The Regional FT4 DX Contest and the SARL Top Band QSO Party are hosted by the WRARC
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Amateur Radio, also known as Ham Radio, is a one-of-a-kind multi-faceted hobby. It allows licensed amateur radio operators to communicate with people all over the world using two way radios. You may think that is Citizen’s Band (CB) Radio or perhaps “walkie-talkies” but there is much more to Amateur Radio. Ham Radio operators are talking to people thousands of kilometres away without using telephones or the internet. Hams are often called on to assist with communications at various sporting events and sometimes they even help in disaster situations. There is a lot more to the hobby than just talking though.
There are many activities for ham radio operators in South Africa. You may fancy taking part in one or more of the many contests arranged by the South African Radio League (SARL) each year. Or you may like to activate Summits, National Parks or Heritage Sites. When luck permits you can even make contact with an Astronaut on the International Space Station. |
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Amateur Radio is a hobby in which you require a license to operate a two way radio called a transceiver. These licenses are issued by the Independent Communications Authority of South Africa (ICASA). To obtain a licence you will be required to pass an “easy enough” multiple choice question examination known as The Radio Amateur Exam (RAE).
The examination is held twice a year; in May and October. The West Rand Amateur Radio club can help you prepare for the exam. We offer two courses each year, usually starting in January and June.
These courses are mostly held virtually but there are some practical classes which take place at our clubhouse situated in Weltvreden Park, Roodepoort. You will learn about radio regulations, radio etiquette, how radio waves are made and how they send your voice across the world. And just in case you’ve been told that you will need to learn Morse Code to get a license, it’s not true.
THE NEXT RADIO AMATEUR EXAM (RAE) WILL BE ON 19 OCTOBER 2024
THE NEXT RAE COURSE STARTS ON 18 JUNE 2024.
Click here to find out more about and sign up for our RAE Course
Proxy form for General Meeting
Proxy form for Special General Meeting
ICASA Radio Amateur License Fees
South African DXCC receipients (ZS6EZ)
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