What does ! mean in AMATEUR RADIO

Amateur Radio Disaster Club (ARDC) is a volunteer organization that works with civil authorities to provide communications when public services are disrupted due to extreme weather, man-made disasters, and other emergency situations. ARDC members are part of an international network of radio operators who have the skills and tools to provide reliable emergency communication services in times of need.

ARDC members actively participate in disaster drills and exercises as well as responding to real-world disasters such as fires, hurricanes, and floods. They also work with civil authorities on communications planning, maintain contact networks for use in emergencies, provided technical guidance and support, and serve as liaisons with government agencies and organizations during large-scale events.

As a member of the Amateur Radio Disaster Club you must be 18 years or older, possess a valid amateur radio license from your country's authorizing agency (such as the Federal Communication Commission in the United States), pass an exam on basic Amateur Radio principles and operating procedures, have access to approved amateur radio equipment, and be willing to commit time each month for training, regular drills/exercises or operations when called upon by civil authority.

If you meet all the qualifications listed above then you can register by signing up at www.amateurradiodisasterclub.org or by sending an email request directly to ARDC membership coordinator at [email protected]. Once your registration is processed you will receive confirmation via email along with instructions on how to officially join the club in its activities upon completion of your first training.

Yes. Members must have access to approved amateur radio equipment that meets certain minimum specifications including type approval by regulating agencies if applicable; battery backup; ability to transmit on multiple frequencies; appropriate antenna; compatible computer software programs; radios tuned for operation within 20 kHz of assigned frequency; microphone headset or hand-held unit; minimum signal power output of 5 watts; plus other accessories like spare batteries or chargers if needed.

All members are expected to regularly monitor their assigned frequencies for both net activity or emergency traffic even when not participating in official ARDC activities. In addition it is suggested that members check their assigned frequency at least once per day even when they are not staffing official nets or participating in exercises or operations.

The best way to stay informed about upcoming events is through our website which maintains listings for all scheduled local meetings/nets, regional drills/exercises/operations posted by local coordinators as well as any national level notices that may be issued periodically.

Yes! All new members are required to attend our mandatory orientation session which includes information regarding regulations governing amateur radio use as well as technical aspects like frequency selection protocols etc. We also frequently hold additional training sessions and workshops throughout the year which cover various topics related to disaster preparedness communications.