Testing is back in Session
- 22 May 2020
- West Georgia Amateur Radio Society
Did you take the time to study for a new FCC amateur radio license commonly referred to in the hobby as a ticket? Maybe you took some “home” time to do some studying to upgrade to General or Extra? If you answered yes to any of the above, you have likely found that most, if not all, test sessions have been postponed. If you have found yourself in this situation, we have some good news for you.
The novel coronavirus that has taken the world by storm effected all of us in many different ways. Whether it be fear, anxiety, loneliness, or simple frustration, we have all had to adjust our daily lives. In these trying times, social distancing has become the mantra we have been inundated with and encouraged to follow.
They are meant to fly for days, weeks, or months, unlike the large weather balloons that go to near-space, burst, and return to Earth.
Our Winter fox hunt marks the 3rd time we've held a two-stage hunt, with those who find the first fox also finding a frequency to use to find the 2nd fox. There was a new twist though, the fox was actually a dog, being walked by WX4BK through Clinton Nature Preserve.
The club set up Saturday morning, installing antennas made by the club two years ago, all custom-cut dipoles for each operating band (80, 40, 20, and 15). We held a class on antenna building and constructed a 10 meter antenna with parts Wayne (KM4BYH) had on hand, which we used on our GOTA station.
We had a good turnout amongst younger people, having all stations operated by under-eighteen year olds! Paige (KN4GHU) was licensed since last field day, so could have operated GOTA, but she and Brian (KM4UPX) were teaming up on the 15 meter band.