Tag Archives: License Class

Education and Training, Featured, General

ARRL Requests Expanded HF Privileges for Technician Licensees

ARRL has asked the FCC to expand HF privileges for Technician licensees to include limited phone privileges on 75, 40, and 15 meters, plus RTTY and digital mode privileges on 80, 40, 15, and 10 meters. The FCC has not yet invited public comment on the proposals, which stem from recommendations put forth by the ARRL Board of Directors’ Entry-Level License Committee, which explored various initiatives and gauged member opinions in 2016 and 2017.

Source: ARRL Requests Expanded HF Privileges for Technician Licensees

It looks like the ARRL got this one right on the mark. Expanding Technician Class License privileges to include digital and SSB phone options on more of the HF bands is just what we need to make the first level Amateur Radio License more fun, a better learning experience, and a more effective bridge to upgrading to General Class privileges. Well done ARRL!

Fred, AB1OC

Education and Training, Featured, General, Newsletter, Youth Activities

Spring 2018 Technician License Class

We held our first license class of 2018 this past weekend.  It was a Technician License Class and it was a huge success.  We had a total of 16 students in the class, including 3 high school students from Bishop Guertin High School and Merrimack High School – the two schools who participated in our High Altitude Balloon projects.  There was also a teacher in the class from Hudson Memorial School, who will be participating in HAB-3.

We had a great set of students – they all were well prepared and did great on their exams.  All 16 students earned their Tech Licenses and one of the students also earned his General!

AB1BY teaching the Tech Class

Thanks to all of our instructors and VEs who made this possible.  The Tech Class instructors were Abby, AB1BY,  Jamey, AC1DC, Fred, AB1OC, Brian AB1ZO, Wayne, AG1A, and Burns, WB1FJ.

Satellite Station 3.0 Antennas
Satellite Station 3.0 Antennas

Satellite Station 3.0

This class also marked the debut of Satellite Station 3.0, which meets the specs to support ISS Crew Contacts.

Satellite Station 3.0
Satellite Station 3.0

In addition to classroom study, we provided many demos and gave the students an opportunity to get on the air and make Satellite contacts using the station above.   Students also had the opportunity to make HF Contacts using a Flex Maestro, which connected over the internet to the station at the AB1OC/AB1QB QTH.

HF Station with Flex Maestro
HF Station with Flex Maestro

Our next license class will be the General Class, which will be held on March 24th and 25th. We will hold the Extra Class on April 27 – 29.  To register, visit our Class Information Page.

Many of our students also joined the Nashua Area Radio Society after they passed their exams.  Please say hello to the new members and congratulate them at our next meeting.

Anita (AB1QB)

Activities, Education and Training, Featured, General, Newsletter

Fall 2017 License Classes Have Begun

We have started our fall 2017 license classes with the Technician License Class being held this weekend – September 30 – October 1 at Dartmouth Hitchcock in Nashua.  We have a large class – a total of 16 students!

Abby, AB1BY teaching the Tech Students

License Class Instructors

We have a new instructor to add to the team, Abby, AB1BY.  The other instructors are Jamey, KC1ENX,  Aron, W1AKI, Wayne, AG1A, Brian, AB1ZO, and Fred, AB1OC.  Thanks to all instructors for the time and effort they put into this Club Activity.

Satellite Station 2.0
Satellite Station 2.0

License Class Demos

In addition to reviewing every question in the technician class pool, we provide many demos to show students what they can do with their technician class license.  We have a satellite station, an HF station and a UHF/VHF go kit set up for demos.

Class Demos
Class Demos
Fred, AB1OC demonstrates a Satellite Contact
Fred, AB1OC demonstrates a Satellite Contact

Next Classes

Our next classes will be the General Class, which will be held on November 4-5 and the Extra Class, which will be held on December 1-3.  More information on our classes can be found on our website.  Club members are invited to stop by and see what we are doing.

Radio Amateurs Developing Skills Worldwide