HAM Radio Class? (5 Viewers)

[evanz80]

Thanks for the info guys.

Rory (and anyone else who is interested) - the ARRL website lists the exam site as Manzano Mesa Multigenerational Building. From the Eubank gate of KAFB, go north on Eubank to Southern and turn right. The building is on the right at the first stoplight (Elizabeth) halfway between Eubank and Juan Tabo. The exam starts at 9:15 and it says that walk-ins are allowed. I was trying to determine if the VEC would prefer that we sign up in advance or if it even matters.

I'll post up again after I hear from the VEC.

 

[pappy]

As Jon knows, the license is free. The $14 covers the costs of the VEC's to give the exams. These guys are volunteers and come in on weekends and evenings to give the exams.

-Mike-

Right, no charge by the FCC for the license. There is a charge if you want a vanity call sign. I think it runs about $12-13 right now. Technically, the VE teams are not paid, but the organization/club that is hosting the exam is able to retain some of the fee for administrative costs with the rest going to the parent VEC (W5YI or ARRL). For instance, ARRL allows the club to retain "up to" $6 of the $14 to cover it's costs. The rest goes to ARRL.

I was trying to determine if the VEC would prefer that we sign up in advance or if it even matters. I'll post up again after I hear from the VEC.

Evan, both times I took the test I emailed the VEs. Both times it didn't matter. They were not expecting me either time. Just show up.

For clarification ... VECs are Volunteer Exam Coordinators. There are several FCC approved organizations, of which W5YI and ARRL are the two largest. The folks you will see during your exam are VEs, or volunteer examiners. The VEs are responsible for administrating, grading, and processing the paperwork which is sent to the VECs, and I think the FCC.

 

[Ruadhrigh]

cool. thanks for the info guys.

 

[evanz80]

Ok, a little more info that confirms what we have already heard here.

From the VE:

"No need to sign up just come on in. Cost is $14.00. Cash is always better too. These test are computer generated and if you fail you will have to pay another $14.00."

To me, this implies that the test will be graded on the spot. Just bring several rounds of $14 each and you should be able to make it through in one day!

 

[pappy]

That's new to me. They have historically advertised that you could take the test as many times as you needed to pass in the same sitting for the same $14. When I was in Socorro there were several folks that were given a second chance, and one that was given an option and declined (he had one right answer and decided he needed to study). We were using paper, not computer. When I took my tech exam it was on computer, and I don't see why it would be different.

Yes, you will be graded on the spot. With the computer it's easy, just raise your hand and a VE will come over and run the grade. With paper they need to collect it, then use a scoring template to grade it. No matter how it's done, bring a lot of patience.

 

[Beowulf]

From the VE ...

Was that from Darryl Clutter, NX5W?

-Mike-

 

[evanz80]

Was that from Darryl Clutter, NX5W?

-Mike-

Yup!! (Did you know you need at least five characters to send a message? "Yup" doesn't cut it.)

 

[Rudical]

How often or not so often are these tests?

 

[pappy]

How often or not so often are these tests?

Depends. There is usually a test scheduled someplace in New Mexico. It will depend on how far you are willing to drive. Sororro and Los Alamos are not too bad. I don't know how often they test in ABQ.

Testing in New Mexico.

 

[Rudical]

Depends. There is usually a test scheduled someplace in New Mexico. It will depend on how far you are willing to drive. Sororro and Los Alamos are not too bad. I don't know how often they test in ABQ.

Testing in New Mexico.

I guess I should have looked around more on the site. Someday hopfully it will happen. Thanks Jon

 

[DanS HJ-45]

I notice there are a LOT more in CO and UT later in November and December.

I very well may be trying to make one of those, depending on the schedule (comes out on the 19th), and I would probably have an empty seat if that's the case.

Dan

 

[OGBeno]

The first thing I did when I got back from SnT was order a Yaseu 2800. I could not believe how incredible communications were from many different locations--many of them hundreds of miles away.

HAM is the future. I have seen it, I have witnessed it, and I yield to it's geeky powers. CB's compared to HAM are a joke. [though I am sure Dan could easily retort--"HAM is a joke compared to UHF/VHF communications available in commercial aircraft].

Anyway, Ash sent me the link for an antenna and a mounting bracket....

Can't wait to join the cool guys club.

 

[alia176]

Alright, let's add another pocket protector to our order.....

 

[pappy]

Alright, let's add another pocket protector to our order.....

10-4. So does this mean Onur is testing this weekend? Who else? Evan? Rory?

 

[OGBeno]

10-4. So does this mean Onur is testing this weekend? Who else? Evan? Rory?

negative. Not testing this weekend. I've got a friend from SLC coming down and we are doing a run to Las Vegas to pick up to 45LV's. Way more important than a test!

I'll get the hardware, set it up, and do simplex till I have the authority to transmit through the ether with others listening in.

I will probably take the next test in December....

-o-

 

[pappy]

The first thing I did when I got back from SnT...

Onur,

I saw discussion on the electronics forum about setting up an APRS demo at SnT. Did they pull this off, and did you see it? Mike and I are looking at getting set up.

 

[Ruadhrigh]

10-4. So does this mean Onur is testing this weekend? Who else? Evan? Rory?

I plan to take the test. Passing it is another story.

 

[alia176]

I plan to take the test. Passing it is another story.

dude, you'll be competing with eight year olds so you better pass the test

 

[Ruadhrigh]

dude, you'll be competing with eight year olds so you better pass the test

haha, considering my only study guide is the online test I wouldn't be surprised

 

[evanz80]

I plan to take the test. Passing it is another story.

I'm right there with Rory. I plan to sit for it, but I haven't been able to devote the time I would have liked.