PARC Radio & Technology

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What’s Next – Welcome to Amateur Radio!

Clear instructions and useful links to guide you after passing your exam
        Disclaimer: We are not required to provide the following information and links. We do this to help and assist you as we welcome you into the great hobby of Amateur Radio.
    WARNING: Do not make any changes to your records! Do not modify or edit for at least 30 days AFTER you received your callsign or upgrade. ** Do NOT apply for a vanity callsign! **

    New Licensee

  • Pay your $35 license fee as soon as the system allows it. Submit your payment promptly to secure your place in the queue.
  • Watch your email closely. The FCC will send an email to the address listed on your Form 605 once their system begins processing. This email contains the payment instructions. Check your spam and junk folders regularly. Missing this email or failing to pay in time will result in your application being dismissed, and you will have to begin the process again.
  • Felony documentation. If you have a felony conviction, submit the required documentation to the FCC. This process is strictly between you and the FCC - we cannot assist or intervene.
  • Do not contact the FCC, ARRL, or us about your paperwork. The FCC’s public call center is operated by a contractor and may not have accurate information, so please be patient. If you have not received an email within ten days, email us to check on your application for you.
  • How to Pay Your FCC License Application Fee of 35 Dollars Login and pay as soon as the application is in the FCC system. CORES payment instructions.

When to Expect Progress

  • New licenses are issued in order of payment date.
  • Upgrades and new licenses will process as soon as payment and/or verification steps are complete.
  • You may see your call sign appear in the FCC ULS database within days or it may take several weeks depending on the backlog.
  • If you have already paid and do not see your license after ten days, contact the FCC at their toll-free number (888) 225-5322.

Helpful Tips

  • Paying promptly is the best way to avoid unnecessary delays.
  • Keep monitoring email and FCC notices, but do not worry about contacting us or the FCC unnecessarily. It can take up to ten days.
  • Remember that backlogs are normal after system outages and shutdowns. Patience is key.

Congratulations

    You are now a licensed Amateur Radio Operator! The most important thing you can do now is to keep learning and stay active in the community.
      Here are some suggestions to help you get started:
    • Join a local amateur radio club and meet other hams.
    • Attend Hamfests and local events.
    • Consider joining the ARRL for resources and advocacy.
    • Avoid buying low-cost handheld radios such as Baofeng or Wouxun, which can be difficult to program and have limited range.
    • Before buying any equipment, learn what others in your area use so you can make informed choices that will serve you for years.
    • ** JOIN PARC ** PARC Radio & Technology hosts a monthly meeting on Zoom with Amateur Radio News and Helpful Tips as well as a special presentation on an interesting topic. Join US in addition to your local club. We would love to have you with us.

    Helpful Resources

    Find an ARRL Affiliated Club: https://www.arrl.org/find-a-club
      QRZ Jumpstart Program – $17.99 Radio Offer
    1. Get your FCC-issued call sign.
    2. Create your QRZ account: https://www.qrz.com/jumpstart/account-required
    3. Apply within six months of your license issue date.
    4. Submit your application: https://www.qrz.com/jumpstart
    5. Receive your unique discount code by email.
    6. Add a QRZ-1 radio and accessories to your cart.
    7. Use your code for a one-time 70% discount.
    More details: https://www.gigaparts.com/qrzjumpstart Equipment Reviews and Information: https://www.eham.net/reviews/ Join PARC Radio & Technology’s Online Worldwide Club: https://parcradio.org We use Telegram to communicate regularly and make club & contest announcements.

    If you already have Telegram, joining the group is simple. Open Telegram and paste this link into your browser or directly into Telegram: https://t.me/+d32UCpaXRLhiNjJh Tap Join.

    Before participating, make sure your profile is set correctly. Your display name should be the name you go by followed by your callsign, for example: Gary K4XYZ.

    Set your username in this format: @callsignfirstname (example: @K4XYZGary). Go to Settings, then Privacy and Security, then Profile Photos, and set it to Everybody. Once that is done, you are all set.

    If you do not have Telegram: Telegram Setup and Group Join Instructions

    Step 1: Download Telegram On iPhone
    • Open the App Store -> Search for Telegram Messenger -> Install the app
    On Android
    • Open Google Play Store -> Search for Telegram Messenger -> Install the app
    On Computer
    • Go to telegram.org -> Download the Desktop version -> Install and open the application
    Step 2: Create Your Account
    • Open Telegram -> Select Start Messaging -> Enter your mobile phone number -> Enter the verification code sent to you by text
    Step 3: Set Your Name Properly When prompted for your name, enter:

    • First name: the name you go by, followed by your call sign — for example, Gary K4XYZ
    • Last name: optional, can be left blank

    This is important so members can immediately identify you. If you need to edit it later:

    • Go to Settings -> Tap your name -> Edit and save
    Step 4: Set Your Username Properly Your username should follow this format: @Firstname_Callsign Example: @Gary_K4XYZ To set your username:
    • Go to Settings -> Tap Username -> Enter your username in the required format -> Save
    This allows others to find you without using your phone number. Step 5: Set Profile Photo Visibility
    • Go to Settings -> Tap Privacy and Security -> Tap Profile Photos -> Set to Everybody
    Step 6: Adjust Phone Number Privacy (Recommended) For privacy:
    • Go to Settings -> Tap Privacy and Security -> Tap Phone Number
    • Set “Who can see my phone number” to Nobody
    • Set “Who can find me by my number” to My Contacts
    Step 7: Join the Group Click or paste this link into your browser: https://t.me/+d32UCpaXRLhiNjJh Then tap or click Join. If you are already logged into Telegram, it will open automatically. Final Checklist Before you consider setup complete, verify:
    • Your display name is First Name + Callsign
    • Your username is @callsignfirstname
    • Profile photo visibility is set to Everybody
    • You have successfully joined the group
    If anyone has difficulty, they should reach out to a volunteer for assistance. We also have a Facebook group that you are encouraged to join. https://www.Facebook.com/groups/833919518104689

    Other Helpful Links:

    If you have been thinking about upgrading your license, now is a great time to do it. Advancing to the next level expands your operating privileges, gives you more frequency access, and allows you to get even more out of the hobby.

    LICENSE COURSES and OPERATING PROGRAMS: We encourage you to use our partner link and prepare with Ham Radio Prep. Their courses are structured, easy to follow, and designed to help you pass.

    Sign up today at www.HamRadioPrep.com and use coupon code PARC for 20% off.

    Click around on our website and find other useful information. Please do come back and join us and tell all your friends about us. We only exist because of you! We look forward to seeing you earn that next license or hearing you on the air soon.

    Upgrades

  1. There is no fee to upgrade currently. Only New, Renewals, and callsign changes require a fee.
  2. Watch your email closely. The FCC will send an email to the address listed on your Form 605 once their system begins processing. This email contains the payment instructions. Check your spam and junk folders regularly. Missing this email or failing to pay in time will result in your application being dismissed, and you will have to begin the process again.
  3. Felony documentation. If you have a felony conviction, submit the required documentation to the FCC. This process is strictly between you and the FCC - we cannot assist or intervene.
  4. Do not contact the FCC, ARRL, or us about your paperwork. The FCC’s public call center is operated by a contractor and may not have accurate information, so please be patient. If you have not received an email within ten days, email us to check on your application for you.

When to Expect Progress

  • Upgrades and new licenses will process as soon as payment and/or verification steps are complete.
  • You may see your call sign appear in the FCC ULS database within days or it may take several weeks depending on the backlog.
  • If you have already paid and do not see your license after ten days, contact the FCC at their toll-free number (888) 225-5322.

Helpful Tips

  • Keep monitoring email and FCC notices, but do not worry about contacting us or the FCC unnecessarily. It can take up to ten days.
  • Remember that backlogs are normal after system outages and shutdowns. Patience is key.

Congratulations

    You are now a licensed Amateur Radio Operator! The most important thing you can do now is to keep learning and stay active in the community.
      Here are some suggestions to help you get started:
    • Join a local amateur radio club and meet other hams.
    • Attend Hamfests and local events.
    • Consider joining the ARRL for resources and advocacy.
    • Avoid buying low-cost handheld radios such as Baofeng or Wouxun, which can be difficult to program and have limited range.
    • Before buying any equipment, learn what others in your area use so you can make informed choices that will serve you for years.
    • ** JOIN PARC ** PARC Radio & Technology hosts a monthly meeting on Zoom with Amateur Radio News and Helpful Tips as well as a special presentation on an interesting topic. Join US in addition to your local club. We would love to have you with us.

    Helpful Resources

    Find an ARRL Affiliated Club: https://www.arrl.org/find-a-club Equipment Reviews and Information: https://www.eham.net/reviews/ Join PARC Radio & Technology’s Online Worldwide Club: https://parcradio.org We use Telegram to communicate regularly and make club & contest announcements.

    If you already have Telegram, joining the group is simple. Open Telegram and paste this link into your browser or directly into Telegram: https://t.me/+d32UCpaXRLhiNjJh Tap Join.

    Before participating, make sure your profile is set correctly. Your display name should be the name you go by followed by your callsign, for example: Gary K4XYZ.

    Set your username in this format: @callsignfirstname (example: @K4XYZGary). Go to Settings, then Privacy and Security, then Profile Photos, and set it to Everybody. Once that is done, you are all set.

    If you do not have Telegram: Telegram Setup and Group Join Instructions

    Step 1: Download Telegram On iPhone
    • Open the App Store -> Search for Telegram Messenger -> Install the app
    On Android
    • Open Google Play Store -> Search for Telegram Messenger -> Install the app
    On Computer
    • Go to telegram.org -> Download the Desktop version -> Install and open the application
    Step 2: Create Your Account
    • Open Telegram -> Select Start Messaging -> Enter your mobile phone number -> Enter the verification code sent to you by text
    Step 3: Set Your Name Properly When prompted for your name, enter:

    • First name: the name you go by, followed by your call sign — for example, Gary K4XYZ
    • Last name: optional, can be left blank

    This is important so members can immediately identify you. If you need to edit it later:

    • Go to Settings -> Tap your name -> Edit and save
    Step 4: Set Your Username Properly Your username should follow this format: @Firstname_Callsign Example: @Gary_K4XYZ To set your username:
    • Go to Settings -> Tap Username -> Enter your username in the required format -> Save
    This allows others to find you without using your phone number. Step 5: Set Profile Photo Visibility
    • Go to Settings -> Tap Privacy and Security -> Tap Profile Photos -> Set to Everybody
    Step 6: Adjust Phone Number Privacy (Recommended) For privacy:
    • Go to Settings -> Tap Privacy and Security -> Tap Phone Number
    • Set “Who can see my phone number” to Nobody
    • Set “Who can find me by my number” to My Contacts
    Step 7: Join the Group Click or paste this link into your browser: https://t.me/+d32UCpaXRLhiNjJh Then tap or click Join. If you are already logged into Telegram, it will open automatically. Final Checklist Before you consider setup complete, verify:
    • Your display name is First Name + Callsign
    • Your username is @callsignfirstname
    • Profile photo visibility is set to Everybody
    • You have successfully joined the group
    If anyone has difficulty, they should reach out to a volunteer for assistance. We also have a Facebook group that you are encouraged to join. https://www.Facebook.com/groups/833919518104689

    Other Helpful Links:

    If you have been thinking about upgrading your license, now is a great time to do it. Advancing to the next level expands your operating privileges, gives you more frequency access, and allows you to get even more out of the hobby.

    LICENSE COURSES and OPERATING PROGRAMS: We encourage you to use our partner link and prepare with Ham Radio Prep. Their courses are structured, easy to follow, and designed to help you pass.

    Sign up today at www.HamRadioPrep.com and use coupon code PARC for 20% off.

    Click around on our website and find other useful information.

    Please do come back and join us and tell all your friends about us. We only exist because of you! We look forward to seeing you earn that next license or hearing you on the air soon.