Get on the air with W4KST.
The official amateur radio club of Kennesaw State University — bringing a younger voice to amateur radio since 1949. We help students and the community get licensed, build projects, and explore the radio spectrum. No experience required.
A licensed hobby that's part science, part sport, part service.
Amateur ("ham") radio is a federally licensed service that lets you communicate around the world without the internet or a cell network — using everything from handheld walkie-talkies to bouncing signals off the moon. It's hands-on RF engineering, emergency preparedness, and a worldwide community all at once.
At W4KST we make it approachable: come to a meeting, borrow a radio, and make your first contact.
- Talk across town, across the country, or across the planet
- Provide backup communications when other systems fail
- Learn electronics, antennas, and digital signal modes
- Chase awards, contests, satellites, and rare locations
- Build real-world skills that look great on a résumé
Something for every kind of operator
Whether you're chasing DX, soldering a kit, or just curious, there's a place for you in the club.
Get on the air
Use the club station and members' gear to make HF, VHF, and UHF contacts — your first QSO could be next meeting.
Build & experiment
Solder kits, raise antennas, and dig into electronics, SDR, and digital modes with people happy to teach.
Emergency comms
Train for public service and disaster communications — the skill that keeps people connected when the grid goes down.
Satellites & space
Work amateur satellites overhead and listen in on the ISS — no internet, just a handheld and an antenna.
Parks & contests
Activate parks (POTA), join Field Day, and compete in contests — radio that gets you outdoors and on the leaderboard.
Community
Meet fellow students and licensed operators across Georgia. Mentorship ("Elmers") included at no charge.
Technician
Your entry license — VHF/UHF privileges and a taste of HF. Most people pass after a few weeks of study.
General
Opens up most of the HF bands for worldwide contacts.
Extra
Full privileges across every amateur band and mode.
We'll help you pass the exam.
There's no Morse code requirement and no degree needed — just a 35-question multiple-choice test. The club runs study sessions, shares free practice resources, and points you to local exam sessions.
Anyone can study with us. You don't even have to be a KSU student to get licensed.
See how to get licensed →