Registration Opens For Ham Radio Bootcamp

An amateur radio society in New Hampshire has a message for radio amateurs regardless of whether they are Technician, General or Extra class: If you want to get on the air more, start by getting online -- especially on one particular day next month.

On the 10th of May, the Nashua Area Radio Society is hosting its free Ham Bootcamp on the Zoom platform from 10 am to 6 pm Eastern Time. Demonstrations and tutorials will cover emergency communications, satellite operations, FT 8 and equipment for VHF/UHF operating.

Hams will also learn how to build a station so they can get on the air. In fact, one of the main purposes of the bootcamp is to help hams overcome many of the most common obstacles that keep them off the air - everything from how to select the right HT to participating in foxhunting or contesting.

More Information - https://www.n1fd.org/ham-bootcamp/

UK Paper Amateur Radio Exams to End

Currently 97 percent of amateur radio licence examinations are sat online using the TestReach platform, either at home under remote supervision, or in a club setting.

Following the implementation of Syllabus v1.6 on 1 September 2024, the new examination question bank will only be maintained online.

Generating paper exams will involve significant additional work for the RSGB Examinations Department, with the associated costs.

Therefore, from 29 November 2024, we will stop taking routine bookings for paper exams.

Examination Standards Committee - https://rsgb.org/main/about-us/committees/examination-standards-committee/

RSGB Morse Competency tests at National Hamfest

If you’re going to the National Hamfest on 27-28th September 2024, why not try the RSGB Morse competency test? You don’t have to book in advance, just visit the RSGB village area. You can be tested at 10, 12, 15, 20, 25 or 30 words per minute so you don’t have to be a CW expert.

If you pass the test, you’ll either receive a certificate on the day or it will be sent to you electronically shortly after. Eric Arkinstall, M0KZB is the RSGB Morse Competency Project Lead and he will guide you through the test process. If you don’t want to do the test you can still drop in to try Morse for the first time or pick up some hints and tips. It will be a busy event so whilst there will be headphones available, you’re welcome to bring your own if you prefer. Eric looks forward to seeing you at the event!

If you have any questions, please contact Eric via morse.tests@rsgb.org.uk