ARRLWeb: Continuing Education Course Catalog

Level 1 Amateur Radio Emergency Communications *EC-001*
Senior Hams are encouraged to participate!
Description:	Introduction to Amateur Radio Emergency Communications. A basic course to raise awareness and provide additional knowledge and tools for any emergency communications volunteer. This course has 23 lesson units, is expected to take approximately 25 hours to complete over an 8-week period. See course Syllabus. Required Student Activities.


Prerequisites:	Amateur Radio license


Availability:	Classes for this course begin once per month. Click on the Register link (below) to see the schedule for the next available class.


Additional Info:	Each lesson consists of text, quiz questions, and Student Activities, which are required for successful completion. Every student is assigned a mentor/instructor to review their student activities and guide them through the course. This course is a prerequisite to Level II, EC-002 and Level III, EC-003, Amateur Radio Emergency Communications courses. Basic computer, Internet, and email navigational skills are required.


Suggested Reference Material:	Amateur Radio Emergency Communications Course, Level I. ARRL Order No. 8462. Click here to order.


Fees:	Member: $45 Non-member: $75

Level 2 Amateur Radio Emergency Communications *EC-002*
Description:	Intermediate Amateur Radio Emergency Communications. A more in-depth study into amateur radio emergency communications to enhance the skills and knowledge received from previous experience. Level I ARECC is required prior to taking Level II. This course has 20 lesson units, is expected to take approximately 25 hours to complete over an 8-week period. See course Syllabus. Required Student Activities.


Prerequisites:	EC-001, Level I ARECC.


Availability:	Classes for this course begin once per month. Click on the Register link (below) to see the schedule for the next available class.


Additional Info:	This course is a prerequisite to Level III, EC-003, Amateur Radio Emergency Communications course. Basic computer, Internet, and email navigational skills are required.


Suggested Reference Material:	Amateur Radio Emergency Communications Course, Level II $19.95. ARRL Order No. 9698. Click here to order.


Fees:	Member: $45 Non-member: $75

Level 3 Amateur Radio Emergency Communications *EC-003, Revison 2*
Description:	Advanced Amateur Radio Emergency Communications. This is the third and final stage of the 3-level ARRL Amateur Radio Emergency Communications Courses. This is a course for those in leadership or aspiring to leadership positions. Revision 2 is a significant rewrite that brings the course current with the post-9/11/01 Department of Homeland Security (DHS) paradigm. This course has 23 learning units, is expected to take approximately 25 hours to complete over a 12-week period. See course Syllabus. Required Student Activities.


Prerequisites:	Level I (EC-001), and Level II (EC-002) ARECC.


Availability:	Classes for this course begin once per month. Click on the Register link (below) to see the schedule for the next available class.


Additional Info:	Basic computer, Internet, and email navigational skills are required.


Suggested Reference Material:	Amateur Radio Emergency Communications Course, Level III. ARRL Order No. 9736. Click here to order.


Fees:	Member: $45 Non-member: $75

Antenna Modeling *EC-004*
Description:	Computerized Antenna Modeling techniques. This course is designed to assist students in mastering the art and science of antenna modeling. This course has 31 lesson units, is expected to take approximately 50 hours to complete over a 16-week period. See course Syllabus.


Prerequisites:	This course presumes that you have one of the software packages -- EZNEC 3.0 by Roy Lewallen, W7EL, NEC-Win Plus by Nittany-Scientific -- or that you are willing to adapt the ideas that we shall explore to the package available to you.
Course Preview

Availability:	Classes for this course begin once per month. Click on the Register link (below) to see the schedule for the next available class.


Additional Info:	Basic computer, Internet, and email navigational skills are required.
Articles pertaining to this course:	ARRL Continuing Education Program Unveils Antenna Modeling Course

Fees:	Member: $85 Non-member: $115

HF Digital Communications
EC-005

Description:

Learn to use all HF digital modes. Students will understand the scope of HF Digital Amateur Radio Communications; develop awareness and stronger skills for HF digital modes. This course has 14 lesson units, is expected to take approximately 25 hours to complete over an 8-week period. See course Syllabus. Required Student Activities.

Prerequisites:

You must have HF privileges and access to an HF transceiver.

Course Preview

Availability:

Classes for this course begin once per month. Click on the Register link (below) to see the schedule for the next available class.

Additional Info:

Course requirements and materials students will need are: 1) Pentium PC or Mac PowerPC, (at least 200 MHz) with Windows 98 or above, or MacOS or Linux; 2) 16-bit sound card; 3) Ability to download and install applications from the Web; 4) Ability to purchase and/or create the necessary interface device for audio and transmit/receive switching. Basic computer, Internet, and email navigational skills are required.

Articles pertaining to this course:

ARRL to Offer HF Digital Communications Course

Optional Reference Material:

HF Digital Handbook, $19.95. ARRL Order No. 9159. Click here to order.

Fees:

Member: $65 Non-member: $95

Click here to register.

Radio Frequency Interference
EC-006

Description:

In this course you will learn to identify sources and victims of interference. You will also get tips and suggestions for solutions and for handling those ticklish problems that crop up with difficult neighbors and other aggrieved parties. However, we must warn you that every RFI problem is unique. Don't expect to find the exact solution to your problem in this course, in the ARRL RFI Book, or in any other book or reference work. These items will provide a starting point and a little insight into solving the problem. It is your own ingenuity, intuition, and determination that will ultimately come up with your solution. This course has 13 lesson units, is expected to take approximately 25 hours to complete over an 8-week period. See course Syllabus. Required Student Activities.

Prerequisites:

You must have HF privileges and access to an HF transceiver

Course Preview

Availability:

Classes for this course begin once per month. Click on the Register link (below) to see the schedule for the next available class.

Additional Info:

To adequately complete this course you will need access to an HF transceiver, (preferably your own), an AM/FM AC/DC portable radio and a VHF hand held transceiver. In Lesson 3 you will need a doorbell buzzer or equivalent device with a battery holder of some sort (a children's code practice unit will probably work well). Basic computer, Internet, and email navigational skills are required.

Optional Reference Material:

The ARRL RFI Book, $20.00. ARRL Order No. 6834. Click here to order.

Fees:

Member: $65 Non-member: $95

VHF/UHF -- Life Beyond the Repeater
EC-008

Description:

Students will be introduced to Internet Linking, Amateur Satellites, Direction Finding, APRS, Weak Signals, VHF Contesting, Microwaves, Amateur Television, and High Speed Multimedia Radio. Both the newly licensed Technician and the more experienced Extra class ham will find this collection of topics interesting and useful in exploring some of the lesser used and more intriguing aspects of the hobby. This course has 10 learning units, and takes 20 to 25 hours to complete over an 8-week period. See course Syllabus. Student Activities.

Prerequisites:

Amateur Radio License

Course Preview

Availability:

Classes for this course begin once per month. Click on the Register link (below) to see the schedule for the next available class.

Additional Info:

Course requirements and materials students will need are: 1) Pentium PC or Mac PowerPC, (at least 200 MHz) with Windows 98 or above, or MacOS or Linux; 2) 16-bit sound card; 3) Ability to download and install applications from the Web. Basic computer, Internet, and email navigational skills are required.

Articles pertaining to this course:

New "Beyond the Repeater" Course in Beta Testing
RFI Course Starts in February

Optional Reference Material:

Practical VoIP Using VOCAL by Luan Dang, Cullen Jennings, David Kelly; Softswitch : Architecture for VoIP by Frank Ohrtman, Frank D., Jr. Ohrtman, Michael H. Khalilian. Find the following books in the ARRL on-line catalog: The Radio Amateur's Satellite Handbook by Martin Davidoff, K2UBC; The ARRL Satellite Anthology; Transmitter Hunting by Joseph Moell, K0OV and Thomas Curlee, WB6UZZ; The VHF/UHF DX Book; VHF/UHF Handbook; Beyond Line of Sight; International Microwave Handbook; The ARRL Image Communications Handbook by Dr. Ralph E. Taggart, WB8DQT; 802.11 Wireless Networks: The Definitive Guide by Matthew S. Gast

Fees:

Member: $65 Non-member: $95

Click here to register.

Antenna Design and Construction - EC-009

Description:

Students will become familiar with and experience antenna design and construction techniques. This course has 15 learning units, and takes 20 to 25 hours to complete over an 8-week period. See course Syllabus. Student Activities.

Prerequisites:

Amateur Radio License

Course Preview

Availability:

Classes for this course begin once per month. Click on the Register link (below) to see the schedule for the next available class.

Additional Info:

Basic computer, Internet, and email navigational skills are required. This course uses the Simple and Fun Antennas for Hams book, written by Chuck Hutchinson, K8CH and Dean Straw, N6BV, for additional reading and construction activities. If you do not already have this book, it should be purchased before you start this course. Various materials (e.g., PL-259 connectors) will be needed depending upon which construction projects you choose to take on.

Articles pertaining to this course: Registration for Antenna Course Closes May 2

Equipment Needed

-2m radio w/ signal strength meter
-HF radio
-50 to 100' of RG-58, 8X, or 213 coaxial cable with PL259's on each end
-HF fwd/refl power & SWR meter
-HF dummy load
-Antenna tuner (optional)
-1:1 ferrite bead choke balun

Optional Reference Material:

-ARRL Antenna Book
-Antennas and Techniques for Low-Band Dxing - John DeVoldevere ON4UN (publ. by ARRL)
-Antennas - John Kraus W8JK (serious theory book)

Fees (without book):

Member: $65 Non-member: $95

Click here to register.

The ARRL Ham Radio License Course - EC-010
Description:	The Amateur Radio Service offers a unique mix of technology, public service, convenience and *fun. Some hams enjoy communicating across the country and around the globe, making new friends over the airwaves. Others like to build and experiment with electronics, experiencing cutting edge technologies. Some use their radios and skills during emergencies or disasters when all else fails. The goal of this course is to prepare students to take, and pass, the entry-level Amateur Radio license. This course includes the American Radio Relay League publication "Ham Radio License Manual,*" one year ARRL membership including QST. An online graduate support group is also included with course registration.
Prerequisites:	Desire to obtain an Amateur Radio License
Availability:	Classes for this course begin every month. Click on the Register link (below) to see the schedule for upcoming classes.
Additional Info:	Basic computer, Internet, and email navigational skills are required. This course includes the ARRL publication Ham Radio License Manual. This book, one year ARRL membership and graduate support are provided with course registration.
Equipment Needed	None
Optional Reference Material:	ARRL's Tech Q & A, Ham University on CD-ROM, The ARRL FCC Rule Book, The ARRL Operating Manual for Radio Amateurs, Understanding Basic Electronics, The ARRL Antenna Book, The ARRL Handbook for Radio Communications
Fees (includes book, 1-year membership & graduate support)	$69.00

RADIO FREQUENCY PROPAGATION - EC-011
Description:	Students will learn the science of RF propagation. This course puts together the most current information on the various modes of propagation. In 16 learning units and about 35 hours the student will learn information that normally takes years of operating experience to learn. This course will run in a 12-week period. See course Syllabus. Student Activities.
Prerequisites:	None
Course Preview
Availability:	Registration for this course (EC-011) is always open.
Additional Info:	Basic computer, Internet, and email navigational skills are required.
Equipment Needed	-HF receiver
Optional Reference Material:	Radio Propagation -- Principles & Practice -- by Ian Poole, G3YWX Radio propagation is a vital topic for any radio amateur or anyone with an interest in radio communications. This book provides a fascinating description of all the relevant information about radio propagation from HF to VHF, UHF and beyond. The book includes everything you need to about radio waves and how they travel, the atmosphere, the Sun, ionospheric propagation (with the important modes and information), ionospheric storms and aurora, how to predict and assess ionospheric propagation, tropospheric propagation, meteor scatter, and space communications. You are also guided in making the most of the available equipment, choosing the right time and radio band. This book provides the reader with a practical understanding of radio propagation so that they can use them to their best. Essential reading for anyone associated with radio communications. 112 pages. © 2004, published by Radio Society of Great Britain (RSGB). (ISBN: 1-872309-97-6) #9328--$29.95 Click here to order
Fees:	Member: $65 Non-member: $95

ANALOG ELECTRONICS -- EC-012
Description:	In 16 learning units the student will learn about the use of instrumentation, Kirchhoff's Laws, Diodes, Rectifier circuits, Bipolar and Field Effect Transistors, various amplifier configurations, filters, timers, Op-Amps, and voltage regulators. Most lessons include a design problem and optional construction project. This course will run in a 12-week period. See course Syllabus. Student Activities.
Prerequisites:	This course is designed for the student that is comfortable with the fundamental concepts of electricity and electronic components, such as resistors, capacitors, transistors, and so forth. You'll be reading some simple schematics, as well. You will need to know Ohm's Law and the relationship between power, voltage, current, and resistance. You'll need to be able to handle basic math equations--no more than simple algebra. It is assumed that you're comfortable with the notions of frequency and phase, as well as impedance and reactance--the resistance to the flow of ac current. (If you're a little shaky on these last few ideas, you might want to spend some time browsing the first few sections of the chapter covering "AC Theory and Reactive Components" in the ARRL Handbook or pick up a copy of WR1B's "Understanding Basic Electronics.")
Course Preview
Availability:	This course is offered monthly.
Additional Info:	Basic computer, Internet, and email navigational skills are required.
Equipment Needed	Please see course Introduction. Master Parts List
Optional Reference Material:	Please see course Introduction.
Fees:	Member: $65 Non-member: $95

DIGITAL ELECTRONICS -- EC-013
Description:	This course is designed for the electronics beginner that has an interest in electronics and has been introduced to the fundamental concepts of electricity and and electronic components such as resistors, capacitors, transistors, and so forth. You'll be reading some simple schematics. In 16 learning units the student will learn about Basic Boolean, Basic Gates, Flip-Flops, Counters and Shift Registers, Latches, Buffers and Drivers, Encoders and Decoders, Parallel Interfaces, Serial Interfaces, Input Devices, Displays, Logic Families, Microprocessor Basics, Connecting to Analog Electronics, Understanding Data Sheets and Design Resources. Most lessons include a design problem and optional construction project. This course runs in a 12-week period. See course Syllabus. Student Activities.
Prerequisites:	You will need to know Ohm's Law and the relationship between power, voltage, current, and resistance. You'll need to be able to handle basic math equations - no more than simple algebra.
Course Preview
Availability:	Classes for this course begin once per month. Click on the Register link (below) to see the schedule for the next available class.
Additional Info:	Basic computer, Internet, and email navigational skills are required.
Equipment Needed	Please see course Introduction. Master Parts List
Optional Reference Material:	Please see course Introduction.
Fees:	Member: $65 Non-member: $95

HF Digital Communications *EC-005*
Description:	Learn to use all HF digital modes. Students will understand the scope of HF Digital Amateur Radio Communications; develop awareness and stronger skills for HF digital modes. This course has 14 lesson units, is expected to take approximately 25 hours to complete over an 8-week period. See course Syllabus. Required Student Activities.


Prerequisites:	You must have HF privileges and access to an HF transceiver.
Course Preview

Availability:	Classes for this course begin once per month. Click on the Register link (below) to see the schedule for the next available class.


Additional Info:	Course requirements and materials students will need are: 1) Pentium PC or Mac PowerPC, (at least 200 MHz) with Windows 98 or above, or MacOS or Linux; 2) 16-bit sound card; 3) Ability to download and install applications from the Web; 4) Ability to purchase and/or create the necessary interface device for audio and transmit/receive switching. Basic computer, Internet, and email navigational skills are required.
Articles pertaining to this course:	ARRL to Offer HF Digital Communications Course

Optional Reference Material:	HF Digital Handbook, $19.95. ARRL Order No. 9159. Click here to order.


Fees:	Member: $65 Non-member: $95


Click here to register.

Radio Frequency Interference EC-006
Description:	In this course you will learn to identify sources and victims of interference. You will also get tips and suggestions for solutions and for handling those ticklish problems that crop up with difficult neighbors and other aggrieved parties. However, we must warn you that every RFI problem is unique. Don't expect to find the exact solution to your problem in this course, in the ARRL RFI Book, or in any other book or reference work. These items will provide a starting point and a little insight into solving the problem. It is your own ingenuity, intuition, and determination that will ultimately come up with your solution. This course has 13 lesson units, is expected to take approximately 25 hours to complete over an 8-week period. See course Syllabus. Required Student Activities.


Prerequisites:	You must have HF privileges and access to an HF transceiver
Course Preview

Availability:	Classes for this course begin once per month. Click on the Register link (below) to see the schedule for the next available class.


Additional Info:	To adequately complete this course you will need access to an HF transceiver, (preferably your own), an AM/FM AC/DC portable radio and a VHF hand held transceiver. In Lesson 3 you will need a doorbell buzzer or equivalent device with a battery holder of some sort (a children's code practice unit will probably work well). Basic computer, Internet, and email navigational skills are required.

Optional Reference Material:	The ARRL RFI Book, $20.00. ARRL Order No. 6834. Click here to order.


Fees:	Member: $65 Non-member: $95

VHF/UHF -- Life Beyond the Repeater EC-008
Description:	Students will be introduced to Internet Linking, Amateur Satellites, Direction Finding, APRS, Weak Signals, VHF Contesting, Microwaves, Amateur Television, and High Speed Multimedia Radio. Both the newly licensed Technician and the more experienced Extra class ham will find this collection of topics interesting and useful in exploring some of the lesser used and more intriguing aspects of the hobby. This course has 10 learning units, and takes 20 to 25 hours to complete over an 8-week period. See course Syllabus. Student Activities.


Prerequisites:	Amateur Radio License
Course Preview

Availability:	Classes for this course begin once per month. Click on the Register link (below) to see the schedule for the next available class.


Additional Info:	Course requirements and materials students will need are: 1) Pentium PC or Mac PowerPC, (at least 200 MHz) with Windows 98 or above, or MacOS or Linux; 2) 16-bit sound card; 3) Ability to download and install applications from the Web. Basic computer, Internet, and email navigational skills are required.
Articles pertaining to this course:	New "Beyond the Repeater" Course in Beta Testing RFI Course Starts in February
Optional Reference Material:	Practical VoIP Using VOCAL by Luan Dang, Cullen Jennings, David Kelly; Softswitch : Architecture for VoIP by Frank Ohrtman, Frank D., Jr. Ohrtman, Michael H. Khalilian. Find the following books in the ARRL on-line catalog: The Radio Amateur's Satellite Handbook by Martin Davidoff, K2UBC; The ARRL Satellite Anthology; Transmitter Hunting by Joseph Moell, K0OV and Thomas Curlee, WB6UZZ; The VHF/UHF DX Book; VHF/UHF Handbook; Beyond Line of Sight; International Microwave Handbook; The ARRL Image Communications Handbook by Dr. Ralph E. Taggart, WB8DQT; 802.11 Wireless Networks: The Definitive Guide by Matthew S. Gast
Fees:	Member: $65 Non-member: $95

Antenna Design and Construction - EC-009
Description:	Students will become familiar with and experience antenna design and construction techniques. This course has 15 learning units, and takes 20 to 25 hours to complete over an 8-week period. See course Syllabus. Student Activities.
Prerequisites:	Amateur Radio License
Course Preview
Availability:	Classes for this course begin once per month. Click on the Register link (below) to see the schedule for the next available class.
Additional Info:	Basic computer, Internet, and email navigational skills are required. This course uses the Simple and Fun Antennas for Hams book, written by Chuck Hutchinson, K8CH and Dean Straw, N6BV, for additional reading and construction activities. If you do not already have this book, it should be purchased before you start this course. Various materials (e.g., PL-259 connectors) will be needed depending upon which construction projects you choose to take on.
Articles pertaining to this course:	Registration for Antenna Course Closes May 2
Equipment Needed	-2m radio w/ signal strength meter -HF radio -50 to 100' of RG-58, 8X, or 213 coaxial cable with PL259's on each end -HF fwd/refl power & SWR meter -HF dummy load -Antenna tuner (optional) -1:1 ferrite bead choke balun
Optional Reference Material:	-ARRL Antenna Book -Antennas and Techniques for Low-Band Dxing - John DeVoldevere ON4UN (publ. by ARRL) -Antennas - John Kraus W8JK (serious theory book)
Fees (without book):	Member: $65 Non-member: $95