2025 Class Offerings
22 subjects to study for FREE
at WVHS, including 8 new topics
The schedule for these FREE 2025 classes is listed on the bottom of this page, as well as appearing on the 'CALENDAR of Events' menu option.
We often schedule classes based on number of requests. Please let us know your level of interest in a particular topic.
NEW
Getting started in ALL STAR In this class we will focus on setting up an Allstar node -- bring your node for hands-on instruction on setting it up!
Allstar is a global network of repeaters and hot spots (or “nodes”) accessible to each other using Simplex FM and Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP). AllStar links a user’s home node to other nodes and systems, permitting worldwide RF communication using regular Simplex FM radios. Amateur radio operators access the global AllStar system by with a simple AllStar node at their QTH. They can be easily deployed at relatively low cost, as low as around $80 USD. Learn how to join in the fun with any UHF/VHF HT and a Tech License to talk to other Hams all over the world!
NEW
Building your own ALL STAR NODE : We will build kits for an AllStar node. You are responsible for ordering your kit prior to class (EXPECT SEVERAL WEEKS FOR DELIVERY). Participants need to purchase their own kit from https://kits4hams.com. Send an emails to kits4hams@gmail.com and ask for an order form for the kit you plan to build.
PORTABLE Antenna Systems Would you like a portable, compact and versatile antenna system for your EMCOMM go-kit? Or maybe you enjoy POTA or SOTA? Or perhaps you would just like to know more about portable antenna systems. The Buddipole might be an antenna system for you! This high performing antenna can be mounted on a tripod, tabletop, balcony and more!
SOLAR power systems​​​​
This class teaches all that you need to know to purchase the correct solar generation components to suit your needs and to assemble your own solar generation system. The class first discusses what your electrical demand requirements are, both for radio and for other support gear. Once demand is determined, a battery of proper Amp hour capacity and type can be selected to provide service between recharge cycles. We then discuss photovoltaic panel designs and calculate the Watt rating required to provide electrical demand, plus charging demand during daylight hours. Last, we tie the system together by discussing charge controllers, battery boxes, interconnect wiring, connector options, circuit breakers and inverters.
What is GMRS and why you should use it Learn about the fast-growing General Mobile Radio Service, a segment of the UHF band. Frank K7SD/WRVG584 explains licensing procedures, practical uses, and gives a lay of the land for GMRS in Phoenix, and beyond. See why GMRS is a must for your radio toolbox!
NEW
NEW
HF Operation Demo & Introduction Join Carl in the Radio Room for a demonstration and hands-on instruction of HF operation using the ICOM 7300. The session is geared towards Technicians upgrading to General Operations but is open to all interested in HF operation.
NEW
A.P.R.S.
Learn what APRS (Automatic Packet Reporting System) is and why you may want to use it. We will look at a couple VHF handi talkies that support APRS and how it can be used for emergency communications. It's not just for GPS tracking!
Working Satellites with Ham Radio This is a class for Hams (Technician class or higher) interested in working satellites for the first time. You will learn the basic principles of amateur radio satellite operation, how to select the appropriate equipment for a basic satellite station, and how to use resources with smart phone apps and online software to predict satellite passes. You'll also learn how to compensate for the Doppler effect on satellite signals. successfully receive signals and make contacts on FM satellites, and log and confirm satellite contacts.
NEW
COMPUTER Networking An indispensable class for those whose hobby involves the use of one or more computers that need to 'talk' to one another. That includes most all of us these days. As our equipment expands, the networking of each piece of equipment is a valuable skill. Don't go BALD from pulling out your hair trying to connect gear; learn the skills to accomplish these connections effortlessly!
NEW
NEW
Weekly Morse Code copying exercise Once you have mastered 'hearing' the majority of morse code characters, join us for weekly code copying at an informal practice session. Various length words, phrases, and choice of speeds will be sent for you to decode. Gradually, we will expand to cover numbers, callsigns, and other ham CW shorthands. Morse code reception is not required for any current license class holders. It is purely for the love of the history of our hobby.
Test Bench at WVHS Learn to use the various test instruments in the WVHS repair facility to troubleshoot your own electronics! Learn to recognize components, use signal generators, Calibrated dummy loads, power supplies and more! ( limit 8 students per class)
Discovering your Technician Privileges Now that you have you Technician license do you know what you can do with it? You can still talk all over the country, or even all over the world with the right gear and tools. In this class, we will help you get the most out of your technician license. This class is perfect for new Hams or even hams who have had their technician license for years but haven’t ventured out beyond the local repeater. (limit 10 students per class)
Introduction to DMR Do you have a new DMR radio, and you want to take advantage of all that extra capability? This class will help you get started on DMR Brandmeister. Although, we will not cover specific radios, we can help you make sense of the radio you have. Or maybe you just want to see what DMR is all about and you haven’t purchased a DMR radio yet!
General Class Electrical Principles (G5) Advance toward your General class license with this new proposed Electrical Principles class just for Technicians. Material to be covered includes the Sub-Element G5 questions on the FCC test. One question from each of the following areas will appear on the test:
-
Resistors, capacitors, and inductors in series and parallel; and transformer basics.
-
The decibel; current and voltage dividers; electrical power calculations; sine wave root-mean-square (RMS) values; PEP calculations.
-
Reactance, inductance, capacitance, impedance, impedance transformation, resonance.
Some math is involved, but it is straight forward. Calculator would be helpful. Length: 2 hours
General Class Circuit Components (G6) This class covers Sub-element G6 (24 pool questions). Two of the questions will appear on the 35-question General Test. Topics include resistors, capacitors, and inductors; rectifiers; solid-state diodes and transistors; vacuum tubes; batteries; analog and digital integrated circuits (IC's); Microwave ICs (MMICs); display devices; RF connectors; ferrite cores. Limit 10 students. Some math required.
Soldering Learn by "hands on" use of soldering iron with point-to-point and circuit board soldering practice, a basic class for beginners. Loaner soldering irons are supplied to use during the class.(Limit 6 students per class)
Kit Building Introduction to kit building. Assemble and solder a working electronic kit. Learn to identify components and observe polarity. Recommend you first attend our Soldering class. This class has a materials cost, TBD. Loaner soldering irons supplied to use during class. (limit 5 students per class)
Advanced Kit Building Use the skills you have already acquired in Kit Building to build a working AM or FM radio. Test and trouble shoot. A material cost is requires depending on the kit you choose. (approx $20 - $50) Loaner soldering irons are supplied for use during class. (Limit 5 students per class)
Antenna Solutions for HOA's A course focusing on small lot solutions for antennas for HOA or XYL restricted situations. For HF, VHF/UHF, and Satellite antennas. Commercial and DIY solutions discussed (Limit 10 students per class)
Basic FT-8 Learn the basics of the new FT-8 mode including hardware and software installation (limit 10 students per class)
Parks on the Air (POTA) Learn about Portable Amateur radio that promotes emergency awareness and communications from national and state parks. This course teaches you how to hunt parks from the comfort of your shack, and how to activate a park and rack up many contacts from experienced activator, Frank K7SD. Learn the basics of building a 'GO Box' for portable operations. (limit 10 students per class)​
NanoVNA The objective of this class is to familiarize participants with the basic functions of the Nano Vector Network Analyzer (NanoVNA). Some of the topics include navigating the VNA menus, calibration, setting the measurement range, and setting up sweeps to perform reflective (S11) and thru (S21) tests. Knowledge of these VNA functions will allow users to make basic measurements such as Standing Wave Ratio (SWR), Return Loss in dB's, Line Loss in Coax, Length of Coax, Frequency Range of an Antenna and Resonant Frequency. If you have a NanoVNA, please bring it!
The class is a recommended prerequisite for the Bandpass Filter Kit build class.
Limit 10 students per class Method: Lecture
