We have a licensing program with the FCC that helps you to safely and legally experiment and have fun. It's like passing a driving test to learn to drive on the road. There are three license levels: Technician, General, and Amateur Extra. You begin with Technician. For the FCC process, you need a personal FRN. Details below. Please bring a copy of your FRN and ID to class when we get it scheduled.

Start viewing the prep info. This is the big deal information! Choose whichever learning style suits you best :

1. from HRCC. There is a video (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DdzQS10JnHU&list=PL1KAjn5rGhixvvb_jMZFWmbP97-t9Kyxk&index=1) 

2. from HamStudy.org a set of flashcards(https://hamstudy.org/browse/E2_2022/). Those cards have deep info on a dog-ear in the upper right. Whatever is your way of learning.

3. take technician level practice tests any time you want on hamstudy.org <- not .com (practice tests are the hardest way to learn if you do not already have some prep)

4. If you prefer books, check out the ARRL manual for technicians as a deep reference book for all things related to a technician-level license. https://www.amazon.com/ARRL-Ham-Radio-License-Manual-ebook/dp/B0BCYQY92C/ref=tmm_kin_swatch_0
   That link has a Kindle version and a very nice spiral-bound version

When you are ready to test, check our calendar for a VE Testing session to get in. If you would rather take a class before testing, contact us below. 

We invite you to visit the Sachse Fire Department Ham Radio Club, N5SAC. Anybody can join up. We meet on the third Wednesday of the month at 7p. The club is there to support you.

Finally, on test-taking day, bring two sharpened pencils, a photocopy of your government ID or school ID, your physical ID, and your FRN.

--------------------------------------

NOTE: If you are hyper privacy-focused, get a P.O. Box before filling out this form, as everyone in the WORLD can see your address. Unfortunately, if you are an adult in the USA, your address is probably already leaked by your insurance carrier.

Steps for the FRN:

1. This is where we dip into the government process, and it is TEDIOUS. Sorry. It will be easier to do this with a computer rather than a phone.

2. Go to the FCC CORES (Commission Registration System) site at this address: https://apps.fcc.gov/coresWeb/publicHome.do In the box labeled “Need a Username” click “Register”

3. On the FCC User Registration System page fill in the requested fields with your personal info and click “Create Account” when completed. NOTE: your email is now required for a license.

4. You should get an email from the FCC. Click the link in the email to confirm your email address. Once you have confirmed, the landing page will have a button that says “Go to CORES.” Click that link.

5. In the CORES window select the link labeled “Register New FRN.” When it asks if you are registering as an entity or as an individual, for hams it’s usually “Individual.” Also answer the question about the address, and click continue.

6. Complete the form. Note the “Domestic Entity” section will not appear if you chose an Individual FRN previously.

7. When complete, your FRN number should appear at the top of the page. Write it down or make a screenshot to take with you to class and show it to the VEs.

Once you have done that, relax. The hard part is over!

REMEMBER: Send us questions as they come up.

Your first amateur radio need not be expensive. And you don't have to be licensed to listen--just remember the regulations forbid you to transmit unless you are in a dire emergency.

Local amateur radio stores are

• HRO in Plano, TX

• Main Trading Company in Paris, TX

Also, consider a Baofeng UV-5R or Quansheng K(5), K(6), K(8) on sites like Amazon and AliExpress. Check out our newsletters for reviews and thoughts about radios.

When money allows, join all you care to. ARRL is important on a number of fronts.