April 30th marked the start of a new set of Technician classes offered by NCRC and graciously hosted by The MET School in Newport.  Eleven people started the class (two more are expected to join in next week), and it is a diverse group of ages (High School students and adults), backgrounds (educators and firefighters).  The exam is currently scheduled for June 11th — just in time to obtain their license for Field Day!

Up to no good as usual, John, WA1ABI, and Bob, WB4SON, engaged in several 2 x Christmas Tree Light QSOs today.  You can see a bit of the results on Bob’s post here:  http://wb4son.com/wpblog/?p=1424

Tonight marks the final step for six new Technicians who took our classes, passed their exam, and have received a pre-programmed dual-band HT during a class that introduced them to basic radio procedures, net operations, and HT programming/operations.

Please welcome our newest members of NCRC:

KC1CVY – Pete
KC1CVZ – Kathryn
KC1CWA – Harry
KC1CWB – Frank
KC1CWQ – Jason
KC1CWX – Forrest

Our next Technician Class is planned for downtown Newport beginning the end of March, 2015.

JotA 2014 wrapped up about 10 AM today after a very successful weekend of camping and ham radio activity.  NCRC setup VHF and HF stations at Glen Park, and held the Radio Merit Badge class again.  The scouts seemed even more interested in ham radio this year, perhaps due to the band openings that were providing excellent DX opportunities, and the ability to chat with other scouts in Mass using the VHF gear.

Rob White, KB1ZZU, did an excellent job pulling together the team, and will be presenting the results during next month’s meeting.  Dave Brown was also there so we can look forward to more of his excellent photos.

Willy and Rob launch the HF antenna over the trees

Rich and Chuck get the VHF Station on the air

Willy helping Josh work DX on 17 meters

Scouts relaxing by the fire after a long day of rag chewing

(Photo Credit to John King and Bob Beatty)