[MarinTeams] CERT Radio MMRC Radio License Class April 11

[Bill Smith]

Several on our CERT Radio list have expressed interest in participating in CERT Radio and MMRC Communications, but for valid reasons have not yet been able to actively join.  We are holding a special License Class on April 11 which is the first step in participating in CERT Radio.  The class is a one-day event, beginning at 9:00am and continuing until early afternoon.  At the end of the class, you will likely have passed the Amateur Radio license examination and will be prepared to obtain a radio and join us in our Communication Classes, held weekly on Thursday evenings.  Our next scheduled class is May 16 if you can't make the April 11 date.

As mentioned, the first step in the Communications Program is to obtain your Amateur Radio License.  San Rafael CERT Radio, MMRC and the Hamilton Wireless Association are conducting a one-day Amateur Radio License Class Saturday, April 11 at 9:00am at the Hamilton Wireless Clubhouse, Building 549, Hamilton Field in Novato.

In addition to filling out a simple form, passing a test of basic radio technology is all that is needed to obtain the Amateur Radio license.  No preparation is needed, all materials will be supplied in the one-day class. 
You will be asked to fill in your Social Security (or alternate) in an application form at the time of the test.  You will be given a booklet with questions and correct answers which we ask you to read up to the time of the examination.  Experience indicates virtually everyone who reads the study material passes the test.  A $15 test fee is included in the $25 charge for the course. 

The study session begins at 9:00am. and the 25-question multiple-choice examination is administered at 1:00pm.  We correct the tests on-site and tell you your score.  Your callsign assignment will usually appear on the Internet within a week to ten days.

Once you obtain your Amateur Radio Callsign, we ask you to purchase a two-way radio. Cost of the radio ranges between $125 and $180. Our recommended radio is in the $180 range.  We supply information to assist your purchase.

We ask you to attend a minimum of four Communications Class sessions to assist you with using your radio.  Classes are held each Thursday evening at Hamilton on an ongoing, rotating basis.  In addition, we encourage you to participate in weekly on-air exercises from your home.  If you know any CERT or MMRC member(s) who would like to join us in our Radio group, please let them know about the class!  

Pre-registration for the License Class helps us manage class size as seating is limited. If you wish to take the Class, please send your name, address, email and phone number along with $25 to

Hamilton Wireless Association
PO Box 150635
San Rafael, CA 94901-0635


Directions to the class location, Building 549, the clubhouse of the Hamilton Wireless Association:

Hamilton Field is located north of San Rafael in Novato.  Building 549 is located in the Coast Guard Housing section at Hamilton Field. A map can be found at our clubhouse website <http://www.k6bw.org>.

If you are traveling from the south, Take the Hamilton Field/Nave Drive Exit from Highway 101.  Continue on Nave Drive through one stoplight until you reach the Hamilton Field Main Gate. Turn right into Hamilton onto Main Gate Drive.

If you are traveling from the north, take the Hamilton Field exit and turn right and take the overpass over Highway 101. Take the first right and continue down the frontage road (Nave Drive) through two stoplights until
you reach the Hamilton Field Main Gate. Turn left into Hamilton onto Main Gate Drive.

Continue on Main Gate Drive through one stoplight until you pass over a white bridge. On the other side of the bridge, take the next right to Crescent Dr. Drive a short block over another smaller bridge, then turn
right again to enter the Coast Guard Housing Area. Continue on Crescent until you spot a large palm tree and a wye in the road. Turn left, and continue up a small incline to San Jose Dr. Turn left again onto San Jose drive. On the right you will see a small driveway with a white sign marked building 549. Take the driveway to the top of the hill and to the clubhouse.

If you have any questions, please don't hesitate to call. The clubhouse phone is 415-382-8135, and my phone is 415-456-4481.

Bill, AB6MT
hbco2 at sbcglobal.net