The entry Level to the hobby is the Foundation Licence.
This licence class is designed to get you involved in amateur radio as quickly as possible. The Foundation Licence Training Course is mostly practical with a small amount of radio and electronics theory.
Don't be afraid of the thought of having to undertake a training course, they are run in a friendly informal atmosphere. Rob Lannon GW6ZHM is our principal trainer. So far we have had around 70 successful Foundation Licence Exam candidates, one of whom was 8 years old and, unfortunately, has learning difficulties. Some have progressed to Intermediate and even Full Licence level. So as you can see, it is possible for anyone to enjoy the hobby, including persons with hearing, visual or other impairments. We are all here to help and advise!
At the end of the course is an examination set by the Radio Communications Foundation (RCF). The examination paper will be marked immediately after the end of the exam and you will know that night whether you've passed or not.
Once you have passed the exam you get your 'Pass' certificate and you then need to apply for your Licence. Once you have received your Licence (or printed it out if applied for on-line) you are ready to go 'On The Air'.
Please make sure that you meet all the eligibility requirements for the Course before applying. Details are available from the RSGB and Ofcom websites.
The course and examination fees may be paid over a period of time, ie weekly, but must be fully paid before the examination date or you will not be allowed to it the examination.
Unfortunately HARC cannot offer any concessionary pricing. Our volunteer Instructors (most of whom are Registered Instructors with the RSGB) are giving their time for free.
Young persons (under 18) must be accompanied by a 'responsable adult' at all times for legal reasons. Accompanying responsable adults are not required to pay a fee, unless they wish to participate in the Course and Examination as well.
Course times are 7:00 pm for a 7:30 pm start and finish a little before 9:00 pm. Tea, coffee and biscuits will be available. You will also need paper, pen and the Course book. (Course books can be supplied for a small fee).
We regret there can be no refunds if you don't attend for any reason or don't pay the final instalment. However, a full refund will be given if we have to cancel a Course for any reason.
For further information or any questions please contact: The Chairman Steve Williams.
Due to circumstances beyond our control Morse Code practice has been suspended for the time being.
If anyone is interested in learning Morse Code then please make yourselves known to a committee member, if there are enough of you I am sure we can arrange lessons.