Amateur radio

Here’s a chance to learn about amateur radio as emergency communication, public service in community events or as a hobby for casual conversations with other “hams” locally or around the world, even astronauts in orbit. This is done using noncommercial radio transmissions; this is not CB radio.

Wherever your interests in radio communication lie, ham radio likely has what you want. It often is the only reliable communication when cellphones and landline telephone service are down. We can make direct over-the-air radio transmissions from a 12-volt source even if the home power is out using a generator or vehicle battery.

Delaware-Lehigh Amateur Radio Club will help you prepare for the Federal Communications Commission test to earn an entry-level amateur radio license and begin the enjoyment of ham radio.

Additionally, for amateur radio operators already holding a technician class license, classes will be held on the same dates to prepare you for the general class license on the same schedule.

Both series of free classes will start Sept. 3 and will run for nine Tuesday evenings, 7-9 p.m., at Gracedale Nursing Home, 2 Gracedale Ave., Nazareth. If you are within the age range of about 8 to 80 (or older) and have an interest in amateur radio, you qualify.

To register for free classes or for answers to questions about the classes or amateur radio, call 610-432-8286 or email ke3aw@arrl.net.

More information about amateur radio can be found at dlarc.org or arrl.org/what-is-ham-radio.