Five Year Old Passes Technician Examination Centennial, Colorado, USA resident Colton Ragsdale has passed his Amateur Radio Technician examination at just 5 years of age and was issued his license today, Monday, January 5. For those of you outside of the US, the license grants full operating privileges on all amateur bands above 30 MHz as well as some privileges in portions of the high frequency (HF) bands. Colton, who is 5 years and 9 months old, took an interest in radio at a young age. There is no age limit to taking the test. Applicants must demonstrate an understanding of FCC regulations, radio station operation, electrical principles, and safety considerations by passing a 35 question, multiple choice, written examination. Colton passed the exam with a 91%, only missing 3 of 35 questions on January 3 in Centennial, CO, surpassing the 74% requirement to pass the test. Colton comes from a ham pedigree, with father Zeke K0XK, mother Debra K0KAI, uncle K5BBW, great uncle Bill K6KN and second cousin once removed Michael KI6FMN. He plans to use his license for community service as a voluntary, noncommercial communication service, particularly by providing communications to assist in an emergency. Colton’s new call sign is KE0CRD and he accepts NTS messages.
Ya know,(hanging my head in shame) I really have no excuse for not doing getting my ticket. I have threatened to but haven't followed through yet. This post prompted me to start looking up the nearest Ham clubs in my AO. I WILL have at least my basic this year. Good post!
Found three clubs last night within easy driving distance and there are plenty more further out. The one I think I'm going to contact 1st is mainly made up of healthcare workers. According to their page, they are big into disaster response/comms support for EMS. That may tie two of my interests into one..
What @Tully Mars said, ditto! Also- I swear I saw a thread once that gave names of fellow monkeys that would help and answer questions when one was studying for their test. Is there a list of people here that would be willing to answer questions/clarifications?
I don't think there's a public list per se, but if you post a question here - Survival Communications | Survival Monkey Forums somebody will jump on it.
I will certainly, give my opinion, on any Questions, that get posted, in the Comms Forums.... Advanced Class Ham, for 50+ years, Marine RadioMan for 40+ years, and a reTIRED FCC Resident Field Agent. Ask away, and you will get answers....
Well, after going to a few meetings at different clubs I've settled on the one and I've joined. Still studying for my test, and believe I could pass now if needed. Deal is I have a thing about tests-any tests. They make me nervous, I do NOT like to fail at anything so I tend to over study. I got a call a bit back when we had snow/ice storm warnings issued. Seems one of the guys I've been talking with at the meetings told one of the honchos that I have 4x4 trucks and am used to driving in snow. Was asked if I could be a driver to go out and pick up LEO/EMS types that couldn't get in if needed. "Sure! I'm on my way" You have to understand that down here 3" of snow STOPS EVERYTHING. Us yankees laugh and smirk, but the vast majority of these folks have no clue how to get around in it and it scares a lot more people than they like to admit and that in turn causes accidents aplenty. Turned out to not be that big of deal, but man I got to SEE these Elmers do their thing. Pretty friggin cool! Got a bit of hands on and much more observing. In the morning I was told "YOU are now a member of this club so get over your test phobia!" To be truthful I just wanted my ticket for me, mainly when SHTF.. I didn't want, nor do I need another hobby-just ask the Nurse BUT this is friggin cool and I really enjoyed myself the other night, not to mention other like minded folks I may meet as a result.So, what's just one more hobby..
Good deal. You may find that you will make additional contacts that could prove useful, both now and in an emergency. Best of luck on your upcoming license examination (see, it's not a test ;-) )
" Deal is I have a thing about tests-any tests. They make me nervous, I do NOT like to fail at anything so I tend to over study." dude, you are not the guy I heard about that stayed up all night, studying for a urine test......right?