Amateur Radio FAQ
- Thread starter K31
- Start date
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gamer_jim
Podcaster
Dan, KB6NU, write FREE electronic study guides and is looking for help to update the Extra guide for next year.
Contact him if you can help out:
Contact him if you can help out:
E.Shell
Ultimate Member
I posted that in the beginning of this thread June 19, 2013 (post #7).GREAT write up K-31, thank you!!!
Is the current ARRL book available locally? I'm here in AA today and again next week and would like to grab a copy if I can.
I've got a decent HH I've never used for anything but monitoring NOAA, commercial FM and marine radio traffic and would like to get my license ASAP.
Passed my Technician/General exams together in January of 2014 down in VA and did the Amateur Extra exam 30 days later up here at the National Electronics Museum in Linthicum.
I just did my 10 year renewal yesterday afternoon - WOW, sure doesn't seem like 10 years.
I used the FCC site to renew and found it VERY hard to navigate. Ultimately had to sign in at two places: CORES and ULS. Finally got through everything except paying for it and got dumped back to the login page when I selected payment by CC. Went back in and then the payment page showed nothing active or due. Logged out, cleared cookies, went back in and after much fooling around, was finally able to make my payment. In all, took at least 35-40 minutes to complete the application and payment and logged in at least 5 times due to being dumped out at various stages.
After all that, I finally completed the process at 4:30 pm yesterday. This morning, my "FCC Application Grant" email arrived and I have an "Official Copy" of my new license already. I had no idea what to expect for time to grant and I'm surprised at how quickly that went through.
Expires in 2034, which seems like a date out of a science-fiction novel and I don't guess I'll need to renew again, LOL.
'Thank You!' to K-31 for starting this thread and getting me going on my license.
I'm sure I'm not the only one motivated by his thread to get licensed.
By the way, we're conducting licensing exams in Severna Park on February 6th, 2024, so start studying! More details to follow.
Ed,
thanks for the accolades, it's obvious that you give back to the community as well in a big way which is part if the Amateur gestalt.
I didn't experience it myself when I renewed but a fellow Amatuer reported a great deal of problems and time consumed in renewing their license. FCC ought to be able to do better.
This is a timely post because I was thinking this morning that it was about time once again to look at the FAQ for needed updates. I've tried over the years to update and add to it, based on some of the posts and questions made in the thread.
73
chale127
Ultimate Member
I see posts in FB Amateur groups several times a week asking for help with navigating the renewal process..... Yes the consensus is that there is no reason that the FCC can't do better also it seems the best way to go is to renew through the ARRL, a bit easier in the fact all you need to do is take a few steps, pay the ARRL site and send them the filled out 605
Call Sign Renewals or Changes
The American Radio Relay League (ARRL) is the national association for amateur radio, connecting hams around the U.S. with news, information and resources.
I'm due Next year, if nothing changes, I may take the ARRL route
I wasn't aware you could renew through the ARRL. Can you tell me what "the filled out 605" means? Do they offer an electronic version because the person I mentioned called the FCC and offered to send them a completed form and a check but they said he couldn't.I see posts in FB Amateur groups several times a week asking for help with navigating the renewal process..... Yes the consensus is that there is no reason that the FCC can't do better also it seems the best way to go is to renew through the ARRL, a bit easier in the fact all you need to do is take a few steps, pay the ARRL site and send them the filled out 605
Call Sign Renewals or Changes
The American Radio Relay League (ARRL) is the national association for amateur radio, connecting hams around the U.S. with news, information and resources.www.arrl.org
I'm due Next year, if nothing changes, I may take the ARRL route
chale127
Ultimate Member
Correct...you CANNOT mail a check any longer
It is detailed on their (ARRL) instruction page pretty well...
Basically you send the ARRL your 605 and wait a couple days then pay the fee electronically online through CORES
E.Shell
Ultimate Member
Pro-Tip: Don't use your browser 'back' buttons at the FCC site(s). Scroll to the bottom of the page and use their button.
chale127
Ultimate Member
This may be the best piece of advice in here....Excellent point Ed
chale127
Ultimate Member
The AARC is giving a FREE Technician Licensing Class will be held via ZOOM and hopefully simultaneously at the clubhouse on nine consecutive Wednesday evenings from 6:30pm and 9:00pm, beginning January 31, 2024.
Preregistration There is no preregistration requirement, though we would appreciate it if you did so. We have included an 'Preregistration' form online for your convenience. Or you may email our training director, and include your name, address, and telephone number to learn@w3vpr.org. This information is strictly for the club's use and will not be shared with anyone else without permission.
Testing The week after our final class, FREE exams will be given in the club house at 1:00pm Saturday, April 13, courtesy of the Laurel VEC.
Starting the following week Free General Classes will be held so someone can roll right into that....
www.w3vpr.org
Preregistration There is no preregistration requirement, though we would appreciate it if you did so. We have included an 'Preregistration' form online for your convenience. Or you may email our training director, and include your name, address, and telephone number to learn@w3vpr.org. This information is strictly for the club's use and will not be shared with anyone else without permission.
Testing The week after our final class, FREE exams will be given in the club house at 1:00pm Saturday, April 13, courtesy of the Laurel VEC.
Starting the following week Free General Classes will be held so someone can roll right into that....
Spring Technician Class | Anne Arundel Radio Club
www.w3vpr.org
E.Shell
Ultimate Member
*** Ham Exams In 12 Days ***
Tuesday, February 6, 2023 5:45 PM
American Legion Post 175,
832 Manhattan Beach Rd
Severna Park, MD
Administered by Laurel VEC & Maryland Mobileers Amatuer Radio Club.
Pre-registration is now required to guarantee a session will be in progress.
We have had some sessions where we set up in spite of no one having pre-registered and had no one show up. We often get walk-ins, but not always.
It takes about 9 of us to conduct exams and some of us drive 30 minutes, which is a huge waste of time, gas and effort if no one is coming to take the exams.
Because of this, we have changed our procedure and will not be setting up for exams if no one has pre-registered.
If you want to take a chance of just showing up, you can certainly do that and IF we are conducting exams that night anyway, you will be welcomed and registered on the spot, but there is also a chance we will not be there and you will have wasted your time.
PLEASE pre-register.
EXAM Pre-registration info:
https://sites.google.com/view/mmarcveteam/pre-registration
It DOES make things smoother for YOU if you have already gone to the FCC site, registered there and have been issued an "FRN" (Federal Registration Number). The FRN is used in reporting your successful exam results to the FCC. ( https://www.fcc.gov/rofrn )
Note that the exams are given FREE and no payment is needed to take the exams.
The FCC is now charging a $35.00 license fee.
We do NOT collect the fee at the exam, we will send successful exam results to the FCC for the candidate and they will have up to 10 days to pay through the FCC site.
This fee does not apply to upgrades (Tech-to-Gen, Gen-to-AE).
Side Note #1:
If you're interested in Amateur Radio ("ham") and would like to eventually get licensed, and you have read through this thread and STILL don't know where to start:
https://www.ar15.com/forums/outdoor..._learning_basic_VHF_UHF_operations/22-646491/
Side Note #2:
If you are taking the Technician exam with us and pass, you will be eligible for your first year of membership with Maryland Mobileers Amatuer Radio Club FREE. We meet monthly in Millersville, and meetings are also available remotely via ZOOM.
Tuesday, February 6, 2023 5:45 PM
American Legion Post 175,
832 Manhattan Beach Rd
Severna Park, MD
Administered by Laurel VEC & Maryland Mobileers Amatuer Radio Club.
Pre-registration is now required to guarantee a session will be in progress.
We have had some sessions where we set up in spite of no one having pre-registered and had no one show up. We often get walk-ins, but not always.
It takes about 9 of us to conduct exams and some of us drive 30 minutes, which is a huge waste of time, gas and effort if no one is coming to take the exams.
Because of this, we have changed our procedure and will not be setting up for exams if no one has pre-registered.
If you want to take a chance of just showing up, you can certainly do that and IF we are conducting exams that night anyway, you will be welcomed and registered on the spot, but there is also a chance we will not be there and you will have wasted your time.
PLEASE pre-register.
EXAM Pre-registration info:
https://sites.google.com/view/mmarcveteam/pre-registration
It DOES make things smoother for YOU if you have already gone to the FCC site, registered there and have been issued an "FRN" (Federal Registration Number). The FRN is used in reporting your successful exam results to the FCC. ( https://www.fcc.gov/rofrn )
Note that the exams are given FREE and no payment is needed to take the exams.
The FCC is now charging a $35.00 license fee.
We do NOT collect the fee at the exam, we will send successful exam results to the FCC for the candidate and they will have up to 10 days to pay through the FCC site.
This fee does not apply to upgrades (Tech-to-Gen, Gen-to-AE).
Side Note #1:
If you're interested in Amateur Radio ("ham") and would like to eventually get licensed, and you have read through this thread and STILL don't know where to start:
https://www.ar15.com/forums/outdoor..._learning_basic_VHF_UHF_operations/22-646491/
Side Note #2:
If you are taking the Technician exam with us and pass, you will be eligible for your first year of membership with Maryland Mobileers Amatuer Radio Club FREE. We meet monthly in Millersville, and meetings are also available remotely via ZOOM.
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E.Shell
Ultimate Member
OMG...Ham exams TONIGHT!!!!!
You have two hours to study up and get there
See post #3,491 above for particulars.
You have two hours to study up and get there
See post #3,491 above for particulars.
Chat-Bot
Disinformation Governor
For those who know him.
Bob Heil of Heil Sound is a silent key. 28 Feb. Just saw it tonight.
May he R.I.P. and go to that equipment filled Ham Shack in the sky where all keys are made of solid gold..
E.Shell
Ultimate Member
*** Ham Exams THIS Tuesday ***
Tuesday, March 5, 2023 5:45 PM
American Legion Post 175,
832 Manhattan Beach Rd
Severna Park, MD
Administered by Laurel VEC & Maryland Mobileers Amatuer Radio Club.
Tuesday, March 5, 2023 5:45 PM
American Legion Post 175,
832 Manhattan Beach Rd
Severna Park, MD
Administered by Laurel VEC & Maryland Mobileers Amatuer Radio Club.
Note: We already have candidates registered for this session, so exams will be conducted this Tuesday for sure.
It takes about 9 of us to conduct exams and some of us drive 30 minutes, which is a huge waste of time, gas and effort if no one is coming to take the exams.
Because of this, we have changed our procedure and will not be setting up for exams if no one has pre-registered.
If you want to take a chance of just showing up, you can certainly do that and IF we are conducting exams that night anyway, you will be welcomed and registered on the spot, but there is also a chance we will not be there and you will have wasted your time.
PLEASE pre-register.
EXAM Pre-registration info:
https://sites.google.com/view/mmarcveteam/pre-registration
EXAM Pre-registration info:
https://sites.google.com/view/mmarcveteam/pre-registration
It DOES make things smoother for YOU if you have already gone to the FCC site, registered there and have been issued an "FRN" (Federal Registration Number). The FRN is used in reporting your successful exam results to the FCC. ( https://www.fcc.gov/rofrn )
Note that the exams are given FREE and no payment is needed to take the exams.
The FCC is now charging a $35.00 license fee.
We do NOT collect the fee at the exam, we will send successful exam results to the FCC for the candidate and they will have up to 10 days to pay through the FCC site.
This fee does not apply to upgrades (Tech-to-Gen, Gen-to-AE).
Side Note #1:
If you're interested in Amateur Radio ("ham") and would like to eventually get licensed, and you have read through this thread and STILL don't know where to start:https://www.ar15.com/forums/outdoor..._learning_basic_VHF_UHF_operations/22-646491/
Side Note #2:
E.Shell
Ultimate Member
Tomorrow...
E.Shell
Ultimate Member
TONIGHT!
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