Amateur Radio Service Club

HAM, GMRS, FRS radios play a vital role in emergency communication, they can work without relying on any existing infrastructure making them ideal in disasters like earthquakes, flooding, hurricanes, wildfires, tornadoes, etc.  Beyond protecting yourself and your family, you will have the opportunity to help others and the community even from your own home during a communication outage. The LW Radio Club members have a wealth of knowledge on radios and they are happy to share it with others. 

 

Volunteers are needed from every Mutual.  For more information, call 562-431-6586, ext. 2409 or go to the link: Click here to view the PDF document

 

Radio Club Meeting
The LW Amateur Radio Club meets on the first Wednesday of each month in Clubhouse 3, Room 9.  Coffee at 9:30am, the meeting begins at 10am.  Anyone interested in HAM, GMRS, FRS please join us at a club meeting or call the radio room for more info (562) 431-6586 Ext. 2409 (typically 9am-11am, M-F). 

 

Radio Club Net
The Net is a discussion group that practices and prepares for emergency situations. The LW Radio Club Net is at 9am Mon-Sat on 145.585 MHz, all licensed ham radio operators are welcome to check-in.

 

GMRS & FRS Radio Check-in
The GMRS & FRS Radio Check-in is another organized group that practices and prepares for emergency situations. The Radio Club has a General Mobile Radio Service (GMRS) & Family Radio Service (FRS) practice drill Wednesdays at 9:30-9:45am on Channel 18-0 (Channel subject to change), FRS radios are license-free, GMRS radios require a license, they can transmit with more power and utilize longer antennas which can communicate over much longer distances. GMRS licenses cost $35.00, covering you and your immediate family for 10 years with no test required. 

 

GMRS and FRS share 22 Channels. The chart below compares the maximum power allowed for each service. Typically with more power and longer antennas the longer distances that you can communicate.

 

 

Why should I get licensed?  Just like driving a car, you need to take a test to get your license. HAM licenses are good for 10 years and are renewable. You don't have to be a genius to get your ham radio license. Before you can get on the air, you need to be licensed and know the rules to operate. In the US there are three license classes issued by the Federal Communications Commission; you start as a Technician, progress to General and then Extra Class Amateur radio operator. Each license level has more privileges, but they do come with additional knowledge requirements. There is a $35 FCC application fee for new license candidates and an exam fee which is typically $15 or less. 

 

• The Technician License exam covers basic regulations, operating practices and electronics theory, focusing on VHF & UHF applications. Morse code is not required for this license. Many Technician licensees enjoy using small hand-held radios that cost as little as $30-$50 to stay in touch with other ham operators in LW and participate in the Radio Club Net.  In order to obtain this entry-class license, you need to get at least 26 questions correct on a 35-multiple choice question exam out of a total of 412 questions.  Many Technicians are happy with the ability to operate on the popular VHF (2M band 144-148 MHz) and UHF (70cm band 420-450 MHz) ham bands with their license. 
• The General class license grants some operating privileges on all Amateur Radio bands and all operating modes. This license opens the door to world-wide communications.  In order to obtain this General class license, you need to get at least 26 questions correct on a 35-multiple choice question exam out of a total of 454 questions.  General class licensees must also have passed the Technician written examination. 
• The Extra class license holders have earned all privileges on all bands and modes which allows communications worldwide and is recognized internationally.  You need to pass your Technician and General licenses before taking the Extra exam.