alt="Tip"/> As mentioned earlier, lots of events are being conducted entirely online through Zoom or other multi-user platforms. This has become so popular that some events are being redesigned to be completely online!
www.makerfaire.com
) frequently feature one or more ham radio groups, too.
TABLE 3-3 Themed Conventions
Theme | Name and Website |
---|---|
DXing and Contesting |
International DX Convention — Visalia, CA (www.dxconvention.com )
|
IOTA Convention (www.facebook.com/islandsontheair/ )
|
|
Contest University (www.contestuniversity.com )
|
|
DX University (www.dxuniversity.com )
|
|
W9DXCC — Chicago, IL (www.w9dxcc.com )
|
|
W4DXCC — Pigeon Forge, TN (www.w4dxcc.com )
|
|
VHF, UHF, and Microwave |
Southeastern VHF Conference (SVHFS: www.svhfs.org )
|
Eastern VHF Conference (NEWSVHF: www.newsvhf.com )
|
|
Central States VHF Conference (CSVHF: www.csvhfs.org )
|
|
Pacific Northwest VHF Conference (PNWVHF: www.pnwvhfs.org )
|
|
Microwave Update (www.facebook.com/MicrowaveUpdate/ )
|
|
International EME Conference (search for International EME Conference online) | |
Technical |
Digital Communications Conference — hosted by ARRL and TAPR (www.tapr.rg/conferences.html )
|
Microhams — Bellvue, WA (www.microhams.com/mhdc )
|
|
SDR Academy — Friedrichshafen, Germany (www.2020.sdra.io )
|
|
GNU Radio (www.gnuradio.org )
|
|
QRP (Low Power) |
QRP Four Days in May — held at the Hamvention (www.qrparci.org /www.qrparci.org/fdim )
|
OzarkCon (www.ozarkcon.com/index.php )
|
Part 2
Wading through the Licensing Process
IN THIS PART …
Tour the Federal Communications Commission’s amateur radio licensing system, see how call signs are structured, and find out how the call sign system works.
Find out about the exam itself, as well as how to study for it by yourself and with a mentor.
See how to locate and register for an exam session, and get ready to take the exam.
While you’re waiting for your brand-new call sign, decide whether you want to customize your call.
Chapter 4
Understanding the Licensing System
IN THIS CHAPTER
Like most people, you’re probably familiar with the process of getting a license to drive your car, to fish, or to get married, but ham radio licensing is a little different. The process is easy to deal with when you know how it works, however. This chapter explains the FCC licensing system for amateur radio in the United States.
Amateur radio is one of many types of communication services that use radio. Similar services include broadcast (AM and FM radio, television), public safety (police and fire departments), aviation, and even radar systems (radionavigation).
To maintain order on the