2022 Swapfest – March 19

Hi all.

Just a simple reminder about our March meeting.

I am pleased to announce that we will be having our traditional March Swapfest to be held in person (!!) for the first time after the last 2 years in COVID isolation. We will be holding it on Saturday, March 19 at its usual location in the Cornell Cooperative Extension Building at 50 West High Street in Ballston Spa The doors will officially open at 8:00 AM so come on out and get an eyeball QSO with your fellow hams. If you have some items you wish to give a give a new home to, bring them along also. Tables will be available until they’re all used up. We will have to close down the swapfest at 11:00 AM so that we can ready the room for a VE Test session at Noon.

If you are going to take a test session for either a new or upgraded ham license, here are a few things you MUST bring along:

• A copy of your current FCC license. We need to attach the license copy to the paperwork when you upgrade. It will have your FRN number which you need to have to fill out Form 605. If you don’t have a copy of your license you can visit https://www.fcc.gov/wireless/universal-licensing-system to obtain one.
• If you are unlicensed, the FCC requires that you have a FRN. You can obtain a FRN in just a few minutes before the exam session by visiting FCC FRN Registration. You simply apply for the FRN on line (you will receive it immediately), and you will have it with you when you come to the test session.
• You need an email address to enter on the FCC form 605. This is the address that the FCC will use to communicate with you.
• Another form of ID, a driver’s license is great, or any other form of ID. If you don’t have a driver’s license, (perhaps you are too young for the DMV) the ARRL suggests something as simple as a library card, or even a piece of mail addressed to you at your residence.
• A pen and pencil (with a good eraser). The pen is for filling out the FCC form 605, and the pencil is to fill out the bubble answer sheet.
• The proper testing fee. Currently it is $15.
• Your WITS. It is not a hard exam, so don’t get too anxious about it.

Please arrive at least 15 minutes before the exam start time in order to fill out the paperwork, and for the VE’s (Volunteer Examiners) to review it.

Another thing to bear in mind, is that for many of the testing sessions, the VE team will have alternate versions of the various exam elements available for you to try a retake of the exam. If you do desire to take an alternate version, we must you charge you an additional testing fee.

If you DO NOT NEED to take any alternate versions, you may take the next higher level of exam for NO additional costs. For example, if you take and pass the Technician exam, you may take the General exam if you so desire, and there will be no additional fees. I have witnessed a few people who have come into the session unlicensed, and walk away with the Extra Class license.

Jim KG2H