a separate series of classes to upgrade to the general license on the same dates.

For more information or to register for the free classes, call 610-432-8286 or email ke3aw@arrl.net.

The Delaware-Lehigh Amateur Radio Club, Inc. is a 501 (C)(3) nonprofit charitable organization.