Amateur Ham Radio

The basic knowledge of ham radio is freely available to anyone willing to learn. This fall, two organizations will offer free, entry-level ham radio classes in Anne Arundel County. These classes will prepare you for the Amateur Radio Technician License Exam that local volunteer examiners administer.

The first class begins on Thursday, September 5 and runs once a week for seven weeks; the second class begins on Saturday, October 5 and runs once a week for six weeks.

The National Electronics Museum will host the first series of Amateur Radio licensing courses at 1745 West Nursery Road in Linthicum, MD, starting on Thursday, September 5, from 6:30 to 9:30 p.m. The first course will cover the entry-level Technician Class license, and run for seven weeks. Additional courses will follow the Technician course later in the fall. These will offer training for the more advanced General and Extra Class licenses. Those interested should contact Rol Anders, K3RA, roland.anders@comcast.net, 410-796-4792.

Alternatively, the Anne Arundel Radio Club (AARC), located at 3789 Queen Anne Bridge Rd. in Davidsonville, MD, will host a Ham Radio Technician class this fall.  The class will begin on Saturday, October 5, 2019 and run six consecutive Saturdays from 8:30 a.m. till noon. Following the sixth and final class on November 9, students will have the opportunity to take their Ham Radio Technician exam at 1:00 p.m. Anyone interested in taking this class should contact Keith Miller, AE3D, ae3d@w3vpr.org.

There is no charge for either class. Students should obtain a copy of the ARRL Ham Radio License Manual, Fourth Edition for the Technician course (earlier editions are not acceptable, since the question pool has changed.)

AAACERT members completing any of these classes should forward their completion certificates and hours to Vice President Bruce Morgenstern bjmorgenstern@comcast.net.

What is a Technician’s License?

This entry-level ham radio license is awarded after an applicant passes a 35-question multiple choice  examination on radio theory, regulations, and operating practices. The license grants full operating privileges on all amateur bands above 30 MHz and limited privileges in portions of the high frequency (HF) bands.

The Federal Communications Commission issues amateur radio licenses in the United States without charge. Licenses remain valid for 10 years from the date of issuance or renewal.

Good evening. If you are checking into the net or have checked into the net the QSL below is what you will receive. I expect to mail the cards out around 05 July. Cards will be sent to the address as it is shown on QRZ. If you have  different USMail address that you want use, email me by using the Contact Us form.

We would like to thank Hal & Sue of CheapQSLs for their help with the design and printing of the cards and for the many revisions that we went through. I can’t thank them enough for their help.

 

On the fourth weekend of June, more than 40,000 amateur radio operators (hams) throughout North America set up temporary transmitting with their clubs, groups, friends or individually to operate from remote locations. The purpose is to demonstrate ham radio’s science, skill and service to our communities and our nation. It combines public service, emergency preparedness, community outreach, and technical skills all in a single event. Field Day has been an annual event since 1933 and remains the most popular event in ham radio.

Field Day is a picnic, a campout, practice for emergencies, an informal contest
and, most of all, FUN!

It is a time where many aspects of Amateur Radio come together to highlight our roles. While some will treat it as a contest, other groups use the opportunity to practice their emergency response capabilities. It is an excellent opportunity to demonstrate Amateur Radio to the organizations that Amateur Radio might serve in an emergency, as well as the general public. For many clubs, ARRL Field Day is one of the highlights of their annual calendar.
The contest part is simply to contact as many other stations as possible and to learn to operate our radio gear in abnormal situations and less than optimal conditions.
Amateur Radio operators use these same skills when they help with events such as marathons and bike-a-thons; fund-raisers such as walka-thons;
celebrations such as parades; and exhibits at fairs, malls and museums — these are all large, preplanned, non-emergency activities.
But despite the development of very complex, modern communications systems — or maybe because they ARE so complex — ham radio has been called into action, again and again, to provide communications in crises when it really matters. Amateur Radio people (also called “hams”) are well known for our communications support in a real disaster and post-disaster situations such as recently deployed after the devastating hurricane in Puerto Rico.

Where to find local Field Day Activities in Anne Arundel County

Davidsonville, MD
Davidsonville Family Recreation Center
3789 Queen Anne Bridge Road
Davidsonville, MD 21035
Contact: Keith Miller, AE3D
Talk-In: 147.105+/107.2
www.W3VPR.org

Pasadena, MD
Downs Park Youth Camping Area
Sponsor: Maryland Mobileers Radio Club (W3CU)
GOTA: No
Talk-In: 146.805- / 107.2
Contact: Ross Sorci
443-510-0755
W2OK@arrl.net
https://sites.google.com/site/marylandmobileers/field-day/mmarc-field-day

AAACERT will host it’s first amateur radio net this Tuesday, 19 June at 1930. ALL amateur radio operators are invited to check in.

To commemorate this special occasion, AAACERT has designed a special QSL card and US Postage stamp for the inaugural event. This is a limited edition of both the QSL and the US Postage stamp ONLY for those who check in on Tuesday. The special QSL cards will be mailed within two weeks after the net.

We expect there will be numerous check-ins so please be patient during the check-in and follow the Net Control Operator (NCO) instructions. This will be a directed net.

Date/Time: Tuesday, 19 June 1930 hrs.
Frequency: 442.3000 / 107.2 (Annapolis)
Echo Link: 90911

Contact Erick Graves (WA3G) or Paul Bowling (W4ATN) for additional details.

Anne Arundel – Annapolis CERT is pleased to announce the formation of an AAACERT Amateur Radio Net!
The net will meet monthly on the third Tuesday. The first net will take place on Tuesday, 19 June. The net will meet at 1930 on 442.3000 / 107.2. Amateurs may also check in on EchoLink node 90911.

ALL licensed amateur radio amateurs are invited to participate.

 

Congratulations to four members of AAACERT who passed their Amateur Radio Licensing test on Saturday, 11 November.

Dorffner, Rosanne (Rosy) KC3KFF
Dorffner, Joseph (Joe) KC3KFG
Stump, Donald (Don) KC3KFO
Bruthers, Richard (Scott) KC3KFT

Welcome to the world of Amateur Radio

Paul Bowling, W4ATN
President
AAACERT

Anne Arundel Radio Club is hosting FREE training to become an amateur “ham” radio operator! The training is for the entry level license (Technician) and will be held consecutive Saturdays from 0830 to 1200, beginning 07 October and ending 11 November with testing offered after the last class. There is no age limit, there is no longer a morse code requirement and an electronics background IS NOT necessary.
The text for this class is “The ARRL Ham Radio License Manual, 3rd Edition” and may be purchased from Amazon (please use smile.amazon.com and register so that Anne Arundel County and City of Annapolis CERT is your charity).
DIRECTIONS:
Davidsonville Family Recreation Center
3789 Queen Anne’s Bridge Road
Davidsonville, Maryland 21035
The clubhouse is about 1¼ miles from the intersection of Maryland Routes 214 and 424. From that intersection proceed ¼ mile west on MD 214, Central Avenue, then make a 45 degree left turn onto Queen Anne’s Bridge Road. After about 1 mile, you will cross Wayson Road. At this point, you will see a chain-link fence on your left. This is the Davidsonville Family Recreation Center. Proceed to the gate and turn left into the center, go straight ahead between two buildings and up the hill. At the top, you will find ample free parking. The Anne Arundel Radio Club is the last building on your right. It is near an almost 200-foot repeater tower and is clearly marked. You really can’t miss it.
Like all classes, a notebook and writing utensil will come in handy. If you purchase your text through the club, we will provide those to you along with your book at the first session. Again advance notice is the key to having such materials on hand. On the first day of class, the club will likely provide free coffee and donuts for all. Typically the club will also have sodas for sale throughout the course. If you want to bring a snack or breakfast, please feel free to do so. Our clubhouse is relatively well equipped, with heat, water, adequate restroom facilities, and a working refrigerator and microwave.
FAQ :: Frequently Asked Questions
1. Are there age requirements?
No ! If you pass the test, you get a license. That being said, the youngest US ham on record was 6 years old, but she had the benefit of growing up with
licensed parents and siblings. My feeling is that this course is not beyond the ability of the average teenager, and can likely be passed by those in the 10 to 12 range if they have a strong interest in the hobby. I do know a little knowledge of algebra helps.
2. Is this class going to be over my head?
No ! We try to keep everything at a level that the average person can understand. It is the instructors’ goal to teach the material using plain English with as little geek-speak as possible. Our function is to help you understand the material as best as we can. You might, however, learn a little geek-speak along the way.
3. Do I need to pre-register?
No ! But if you know you are going to take the class, we would appreciate it. This helps us know how many to expect on that first class date, how many supplies and handouts to prepare, and even helps us know how many donuts to buy. But if someone wants to come along last minute, that is great. We always plan for a few extras. We track class interest by the number of pre-registrations.
4. How does one dress for a ham radio class?
Dress comfortably. You are going to be there for several hours. Jeans and a t-shirt are just fine.
5. What do I need to bring with me?
You will need note-taking materials. If you are purchasing your book through the club, we will provide those to you at your first session. A calculator capable of doing logarithms and square roots might come in handy occasionally but is certainly not necessary. The dollar store sells one suitable for the test.
6. What if I can’t attend all the classes ?
Missing a class is not going to doom you to failure. We can provide you with the class materials, and the book should help you cover the rest. That being said, missing a number of classes may lower your chances of passing the test. Read, Study, & Ask Questions.
7. Is your class really totally ‘FREE’, with no strings attached?
Yes ! Obviously, we would love a few new members for our club, assuming that idea interests you. But if it doesn’t, that’s okay too. We are totally happy that we could help you move forward with your Amateur Radio hobby. If you complete the course and pass the test, we will give you a free membership in the AARC for the remainder of the membership year.
8. How much does the book cost?
It sounds awful to say, but it varies. The Kindle version is probably the least expensive for approximately $20, but of course, you must own the equipment to read the Kindle files. With shipping included most print versions are in the $30 range. In past years I can say that Amazon.com has been less expensive than purchasing the book either from the AARC or the ARRL, but not by much. Your decision may come down to what is most convenient for you.
9. Can you tell me about the qualifications of the instructors?
All of our instructors hold Amateur Extra class licenses. Several are Electrical Engineers and all are quite expert in the subjects they teach.
10. What if I have a question that is not listed here?
Email our Training Coordinator, Keith Miller/AE3D learn@w3vpr.org or phone 240-758-0423 and leave your name and number. He will get back to you shortly.

Sponsor: Anne Arundel Radio Club (AARC)
Date(s): Saturday(s) October 31 – December 12 (skipping Saturday, November 28)
Time: 08:30 – 12:00
Location: AARC Clubhouse, 3727 Queen Anne Bridge Road, Davidsonville, MD
Cost: Free
Manual: ARRL Ham Radio License Manual

Pre-registration though not required is encouraged. You may register by contacting Keith Miller, AE3D at the address or phone listed below.

Keith Miller, AE3D
ARRL / AARC
ae3d@graykitty.net
ae3d@w3vpr.net
ae3d@arrl.net
301-805-1854