News : Amateur Radio Is a W.I.N. Win

There is an acronym I recently picked up (everyone loves acronyms right?) and it is WIN or “What’s Important Now”. It is a good perspective to have during good times and times of disaster.

We’re closing in on Christmas so let’s consider the WIN. We need to think about Christmas shopping, winter weather preparedness, shoveling snow, etc. This is important right now. Making sure the kids, if you have them, have their mittens, boots, hats, and their sack lunch for school. This is important right now.

When disaster strikes, which it has every 2-3 years lately, we consider the WIN in a new light. Is the family okay? Is the house safe to live in? Will my sewer back up? Will the food in the fridge go to waste? What if the phones and cell towers quit working? Thinking about dealing with disaster only when disaster strikes is not a win-win situation.

Thinking about dealing with disaster before it happens is a WIN-win situation. What’s Important Now is to learn from the previous disasters and prepare for the next one. Communication is important all the time and it may be very difficult to do during a disaster. Amateur radio is an excellent and easy way to prepare for disaster. Amateur Radio Relay League says:

The Technician class license is the entry-level license of choice for most new ham radio operators. To earn the Technician license requires passing one examination totaling 35 questions on radio theory, regulations and operating practices. The license gives access to all Amateur Radio frequencies above 30 megahertz, allowing these licensees the ability to communicate locally and most often within North America.

Amateur Radio is perfectly suited for emergency communication during good times and during disasters. What’s Important Now is to prepare and prepare to communicate when all else fails. Joseph Project is offering a class to help you prepare for the FCC Technician License exam which covers basic regulations, operating practices and electronics theory, with a focus on VHF and UHF applications. Morse code is not required for this license.

Classes will be on Monday evenings December 30th through January 20, from 6:30PM to 8PM. Location will be Harvest Church 1201 C Ave. Vinton.

Cost of class FREE

Optional study material $20 click to view

Test date is January 23 and costs $14

License is good for 10 years.

Cost of basic equipment for start-up operation $35-$510

Please contact Project Joseph to ask questions. Walk-ins are welcome!

Projectjoseph00@gmail.com 319-329-7119 (for those who do not have e-mail)