North Florida Amateur Radio Society
W4IZ Jacksonville FL
nofars.net
Editor: Billy Williams, N4UF
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For Upcoming FCC Testing opportunities, see
http://jaxradio.net/fcc_testing.html
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LICENSE EXAM CREDITS, EXPIRED LICENSES, AND UPGRADES
By Ross Goodall WD4NJV
From time to time questions come up about getting exam credit for expired licenses and persons wanting to get back in to Amateur Radio that had problems with the “thirteen word code barrier”.
There is a detailed easy to read chart on the ARRL web site that shows getting exam credits on expired licenses. 1
Element 2 refers to Technician, Element 3 refers to General class, and Element 4 refers to Extra class. The FCC is not issuing Novice and Advanced class licenses any longer.
For persons that had problems with the “code barrier” there are no code proficiency tests to have to pass.
Valid forms of exam element credit is given with the original license or copy of FCC (General, Advanced or Extra), or a reference copy from FCC ULS database or FCC archive database, if licensed in the mid 1970’s or after with an FCC license verification letter.
For 1966 or later the FCC’s retrieval service contractor is Best Copy and Printing, Inc. 800.378.3160. The 1967 edition or later of the Radio Amateur Callbook. 2
Amateur Radio is rapidly changing and remains the best hobby in the world. Pass the word along to others that would be interested in getting back into amateur radio and upgrading.
Help is available at any of the volunteer exam sessions that are held regularly locally.
References:
1 ARRL, Keyword: Exam element credit table
2 ARRL, Keyword: Exam credit rules and instructions
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Things That Happen at Volunteer Exam Sessions
By Ross Goodall, WD4NJV
Every exam session is different and Volunteer Examiners and the Chief Examiner want to make each session run as smooth as possible. It is impossible to anticipate everything that may occur. Here are some things that have happened in the First Coast area.
One of the examinees called the contact person several days before the exam and asked if he could bring his baby into the exam room. The contact person-Chief examiner said OK if the baby is quiet. The baby was brought in the room in a backpack and did not utter even a sound. The infant was so good and quiet, and all the examiners had forgotten that he brought in an infant. The examinee passed the exam.
In several sessions examinees brought in fifty and hundred dollar bills. This only slows down the preliminaries that must take place before the exam can start. Exact change is always appreciated.
On another occasion a person was not a holder of any FCC licenses and did not have a FRN number. They did not want to put their Social Security number on the application because they were concerned about identity theft and said that were not providing that information.
The person was very firm in not wanting to give out their Social Security number and lectured everyone about identity theft. In the exam room there were numerous persons eagerly waiting to start their test.
The chief examiner explained that the FCC required a Social Security Number or FRN and the FCC did not allow any exceptions.
The Chief Examiner handled it well by saving with a polite voice,”I’m returning your $15.00 and will not test you because your application will not be complete without this information as required by the FCC”. That person came up with their Social Security number and was tested and passed.
In another session a person who just passed the exam left the testing center and could not immediately be located to sign off on their paperwork. They had to be contacted and come back to sign off. No one should leave without hearing if they passed and signing off on the paperwork. Applications are checked and are graded as fast as possible. Volunteer Examiners always like to say congratulations and welcome to Amateur Radio to those passing.
Sometimes Volunteer Examiners grade a test in which more questions are missed than are right. It is necessary to study and impossible to pass without study. We do not want their money if the examinee is not prepared.
In another session an examinee went into his briefcase during the exam session. It was explained that Volunteer Examiners are required to maintain the highest levels of test integrity and that all of the examiners could lose their license if we allowed this to go on. The test was voided.
Plan on arriving a few minutes early as late arrivals affect efficiency and may not be allowed in the session as instructions would have to be covered again.
At two sessions we had over thirty candidates to be tested and had seven or more Volunteer Examiners. There were plenty of tests and forms on hand. The Chief Examiners were at all times prepared with everything needed.
It is a thrill to see someone pass and offer them congratulations and if they do not pass tell them you did good just a little more study and we will be testing again next month. Can you come again since you are so close to passing?
For those being tested, for maximum efficiency at the test session, bring photo ID, $15.00 cash exact change, any CSCE (certificate of successful completion) earned, a copy of your license if upgrading, calculator with memories cleared, pen and pencil and if you have any type of FCC license your FRN number.
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LICENSE RENEWALS
By Ross Goodall, WD4NJV
Don’t let your Amateur Radio license expire! You worked hard to earn it. Most licenses expire ten years after they are issued. There is an exception that I encountered when I upgraded from General to Extra, it was only good for the remaining three years of the General license term.
If you are an ARRL member, you will receive a license renewal notice three or four months in advance which you sign and return to the ARRL.
This is a free service of the ARRL. Other organizations may contact you and want five dollars to do it for you. Another way is to renew directly thru the FCC ULS up to ninety days before expiration.
When renewed, you will receive an email from the FCC about your renewal status. Go to their website, wireless.fcc.gov/uls, and print out the renewed license. I printed out two copies: one on ivory linen paper to look nice for framing and one on white paper. Be sure to sign.
If you have let your license expire, refer to ARRL.org, exam credit rules and instructions.
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Helping Handicapped & Disabled Persons
By Ross Goodall, WD4NJV
Volunteer Examiners (VEs) welcome the opportunity to offer amateur radio exams to those with special needs. Those wanting to be tested for amateur licensing should contact a chief examiner informing them of their specific needs. We want you to get licensed and to pass!
Some of the most common requests encountered by this writer are:
Low vision: Can I bring a desk lamp? Yes.
Can I bring a guide dog? Yes.
Can I bring my large key and large display calculator? Yes (with memories cleared).
Can I bring my companion sitter? Yes, although they may not help with the testing in any way.
Blind: VEs can read an exam to the person taking the test. One system that works well and is used by the Laurel Group is to have one VE read the question and possible answers, the second one records the answer and the third VE ensures honesty and integrity.
Finally, one VE asks if there are any specific questions to be reread especially questions the applicant was unsure of.
If the person being tested does not pass, perhaps another test may be given if time permits. There may be an additional fee with some groups. Ask.
Amateur Radio provides a pathway to the outside world for homebound hams. My first on-the-air contact was a person who was legally blind. I wanted a QSL card to confirm my first contact. His wife filled out the card and mailed it to me.
Be alert to those needing help at meetings. Holding the door open for a person in a wheelchair, approaching and introducing yourself are always friendly things to do. A handicapped ham may need help setting up a station and antenna and maintaining antennas.
Invite handicapped persons to club meetings. Also Field Day and Scouting Jamboree on the Air. Let them have a chance to operate.
I have noticed blind hams with sharp memories remembering callsigns and running efficient nets. Although Morse Code is not a requirement any more, some do exceptionally well copying code in their head.
Remember all of us are aging and things we used to do in the past may be unsafe or impossible for us now. Do not be the one who needs help with climbing a tower that falls off and gets seriously injured.
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Editor: Billy Williams, N4UF
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