Events
Hybrid In-Person/Virtual Meetings
KARO ECHO meets on the 2nd Monday of each month at 1900 (7:00 PM) at the Kensington Community Center (KCC), 59 Arlington Ave., Kensington, CA 94707. The KCC is directly East of the Arlington Community Church and North and uphill of the Kensington Library. See Map. Ample parking is available by turning (East) up Kensington Park Road (at the only traffic light in Kensington). The Monday March , 11, 2024 meeting will commence at 1900 local time both as a hybrid (Zoom) and in-person) meeting. Email to: info at karoecho dot net for the zoom link.
KARO ECHO provides internet Zoom access to all meetings, thus, KARO ECHO member meetings will also simultaneously take place online using Zoom. Everyone on the KAROECHO mailing list will receive an invitation link to the meeting by email. To get on our mailing list and receive our Newsletter, please JOIN HERE, or send an email to info at karoecho.net
Tentative Agenda
March 11, 2024 General Meeting Agenda: (tentative, subject to update and approval at beginning of meeting)
Call to order/logistics
Introductions
Approval of Minutes
Approval of Agenda
Treasurer's report
Guest Presentation
Presentation about the USS Hornet Amateur Radio Club (HARC) by Geoff Abreu K6ERA
New business
Creating a Field Day workgroup
Reviving ARES registration of individuals and the KE Emergency Coordinator
W6OGX POTA activation report, March 2 Hornet visit report
Old business
Training workgroup report
April 27th Simulated Emergency Test (SET)
Report on budget setting process
Newsletter content input/discussion
Outreach/PR/web
Report from Outreach workgroup
Tech./Infrastructure
Tech corner - Jay KJ6WSS portable station follow-ups
Elmering
Neighborhood nets and Comm. hubs
Adjourn
Future Meeting topics
April: SET preparation
May: SET after action review and discussion
June: Field Day preparation
Please send dues made out to KARO ECHO
Yearly dues are $30/year and $40 for a family membership. We are a tax deductible 501(c)3 charitable organization . Use tax ID # 83-3114142. Your donation will help us serve our community. Mail and correspondence to: KARO ECHO -- 1519 Everett St, El Cerrito, CA. 94530-2207. Use the donate button to donate or pay dues online (Paypal). and fill out the registration form under Get Involved/Join. You can get on the mailing list by filling out the registration form without paying membership dues.
Weekly Radio Training and Preparedness Net
The Weekly Contra Costa County HF EmComm Disaster Preparedness Net meets every Thursday at 1830 local time on 3893 KHz LSB/Alt 3888KHz.
The KE Net meets every Thursday (except Thanksgiving and major holidays) at 1900 on 146.415 MHz Simplex, but not before the West Co Co County EmComm ARES/ACS Net finishes on their 145.110 MHz repeater (Tx -600 with a PL 82.5).
All hams are welcome.
As always, be ready with pencil and paper. Please come with new relevant announcements. The NCS has a surprise test for us each net. Be ready to change frequency. Please have handy the KaroEcho Hybrid 213 message form. Always be familiar on how to use your radio, keep your batteries charged, and how to change frequency. See related documents in our Training page and in the Operations page on the WORKSTREAMS drop-down menu. Specifically see:
A list of Relevant VHF and UHF SIMPLEX Frequencies in our area
The KARO-ECHO HYBRID ARES/RACES MESSAGE FORM in MS Word format
The same KARO-ECHO Hybrid ARES/ICS 213 message form as a PDF
Definitions of ARES Message Precedence Designators (Emergency, Priority, Welfare, and Routine).
Comparing ICS-213 Message Form with the ARRL Message Form (a very short critique)
A Breakdown of the Elements of the ARRL/ARES Standard Message Form Made Simple (for Dummies)!
A Short Example Why We Use the ARES/ICS Modified Message Form
Formal Written Traffic versus Point to Point Verbal Tactical Comms: When to write it down and when not to (write it down).
For past net events see our PAST EVENTS PAGE
NCS schedule of operators
The KaroEcho Technical Work Group was at the Kensington Fire Station (FS-65) on Saturday, October 15, 2022 repurposing radios, batteries, and equipment due to upcoming seismic retrofitting.
Left to right: KN6BUY, KK6NDF, KJ6IUV, and KE6BEE
Recent Webpage Updates to KaroEcho.Net: New content, links, and files
Tours of KPH Historic radio station at Point Reyes National Seashore https://www.nps.gov/pore/planyourvisit/kph_treetunnel.htm and https://www.radiomarine.org/
Website File Updates in General: This file will be updated monthly or when new occasions arise. New Local ham radio license exams are updated bi-monthly. New additions to the FRS/GMRS page and GMRS/FRS equipment lists have also been updated
VHF/UHF Simplex Operations in Our Area
For FM operators, you will find activity on the national 2 meter FM calling frequency (146.520 MHz) and 70cm FM calling frequency (446.000 MHz). Typically, operators will either limit their time on these calling frequencies or ask people to follow them to a different frequency to keep the calling frequencies as open as possible for all users. These calling frequencies will likely be very busy, so they will be difficult to use.
The following FM simplex frequencies may be active in our area, and are alternative places to listen or call, in addition to the calling frequencies. 146.520 and 446.000 MHz.
70cm
441.00, 446.00 calling freq., 446.50
1.25cm
223.400, 223.420, 223.440, 223.460, 223.480, 223.500, 223.520
2m
146.400
146.415 Karo-Echo Primary
146.430 Karo-Echo Old Secondary (Do not use because it is too close to primary
146.445
146.460
146.475 KaroEcho New Secondary CERT assigned by OES
146.490 Crockett
146.505 CoCo Cty OES Martinez Simplex & Alameda City ARES (ARCA) Primary
146.520 National Calling Freq.
146.535 Alameda City ARES (ARCA) Secondary
146.550
146.565 Oakland ARES/RACES Secondary
147.405
147.420
147.435
147.450 Richmond CERT
147.465
147.480 Berkeley (NALCO ARES/RACES)
147.495 San Pablo CERT
147.510 Central Marin RACES
147.525
147.540 Hercules CERT
147.555 Southern Marin RACES
147.570 Pinole CERT
147.585 Oakland ARES/RACES Primary & North MARIN RACES
Elmer Program
Take advantage of this service as it benefits the entire community to have more skilled radio operators in the field. The more questions, the more answers. Please feel free to ask for additional classes and/or help by sending an email to elmer@karoecho.net
Also see: https://www.karoecho.net/workstreams/training for study materials
This is a guideline for those wishing to study for the entry level ham radio Technician class test prepared for the KaroEcho License Preparation Class by our ARRL Registered License Instructor:
Quality Ham Radio Ongoing Yearly Presentations and Events
Dan Goldstein, KJ6KEU, the East Bay Section Emergency Coordinator (SEC) speaks at the ORCA Club Meeting on "EmComm Mutual Aid in a Digital World", 2022-09-10 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wwNMwDUu0A8&ab_channel=ORCASecretary
The 2021 Pacific Division Zoom Meeting, was held on December 4, 2021 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TPfZ1bRL4v4&ab_channel=k6wx run by Pacific Division Director, Kristen, K6WX, video recording can be found here and on our Resources page. Kristen emphasized that she and the ARRL works for us, we do not work for them. They are listening, so send in your suggestions.
The most recent Pacific Division Wide Zoom Meeting was held on December 10, 2022 . It was also recorded. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LVYQ1kK-ajA&ab_channel=k6wx These ARRL division-wide meetings displays the challenges and successes that ham radio is currently addressing.
The ARRL has started a new website for its Learning Center. You can find it at https://learn.arrl.org/ . It has several learning paths (Electronics & Technology, EmComm, etc.), a bunch of courses to take and a pot load of webinars. It also has links to help you find radio clubs; hamfests & conventions; license classes, and exam sessions. You can access the site from your computer, tablet or phone. See Dave Casler’s “Intro to the ARRL's new ‘learn.ARRL.org’ Site” video at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UvgZvH7rIoE (YouTube; 11:58).
QSO Today Virtual Ham Expo
QSO Today Virtual Ham Expo are held twice yearly. They are quite good. They’ve put out a call for speakers and are looking for them worldwide. Information on becoming a presenter, or attending the expo, is at https://www.qsotodayhamexpo.com/
The next QSO Today Expo is scheduled for March 24 and 25, 2023 Call for speakers here https://www.qsotodayhamexpo.com/speakercall.html
Past presentation are available on Vimeo at https://vimeo.com/showcase/qsotodayhamexpomar2021
The September 17-18, 2022 QSO Today Videos will be available on-line (see their webpage)
Ham Radio University (HRU) Past Presentations
A plethora of excellent presentations on all topics of ham radio are available to view here https://hamradiouniversity.org/past-presentations/
Among the presentation topics every year will be Amateur Radio Emergency Communications; Basics of HF Operating; Ham Radio Contesting and DXing, Communicating Through Amateur Radio Earth Satellites; Software Defined Radios; HF and VHF Digital Communications; Parks on the Air, Skywarn, Cables & Connectors, and Using Raspberry Pi Computers in Amateur Radio. For a plethora of their excellent past videos on Youtube please see: https://www.youtube.com/c/HamRadioUniversityNLI/videos or go to (https://hamradiouniversity.org/past-presentations/
Attendance is free, but registration is required. The topic are detailed, accurate, friendly, and varied over a wide range of topics, including EmComm; HF Operating; Contesting & DXing; Satellites; Software Defined Radios; Digital Communications and more. For more information, go to https://hamradiouniversity.org/
WaveTalkers
A group in Southern California called the WaveTalkers has a mission “to help you learn to become a more effective communicator in any medium.” On their website at http://wavetalkers.com/index.php they have a number of resources, including video courses for all three license classes and courses to help you get started in APRS and Winlink. They also have reference materials for some ham basics, such as Phonetics and Q-Codes. Their home page announces that their next presentation will be on January 20 with a topic of “Solar and Emergency Power”. Definitely worth a look as part of your efforts to improve your skills.”
Ham Radio Classes and License Tests in the Bay Area
ALL FCC EXAM QUESTIONS and ANSWERS ARE PUBLISHED ON-LINE
Question Pools
The following is copied from the National Conference of Volunteer Examiner Coordinators (NCVEC) website:
The Question Pools are developed and maintained by the Question Pool Committee (QPC) of the NCVEC by FCC instruction and Part 97 Rules & Regulation : Subpart F: §97.523 Question pools All VECs must cooperate in maintaining one question pool for each written examination element. Each question pool must contain at least 10 times the number of questions required for a single examination. Each question pool must be published and made available to the public prior to its use for making a question set. Each question on each VEC question pool must be prepared by a VE holding the required FCC-issued operator license.
The question pools are normally valid for 4 years and the current Question Pools are as follows:
Element 2 – Technician – Effective July 1, 2022 until June 30, 2026
Element 3 -- General -- Effective July 1, 2023 until June 30, 2027 ** NEW
Element 4 – Extra – Effective July 1, 2020 until June 30, 2024
Each FCC Element or question pool consists of at least 10 times the number of questions required for a single examination and is released to the public normally 6 months prior to becoming effective for use in examinations to allow pleanty of time for publication and study. Each element or pool has a syllabus that is broken down into main sub-element sections (normally 10) and an unlimited number of sub-topic sections under each sub-element. Each sub-element is numbered with a prefix designating the Element number, example T1, T2 etc, followed by the subtopic letter for the section of each sub-element, example T1A,T1B, etc.
2022-2026 Technician Question Pool Public Release - January 3, 2022 Revised 01/06/2022 - MSDocX Format
http://ncvec.org/downloads/2022-2026%20Technician%20Pool%20Released%20Jan17%20Revised.docx
New Graphics http://ncvec.org/downloads/2022-2026%20Technician%20Pool%20Released%20Jan17%20Revised.pdf
The ARRL Guides for Obtaining your technician class license http://www.arrl.org/getting-your-technician-license
'The Mount Diablo Amateur Radio Club (MDARC) offers courses and exams. See https://www.mdarc.org/education-and-testing Tests are offered at 6 pm before the MDARC regular meeting begins. MDARC is offering ZOOM Classes and exams at public parking parking lots.
Oncoming MDARC classes: https://www.mdarc.org/education-and-testing/class-details
A new Diablo ARC has opened registration for their 8-session Technician licensing course, beginning January 10, 2023 on Zoom only. It will be followed by a VE test session, then two Get-on-the-Air (GOTA) classes. They plan to hold General and Amateur Extra Class courses later in the year. Get the details and register at (https://www.mdarc.org/education-and-testing/class-details).
Additional MDARC on-line education details here at https://www.mdarc.org/education-and-testing/on-line-resources
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Walnut Creek CERT Ham Radio Licensing (Ham Cram) & Training Classes:
The Walnut Creek "CERT Ham Radio Licensing (Ham Cram) & Training Classes" are a series of three classes which will give you the skills and knowledge to become a member of Walnut Creek CERT’s radio communications team.
Part 1 -The part 1 class is a one day exercise that prepares you to pass the ham radio “Technician” license examination required by the FCC to legally operate a ham radio. (A training session for "General" license upgrade is also available). The Walnut Creek CERT communications training team conducts this training session using a simple technique (called "association") that produces a very high percentage of successful test results, virtually eliminating the need for a multiple week training course to pass the FCC license exam that will be given at the end of the session.
Part 2 - “CERT Getting on the Air” class 1 - . Learn how to communicate on a radio and, optionally, order a radio as part of the WC CERT Group Purchase plan.
Part 3 - “CERT Getting on the Air” class 2 - Learn how to use your new radio.
The cost for Part 1 is $35, payable at the door, which includes the required $15 FCC license Examination Fee; all training materials; continental breakfast; and a pizza or sub sandwich lunch. There is no additional charge for Parts 2 and 3.
Note: The Walnut Creek CERT Ham Crams and License tests will resume after the Shelter in Place orders are lifted.
See: https://sites.google.com/site/wccerthams/classes/cert-ham-radio-licensing-training-class
San Francisco Radio Club is offering license exams. See: https://www.sfarc.org/ve-examinations.html
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Benicia Amateur Radio Club offers their highly successful hamcram. The ham crams are restarting in October 2023. Hurry registration begins in August.
They encourage CERT members to expand their value to their teams by becoming licensed Amateur Radio Operators. They also offer a simultaneous One-Day General Class upgrade study course for those who currently possess a Technician License. The cost is $35, which includes all study material and the FCC exam fee. We also provide free coffee and other refreshments throughout the day to make things easier. Lunch is NOT included but there are several restaurants across the street and a list will be provided. You can obtain additional information by going to the BARC website at BeniciaARC.com. See: http://beniciaarc.com/wp/hamclass/
The Benicia Amateur Radio Club (BARC), partnering with the Benicia Emergency Response Team (BERT) members was asked several years ago to create a Ham Radio licensing class for members of its CERT program. Response to this One-Day licensing class has been very favorable and recently the class was opened to CERT teams throughout Northern California. Attendees have come from Shasta to Santa Clara, and from Alameda to Sacramento and the San Joaquin Valley.
Following emergencies, communications are often lost or severely impacted and FEMA has recommended that CERT teams throughout the country encourage the use of Amateur Radio as an alternative. Also known as Ham Radio, this proven means of communications does not rely on existing infrastructure thereby providing an alternate method of communicating during and following a disaster.
We would like to invite your CERT team members to join other fellow CERT members from throughout Northern California at our accelerated one-day licensing class in Benicia. Historically over 90% of attendees pass the on-site FCC licensing exam administered by federally accredited examiners immediately at the conclusion of class.
Access: Our facility has full handicap access.
Info/Signup: Online at www.beniciaarc.com/. Class size is limited to 90 and it always fills up, so register promptly. Questions: hamradioclass@beniciaarc.com or Ham Class Instructor, Art Mayoff, (925) 212-9953. Please share this invitation with your CERT team leaders and your individual team members.
Increase your value as a CERT team member. Become a licensed Ham Radio Operator in one day.
One-Day Ham Radio Class, February 3, 2024 Ham Cram in Benicia
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BAEARS also sponsors periodic ham tests throughout the year in the Bay Area including one day Ham Crams. See: https://www.baears.com/
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Oakland Radio Communication Association, (ORCA) and Amateur Radio Club of Alameda (ARCA) co-sponsor quarterly American Radio Relay League (ARRL) Volunteer Examiner Coordinator (VEC) Amateur Radio Test Sessions. Note: Classes and exams are postponed until after the Shelter in Place orders are rescinded.
Where: MEDIA ROOM -- OAKLAND FIRE DEPARTMENT -- 1605 MARTIN LUTHER KING JR. WAY (AT 16TH ST) -- OAKLAND, CA 94612
What?: Testing for FCC Technician, General and Amateur Extra operator class licenses will take place.
Classes and tests are currently postponed because of the lockdown orders.
What to Bring:
a government issued photo ID, either your Social Security Number or FCC Registration Number (FRN), a pen and a pencil. For upgrades bring your original license and a photocopy of it, or a valid Certificate of Successful completion of Examination (CSCE) from a prior exam and a photocopy of it.
What NOT to Bring:
Calculators at a VE session are provided by the team (i.e., no personal electronics or calculators are allowed).
Fee
A $15 license fee per exam date is required. No extra fees beyond the $15 are required should a candidate choose to take all three exams—for each of the operator classes— in one session (as time permits).
More Info
Call 510-918-4627 or 510-741-8227
*Postponed- Please check back after the SIP
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Local In Person License Preparation Classes
No in person exam preparation classes are currently offered in El Cerrito and Kensington. This situation is constantly changing. Please see: http://www.arrl.org/find-an-amateur-radio-license-class and below.
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More Classes:
This is an excellent free technician license preparation series https://radiosignals.org/main/tech
Finding a License Class http://www.arrl.org/find-an-amateur-radio-license-class
Finding ON-LINE Ham Study Classes to prepare for exams: https://hamstudy.org/
Excellent Study Tools and Resources for License Preparation https://hamexam.org/
The following links list online classes by https://hamstudy.org/sessions look promising
Youtube.com has a plethora of license guide videos that vary from excellent to poor
The following are some select ARRL on-line ham license study classes and Exams
AA0FU VETEAM
Contact: Joshua Peterson
Email: ve@wl7vec.org
Sponsor:
KA4KBX VETEAM
Contact: Gary Pike
Email: vetesting@yahoo.com
Sponsor: KJ4PJE PARC
Website: https://parcradio.org/
Exam Website: https://hamstudy.org/sessions/KJ4PJE
W9TWJ VETEAM
Contact: Tanner Jones
Email: W9TWJ@arrl.net
Sponsor: Unsponsored
Website: https://w9twj.com/exams/
Exam Website: https://hamstudy.org/sessions/W9TWJ
N4FWD VETEAM
Contact: Thomas Kocourek
Email: n4fwd@arrl.net
Sponsor: US-Volunteer Examiner Group
Website: https://qsl.net/us-vegrp/
Exam Website: https://hamstudy.org/sessions/US-VEGRP/all
W0AEL VETEAM
Contact: Anderson Lowe
Email: aelowe232@gmail.com
Sponsor: Aurora Amateur Radio Group, Inc.
Website: https://aarg.club/?page_id=14
Exam Website: https://hamexamgen.com/schedule.php
AA4WX VETEAM
Contact: Joshua Marler
Email: VARGTesting@gmail.com
Sponsor: Volunteer Amateur Radio Group
Website: https://hamstudy.org/sessions/varg
Exam Website: https://hamstudy.org/sessions/varg
N0ZRD VETEAM
Contact: Gordon Hanson
Email: N0ZRD@mnyarc.org
Sponsor: MNYARC/KOLTC.org
Website: https://exam.mnyarc.org
Exam Website: https://hamstudy.org/sessions/N0ZRD
WX0MIK VETEAM
Contact: Michael Wills
Email: wx0mik@gmail.com
Sponsor: Mankato Area Radio Club
Website: https://hamstudy.org/sessions/MARC/all?includeFull=1
Exam Website: https://hamstudy.org/sessions/MARC/all?includeFull=1
WX0MIK VETEAM
Contact: Michael Wills
Email: wx0mik@gmail.com
Sponsor: HRCC - Mankato ARC
Exam Website: https://hamstudy.org/sessions/hrcc
KK7GKO VETEAM
Contact: Cecil McDole
Email: genemcdole2@gmail.com
Sponsor: PARC-US
Exam Website: https://hamstudy.org/sessions/PARC-US
KB7UTV KC7QJO VETEAM
Contact: Lawrence Simon
Email: larry@simonlj.net
Sponsor: Las Vegas VE Team
Website: https://www.lvhamtest.us/video-supervised-license-exam-sessions/
Exam Website: https://hamstudy.org/sessions/KC7QJO
ND7B VETEAM
Contact: Erin Henrickson
Email: nd7b@cec-corps.us
Sponsor: CEC-Corps Exam Team
Website: https://cec-corps.us/ve-team/
Exam Website: https://hamticket.org/
W4WRE VETEAM
Contact: Rodney Webb
Email: W4WREares@gmail.com
Sponsor: Lakeway ARC - W2IQ
Website: http://www.hamonlinetests.com/
Exam Website: https://hamstudy.org/sessions/W4WRE
KT2O VETEAM
Contact: Shaun Newcomer
Email: ny.ham.team@gmail.com
Sponsor: All NY Ham VE Team
Website: https://nyham.net/index.html#testing
Exam Website: https://ham.study/sessions/ALLNY
WB9ZPH VETEAM
Contact: Janet Crenshaw
Email: wb9zph@gmail.com
Sponsor: WB9ZPH
Website: https://sites.google.com/site/wb9zph
Exam Website: http://hamstudy.org/sessions/wb9zph
AD6ZH VETEAM
Contact: Morris Jones
Email: ad6zh.mj@gmail.com
Sponsor: Silicon Valley VE Group - register on website or email team for an appt.
Website: http://www.svve.org
N9LHS VETEAM
Contact: Linda Straubel
Email: straue75@gmail.com
Sponsor: Contact the VE Team (7:30pm testing Mon-Thurs)
N2YGK VETEAM
Contact: Alan Crosswell
Email: alan+exams@columbia.edu
Sponsor: Columbia University VE Team ARC
Website: https://www.w2aee.columbia.edu/content/remote-license-exams
Exam Website: https://hamstudy.org/sessions/W2AEE
KH6WG VETEAM
Contact: Stephen Kawamae
Email: skawamae@gmail.com
Sponsor: Ham Education Hawaii - email team for an appointment
Website: www.hameducationhi.org
WF9S VETEAM
Contact: Atsunobu Tama
Email: liaison@ve-kobe.matrix.jp
Sponsor: ARRL VE Kobe
Website: http://www.ve-kobe.matrix.jp/
Exam Website: https://hamstudy.org/sessions/wf9s
KM6Z VETEAM
Contact: Heather Parker
Email: parker_prince@yahoo.com
Sponsor: San Diego ARRL VE Team
Website: http://hamstudy.org/sessions/arrl/KM6Z-D
Exam Website: http://hamstudy.org/sessions/arrl/KM6Z-D
KY4SD VETEAM
Contact: Mark Dunning
Email: m.dunning1@verizon.net
Sponsor: Sun City W4SPC - email team for an appointment
WW1RF VETEAM
Contact: Allan Ryan
Email: testing@barnstableARC.org
Sponsor: Barnstable ARC - on demand testing, EMAIL team for an appointment
Website: https://www.barnstablearc.org/?q=node/12
KD8JBS VETEAM
Contact: Benjamin Murray
Email: kd8jbs@arrl.net
Sponsor: Williams County ARC
Exam Website: https://hamstudy.org/sessions/kd8jbs
K3BV VETEAM
Contact: Peter Dernikos
Email: info@vea.org.au
Sponsor: Book a time slot BEFORE registering on exam website.
Website: http://www.vea.org.au/book-us-online-exam
Exam Website: https://hamstudy.org/sessions/K3BV/
N8JMW VETEAM
Contact: Jacqueline Welch
Email: n8jmw2@gmail.com
Sponsor: Geauga ARA
Website: https://geaugaara.org/
Exam Website: https://hamstudy.org/sessions/N8JMW
WB7TPH VETEAM
Contact: Donald Bauer
Email: testing@w7yrc.org
Sponsor: Yavapai ARC
Website: https://hamstudy.org/sessions/arrl/86305/inperson
Exam Website: https://hamstudy.org/sessions/arrl/86305/inperson
N0YH VETEAM
Contact: Chris Hunt
Email: Huntster57@gmail.com
Sponsor: K0KWC
Website: https://kilowattarc.com/
Exam Website: https://hamstudy.org/sessions/k0kwc/all
Additional ARRL VE Teams
For additional ARRL teams offering remote online exams visit: https://hamstudy.org/sessions/arrl/remote
Exam Website: https://hamstudy.org/sessions/K3BV/
Additional ARRL VE Teams
Exams:
Find an IN-PERSON EXAM SESSION in your area here: http://www.arrl.org/find-an-amateur-radio-license-exam-session
More In-Person EXAMS in Our Area:
The Mount Diablo Amateur Radio Club (MDARC) often offers license tests preceding each club meeting. For a current listing see https://www.mdarc.org/education-and-testing/license-testing
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Benecia CA 02/03/24
One Day Ham Cram: The study session, conducted in Benicia, begins at 8:30 AM, provides an hour and fifteen minute break for lunch and ends at 3:45 PM. The day concludes with an exam session at 4:00 P.M and typically takes less than 30 minutes.
Place: Benicia Senior Center, 1205 East Second Street, Benicia, CA
Cost: $35.00 ($14 exam fee and $21 for the class)
New license applicants must register with the FCC and receive an FRN number. See this information page.
Register at this link.
Pay online for the class with our payment processing partner Stripe at the link in your exam confirmation email OR mail a check for $35.00 to Benicia Amateur Radio Club, PO Box 561, Benicia, CA 94510. If you’re sending a check, please email HamRadioClass@beniciaarc.com to let us know there’s a check in the mail. Seats in the class will be confirmed in the order of payments received.
More: https://beniciaarc.com/hamclass/
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Martinez CA 94553-3529 03/09/2024
Sponsor: Martinez ARC
Date: Mar 09 2024, Time: 11:00 AM (Walk-ins allowed)
Contact: Jim Brunk (925) 407-5780 Email: brunk@ix.netcom.com
VEC: ARRL/VEC
Location: LDS Church - Martinez Meetinghouse 940 Palisade Dr
Martinez CA 94553-3529
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Lafayette CA 94549-9999 03/15/2024
Sponsor: Mt. Diablo ARC
Date: Mar 15 2024 Time: 5:30 PM (Walk-ins allowed)
Contact: Larry S. Loomer (925) 456-7890 Email: laryloomer@yahoo.com
VEC: ARRL/VEC
Location: Our Savior's Lutheran Church
1035 Carol Ln. Lafayette CA 94549-9999,
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Orinda CA 94563-2592 03/23/2024
Sponsor: LARIG
Date: Mar 23 2024. Time: 10:00 AM (Walk-ins allowed)
Contact: Ray W. Breslau (410) 303-6494 Email: ray.breslau@comcast.net
VEC: ARRL/VEC
Location: Orinda Community Center, 28 Orinda Way, Orinda CA 94563-2592
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Berkeley CA 94720-0001 03/25/2024
Sponsor: UC Berkeley RC/ UCB EECS VEs
Date: Mar 25 2024 Time: 5:00 PM (No Walk-ins / Register or Call ahead)
Contact: Albert J. Goto Email: goto@eecs.berkeley.edu
VEC: ARRL/VEC
Location: UC Berkeley TBD Berkeley CA 94720-0001
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Mill Valley CA 94941-1551 04/13/2024
Sponsor: Marin ARS
Date: Apr 13 2024 Time: 1:00 PM (No Walk-ins / Register or Call ahead) Contact: James W. Saltzgaber
(415) 254-0954 Email: KM6WWY@arrl.org
VEC: ARRL/VEC
Location: MARS Clubhouse, 27 Shell Rd. Mill Valley CA 94941-1551
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Lafayette CA 94549-9999 04/19/2024
Sponsor: Mt. Diablo ARC
Date: Apr 19 2024, Time: 5:30 PM (Walk-ins allowed)
Contact: Larry S. Loomer (925) 456-7890 Email: laryloomer@yahoo.com
VEC: ARRL/VEC
Location: Our Savior's Lutheran Church, 1035 Carol Ln. Lafayette CA 94549-9999
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Berkeley CA 94720-0001 04/22/2024
Sponsor: UC Berkeley RC/ UCB EECS VEs
Date: Apr 22 2024 Time: 5:00 PM (No Walk-ins / Register or Call ahead)
Contact: Albert J. Goto Email: goto@eecs.berkeley.edu
VEC: ARRL/VEC
Location: UC Berkeley TBD Berkeley CA 94720-0001
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Novato CA 94945-5009 05/11/2024
Sponsor: Hamilton Wireless Association
Date: May 11 2024 Time: 10:00 AM (No Walk-ins / Register or Call ahead)
Contact: William B. Smith
(415) 485-3815 Email: info@k6bw.org
VEC: ARRL/VEC
Location: Novato Community Hospital in parking lot, 120 Rowland Way, Drive-In Exam
Email for a Reservation, Novato CA 94945-5009
Website: https://qsl.net/k6bw/
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Lafayette CA 94549-9999 05/17/2024
Sponsor: Mt. Diablo ARC
Date: May 17 2024, Time: 5:30 PM (Walk-ins allowed)
Contact: Larry S. Loomer, (925) 456-7890 Email: laryloomer@yahoo.com
VEC: ARRL/VEC
Location: Our Savior's Lutheran Church
1035 Carol Ln, Lafayette CA 94549-9999
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Berkeley CA 94720-0001 05/27/2024
Sponsor: UC Berkeley RC/ UCB EECS VEs
Date: May 27 2024 Time: 5:00 PM (No Walk-ins / Register or Call ahead)
Contact: Albert J. Goto Email: goto@eecs.berkeley.edu
VEC: ARRL/VEC
Location: UC Berkeley TBD
Berkeley CA 94720-0001
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Clayton CA 94517-1072 05/28/2024
Sponsor: Mt. Diablo Amateur Radio Club
Date: May 28 2024, Time: 7:00 PM (Walk-ins allowed)
Contact: Larry S. Loomer, Email: laryloomer@yahoo.com
VEC: ARRL/VEC
Location: Clayton Presbyterian Church Building, 1578 Kirker Pass Rd. Clayton CA 94517-1072
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For many applicants, on-line exams are the most convenient.
They are given often and can be done in the comfort of your own home. Please consider any of the following:
For additional ARRL teams offering remote online exams visit: https://hamstudy.org/sessions/arrl/remote
Silicon Valley VE Group Online Exams - *FIRST & THIRD SATURDAY MONTHLY*
Contact: Morris Jones AD6ZH Email: ad6zh.mj@gmail.com
The Silicon Valley VE group offers online exams the first and third Saturday of each month from 9AM until 11AM PDT. All elements are available. The number of applicants per session is limited due to 4 VEs proctoring each applicant during the exam process. Pre-registration is required. Please sign up by contacting AD6ZH at ad6zh.mj@gmail.com. Include your Name, FRN number, callsign if any, and which element(s) you wish to take. More information and technical requirements can be found on the SVVE website: www.svve.org
Finding an ON-LINE license EXAMs http://www.arrl.org/findonlineexam
A daily list of License Exams given ON-LINE by ARRL VECs go direct to: http://www.arrl.org/online-exam-session
A daily list of License Exams given ON-LINE by ALL VECs https://ham.study/sessions/remote
Resources for on-line study and exams https://hamexam.org/
An extensive list of current Online Ham Exams and Study Aids HERE: https://hamstudy.org/sessions/online or https://ham.study/sessions/arrl
Sample Amateur Radio Exams at QRZ https://www.qrz.com/hamtest
KAROECHO members have had a good experience using the Patriot Radio Club on-line test https://patriotradio.club/prc-testing-1
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