If you've been bitten (or should I say "Bittern"?? ) by the radio bug, why don't you give it try for yourself?

The Bittern DX Group is now pleased to be able to offer courses and exams for people wishing to obtain a amateur radio license. Amateur Radio now covers much more than just radio, because as well as traditional communications using Morse and Voice, you can send and receive data, slow scan television, normal fast television, GPS tracking of your location, even link to amateur stations around the world using radio linked to the internet! You do not need to know anything about electronics or radio to take an Amateur Radio License course! It is now easier than ever before to obtain a radio license because there are now three levels of license (Foundation, Intermediate and Advanced License). Virtually anyone of any age from 8 years upwards can take the Foundation License to get themselves on the air to join the wonderful world of radio. You do not have to be a member of the Bittern DX Group or any other club or organisation to attend a course or take an exam. However we suggest that you consider joining a club either before or after getting a license, as you will meet other like minded people who will be more than pleased to help and advise you on how best to get started in the hobby.

The Bittern DX Group meets twice monthly (2nd and last Thursday) at Pinewood Park IBC (Indoor Bowls Club) and prospective members are invited to come and visit with no obligation. Details of our meeting place are in our About BDXG section. There may also be another club nearer to where you live - for more information ask the Exam secretary below or check on the internet, the RSGB (www.rsgb.org.uk) or your local library.

How much will the course cost?

The courses and exams are ran at no charge by members of the Bittern DX Group, thanks to the recent "Grassroots" grant from the Norfolk Community Foundation we were able to cover venue costs. Previously thanks the grant our Foundation course was at a subsidised price of £20 including book. What you paid for was the examination fee which went to the RSGB and the course book (plus an extra £8 radio & electronics kit required in the intermediate course which is yours to keep).

However the grant ended in 2010 and all future course costs will have to echo and include these changes, it is suspected that a foundation licence course will be £35 (TBC). An Amateur Radio license is now free for life as long as it is applied for online (see www.ofcom.org.uk) so the only other cost is that of some equipment. With a basic single band radio (or ‘rig’) starting at around £50 second hand or as little as £100 new, a PSU (when operating from home) plus an antenna.

When are the courses run?

The courses are currently ran mostly on consecutive weekends at the venue of Antingham Village Hall. The initial Foundation Course is typically 2 weekend days, including the 45 minute multiple choice exam on the last day. The Intermediate course takes 4 - 5 days with the exam, again generally at weekends. For the Advance course we can offer the exam only, candidates would need to home study (with help and support from us). The courses typically have 6-10 people maximum and are friendly and informal.

Tea & Coffee will be provided free but you will need to bring a packed lunch - also bring a pen & pad. We also recommend that you order/purchase the course books before the course so that you can relate the coursework to the syllabus in the book.

Antingham Village Hall

Chasend

Southrepps Rd

Antingham

North Walsham,

Norfolk

For Directions via Google Maps please click here

How do I check availability and apply?

Please contact the Bittern DX Group via one of the following routes to register your interest, check availiability and to receive booking details;

• BDXG Examination Secretary: - Ken Holloway, 6, Britons Lane Close, Beeston Regis, Sheringham, Norfolk, NR26 8SH or Telephone (01263) 823326 or via email This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
• BDXG Course Leader: - Duncan Cooper MØWTG, via email This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
• BDXG Secretary: - Linda Leavold GØAJJ, 8, Wilkinson Way, North Walshm, Norfolk, NR28 9BB or Telephone (01692) 404154 (Evenings and Weekends Only)

Next Course Dates Next Courses are planned for the Winter months at Antingham Village Hall   Please email us to Register Interest...

o bug, why don't you give it try for yourself?

The Bittern DX Group is now pleased to be able to offer courses and exams for people wishing to obtain a amateur radio license. Amateur Radio now covers much more than just radio, because as well as traditional communications using Morse and Voice, you can send and receive data, slow scan television, normal fast television, GPS tracking of your location, even link to amateur stations around the world using radio linked to the internet! You do not need to know anything about electronics or radio to take an Amateur Radio License course! It is now easier than ever before to obtain a radio license because there are now three levels of license (Foundation, Intermediate and Advanced License). Virtually anyone of any age from 8 years upwards can take the Foundation License to get themselves on the air to join the wonderful world of radio. You do not have to be a member of the Bittern DX Group or any other club or organisation to attend a course or take an exam. However we suggest that you consider joining a club either before or after getting a license, as you will meet other like minded people who will be more than pleased to help and advise you on how best to get started in the hobby.

How much will the course cost?
The courses and exams are run by members of the Bittern DX Group, but unfortunately at this time the Sandy Lane Club venue has a reduced charge, that we have to cover. Currently our Foundation course is priced at £35, the majority of what you pay for is the examination fee which goes to the RSGB and the course book (plus an extra £8 radio & electronics kit required in the intermediate course which is yours to keep). An Amateur Radio license is now free for life as long as it is applied for online (see www.ofcom.org.uk) so the only other cost is that of some equipment. With a basic single band radio (or ‘rig’) starting at around £50 second hand or as little as £100 new, a PSU (when operating from home) plus an antenna.

When are the courses run?
The courses are currently run on weekends at the Sandy Lane Club in Banningham and our alternative venue of Antingham Village Hall.The initial Foundation Course is typically 2 weekend days, including the 40 minute exam on the last day. The Intermediate course takes 4 - 5 days with the exam, again generally at weekends. The Advance course which unfortunately we can't offer at present is a much longer course over 7 days with additional home study required. The courses typically have 6-10 people maximum and are friendly and informal.

Tea & Coffee will be provided free but you will need to bring a packed lunch - also bring a pen & pad. We also recommend that you order/purchase the course books before the course so that you can relate the coursework to the syllabus in the book.

	Examination Centre No.1: Sandy Lane Club attached to the Jubilee Hall (RSGB Centre ref: NR398) Colby Road Banningham Norfolk For Directions via Google Maps please click here
	Examination Centre No.2: Antingham Village Hall Chasend Southrepps Rd Antingham North Walsham, Norfolk For Directions via Google Maps please click here

How do I check availability and apply?
Please contact the Bittern DX Group via one of the following routes to register your interest, check availiability and to receive booking details;

• BDXG Examination Secretary: - Alec Adams G3YOA, "The Gables", Chapel Road, Trunch, North Walsham, Norfolk, NR28 0QG or Telephone (01263) 722586 (Evenings and Weekends Only)
• BDXG Course Leader: - Duncan Cooper MØWTG, via email courses@bittern-dxers.org.uk
• BDXG Secretary: - Keith Martin GØGFQ, 21, All Saints Close, Weybourne, Holt, Norfolk, NR25 7HH or Telephone (01263) 588506

Examination Secretary Alec Adams G3YOA		Course Leader Duncan Cooper MØWTG

Part of the Bittern DX Group Instructor and Examination Team:
Left to Right: - Linda GØAJJ, Duncan MØWTG, Alec G3YOA, Andy 2EØAIV and Steve G7VRK.

Next Course Dates: T.B.A. ?? October 2009 (Sooner if enough Interest...) Venue : Antingham Village Hall