WEEKEND HAM RADIO CLASS

Earn your Technician or General Amateur Radio License in a ONE DAY course.



Can't make the Weekend Class?

Take your Ham Class ON-LINE!

Go to the On-Line Ham Radio Course!


Schedule of Classes:

New Hampshire (Near-Fest, Deerfield):
Saturday October 16, 2010 7:30-10:30 AM
Special Technician Review Session at Near-Fest.

New Hampshire (Manchester): (TENTATIVE!)
Saturday, November 13, 2010 (Technician)
Sunday, November 14, 2010 (General)
Saturday and/or Sunday, 8:30am until 5pm.



Private Tutoring:
Private lessons can be arranged to suit a variety of schedules and needs.
Contact me for details and costs.

Create Your Own Ham Class:
Grab at least 4 other friends and I can bring you
your own class at times and locations which will work for you.
Contact me for details and costs.

Pick a Date!
Pick a Saturday for Technician Class.
When I have at least 5 students,
I will let you know and you sign up!

Ham Class at the Ham Fest:
On ocassion, I'm able to offer a Technician Class at Hamfests.
I'm looking to offer classes at the larger shows in the Northeast.
Contact me if you would like to bring the Ham Class to your Ham Fest!

On-Line Classes:
Take an Amateur Radio Class right on your computer.
Complete course with lecture, slides, pictures and quizzes.
Technican, General and Extra Classes available.
Go to www.hamclass.net for details


To find out more information about the Weekend Ham Radio Class or On-Line Class,
send a note to Mitch, W1SJ or call 802-879-6589 weekday afternoons.


FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS



How is the class organized?

Normally, classes are offered on Saturdays and Sundays, 8:30 am until 5:00 pm both days. On the first day (usually Saturday), we learn about all of the topics needed to take the Technician class amateur exam, which is given at the conclusion of class. On the second day (usually Sunday), we repeat the process for the General class amateur exam, which is given at the conclusion of the class. Students can attend both days of classes, (General), or attend on the first day only (Technician) or attend on second day only (existing Technician license to General upgrade).


Just who is the instructor?

Mitch Stern W1SJ teaches the Weekend Ham Radio Class. Mitch has been teaching ham radio for 27 years and has helped hundreds of students get their license. When not teaching ham radio, Mitch teaches electronics, mathematics and computer techniques to high school, college and adult students.


What happens after I enroll?

You will receive a package containing textbooks, workbooks and course information, depending on which course you enroll in. The workbook will instruct you to read certain pages in the textbook and then answer fill-in type questions. In the process of looking up the questions and answers in the textbook, you will begin to learn some of the basic amateur radio concepts. You then show up for class and the instructor teaches you the rest.


What do I need to know before taking the class?

You need to know that you really want to be a Ham Radio Operator! Other than that, there is no prerequisite for taking the course. Past students have ranged from youngsters to grandparents and from secretaries to electrical engineers.


What happens in class?

After introductions, we start off with rules and regulations. Not only do we discuss the rules, we discuss why the rules are in place and give you ways to remember them all. We continue on with all of the things you need to know - Procedures, Propagation, Practice, Electricity, Components, Circuits, Emissions, Antennas and RF Safety. We talk about the concepts, demonstrate them on our ham station in the classroom, discuss typical exam questions and then test you with a practice quiz.


When do I take the test?

The class concludes each day at 5pm. At that time certified Volunteer Examiners (VE's) come in to administer the tests - Technician on Saturday and General on Sunday. They then tell you that you have passed and will give you a Certificate of Successful Completion of Examination (CSCE). After passing the exam, your license will posted on the FCC database in a few short days and then, you can go on the air! The actual printed license will arrive arrive from the FCC in a week or two.


C'mon, be real, can you really teach all this in 1 or 2 days?

Ask the hundreds of hams to date who have successfully completed this course and are on the air!
If you like statistics, 95% of all students who have taken the course have earned their license.
Here is a list of recent of graduates.


Do I have to learn the Morse Code?

NO !

The FCC has dropped the Morse Code Testing requirement for all amateur licenses, effective February 23rd, 2007.


Other instructors teach Weekend Classes - What's so special about your class?

I've been doing longer and better than anyone else in the East! Other Weekend classes show video tapes and serve as nothing more than a review session. The pass rate can often be less than 50% - HALF the students do not get the license and end up frustrated after wasting a weekend. I use well-practiced methods which get results. While taking the Weekend Course will not guarantee you get a license, it comes pretty close to that. In any case, your instructor will not rest until you get that valued license from the FCC!

Don't put your amateur radio education in the hands of amateurs!


How do you do it (teach the class, that is)?

I use an old ham family recipe! Actually, there is no secret - hard work and dedication are used to see that everyone does well. My job isn't done until you're on the air. Even then, you can still call with questions.


I'm ready to go - How do I enroll?

You must enroll in the class prior to classtime! To enroll, contact me by E-mail at w1sj@arrl.net or by phone at 802-879-6589. Best time is mid-day. I will go over the enrollment and course details. It is imperative that you enroll as soon as possible to allow time to preview the text book and workbook prior to class. Don't wait!


I really want to take the class, but I can't make any of the posted dates. When is the next class being offered?

I usually offer the class in March and October. This depends on demand for the classes. If you have a group of 5 or more, I will go on the road and bring the class to your group! I also offer private instruction tailored to your needs. I have a new program called the ON-LINE CLASS where I appear on your computer and conduct an amateur radio class right in your home, anytime you want!
But don't delay! NOW is the time to get your HAM LICENSE!


What is this ON-LINE course you speak of? How does it work?

Through the power of computers and the Internet, I have come up with a way to come right to your home (via computer) and teach you Ham Radio! The ON-LINE course features slides, pictures, diagrams and lectures from your teacher! You get to ask questions, take practice tests and get feedback and encouragement. It is almost as good as coming to the live class. However, the ON-LINE course is not for everyone. You will need a fairly modern multimedia computer and reliable Internet connection. You will also need to be able to make sure you do all of your lessons and homework to be successful! Learn more by going directly to the
HAM RADIO CLASS ON-LINE site.




Well, that answers all your questions. So, WHAT ARE YOU WAITING FOR? The world of AMATEUR RADIO awaits you. Call 802-879-6589 or E-mail to w1sj@arrl.net today!








RECENT GRADUATES OF THE WEEKEND HAM RADIO CLASS



Dayton, OH May 15, 2010     18 New Hams

CALL NAME LOCATION FAMILY
KC2YMJ Connor Utesch Clinton NY WB2VSL, dad
KJ4VCT Melanie Fernandez Coral Spr FL K4RAY, spouse
KJ4VCU Jennifer Leedy Louisa KY KJ4GRJ, spouse
KJ4VCV Addison Bosley Florence KY WB4SUV, grdad
KJ4VCW Jane Arnett Erlanger KY WB4SUV, spouse
KJ4VCX Curren Harris Blacksburg VA KA4EPD, dad
KD8OBZ Ronald Taylor Parma MI  
KD8OCA Mike Gebhart Miamisburg OH  
KD8OCB Fatima Foy Westerville OH N4HAI, spouse
KD8OCC John Schwab No Olmsted OH  
KD8OCD Steve Truett Dayton OH  
KD8OCE Casey Bretti Dayton OH  
KD8OCF Jeff Loy Dayton OH  
KD8OCG Al Schamp Dearborn MI  
KC9SKF Kathy Huber Bloomington IL N9ZKS, spouse
KC9SKG Barbara Ward Churubusco IN KC9PJP, spouse
KC9SKH Jon Schipp Huntingburg IN  
KC9SKJ David Clond Ft Wayne IN NT9F, dad




Deerfield, NH May 1, 2010     5 New Hams

CALL NAME LOCATION STARTEDPASSED
KB1UFP Matt Derkrikorian Londonderry NH None Tech
KB1UFI Richard GeschwindnerNewport NH None Tech
KB1UFH Robin Geschwindner Newport NH None Tech
KB1UFR Dean Zach Marlborough MA None Tech
KB1UFQ John Kenny Rochester NH None Tech




Manchester, NH April 17-18, 2010     8 New Hams     7 pass General

CALL NAME TOWN STARTEDPASSED
KB1UCO Glenn Derbyshire Post Mills Vt None Tech
KB1UCP Roy Duddy Bedord None Tech
KB1UCQ Mark Hillson Concord None Gen
KB1UCR Ron Subka Peterborough None Gen
KB1UCS Ken Steeves Kensington None Tech
KB1UCT Robert Thibedore Epping None Tech
KB1UCY Joanne Hanna Epping None Tech
KB1UCZ Alex Pare Hudson None Tech
KB1FNH Glenn Keenan Haverhill Ma Tech Gen
KB1THT Alan Thorpe Manchester Tech Gen
N1PFB Paul Beasley Derry Tech Gen
N1WJD Pete Couture Hyde Park Vt Tech Gen
W1MCG James McGovern Portsmouth Tech Gen




Manchester, NH November 14-15, 2009     7 New Hams     3 pass General

CALL NAME TOWN STARTEDPASSED
KB1THN David Chandler Salem NH None Tech
KB1THO Wayne Davis Weare NH None Tech
KB1THP Doug Ensley Claremont NH None Tech
KB1THQ Micah Lucas Goffstown NH None Tech
KB1THR Roy Mascolino Putney VT None Tech
KB1THS Duncan Morrill Merrimack NH None Gen
KB1THT Alan Thorpe Manchester NH None Tech
KB1JET Jim Tynan Rehoboth MA Tech Gen
WB1DGS Russ Gardner Wilmington MA Tech Gen




Manchester, NH April 18-19, 2009     13 New Hams     7 pass General

CALL NAME TOWN STARTEDPASSED
KB1SGJ Norman Brown Hudson MA None Tech
KB1SGK Bill Fortin Londonderry NH None Gen
KB1SGL Brett Hunter Fremont NH None Tech
KB1SGM Tony Marts Goffstown NH None Gen
KB1SGN Jim McGovern Portsmouth NH None Tech
KB1SGO Brian McNamee No Quincy MA None Tech
KB1SGP Blake Nadilo Stratham NH None Tech
KB1SGQ Cory Nadilo Stratham NH None Tech
KB1SGR Rudy Nadilo Stratham NH None Tech
KB1SGS Aaron Nelson Weare NH None Tech
KB1SGT Joanne Paradis Londonderry NH None Tech
KB1SGU Eric Persson Hampstead NH None Gen
KB1SGV Heather Pierce Stratham NH None Tech
K1KKY Ted Hatem Salem NH Tech Gen
KB1DOO Vincent Gregoire Merrimack NH Tech Gen
N1ELL Paul Valois So Burlington VT Tech Gen
W7LSG Ken Olson Bllerica MA Tech Gen




Manchester, NH October 25-26, 2008     11 New Hams     7 pass General

CALL NAME TOWN STARTEDPASSED
KB1RII Catie Bailey Manchester NH None Tech
KB1RIJ Larry Beagle Henniker NH None General
KB1RIK Jennifer Betts Windham NH None Tech
KB1RIL Dot Cazamichaud Goffstown NH None Tech
KB1RIM Joe Deshaies Penacook NH None Tech
KB1RIN Barbara Doody Goffstown NH None Tech
KB1RIO Joe Durkin Pelham NH None Tech
KB1RIP AJ Gomes Manchester NH None Tech
KB1RIQ Brian McCabe Haverhill MA None General
KB1RIR Ron Michaud Goffstown NH None Tech
KB1RIS Carol Perry Conventry RI None General
KB1PPF Ron Taksar Franconia NH Tech General
KB1PYB David Anderson Milford NH Tech General
KB1QWR Mark Turmaine Leominster MA Tech General
W8NCL Warren Runde Concord NH Tech General




Deerfield, NH May 2-3, 2008     5 New Hams

CALL NAME TOWN STARTEDPASSED
KB1QMY Bill Meany Waltham MA NH None Tech
KB1QMN Tony Dicicco Haverhill MA None Tech
KB1QMV David Campbell Keene NH None Tech
KB1QMW Judy Dudevoir Wilton ME None Tech
W1BPL Betsey Lippmeier Norton MA None Tech




Manchester, NH March 28-29, 2008     5 New Hams     6 pass General

CALL NAME TOWN STARTEDPASSED
KB1QFI Eric Burns Hull MA NoneGeneral
KB1QFJ Ed Clark Windham NH NoneTech
KB1QFK Zeb Leister Hartland VT NoneTech
KB1QFL Lou Steed Raymond NH NoneTech
KB1QFM Charles Ward Nashua NH NoneTech
N1YMQ Alan Bradford Canaan NH TechGeneral
KB1HZP Matt Bradford Canaan NH TechGeneral
KB1LDM Dave Pflaum Litchfield NH TechGeneral
KB1OKX Eric Lougee Bethlehem NH TechGeneral
N3ADD Charles Favano Philadelphia PATechGeneral




Burlington, VT March 8-9, 2008     6 New Hams     1 pass General

CALL NAME TOWN STARTEDPASSED
KB1QBH Maureen BreitbachNorthfield NoneTech
KB1QBI John Goff Essex jct NoneTech
KB1QBJ Paul Sisson So BurlingtonNoneTech
KB1QBK Scott Whittier Williston NoneTech
KB1QBL Cecilia Pelefus Vergennes NoneTech
KB1QBM Michael Bull Charlotte NoneTech
KC2BQX Jason Vlasek Williston TechGeneral







There have been  725   graduates of the Weekend Ham Radio Class who have earned their license!




The Weekend Amateur Radio Course
May 20, 2010