Licensing Education & Training

Bob Azanow, WA1Q, writes In K1USN Happenings, February 23, 2023:

[The Whtman ARC Amateur] Extra class started on Tuesday, February 21 […]. But there is no problem catching up if you would like to join; just give our training manager Ross, W1EKG, a call, email, and or show up at the Whitman Police Station on Thursday evening, February 23.

Classes will run Tuesday and Thursday each week until April 13. The VE session will be Tuesday, April 18 at 7 PM.

Sorry for the late notice on this. More info found at the training link including Ross’s phone number: http://www.wa1npo.org/training/training.htm.

From ARRL VEC Newsletter, February 2023:

General Class Element 3 Question Pool Errata Released 

The NCVEC Question Pool Committee (QPC) has released the latest errata for the 2023 – 2027 General Element 3 question pool, which goes into effect on July 1, 2023. Nine questions were modified (G1B01, G1C01, G1C02, G5C02, G7C10, G9B05, G9C09, G9D09, and G9D10) and two questions (G9C06 and G9D13) were withdrawn from use. 

The pool is available as a Microsoft Word document and PDF. These changes are reflected in the new General Pool download file dated February 1, 2023. 

New General Examinations will take effect for exam sessions on July 1, 2023

The newly revised general pool must be used starting July 1, 2023. VECs and VEs will have new test designs available starting on that date. Previously supplied versions of ARRL VEC General-class exam booklets (2019 series) and computer-generated General-class exams from the 2019 question pool are valid until midnight on June 30, 2023. The ARRL VEC will supply its officially appointed, field-stocked VE teams with new General exam booklet designs around mid-June. 

Our Technician In A Day Session is a study course.  The course allows you to become licensed by the Federal Communications Commission.

You should obtain a copy of the ARRL Technician Class License Manual.  You may purchase this book at Ham Radio Outlet or any other amateur radio related store.

You should read the book.  The information contained therein will allow you to answer questions on a 35 question test for obtaining your Technician License.

There are videos on Youtube at W4EEY that explain the theory and cover the questions to enhance your knowledge.   You may also take practice exams at hamstudy.org for comprehension.

TECH IN A DAY CLASSROOM SESSION

1. You should apply and obtain a FCC Registration Number at: https://apps.fcc.gov/coresWeb/publicHome.do
2. You will be charged a slight fee for this course. Normally, $15.00 for the Examination and $10.00 for materials, snacks and drinks which will be provided for the session.
3. The Tech In A Day Session will be almost a full day session (8 am to 5pm)
4. The first Study Session begins at 9:00am for 45 minutes and you will be given a 15 minute break before the next session begins at 10 am.
5. Three study sessions will be held before a lunch break (approximately 11:45am-1:00pm)
6. There will be three more study sessions in the afternoon to run to 4:45 pm.
7. Testing will begin approximately at 5:00 pm.

You will be administered an examination of 35 questions of which you must score at least 26 out of 35 or better to PASS.

Upon completion and passing of your examination you will be handed a Certificate of Successful Completion of Examination) (CSCE Form).

Your call sign should be process in 10-12  business days.

If you would like more information, you may email us at caarave@caara.net or Telephone (978) 504-9112 for more information.

Joe Chapman, NV1W, writes on the Boston ARC mailing list:

We are finally resuming BARC volunteer exams after the pandemic. The  next exam session will be held on Tuesday, October 18, at 7:30 pm at the Artisans Asylum in Allston. For more information, see
https://www.barc.org/barc-exam-sessions/. For directions to the Artisans Asylum, see https://www.barc.org/directions-to-artisans-asylum-allston/. For more information, contact me directly at nv1w@arrl.net or 617-267-6349.

You must register for the exam session at least one day in advance, either with me or Jim Clogher, N1ICN, at n1icn@arrl.net. We cannot accept walk-ins.

ARRL accredited VEs: I welcome and appreciate your participation and help. Please let me know if you intend to attend so that I can let you know of any changes or if we have to cancel the session.

73,

Joe Chapman NV1W / ARRL Volunteer Exam Liaison, Boston Amateur Radio Club

The Whitman Amateur (Ham) Radio Club is offering an introductory, Technician level course to the public.

• Communicate locally or the world
• Bounce your signal off the moon or through ham radio satellites
• Check in while you are driving
• Operate maritime mobile while on your boat
• Participate in disaster relief communications

The opportunities are endless.

The course will prepare you with the knowledge to pass the 35-question multiple choice exam offered at the end of the course.

The class will start on Thursday, September 1, 2022 at 7:00 pm in the community room at the Whitman Police Station and run the following Tuesdays and Thursdays until the exam on Thursday,  September 29. Although a good idea, one does not have to make all of the classes to participate. You may visit us at our information booth at the Marshfield Fair or for further information on the course, contact Ross, W1EKG, at 781-447-9104 or warc.training@gmail.com.

Bruce Blain, K1BG, writes:

Please share this with friends and family members who are interested in getting an Amateur Radio License.

The Nashoba Valley Amateur Radio Club (NVARC) is offering a free amateur radio licensing course beginning on May 16th. The eight night course will prepare students for the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) Technician licensing exam that will be offered at the completion of the course. The Technician level radio operator’s license is the first of three amateur licenses offered by the FCC. Each license has increased levels of operator privileges.

The course consists of twice weekly sessions beginning on Monday, May 16th, and meeting on Mondays and Wednesdays for four weeks (May 16^th through June 8th ). The course will be held at the Pepperell Community Center, 4 Hollis Street, Pepperell, MA 01463. Sessions will start at 7 PM and last for 2 hours. An FCC license exam will be scheduled for the end of the sessions. The course is free, but there will be an FCC required $15 testing fee if you take the exam. The ARRL Ham Radio License Manual, Level 1, Technician, 4^th ed, will be the study guide used for the class. A limited number of study guides may be purchased from the instructor for $20 or online from the American Radio Relay League (ARRL) or Amazon.

This course is open to all, there are no age limits. Pre-registration is required, no walk-ins will be allowed. To register you must contact the instructor, Bruce Blain at (508) 341-5124 or via email at bruce.blain@charter.net.  

From K1USN Happenings, Feb. 24, 2022:

The next license class [the Whitman Amateur Radio Club] will be offering will be for the Technician (beginner) amateur radio license. Ross, W1EKG, will be starting the class on March 15th, with classes on Tuesday and Thursday nights from 7 to 9 PM at the Whitman Police station. If you are interested, please email WARC.Training@gmail.com. A VE exam session will be offered at the end of the class.

For questions or to sign up for the class, please Email Ross, W1EKG, at bavarianradio@comcast.net or warc.training@gmail.com or call Ross at 781- 447-9104

 

ARRL will present a webinar on Thursday, February 17, 2022 at 8 pm ET (0100Z Feb 18) on Amateur Radio and AUXCOM support to the Department of Defense.

Use this zoom link to attend:

https://us02web.zoom.us/j/83781154615?pwd=L0NOY0hEV0tBdmNDWVNNeWRaVXJ5dz09

Check out the ARRL link below for more detail:

http://arrl.org/news/webinar-set-to-discuss-amateur-radio-and-auxcom-support-to-department-of-defense

This webinar will coincide with the start of MARS Exercise 22-1, which should provide opportunity to practice these skills.

Tom Kinahan
US Army Military Auxiliary Radio System
Region One Director
aaa1rd@usamars.us

The Nashoba Valley Amateur Radio Club (NVARC) is offering a free amateur radio licensing course beginning on January 31st. The eight night course will prepare students for the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) Technician licensing exam that will be offered at the completion of the course. The Technician level radio operator’s license is the first of three amateur licenses offered by the FCC. Each license has increased levels of operator privileges.

The course consists of twice weekly sessions beginning on Monday, January 31^st, and meeting on Mondays and Wednesdays for four weeks (January 31, February 2, 7, 9, 14, 16, 21 and 23). The course will be held at the Pepperell Community Center, 59 Main St, Pepperell, MA 01463. Sessions will start at 7PM and last for 2 hours. An FCC license exam will be scheduled for the end of the sessions. The course is free, but there will be an FCC required $15 testing fee if you take the exam. It is suggested students purchase the ARRL Ham Radio License Manual, Level 1, Technician, 4^th ed. The study guide may be purchased from the instructor for $30 or online from the American Radio Relay League (ARRL) or Amazon.

This course is open to all, there are no age limits. Pre-registration is required, no walk-ins will be allowed. To register, contact Bruce Blain, K1BG, at (508) 341-5124 or via email at bruce.blain@charter.net.

 

From <https://nescitech.org/shop/on-line-license-course-technician/>:

This ONLINE or IN-Person ham radio class will get you ready to take the Ham Radio TECHNICIAN license exam, the FIRST of three certification levels. Geared toward adults, as well as junior high, high school, and home-school students. Yes, we give online and in-person ham radio exams, too! (See below)

Get your ham radio license in 4 days or a 2-day weekend!

This is a FULL course taught live via Zoom (or in person) by a 40-yr veteran teacher, not a video or discussion group. You will learn much more than with other methods.

Topics range from the science of radio electronics to the FCC rules governing the radio spectrum. Optional text: ARRL Technician Class License Manual, 4th edition, for exams through June 30, 2022, (purchase on ARRL website). Regular practice and study is necessary to get the best results from this course.

Amateur radio (or “ham radio”) is used by people all over the world to communicate over radio waves. Some people use ham radio for emergency preparedness, to provide communications support for community events, to report on severe weather and natural disasters, as a social activity, and even occasionally to contact crew members on the International Space Station!

2022 IN-PERSON HAM RADIO CLASS FOR TECHNICIAN LICENSE

• 4 day IN-PERSON course: Thu DEC 23, Mon DEC 27, Wed DEC 29, Thu DEC 30, 5:00-8:00 pm, EASTERN at 16 Tech Circle, Natick, MA.
• 4 day IN-PERSON course: Mon Feb 21, Tue Feb 22, Wed Feb 23, Thu Feb 24, 3:00-6:00 pm, EASTERN at 16 Tech Circle, Natick, MA.
• 4 day IN-PERSON course: Mon Apr 18, Tue Apr 19, Wed Apr 20, Thu Apr 21, 3:00-6:00 pm, EASTERN at 16 Tech Circle, Natick, MA.

Note: These in-person sessions are offered FREE for anyone who is a full-time student.

 

2022 ONLINE HAM RADIO CLASS FOR TECHNICIAN LICENSE

• 4 day course: M-T-W-T Jan 10-13, 8:30-11:30pm, EASTERN
• 2 day weekend cram: SAT-SUN Jan 15-16, 12:00-6:00pm, EASTERN
• 4 day course: M-T-W-T Feb 7-10, 8:30-11:30pm, EASTERN
• 2 day weekend cram: SAT-SUN March 5-6, 12:00-6:00pm, EASTERN
• 4 day course: M-T-W-T March 7-10, 8:30-11:30pm, EASTERN
• 4 day course: M-T-W-T April 4-7, 8:30-11:30pm, EASTERN

Included with course: You will get downloadable lecture study guides and charts, FREE access to our weekly Online Radio Shop Talk sessions, FREE enrollment in any of our Morse Code classes, and a guest pass to the Sci-Tech Radio Rooms and online radio club meetings for 3 months.

Family Free: Additional members of the same family may join this course at no extra charge, if sharing one computer and zoom screen.

System Requirements: For ONLINE course, computer or Chromebook capable of running ZOOM Meeting, either by Zoom app or through a web browser, a web camera/mic, and a printer.

Zoom Link: Approximately 2 days before the session begins you will receive an email with instructions to access the course details, documents, Zoom link for ON-LINE viewing, and directions for IN-PERSON participation. If you don’t see the email, check your spam filter. If you still don’t see it, call or email us.

Please be aware of our Cancellation and Refund Policies. For questions, e-mail info@nescitech.org or call 508-720-4179.

School and Scout Groups: Ask about scheduling a session just for your youth group at youth-friendly times, perhaps in smaller sessions spread over two weeks. We may be able to give you a reduced rate as well.

YES, our exam team is authorized to give ONLINE exams, so you can schedule your FCC Technician exam within a few days of finishing the course. We also give IN-PERSON exams in Natick, MA. Note that we must collect the standard $15 exam fee for the ARRL VEC separately from the course fee. (Fee is $15 across the country.

We administer ham radio exams both online and in-person, having proctored nearly 2,000 exams over the past decade. We’ve taught amateur radio classes for over 15 years with tremendous success. Hundreds of people have taken our classes with 99% having passed the exam to become licensed operators. We offer classes for all three levels of ham radio licenses:  Technician, General, Amateur Extra, as well as Morse Code.

Eastern MA Affiliated Club Coordinator Bruce Blain, K1BG, writes:

The ARRL website has a page which lists upcoming license classes (http://www.arrl.org/find-an-amateur-radio-license-class). To my dismay, when I entered the Eastern Massachusetts section, I found no upcoming classes listed. Nothing! Nada! While I know that this is not the case (a number of local clubs do run license classes), it also worries me. Where are future generations of hams going to come from if WE are not bringing them into the hobby?

Ross Hochstrasser, W1EKG, of the Whitman Amateur Radio Club runs very successful license classes (technician, general, and extra). I used Ross’ template for the technician classes the Nashoba Valley ARC has run. We would like to share this experience with you, with the goal of having all ARRL Affiliated Clubs in Eastern Massachusetts sponsor amateur radio classes.

On the evening of Tuesday, December 28th at 7PM, we will have a zoom session called “How to run a successful Technician Licence Class” where we will introduce Ross’ program to you.

This program is by no means the only way to sponsor a successful class! If you have success stories that you would like to discuss or present, please let me know. Again, I’d like to see us having more classes, and I’d like us to be sharing ideas as to how we can make this happen.

If you can’t make it, please delegate this to someone in your club who can. Thanks in advance.

I look forward to seeing you on the 28th.

Bruce, K1BG
ARRL Affiliated Club Coordinator, EMA

[For Zoom conference information, contact Bruce Blain, K1BG, at <k1bg.bruce@gmail.com>.]

Tom Walsh, K1TW, writes on ne-cw-friends list:

Starting Tuesday, December 21, the CW friends zoom meeting will now start one hour later at 8 PM.  The zoom link has not changed.

[Contact Tom, K1TW, at k1tw -at- arrl -dot- net for Zoom conference details.]