foundation
license
sign up for our new foundation course
TO BE ANNOUNCED
From time to time FAMPARC hold a Amateur Radio Foundation License Course at the club rooms.
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This course is open to all that are interested in getting their Amateur Radio Foundation License.
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The Foundation Course is held over a weekend, Saturday 9:30am to 4pm, Sunday 10am to 3pm.
(Times will vary depending on the size of the class)
NOTE:
There has been many changes to the Australian Amateur Radio Licence Structure which is controlled by the Government body ACMA (Australia Communications and Media Authority) as of Feb. 2024. The details outlined below, although we believe is correct, changes can be made at anytime from the ACMA. You are advised to check the ACMA website.
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The Foundation Course is held over a weekend, Saturday 9:30am to 4pm, Sunday 10am to 3pm.
(Times will vary depending on the size of the class)
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Note: The Exam (25 Questions and a Practical Assessment) will be then scheduled based on the amount of attendees and the availability of Exam Papers and Assessors. We would hope to have the exam within the following week.
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The course covers both the theory and practical sections of the exam and even gets you ‘on-air’ as part of the training!
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Foundation Licence
an Entry Into Amateur Radio
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The hobby of Amateur Radio has a long and proud tradition that is worth knowing. It began with experimenters dabbling in the then scientific oddity of wireless, went through the broadcasting era of the 1920s, and grew strongly after WWII. The people involved in it became the mainstay of technical professions and developed much of the technology we use today.
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Many changes have taken place in Amateur Radio, but it is even more relevant and accessible than ever before.
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Things You Will Need To Know
The emphasis is now on those wanting to enjoy Amateur Radio, to have the knowledge and skills to demonstrate a practical ability to put together a station from commercial equipment, and operate it safely, competently and without causing interference to other users of the radio spectrum.
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The aim of the Foundation Licence is to be a stepping stone or entry point, giving you a real taste of Amateur Radio and the fun it provides.
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In summary you will learn the how Amateur Radio relates to other users of the radio spectrum, licence conditions, technical basics of electricity and electronics, transmitters, receivers, feedlines and antennas, propagation, electromagnetic compatibility (EMC), and electromagnetic radiation (EMR).
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Construction and Digital Modes
On the 12th of September 2019 the ACMA introduced a number of changes to amateur licence conditions. From these changes foundation licence holders, both existing and new, are permitted to construct their own transmittting equipment and make full use of available digital modes. The amendments increase the flexibility, utility, and relevance of the Foundation licence by removing unnecessary restrictions, while balancing the risk of interference to other radio spectrum users.
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Radio Bands You Can Use
The Foundation Licence can operate in the bands listed below using the modes listed in the right hand column. Use of both commercially manufactured or home brew transmitting equipment is permitted.
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DISTANCES YOU CAN WORK
This is dependent on conditions and time of day etc.
The Foundation Manual
The WIA Foundation Licence Manual is a book containing relevant information for those studying for a licence. Because it is so easy to read and understand, has also become a reference book on lots of common topics.
The manual has all the relevant information you will need to successfully complete a training course to obtain a Foundation Licence. It also contains a wealth of information all radio amateurs need, like understanding Band Plans, electrical safety, operating procedures, how to contact a local radio club, the WIA and much more.
The Foundation Licence Manual - Your Entry Into Amateur Radio – is available from several sources. The Foundation License Manual is available from Famparc and can be purchased for $28.00
WHAT TO BRING ON THE DAY
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The healthy ability to have fun and enjoy yourself.. Remembering this is a fun Hobby.
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A Note Pad and Pen. Taking notes will help you, as there will be some study needed during your own time.
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Identification with picture of yourself. (Driver License etc).
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Method payment. (For the cost of the Exam and also a Foundation Book if required (Recommended))
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Perhaps some food and drink, the club does have Tea and Coffee available.
FEES AND CHARGES (NOTE: SUBJECT TO CHANGE)
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Fees from 1 July 2023 to 30 June 2024
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ACMA recognition certificate application: $45.20
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Call sign applications:
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next-available call sign: $30.15
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preferential call signs:
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2-letter call sign with the prefix VK1, VK5, VK6, VK7 or VK8: $41.45
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2-letter call sign with the prefix VK2, VK3, VK4: $52.75
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3-letter call sign with the prefix VK1, VK2, VK3, VK4, VK5, VK6, VK7 or VK8: $41.45
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special event, contest or VK0 or VK9 call sign: $52.75
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replacement call sign: no charge
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Recognition of prior learning assessment application: $188.35.
Information about how our fees are set is in the current Cost Recovery Implementation Statement.
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Fees for 2024–2025
In addition to the fees above, we will consult on charges for the re-assignment of special event, contest, VK0 and VK9 call signs as well as the transfer of any call signs in the draft 2024–25 Fees for Service Cost Recovery Implementation Statement, which is planned to be released for consultation in March/April 2024.
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ACMA AMATEUR RADIO WEB PAGE AS OF FEB 2024
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NOTE: Famparc do not charge for the Course, all charges and Fees are related to the Exams and Licensing and is payable when sitting the Exam and Practical Assessment. However we do ask that you join Famparc.​​​​
RESOURCES
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Online WIA Foundation Exam Sample
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View the ACMA Foundation Syllabus
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Australian-Amateur-Callsign-Policy-and-Procedures
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Radio & Electronics School â–· Foundation (Very Helpful with Videos etc)
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Famparc Membership Enquiries
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Famparc New Membership Form
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Famparc New Members
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Famparc Club Constitution
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Famparc Administration and Committee
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Coax Cable Verses Balanced Feeder
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We wish to acknowledge both the Wireless Institute Of Australia and Australian Maritime College University of Tasmania for their assistance and resources for this page.
