About Amateur Radio:
Amateur Radio (aka Ham Radio) is an important tool for emergency preparedness. Many San Francisco NERTs have received their Amateur Radio licenses to help with emergency communication.
An Amateur Radio licence is received after passing a test given by the FCC. The test is straightforward (and the questions and answers are published and are available for studying beforehand)
Many people take a one day combined class and test called a "Ham Cram". This class is designed to teach just enough to pass the test, which is then provided at the end of the day. The vast majority of people who attend the "Ham Cram" pass using this method.
Weekly Simplex Net:
Each week, local NERTs in our NERT area (Battalion 6) who have radio licenses practice communicating with each other using what is called a "Net". This weekly session allows us to practice our communications skills, confirm that our radios are in working order, and get to know our fellow NERTs.
This net is held every Tuesday at 8:30pm PT on 147.555 Mhz. This is a simplex net, and no tone is required. If you have a scanner, but no ham radio, you can listen in as well.
Please join us on our weekly net when you get a chance!
You can download the Net Control script here
Getting your Amateur Radio License:
The next Ham Crams in the nearby area can typically be seen at:
http://www.baears.com/
http://wcf.com/aero/exams/
http://www.sf-fire.org/index.aspx?page=884
