Each year the Santa Fe Trail Amateur Radio Club (SFTARC) teaches ham radio classes. In 2018, we will be teaching two different ham-radio classes starting January 6 and extending through February 24 (Note the change in location below).

Salvation Army Building Layout and map

Registration for the 2018 Technician and/or Morse Code (CW) class is now closed.

Morse code - While no longer required to obtain an amateur radio license, communication using the Morse code continues to hold an allure for may ham radio operators. This is the most basic and time-proven form of radio communication. SFTARC classes provide the student with a structured plan to learn the Morse code and teaches techniques for using the code for communications. Assuming that the student has no prior knowledge of the code, this class strives to bring the student up to a 5 word-per-minute rate by the end of the eight classes. Daily practice is important in learning the Morse code (also referred to as CW). Hams who have previously learned the code but have become very rusty may want to use this class as a refresher. Cost is $5, (or free for SFTARC members)    

Morse Code Class Information

Technician License - The entry level license into amateur radio is called the Technicain Class License. Classes taught by the SFTARC are designed to give the student an understanding of the basic principles of electronics and radio communications, along with a knowledge of the FCC regulations and practical operating techniques. These classes are taught with the assumption that students have little or no prior understanding of radio or electronics. After the eight weeks of classroom learning and associated self-study, students will be given the opportunity to take the FCC exam on March 3. This class can also be used by those who already have a license but wish to improve their understanding of the subject matter.  The cost is $30, including the ARRL manual, (or $15 for youth).   

Technician Class Information

Both classes are being taught at the Salvation Army, 420 E. Santa Fe, Olathe, KS, on Saturday mornings. Morse code classes start at 8:30 am and the Technician classes start at 10 am. A syllabus is provided for both courses, providing a means for the student to use self-study to make up for classes that they may have to miss.

For students that have registered for the Technician class by December 27, a copy of the ARRL Ham Radio License Manual, 3rd Edition, will be provided to students at the first class as part of the registration fee. Students in the Morse code class will receive a CD containing a CW Player practice program and associated lessons. 

Thanks for your interest and we look forward to seeing you in one or both of the SFTARC 2018 classes.