Illawarra Amateur Radio Society

The home of Amateur Radio in the Illawarra

  • Amateur Radio
    • About Amateur Radio
    • Australian Amateur Band Plans
    • Becoming an Amateur Radio Operator
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  • Club Information
    • Contact Details
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    • IARS Constitution
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    • Monthly Meetings
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    • Repeater Status
  • Photo Galleries
  • Projects

About Amateur Radio

Amateur radio, also known as ham radio, is communication in a number of frequency ranges from just above the AM broadcast band (1.6 MHz) to the microwave region, at several hundred gigahertz.  These frequencies have been designated for amateur use by the Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA).

Anyone with a radio receiver or a radio scanner can listen in on ham radio communications, but only an amateur operator licensed by the ACMA can transmit the signals.  Typically, ham radio operators, or hams, do not use ham radio to broadcast in the way radio stations broadcast to large audiences at once.  Ham transmission is usually two-way or with groups of people using a transceiver (short for transmitter-receiver, a device that both transmits and receives analog or digital signals), meaning that two or more hams talk to each other instead of everyone listening to a single ham’s broadcast.

There are over 16,000 amateur radio operators in Australia, and millions around the world.  Ham radio can be useful in spreading information during emergencies when other services such as telephones, television, or the Internet fail.

Licensed Amateur Radio operators enjoy personal two-way communications with friends, family members, and complete strangers, all of whom must also be licensed. They support the larger public community with emergency and disaster communications.  Increasing a person’s knowledge of electronics and radio theory as well as radio contesting are also popular aspects of this radio service.  A good way to get started in Ham Radio is to find a club in your area to answer your questions and provide information on getting licensed and then getting on the air.

Amateur Radio first started in Australia in 1910, and the Illawarra Amateur Radio Society was first formed in June 1948.

Before you can operate an amateur radio station you have to get a licence.  In order to get this licence you have to pass an exam to prove that you know enough to operate an amateur station properly. In order to pass the exam you will probably want to do a course. Fortunately, becoming a licenced radio amateur in Australia is easier than ever before, and there is plenty of help along the way.

The IARS holds many events during the year, bbq’s, dinners, Information and Technical nights but most of all, it is the gathering of people with a common interest in Amateur Radio and the formation of friendships all around the world and in your own backyard that last a lifetime.

For more information, the Wireless Institute of Australia web site has an excellent introduction to amateur radio.

  • Latest News

    John Moyle Contest

    The John Moyle Field day weekend and Fox hunting will be at the IARS Penrose site. Date : 18th and 19th March 2023 The site will be open from Friday the 17th at 3pm if you wish to camp an extra night. Please note there are no bathroom facilities and you need to bring your own water, camping gear, food, drinks and all your necessary camping items if you intend to stay overnight. No need to bring any radio gear other than FOX hunting receivers as equipment for the contest will be... more»
  • Omegalec

    Keith's (VK2KQB) business OMEGALEC is a proud sponsor of the Illawarra Amateur Radio Society. OMEGALEC is an Australian-owned business engaged in the design, manufacture and marketing of quality power conversion products.

    Check out their website at
    http://www.omegalec.com.au/

  • Radio and Electronics School

    The Radio and Electronics School is a great online resource for those who are starting out or seeking to upgrade  their current qualifications.  Established in 1997 by Ron Bertrand the schools range of online courses covers everything from the Foundation to the Advanced Licience. Volunteer facilitators are provided to help through the courses.

    For more information please visit http://www.res.net.au/#

  • Become a member

    IARS Membership forms can now be downloaded in PDF format. Click the image below to find out more and join the club with like-minded radio enthusiasts.

    IARS Membership
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