WrightwoodCalif.com Forum

Public Forums => Radio Talk => Topic started by: Wrightwood on Oct 08, 09, 10:30:52 PM

Title: Ham Radio Training Class forming
Post by: Wrightwood on Oct 08, 09, 10:30:52 PM

CA5th is setting up a FREE Technician Class in Wrightwood.

It won't be until Oct 31 at the earliest.  Class can be one 8 hr day or two 4 hr sessions or other combinations. 

We've done weekday evenings also.

Test sessions can be arranged for the group in Wrightwood.

Email your preferences to:

mwagner@wrightwoodfsc.com

Title: Re: Ham Radio Training Class forming
Post by: Proud on Oct 12, 09, 04:01:14 AM

I was with a ham radio friend last weekend while the sheep fire took place. It was an eyeopener that the hams had information that nobody else seem to know, until later when it was posted on this forum.

The hams seemed to all mesh their skills together as CERT people would talk about helping with evacuations, then some guy was reporting that he was an eyewhitness to flames comming up Lone Pine.

Myself, girlfriend and kids will be getting ham radio licesnses before the next Wrightwood emergenecy takes place.

You people were the best oganized volunteers I've ever heard.

Title: Re: Ham Radio Training Class forming
Post by: kew on Oct 12, 09, 04:37:23 AM

Any plans for a General class?

Title: Re: Ham Radio Training Class forming
Post by: RennMan on Oct 13, 09, 06:09:37 PM

Quote from: Ken on Oct 12, 09, 04:37:23 AM

Any plans for a General class?

Or even an Amateur Extra class?  I know that one would be very involved, but it may be worth it...

Title: Re: Ham Radio Training Class forming
Post by: Wrightwood on Oct 14, 09, 05:21:35 AM

Not at this time as the Novice training is the most important because so many folks now realize that ham radio operators know what's going on during emergencies.

Ham radio operators:
- They were the first to understand what parts of the community were under mandatory evacuation.
- Hams heard first hand reports from eyewitnesses on the progress of the fire as it headed up Lone Pine Canyon.
- Reports from evacuation centers, volunteers helping with pets, horses and livestcok were coordinated by ham radio.
- Evacuation routes were discussed on ham radio along with detailed road conditions.
- Ham radio operators were the first to know when mandatory evacuations were lifted.
- Ham Radio operators reported first hand information received from many fire and county officials that wasn't available anywhere else.

Most hams were using their handi talkies (walkie talkies) that cost approximately $99 to do their communications during the Sheep Fire, while they were evacuating.

Title: Re: Ham Radio Training Class forming
Post by: firefightersteve on Oct 14, 09, 12:52:47 PM

I can definitely see the value in being able to communicate and have current info during an incident like the "Sheep Fire". We were fortunate that the power stayed on and that there was phone service during the evacuation. During an earthquake we'd most likely lose power, cell service and land line phones.
 

And in fact, I've bought my Technician Class book and am looking to purchase an HT myself. I'd be interested in attending a class and taking my test in Wrightwood if possible.

Title: Re: Ham Radio Training Class forming
Post by: Chuck on Oct 14, 09, 02:24:47 PM

These were some fun self test sites

http://www.eham.net/exams/
http://www.qrz.com/testing.html

I had fun taking the tests, it was a little bit additive.

 

Title: Re: Ham Radio Training Class forming
Post by: firefightersteve on Oct 17, 09, 10:01:02 PM

Thanks Chuck.  I'm studying away.

Title: Re: Ham Radio Training Class forming
Post by: Wrightwood on Oct 26, 09, 06:53:38 AM

CA5th,
Anything on dates for FREE Technician Class in Wrightwood?

Title: Re: Ham Radio Training Class forming
Post by: CA5th on Nov 06, 09, 02:28:57 PM

Class dates are:
      Thursday, November 12 7 pm to 9 pm,
      Saturday, November 14, 9 am to noon,
      Wednesday, November 18, 7 pm to 9 pm and
      Saturday, November 21 9 am to noon.

Those who contacted me will receive an email with some instructional material to study.  I also suggest the ARRL Technician's License Manual or the Gordon West Technician's Manual.  They are available from ARRL.org, amazon, AES, HRO or other sources.

Email me at kf6kau@dslextreme.com if you are not registered or you do not get an email by Friday night.

The class is being held in Wrightwood. 

Title: Re: Ham Radio Training Class forming
Post by: CA5th on Nov 07, 09, 03:44:05 AM

NOTE:  You do not have to attend all the classes to take this class.

Title: Re: Ham Radio Training Class forming
Post by: desertwillow on Nov 09, 09, 04:56:12 AM

Are the upcoming classes for us new to this and are they free? And where are they to be held? Thanks

Title: Re: Ham Radio Training Class forming
Post by: CA5th on Nov 09, 09, 05:10:28 AM

THe classes are for beginners.  The Technician License is the entry level.

There is no cost for the class. 

Study material and the address will be sent when you register.

Title: Re: Ham Radio Training Class forming
Post by: firefightersteve on Nov 12, 09, 01:09:16 AM

Thanks for going to the effort to put all this together.
Did you guys have a test date in mind.  I'll bring coffee and snacks.

Title: Re: Ham Radio Training Class forming
Post by: CA5th on Nov 12, 09, 03:03:18 AM

Tentative test date is Sunday the 22nd.

As soon as it is confirmed I'll post it.

Title: Re: Ham Radio Training Class forming
Post by: CA5th on Nov 19, 09, 02:30:35 AM

Class for Wednesday Night (tonight) is cancelled due to illness.

We will meet on Saturday as scheduled.