Whitman ARC Technician Class Online, Starting September 15, 2020

photo of multiple choice examRoss Hochstrasser, W1EKG, writes on the WARC Members mailing list:

Hello all fellow ham radio  beginners:

I will be starting the Whitman Amateur Radio club’s fall season starting with  the Technician class next Tuesday, September 15th at 7 PM. The class will be on Zoom.

Please email me at bavarianradio@comcast.net or call 781-447-9104 to be put on the email list for the Zoom class. If you could cc: warc.training@gmail.com as well we would appreciate it. 

You should have the ARRL technician class license manual for home studying and we will be using www.hamstudy.org as well in class. 

Please contact me with any questions.

Thanks and 73,
Ross, W1EKG

Two New England Sci-Tech General Courses Online In September, 2020

New England Sci Tech logoFor anyone interested in wireless communications and electronics, this ON-LINE course will get you ready to take the second level Amateur Radio license exam, GENERAL. Geared toward adults, as well as junior high, high school, and home school students.

Topics range from the science of radio electronics to the FCC rules governing the radio spectrum. Some preliminary preparation is necessary to get the best results from this course.

This is a FULL course taught by a 40-yr veteran teacher, not a discussion group or video service. You will learn so much more than just watching a video.

Current offerings:

  • 2 day course: SAT-SUN Sept 12-13, 10:00 am-4:00 pm each day Eastern Time
  • 4 day course: Mon-Tu-W-Th Sept 14-17, 3:00-6:00 pm each day Eastern Time

The FCC General test will be scheduled for an upcoming weekday evening or weekend, as an online test, run by our VE team which has authorization to run online tests.

System Requirements: Computer or Chromebook capable of running ZOOM Meeting, either by Zoom app or through a browser, a built-in camera/mic, and a color printer.

Included with course fee: downloadable lecture study guide and charts, free access to our weekly Online Radio Shop Talk sessions, and a guest pass to the NEAR/STARS Radio Rooms and radio club meetings for 3 months once the facility reopens.

Note that the standard $15 license exam fee is NOT included and must be registered separately; our VE team is authorized to give ONLINE exams, so you can schedule an exam within a week of the course. (Price is $15 across the country.)

One additional member of the same family may take this course for the price of one, if sharing one computer, video screen, and materials.

A few hours before the session you will receive an email with a Zoom link and ID. If you don’t see the email, check your spam filter. If you still don’t see it, call 508-720-4179 for help.

For questions, e-mail bobphinney at nescitech.org or call 508-720-4179.

K1USN Radio Club To Resume In-Person Volunteer Exams

“Pi” Pugh, K1RV, writes in K1USN Happenings:
 
In-person K1USN VE exams have begun after a six month hiatus!
 
Steve, W1OD, has secured a location where safe, socially distanced exams will be given, thanks to generous assistance from the Braintree Emergency Management Agency (BEMA).
 
The first sessions will take place this upcoming Saturday morning, Sept 12th beginning @ 8:30 AM at the BEMA facility at Sunset Lake in Braintree. Please contact Steve (w1od@arrl.net) for directions and to see if there are still any vacancies available. All exam candidates must be pre-registered. Walk-ins are not allowed.

Billerica ARS VE Test Session, Chelmsford, September 10, 2020

The [Billerica Amateur Radio Society] VE team has resumed exam sessions on the second Thursday of the month, but on a limited basis with certain changes due to COVID-19. Session space will be limited and offered on a first-come, first-served basis. Pre-registration is required. Please contact Bruce Anderson via one of the methods below for exam dates and exam session information.

Sessions are held at 7:00 PM at the Chelmsford Bible Church, 128 Gorham St. (Route 3A), East Chelmsford, MA 01824

For more information, contact: Bruce, W1LUS at 978-851-2886 or Gary, W1GFF at 978-453-1100.

EMARG Volunteer Exam Session in Mansfield on November 12, 2020

Eastern MA ARG logoThe [Eastern MA Amateur Radio Group] will hold its next VE testing session on Thursday, November 12, 2020 at 7:00 PM at the Mansfield Fish and Game Club, 510 East Street, Mansfield, MA 02048.

Directions: I-95 to 140 towards Mansfield. Turn left on 106. Just past the Municipal building, turn left at the Mansfield Fish & Game sign and follow driveway to the clubhouse.

Nashoba Valley ARC to Offer Technician Class in November, 2020

Edited: October 8, 2020:

Bruce, K1BG, will be conducting on-line technician classes beginning on Monday, November 2nd. Classes will run twice weekly for four weeks, on Monday and Wednesday nights. Each class will be two hours long and run on Zoom. The class will be limited to 15 students, and preference will be given to family and friends of NVARC members. Cost of the class will be $30 and will include textbook material. For more information, please contact Bruce, K1BG, at 508-341-5124. -NVARC Signal, October 2020

“Nashoba Valley ARC to Offer Technician Class in September, 2020”

Bruce Blain, K1BG, writes in the August issue of NVARC Signal:

Beginning sometime in September, the Nashoba Valley Amateur Radio Club will offer Technician license classes the first time in over 20 years.

I will be coordinating a four-week class schedule, with two-hour sessions taking place twice weekly (eight sessions/16 hours total). A detailed schedule will be made available during the August club meeting webinar, and I’ll be looking for several volunteers to help with the classes.

Because we are avoiding group gatherings, classes will be held using the WebEx on-line webinar services generously offered by Jim, N8VIM, and Medtronic, his employer. Plans are to follow up the classes with a VE session to get the students licensed (and we will have to plan for dealing with social distancing at that session). Additionally, if there is enough interest, we will offer classes leading to a General class license sometime later in the fall. Stay tuned for more details.

If you have questions, feel like volunteering for either classroom instruction or the VE session, know of someone who wants to participate, etc., please contact me at K1BG.Bruce@gmail.com, or call me at 508- 341-5124.

Two New England Sci-Tech General Courses Online In August-September, 2020

New England Sci Tech logoFor anyone interested in wireless communications and electronics, this ON-LINE course will get you ready to take the second level Amateur Radio license exam, GENERAL. Geared toward adults, as well as junior high, high school, and home school students.

Topics range from the science of radio electronics to the FCC rules governing the radio spectrum. Some preliminary preparation is necessary to get the best results from this course.

This is a FULL course taught by a 40-yr veteran teacher, not a discussion group or video service. You will learn so much more than just watching a video.

Current offerings:

Two day course: SAT-SUN Aug 29-30, 2:00-8:00 pm Eastern Time each day.

Four day course: Mo-Tu-W-Th Aug 31 – Sept 3, 3:00-6:00 pm Eastern Time each day.

The FCC General test will be scheduled for an upcoming weekday evening or weekend, as an online test, run by our VE team which has authorization to run online tests.

System Requirements: Computer or Chromebook capable of running ZOOM Meeting, either by Zoom app or through a browser, a built-in camera/mic, and a color printer.

Included with course fee: downloadable lecture study guide and charts, free access to our weekly Online Radio Shop Talk sessions, and a guest pass to the NEAR/STARS Radio Rooms and radio club meetings for 3 months once the facility reopens.

Note that the standard $15 license exam fee is NOT included and must be registered separately; our VE team is authorized to give ONLINE exams, so you can schedule an exam within a week of the course. (Price is $15 across the country.)

One additional member of the same family may take this course for the price of one, if sharing one computer, video screen, and materials.

A few hours before the session you will receive an email with a Zoom link and ID. If you don’t see the email, check your spam filter. If you still don’t see it, call 508-720-4179 for help.

For questions, e-mail bobphinney at nescitech.org or call 508-720-4179.

Amateur Radio Direction Finding Seminar on ARRL Learning Network

From the USA ARDF Championship mailing list:

ARRL members will have an opportunity to learn the basics of The Sport of Finding Hidden Transmitters On Foot. The presenter, Robert Frey, WA6EZV, will be conducting the webinar on Thursday, August 20, 2020, 12:30 PM PDT / 3:30 PM EDT (1930 UTC). There is no charge for attending the Zoom presentation. Register online at http://www.arrl.org/ARRL-Learning-Network

Southeastern MA ARA In-Person VE Session, August 1, 2020

Southeastern MA ARA logoMembers of the Southeastern MA Amateur Radio Association (SEMARA) Volunteer Exam team will hold an in-person ARRL-sponsored Volunteer Exam session on August 1, 2020 at their club house at 54 Donald Street, Dartmouth, MA.

According to VE team leader Fred Bacon, N1TF,  “Masks are required and social Distancing is practiced. So far I have two signed up for the Technician exam. We do limit the number of candidates to six in the building at one time but have not reached the limit yet.”

For further information, visit http://semara.org/exams/, email exams [at] semara [dot] org or call 508-748-0047.
 

 

ARRL Members to Lead New 30-Minute Amateur Radio Webinar Series

From ARRL Web:

07/22/2020 – ARRL is launching a new webinar series to help introduce more members to the variety of activities and opportunities that radio amateurs enjoy. The ARRL Learning Network will offer live presentations by member-volunteers, for members. Like hamfest forums and radio club presentations, the webinars are intended to help participants get more active, involved, and engaged in amateur radio.

Presentations are 30 minutes each, making them easy to fit into a lunch break or as a short evening activity. A 15-minute question-and-answer period follows each presentation for those who can participate longer. The webinars will be hosted initially using GotoWebinar. Webinars will be recorded, and some presentations will be available for future viewing by members and ARRL-affiliated radio clubs as part of an ARRL Learning Network library. 

running list of upcoming live presentations is available. The web page is the place to register to attend each webinar and requires members to log onto the ARRL website.

Relay Stations and the Art of Traffic Handling 

Aaron Hulett, K8AMH, ARRL North Texas Section Traffic Manager

Tuesday, July 28, 2020, 10 AM PDT / 1 PM EDT (1700 UTC)

Fun with Digital Signal Modes FT4 and FT8

Anthony Luscre, K8ZT

Thursday, July 30, 2020, 12:30 PM PDT / 3:30 PM EDT (1930 UTC)

Introduction to Digital FM Modes

Korey Chandler, Sr., WA5RR 

Tuesday, August 11, 2020, 5 PM PDT / 8 PM EDT (0000 UTC on Wednesday, August 12)

Introduction to Computer Logging

Steven Lott Smith, KG5VK

Thursday, August 13, 2020, 12:30 PM PDT / 3:30 PM EDT (1930 UTC)

Capture the Magic of 6 Meters 

Jim Wilson, K5ND

Tuesday, August 18, 2020, 10 AM PDT / 1 PM EDT (1700 UTC)

The Sport of Finding Hidden Transmitters on Foot 

Robert Frey, WA6EZV, ARRL Amateur Radio Direction Finding Committee 

Thursday, August 20, 2020, 12:30 PM PDT / 3:30 PM EDT (1930 UTC) 

The webinars continue a string of new ARRL benefits introduced in 2020 that has included On the Air magazine, expanded member access to all ARRL digital magazines, and the new On the Air and Eclectic Tech podcasts.

“The ARRL Learning Network puts experienced member-volunteers at the forefront as a regular source of knowledge-sharing in amateur radio,” ARRL Lifelong Learning Manager Kris Bickell, K1BIC, said. “We hope members participating in the ARRL Learning Network — including presenters — will find it particularly rewarding to share experiences and learning that will motivate more of our community toward lifelong journeys as radio amateurs.”

Members who would like to be considered for future ARRL Learning Network webinars should have experience in delivering presentations, including familiarity with online webinar technology, live video, and screen sharing. Prospective presenters may complete a Call for Speakers form.

New England Sci-Tech General Course Online, July 21-24, 2020

New England Sci Tech logoFor anyone interested in wireless communications and electronics, this ON-LINE course will get you ready to take the Amateur Radio GENERAL license exam. Geared toward adults, as well as junior high, high school, and homeschool students.

Topics range from the science of radio electronics to the FCC rules governing the radio spectrum. Some preliminary preparation is necessary to get the best results from this course.

This is a FULL course taught by a 40-yr veteran teacher, not a discussion group or video service. You will learn so much more than just watching a video.

Current offering:

Four day course: Tu-W-Th-F July 21-24, 3:00-6:00 pm Eastern Time each day.

The FCC General test will be scheduled for an upcoming weekday evening or weekend, as an online test, run by our VE team which has authorization to run online tests.

System Requirements: Computer or Chromebook capable of running ZOOM Meeting, either by Zoom app or through a browser, a built-in camera/mic, and a color printer.

Included with course fee: downloadable lecture study guide and charts, free access to our weekly Online Radio Shop Talk sessions, and a guest pass to the NEAR/STARS Radio Rooms and radio club meetings for 3 months once the facility reopens.

Note that the standard $15 license exam fee is NOT included and must be registered separately; our VE team is authorized to give ONLINE exams, so you can schedule an exam within a week of the course. (Price is $15 across the country.)

One additional member of the same family may take this course for the price of one, if sharing one computer, video screen, and materials.

A few hours before the session you will receive an email with a Zoom link and ID. If you don’t see the email, check your spam filter. If you still don’t see it, call 508-720-4179 for help.

For questions, e-mail bobphinney at nescitech.org or call 508-720-4179.

Four New England Sci-Tech Technician Courses Online Throughout August, 2020

New England Sci Tech logoFor anyone interested in wireless communications and electronics, this ON-LINE course will get you ready to take the Amateur Radio TECHNICIAN license exam, the FIRST of three certification levels. Geared toward adults, as well as junior high, high school, and homeschool students.

Topics range from the science of radio electronics to the FCC rules governing the radio spectrum. Some pre-test practice is necessary to get the best results from this course.

This is a FULL course taught by a 40-yr veteran teacher, not a discussion group or video service. You will learn so much more than just watching a video or buying a book.

Current offerings:

2 day course: SAT-SUN Aug 1-2, 2:00-8:00 pm each day Eastern Time
4 day course: Mon-Tu-W-Th Aug 3-6, 3:00-6:00 pm each day Eastern Time
2 day course: SAT-SUN Aug 15-16, 2:00-8:00 pm each day Eastern Time
4 day course: Mon-Tu-W-Th Aug 17-20, 3:00-6:00 pm each day Eastern Time

You may schedule your FCC Technician test for an upcoming weekday evening or weekend, as an online test, run by our VE team which has authorization to run online tests.

System Requirements: Computer or Chromebook capable of running ZOOM Meeting, either by Zoom app or through a browser, a built-in camera/mic, and a color printer.

Included with course fee: downloadable lecture study guide and charts, free access to our weekly Online Radio Shop Talk sessions, and a guest pass to the NEAR/STARS Radio Rooms and radio club meetings for 3 months once the facility reopens.

Note that the standard $15 license test fee is NOT included and must be registered separately; our VE team is authorized to give ONLINE exams, so you can schedule an exam within a week of the course. (Price is $15 across the country.)

An additional member of the same family may join this course at no extra charge, if sharing one computer and zoom screen.

A day or so before the session you will receive an email with a Zoom link and ID. If you don’t see the email, check your spam filter. If you still don’t see it, call or email us.

For questions, e-mail bobphinney at nescitech.org or call 508-720-4179.

New England Sci-Tech Amateur Extra Course Online Beginning July 22, 2020

New England Sci Tech logoFor anyone interested in wireless communications and electronics, this ON-LINE course will get you ready to take the AMATEUR EXTRA Radio license exam. Geared toward adults, as well as high school and homeschool students who already have a GENERAL license.

This is a FULL course taught by a 40-yr veteran teacher, not a discussion group or video service. You will learn so much more than just watching a video.

Topics range from the science of radio electronics to the FCC rules governing the radio spectrum. Recommended text: ARRL Extra Class License Manual, 12th edition, for exams through June 30, 2024, (purchase on ARRL website). Regular practice and study is necessary to get the best results from this course.

NOTE: You MUST have a thorough understanding of the Technician and General material before taking this course.  If you are already a licensed Tech or General but have been away from radio for a while, you may request to audit (at half price) one of our Tech and/or General courses to catch up.

Current offering:

ONLINE for 8 days, Wednesdays July 22 – Sept 9, from 6:00-9:00pm Eastern time.
(Content is NEW AE material for the July 2020-2024 exams)

The FCC Amateur Extra test must be registered separately; our VE team is authorized to give ONLINE exams, so you can schedule an exam within a week of the course.

System Requirements: Computer or Chromebook capable of running ZOOM Meeting, either by Zoom app or through a browser, a built-in camera/mic, and a color printer.

Included with course fee: downloadable lecture study guide and charts, free access to our weekly Online Radio Shop Talk sessions, and a guest pass to the NEAR/STARS Radio Rooms and radio club meetings for 3 months once the facility reopens.

One additional member of the same family may take this course for the price of one, if sharing one computer, video screen, and materials.

For questions, e-mail bobphinney at nescitech.org or call 508-720-4179.

New Amateur Extra Class License Manual and Extra Q&A Now Available

ARRL logoFrom ARRL Web:

Go all the way to the top! ARRL has everything you need to pass the Amateur Extra Class license exam with confidence.

The ARRL Extra Class License Manual for Ham Radio is your ticket to every privilege granted to amateur radio operators — all frequencies, operating modes, and power levels. It has all the questions and answers, with detailed explanations, for examinations taken between July 1, 2020, and June 30, 2024.

Use this book with ARRL Exam Review for Ham Radio online to review the material. You can even take practice exams, so there are no surprises on exam day!

When you’ve successfully passed the exam, The ARRL Extra Class License Manual will serve as your reference as you explore your new privileges!

If you’re looking for a more direct route to studying for the exam, ARRL’s Extra Q&A contains all exam questions and the answers.

To upgrade to Amateur Extra, you must already hold a General class license (or have recently passed all of the exam elements required for a General license).

The ARRL Extra Class License Manual new 12th edition spiral bound (ARRL Item No. 1311, ISBN: 978-1-62595-131-1, $32.95 retail) and ARRL’s Extra Q&A new 5th edition (ARRL Item No. 1335, ISBN: 978-1-62595-133-5, $19.95 retail) are now shipping. Order from the ARRL Store, or find an ARRL publications dealer; For additional questions or ordering, call 860-594-0355 (toll-free in the US, 888-277-5289). Both The ARRL Extra Class License Manual and ARRL’s Extra Q&A are available as an e-book for the Amazon Kindle. 

 
 

Falmouth Amateur Radio Association Resumes In-Person VE testing

Falmouth Amateur Radio AssociationThe Falmouth Amateur Radio Association has announced that its Volunteer Examination team has resumed in-person test sessions.

According to the Falmouth ARA website: “Lee Thomas, NQ1L, FARA’s [VE team coordinator] has arranged for the use of a facility that allows for proper social distancing.   Examinations are now available on the second Saturday of the month by reservation only.  Contact Lee Thomas at NQ1L38 at gmail.com to schedule an examination.”

New Amateur Extra License Class Question Pool Goes Into Effect July 1, 2020

The new 2020 – 2024 Amateur Extra­ class (Element 4) question pool takes effect on July 1, 2020. The new question pool incorporates significant changes compared to the 2016 – 2020 question pool (expiration date: June 30, 2020).

The number of questions in the pool is reduced from 712 to 622. This results in 239 modified questions, 49 new questions, and the removal of 139 outdated questions. Areas of new technology and subjects were added. The 2020 pool has 10 diagrams, which have been renumbered,

It’s important to note that question E3B08 was withdrawn from the new pool and may not be used on exams.
Questions in that section were not renumbered, leaving 11 questions.

-Thanks, Bob Kelley, K1KVV, semara.org

Call for Speakers: ARRL Learning Network

We are readying an initiative named the ARRL Learning Network — a series of webinars presented by member-volunteers, for members. Like hamfest forums and radio club presentations, these webinars are intended to help members get more active, involved, and engaged in amateur radio. Recorded presentations will also respond to regular requests from our affiliated radio clubs for quality programming, particularly clubs that lack ready access to presenters, or have a last-minute speaker cancellation. Our current plan is to begin scheduling speakers for webinars as early as mid- to late-July. We need your help…

Below is a Call for Speakers invitation (or download this PDF) which we’d like you to share with prospective presenters in your Section. We are asking your help to share this invitation with members you know who are dynamic, knowledgeable, and experienced speakers. Please consider speakers and presenters from throughout the clubs and hamfests in your Section. Add a short, personal invitation.

Please let me know if you have any questions. Thank you for all the ways you help extend the reach and effectiveness of ARRL programs and services. 73 Bob NQ1R

Bob Inderbitzen, NQ1R – Product Development Manager
ARRL, the national association for Amateur Radio®
225 Main Street, Newington, CT 06111-1400 USA
Tel: (860) 594-0213 FAX: (860) 594-0303
rinderbitzen@arrl.org
www.arrl.org

ARRL logo

Billerica ARS VE Team to Resume In-Person Sessions, July 9, 2020

photo of multiple choice examThe Billerica Amateur Radio Society‘s ARRL-Affiliated Volunteer Exam (VE) team will resume in-person testing sessions beginning July 9, 2020 at the Chelmsford Bible Church, 128 Gorham Street, in Chelmsford. No walk-ins are allowed; applicants must call or email in advance. 

To register, contact Gary Frascarelli, W1GFF, at w1gff -at- arrl -dot- net or call 978-453-1100. 

Gary Frascarelli, W1GFF, writes on the Billerica ARS Facebook page on July 5, 2020:

 

“There will be NO VE Session in July…”

 

New England Sci-Tech Offers Three On-line Technician Class Courses in July, 2020

New England Sci Tech logoFor anyone interested in wireless communications and electronics, this ON-LINE course will get you ready to take the Amateur Radio TECHNICIAN license exam, the FIRST of three certification levels. Geared toward adults, as well as junior high, high school, and homeschool students.

Topics range from the science of radio electronics to the FCC rules governing the radio spectrum. Some pre-test practice is necessary to get the best results from this course.

This is a FULL course taught by a 40-yr veteran teacher, not a discussion group or video service. You will learn so much more than just watching a video or buying a book.

Current offerings:

  • 4 day course: Tu-W-Th-Fri July 7-10, 3-6 pm each day Eastern Time *
  • 2 day course: SAT-SUN July 11-12, noon-6 pm each day Eastern Time *
  • 4 day course: Tu-W-Th-Fri July 14-17, 3-6 pm each day Eastern Time *

* July courses are specially tailored for kids and families

The FCC Technician test will be scheduled for an upcoming weekday evening or weekend, as an online test, run by our VE team which has authorization to run online tests.

System Requirements: Computer or Chromebook capable of running ZOOM Meeting, either by Zoom app or through a browser, a built-in camera/mic, and a color printer.

Included with course fee: downloadable lecture study guide and charts, free access to our weekly Online Radio Shop Talk sessions, and a guest pass to the NEAR/STARS Radio Rooms and radio club meetings for 3 months once the facility reopens.

Note that the standard $15 license test fee is NOT included and must be registered separately; our VE team is authorized to give ONLINE exams, so you can schedule an exam within a week of the course. (Price is $15 across the country.)

An additional member of the same family may join this course at no extra charge, if sharing one computer and zoom screen.

A few hours before the session you will receive an email with a Zoom link and ID. If you don’t see the email, check your spam filter. If you still don’t see it, call 508-720-4179 for help.

For questions, e-mail bobphinney at nescitech.org or call 508-720-4179.