[MarinTeams] A Reminder: License Class this Saturday

[Bill Smith]

Do you know someone who has taken CERT or is a member of MMRC and would like
to obtain their Amateur Radio license?  Our next License class is this
Saturday, February 12.

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, February 12
at 9:00am at Building 549, Hamilton Field in Novato.  The study class is
open to CERT graduates (or those who plan to take the training) and members
of MMRC.  The license examination is open to all candidates.

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 class. You will
be given a booklet with  questions and correct answers which we ask you to
read up to the time of the test.  Experience indicates virtually everyone
who reads the study material passes the test.

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.

As part our effort to assist you in obtaining a license, we also 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, you can 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 respond with your name,
address, email and phone number.

While cash is preferable, checks will be accepted at the License Class. Make
a check of $25 payable to

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

You will be asked to fill in your Social Security (or alternate) in an
application form at the time of the test. A $15 test fee is included in the
$25 charge for the course.

Directions to the class follow.

Building 549 is the Hamilton Wireless Association Clubhouse.

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 415-258-0864.

73 (ham lingo for best wishes) from Bill, AB6MT
hbco2 at sbcglobal.net