Become a Ham Radio Operator–and:

December 31st, 2007
  • Assist with emergency communications
  •  Provide communications for search and rescue
  • Help with local charity events
  • Talk to new friends all over the world
  • Learn about the latest in electronics and communications
  • Participate in ham radio contests and competitions
  • Keep in touch with friends and family


The Classes for 2009

  • Class Dates: Classes begin on Thursday, January 15 and continue on Thursdays through March 12 (no Feb. 12 class).
  • Technician Class: This is the beginning class and it will be offered twice each class day. Choose an afternoon class, 3:30 PM or 7:00 PM evening class.
  • General Class: This is the more advanced class—you must pass the Technician exam before you can write the General exam. This class is offered evenings only at 7:00 PM.
  • Extra Class: If there is sufficient interest for this class we will attempt to offer it.  Please contact Al Liske as soon as possible (see contact information below) to indicate your interest.  If this class is offered it will combine self-study along with a tutoring style of instruction.
  • Class Location: All classes will be offered in the Community Fellowship Room at the North Cascades Adventist Church, 800 Peacock Lane, Burlington (just off Highway 20—about ½ mile east of Burlington).
  • Cost: No Tuition—only cost is for textbook—only one required per family. 

Who is TARA?

TARA is made up of a group of volunteer ham radio operators whose sole purpose is to help others to become FCC licensed ham radio operators. We offer ham radio classes annually in Burlington with a focus on serving residents of Skagit, Island and Whatcom counties.Class Instructors are: Al Liske, KA7Z, licensed for 53 years. Al is a retired college electronics teacher and Intel Corp. Training Manager. Rod Brandt, W7ROD, is a local dentist with a strong science and electronics background. Todd Caswell, KE7FXW, is an electrical engineer with aviation experience.

Who Can Take the Classes?

The classes are open to anyone. There are no age restrictions and they appeal to men, women and children. For children, it is best if they can read fairly well—we usually suggest they be in, possibly 5th or 6th grade. Home-Schoolers are excellent candidates and many times parents join their home-schooler children. On the other end of the age spectrum, we’ve had students up in their 70’s and 80’s successfully obtain their ham license.  We hope to see you in January.  Contact Al Liske if you have any questions.

Our Record

Last year’s class featured a very high. The final exam is administered in our own classroom by FCC accredited examiners and results are known immediately.Contact Information: Al Liske, ka7z@arrl.net or telephone (360) 293-5457.

  • HAM RADIO LINKS OF INTEREST:
  • http://www.rasconline.org
  • http://www.qrz.org
  • http://www.arrl.org
  • http://wireless.fcc.gov/uls/index.htm?job=home 

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