Imagine going to the flying field and having your frequency
available every time! Very few fliers operate on the 18
"ham radio" R/C frequencies (50 / 53 MHz). You must have a license issued by
the FCC, but it's easier than you might think! You no longer have
to learn the morse code to get an entry level (Technician Class)
license. The tests are now given by other ham radio operators
at local clubs, rather than having to take a day off work, drive to
the big city and deal with the FCC beaurocrats to take the test.
To find out about taking the no-code
Technician test, you can go to any Radio Shack Store and pick up
a copy of "Now You're Talking". It has all the test questions and
answers plus a lot of information on the many other facets of
Ham Radio. You can also e-mail the American Radio Relay League and
ask them to mail you their free packet on becoming a ham:
newham@arrl.org. The test is
not that difficult. Sure, you'll have to study to pass it, but you
don't have to have a degree in electrical engineering to get it.
Just a few basics in theory and some knowlege of the FCC regulations.
To find a radio club in your area, contact the
American Radio Relay League.
They can tell you where the local ARRL chartered club is located.
Another contact is W5YI. This
is a Volunteer Exam Co-ordinator. "W5YI" is his radio call-sign,
and he, too, has study material.
Most R/C manufacturers offer their radio equipment on this band,
but you will probably have to have your local hobby shop special
order it for you. If your transmitter has a plug-in RF module,
just order a new module on a "ham" frequency. Your receiver will
have to be replaced with a new one to match the new transmitter
module.
Happy flying!
Kenny - WBØVPS