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West Valley Ham Shack
Classes are now being scheduled for Winter 2025
Classes are FREE! Keep an eye on the 'Calendar of Events' accessible from the main menu.
Students need to purchase kits for Kit Building Classes.
Available Classes
(POTA)
Parks on the Air
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 own shack, and how to activate a park and rack up many contacts from experienced activator, Frank K7SD.
max 10 students per class.
Nano Vector Network Analyzer
Learn the functions of the Nano VNBA. Topics include VNA menus, calibration, setting the measurement range and sweeps to perform reflective and thru tests. Measure SWR, Return Loss, Coax loss and length, Antenna and Resonant frequencies
BASIC FT-8
Covers the basics of the FT-8 mode, including hardware and software installations.
Class size limited to 10 students
Advanced FT-8
Learn the finer points of chasing and working DX stations and DXpeditions using the FT-8 mode , implementing the Fox/Hound protocol, and the new SUPER FOX software just released.
Buddipole Antennas System Class
Would you like a portable, compact and versatile antenna system for your EMCOMM go-kit ,for your POTA or SOTA outings? Or perhaps you would just like to know more about the Buddipole or portable antenna systems. This high performing antenna can be mounted on a tripod, tabletop, balcony and more! If so, the Buddipole System Class might be for you! This class first explores Buddipole purchase options, parts and the multitude of add on options for what is truly the Swiss Army Knife of antennas. We will examine the antenna configurations possible with the Buddipole, including Vertical, Horizontal Dipole, Yagi, Vertical Dipole and DX takeoff angles. Once the best configuration for the field application is determined, a discussion will follow about final assembly, antenna tuning and radial configuration requirements. Some low-level discussion about antenna concepts such as SWR and resonance will round out the Buddipole configuration guide with that perfect tune in its operational environment.
Discovering Your
Technician Priveleges
Now with your license you can talk all over the country, or even all over the world.
Inthis class , we will help you get the most out of your license and radio.
Venture out beyond the local repeater!
Soldering
Class
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.
KIT
Building
Introduction to kit building we will assemble and solder a working electronic kit. Learn to identify componnents and observe polarity. Soldering class a prerequisite.
We ask you purchase the Elenco SP-1A kit from Amazon BEFORE attending the class. Loaner soldering irons and soldring materials are supplied for use during class.
WVHS
Test Bench
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.
Advanced
Kit Building
Build, test, and troubleshoot a working FM radio. Purchase the Elenco FM-88K kit from Amazon BEFORE attending class.
Review assembly instructions before class.
Soldering materials are supplied during class.
Antenna
Class
for HOA's
A course focusing on small lot solutionjs for antennas for HOA restricted situations, For HF/VHF/UHF, and satellite antennas.
Commercial or DIY solutions discussed.
DMR
radio basics
This class will help you begin using the DMR features of your new radio.
You will register with Brandmeister and make sense of your radio (we will not discuss specific radios)
Even if you have not purchased a new radio yet, this will give you a peek into the DMR world,
Anderson
Power Poles
Learn what Anderson Power Poles are and why they have soared to popularity in DC voltage distribution.
"Hands On " earning with tools provided by the Shack will allow you to try installing these connectors.
Getting Started
with ALL STAR
A class to discover how to implement your own HOT SPOT that will allow convenient communication over the internet WITHOUT needing a new digital radio! Discover world communications with your current analog HT.
ALL STAR node BUILD!
this class will instruct you in the completion of a kit that builds an ALL Star Node. The enjoyment of using equipment you have built yourself, along with the money saved, will make this a favorite device in the shack!
GMRS - What is it
Learn from Frank WRVG584 what the General Mobile Radio Service is and why you should use it.
Licensing procedures, practical uses, and the lay of the land for GMRS are covered for here in Phoenix.
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