Last Sunday we completed our 2nd Technician Class (entry-level) course and held FCC license exams for it and the Extra Class (top-level) license. The Extra course was completed 2 weeks ago.
I’m very pleased to report that all students from the courses passed. A 100% success rate is rather unusual, especially given the levels of the classes involved.
Thanks to Joe Pajor who helped with the classes, especially last Saturday when i became very ill.
Also, thanks to the facilities team for getting a great projector permanently installed in CR 4. And LaDeanna for helping coordinate it all. I love teaching, and diong it at MakeICT is a pleasure. I look foward to the next opportunity.
Not a problem, we’ll catch you up. Honestly, I had to do a LOT of studying to prepare for teaching the Extra class. The course materials are outstanding.
I would love to have a General or Extra, but at the same time, the cost of equipment is a limiting factor for me in the hobby, and most times I get on a repeater with my handheld no one talks to me so it’s hard to justify spending more money if I’m not going to use it.
“Goddess”, there is a lot of equipment on the streets that may not be new, but which works great. You might have to do some searching but there are people (like myself and other experienced hams within MakeICT). The price of equipment shouldn’t be a barrier to entry. It may just require some searching to find that “right radio”. They show up at hamfests and online all the time.
I would love to have a General or Extra, but at the same time, the cost of equipment is a limiting factor for me in the hobby, and most times I get on a repeater with my handheld no one talks to me so it’s hard to justify spending more money if I’m not going to use it.
Do I have to be a MakeICT member to take a ham class? So far I’ve just done the Maker Monday visit. If it’s allowed, put me down for your “Extra Class” course too. I’m currently expired Advanced (too long ago to renew) and I’d like to get back into it.
Kim,
You do not have to be a member to take classes at MakeICT (at least no the Ham classes). It’d just $5 more to register.
I probably won’t be doing another Extra course for a while but you CAN renew your license, even if it’s been expired a long time. You simply take the Tech test and it will renew your license, restoring you to whichever class you previously held.
Check with the Wichita Amateur Radio Club (WARC) VE Team. We’re testing next Friday evening. Go to www.hamstudy.org to find the session and register. Testing is free.
Do I have to be a MakeICT member to take a ham class? So far I’ve just done the Maker Monday visit. If it’s allowed, put me down for your “Extra Class” course too. I’m currently expired Advanced (too long ago to renew) and I’d like to get back into it.
Thanks for the info, I didn’t know about the late renewal trick. I’m in classes the next three Fridays so I can’t make that exam, but I’ll keep looking.
It’s harder nowadays to find good used equipment than when I was a kid. The Derby Radio Shack closing did not help out - we can’t expect a guy to work forever. Shawn and Mark earned their retirement.
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