ARI Piacenza (IQ4PI): Your Gateway to Amateur Radio

Piacenza, Italy – The A.R.I. (Associazione Radioamatori Italiani) Sezione di Piacenza, identified by its call sign IQ4PI, is a local chapter dedicated to the world of amateur radio. They provide a space for enthusiasts to gather, learn, and engage in this fascinating hobby.

The section is located at VIA F. STEVANI 13, 29122 PIACENZA PC. For inquiries, you can contact IK4MZQ Scotti Fabio. The section is open on Thursdays from 9:00 PM to 11:00 PM. You can also visit their website for more information: www.aripc.it.

Who is a Radio Amateur?

A radio amateur is an authorized individual who can transmit radio signals, having obtained the necessary "patente" (license) and subsequent "autorizzazione generale" (general authorization).

How to Become a Radio Amateur

1. Gain Knowledge: The first step is to acquire a basic understanding of radiotechnology. This knowledge is crucial for passing the exam to obtain the license, which permits the use of all frequencies internationally assigned to the Amateur Service.
2. Familiarize Yourself: It's highly beneficial to become familiar with the habits and practices of radio amateurs. The best way to do this is by listening to amateur radio bands. This activity requires no authorization.
3. Start as an SWL: If you cannot immediately obtain the general authorization (for example, if you are not yet 16 years old), it's advisable to start by listening to amateur radio messages. Short Wave Listeners (SWLs) who are members of A.R.I. are entitled to free QSL card (confirmation postcard) exchange worldwide through A.R.I. sections and associations in other countries. For this purpose, A.R.I. assigns a listening station call sign to members who request one.
4. Learn Morse Code: While no longer mandatory in Italy for obtaining a license, Morse code remains a highly valuable communication mode. You can learn it with the help of an experienced friend or by attending courses offered by many A.R.I. sections. These sections often organize courses for aspiring radio amateurs, covering both exam preparation and Morse code learning. If you live in an isolated area without local radio amateurs, you can find affordable Morse lessons on tape or use one of the many available PC software programs.
5. Preparation and Practice: The necessary knowledge can be acquired from textbooks. However, it is by listening to the traffic on amateur radio frequencies that you will truly gain the practical understanding needed to correctly practice the activity. Therefore, it's highly recommended to practice by listening to amateur radio frequencies while awaiting your suitability and general authorization, an activity that requires no special permission.
6. Examination: For information regarding the admission application for the exam and the exam programs, please refer to the new decree of March 1, 2021.

The ARI Piacenza section is ready to help guide aspiring radio amateurs through this exciting journey!