Membership
Contact Information
Station/Repeater Info
Current Operators
Related Links
FAQ
A) The Cal Poly Pomona Amateur Radio Club is an association of Cal Poly students, staff, and faculty who share a common interest in radio communication.
Q) What is amateur radio?
A) Amateur Radio is a hobby that encompases a wide range of activities revolving around radio communications. Some of the modes of communication available to amateurs include: morse code, AM voice, single sideband voice, FM voice, slow-scan TV, fast-scan TV, fax, packet radio, radioteletype, and new digital modes such as PSK31 and MFSK16. The effective range of amateur communications varies with power output, antenna efficiency, frequency, and atmospheric conditions but a simple station capable of world wide communication can be had for less than the cost of many PCs. Amateurs engage in many activities including chatting with local friends on a FM repeater, making friends in other countries on the HF bands, morse code contesting, foxhunting, talking with astronauts in space, participating in the packet-radio network, and assisting in emergency communications. You can learn more about amateur radio by visiting the American Radio Relay League's web site or by emailing one of the club members.
Q) Sounds like fun, how can I check this amateur radio thing out?
A) Email the CPPARC president or faculty advisor and ask for a tour of the club station and a demonstration of amateur communications. This should give you a good feel for what is involved.
Q) Ok, I want to get into this hobby. What do I need to do?
A) In order to legally transmit on the amateur frequencies you need to obtain a license from the Federal Communications Commission. To get a technician class license one need only pass a thirty question multiple choice test. Amateur radio test preparation materials can be found in many libraries, or you can buy your own from the American Radio Relay League.