James Paulson operates with the HF and VHF station located at the clubs location at the Canadian Owner Pilots Association hangar at the Medicine Hat Airport. (CHAT NEWS TODAY)

By Jesse Gill

Hat Horizons radio club looking to help teenagers get amateur radio license

Dec 14, 2023 | 5:13 PM

MEDICINE HAT, AB – Has the thought of getting into amateur radio even crossed your mind?

The Hat Horizons Operators Radio Club is looking to help ten people get their amateur radio license at no cost.

The group currently operates out of a shared space at the Canadian Owner Pilots Association hangar at the Medicine Hat Airport.

James Paulson, a director at the club, told CHAT News he is looking for people in the 15 to 18-year-old age range who have an interest in areas like technology, science, engineering, mathematics, computer programming and artificial intelligence.

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“We are going to start hopefully in January,” Paulson said.

“We would like to do it every other Wednesday evening in January, February, and March — a total of six classes about two hours in duration,” he added.

“So, a total of about 12 hours of preparation, and of course we are going to be available to answer any questions they have as well. In early April, we hope to have them sit down and write the actual exam and go from there.”

Parents are also welcome to join their kids in taking the course.

With an amateur radio license you can operate on a number of different frequencies and bands as well as through a number of different methods and modes.

Club member Milt Duquette said they are able to communicate across the world with their radios, but can reach even further than that.

“Well with the handhelds or radios you can actually get a hold of the ISS space station. We have several frequencies we go up ten and down five and the main repeater of the ISS comes across,” Duquette said.

Amateur radio has some unique privileges from space communication to building tech systems linking all over the world.

For those looking to get more information on the course contact Paulson by email at jpaulson1963@gmail.com or by phone at 403-581-4106.