More than a few years ago when I became interested in the networking computers using wireless technology, I understood the computer networking side of doing this but the wireless technology part was fairly new to me. I found that attending training for passing the Amateur Radio Technician license to be very beneficial in furthering my understanding of wireless.
The current Technician license requires no Morse code. I estimate that at least a 3rd of the SOCALWUG attendees are already licensed. In South Pasadena, CA, in May in the evenings of the 12th, 13th and all day the 14th, a class will be taught. This class will prepare you to pass the test on the following Wednesday evening. This is the same class I attended around 3 years ago. This instructor has a 98% pass rate for attendees. If you are interested please contact me off list. I need to know if you are interested in the next 2 days. If you are not local to this area, do a Google search for local Amateur Radio clubs or visit http://www.arrl.org Some of the fun I've had with Amateur radio: Satellite computer and voice communications Short message relay utilizing equipment on the Space Station Television communications Voice communications Last month, while driving in the mountains, the alternator seized in my car. While the cell phone had no reception, I was able to reach several Amateur Radio repeaters. Another Amateur placed a call for me to dispatch AAA and send a tow truck. Without my radio, this would have been much much more difficult. Frank Keeney KG6JVE Co-Founder, Southern California Wireless User Group: http://www.socalwug.org
