Do you like amateur radio and taking your vehicle off-road? You’ve come to the right place. Hams In The Hills is a group of like-minded amateur radio operators who enjoy taking their 4×4 vehicles offroad to explore the open outdoors.
If you’re interested in learning more about
one of their future adventures, use the form below to contact the trail masters or you can check out the group on Facebook.
The Sierra Foothills ARC offers all levels of Amateur radio license upgrade classes.
All classes are held online via a Zoom classroom. They are on Tuesday evenings starting at 7:00 PM and end at 9:00 PM (Pacific Time) on the dates below.
Each class also includes two in-person hands-on labs. One lab focuses on a license-appropriate Get On The Air session and a project build. These classes are held on Saturdays in the Auburn/Sacramento area. Dates and times for each class are below. Labs may be rescheduled due to weather conditions or instructor availability.
Course fees include the latest version of the applicable ARRL License Manual shipped to your home and hands-on lab materials. FCC license exam fees are not included. You pay those fees directly to the testing VE.
TECHNICIAN License Class (FALL) | The Technician Class is the entry-level course for those who are looking to get a Ham License. |
Online Sessions (6): | Oct. 21, 2025 to Nov. 25, 2025, 7-9 PM |
Get-On-The-Air In-Person Lab: | Saturday, Nov. 1, 2025 |
Project build In-Person Lab: | Saturday, Nov. 22, 2025 |
EXTRA License Class (WINTER) | The Extra Class is an upgrade class for those Hams who currently hold a General license. |
Online Sessions (10): | January 2026 to April 2026, 7-9 PM |
Get-On-The-Air In-Person Lab: | TBD |
Project build In-Person Lab: | TBD |
TECHNICIAN License Class (SPRING) | The Technician Class is the entry-level course for those who are looking to get a Ham License. |
Online Sessions (6): | April 2026 to May 2026, 7-9 PM |
Get-On-The-Air In-Person Lab: | TBD |
Project build In-Person Lab: | TBD |
GENERAL License Class (FALL) | The General Class is an upgrade class for those Hams who currently hold a Technician license. |
Online Sessions (8): | August 2026 to September 2026, 7-9 PM |
Get-On-The-Air In-Person Lab: | TBD |
Project build In-Person Lab: | TBD |
The Sierra Foothills Volunteer Exam Team offers in-person monthly testing Amateur Radio exam sessions at the Auburn California Confluence Church campus and also during the annual summer ARRL Field Day.
View the exam calendar and pre-register now: https://hamstudy.org/sessions/SFARC
Bring these items to the exam: Photo ID Current federal, state, military, or passport. If under the age of 18 a valid school ID. FRN – FCC Registration Number Need an FRN? Credit or Debit Card You'll need a credit or debit card to authorize a $14 payment for the exam session.
Exams are administered on tablets provided by the SFARC VE Team, which includes a calculator app. Exam results are immediately uploaded and typically updated in the FCC database within one or two business days!
Upon successful completion of an exam you may continue to test for the next license level. Please only continue if you have studied and are prepared to pass. There are no additional fees to upgrade to the next level in the same session. Let the team know during check-in if you plan to take exams for multiple elements.
The Daniel Fogard W6PRL Scholarship is available for students currently enrolled in Elementary, Middle, High School or Undergraduate College programs and are 21 years of age or younger as of the date of the exam. Upon passing an exam, the student will be eligible for an instant $14 refund for the cost of the exam and also awarded the $35 FCC licensing fee.
If you have any questions, need to reschedule or request an accommodation, please contact the SFARC VE Team Coordinator using the form below.
Join us on the last Saturday of each month at 7:30 a.m. for our club breakfast, followed by a hidden transmitter Fox Hunt. Great friends, delicious food, and awesome conversations!
FOR MOST OF THE YEAR | FOR THE SUMMER MONTHS** |
The Original Mels Diner 1730 Grass Valley Hwy #2885 Auburn, CA 95603 | Wings Grill & Espresso Bar The Auburn Airport 13595 New Airport Road Auburn, CA 95602 |
** Please see the club calendar for the current location |
The following is just a snapshot of some of the events at SFARC. We encourage you to visit our photo gallery by CLICKING HERE for more.