'''What is the 721st??'''

As it states on the masthead:

''The 721st MCB is an Amateur Radio Club from Warren County NJ. We specialize in showing youth (and old folks alike) the power of Amateur (Ham) Radio to tie together Electronics, Engineering, Mechanics, Building and Making.''

Our "core DNA" is casual radio operating, contesting, and building stuff.

'''What's with all the military jargon?'''

We sort of have a fetish for Military Surplus hardware. This includes but is not limited to trucks, trailers, towers, tents and anything else useful. No weapons yet, but we're open to new ideas. Honestly, unless you're talking Heavy Artillery we're probably not interested.

'''What's the significance of the number 721?'''


That's more complicated, the most we can offer is [[Where did 721 come from?|this video]] as an explanation.

'''What kind of club are you??'''

The 721st is an [http://www.arrl.org/Groups/view/721st-mechanized-contest-battalion/type:club ARRL Affiliated Club] chartered in 2013. Beyond that, any reference to the term club is somewhat meaningless. We have one meeting a year that coincides with our annual Awards Dinner. All "procedural" matters are handled at that time.

'''What?? No meetings?? How do you function?'''

Quite well actually! In case you haven't noticed, thanks to the internet and social media most people are hyper-connected today, and we're no exception. We can get more done in a few text messages than other clubs can get done with a year of meetings. If meetings and parliamentary procedure are what you want maybe you should run for your local School or Land Use Board.

'''You don't have a Treasury, don't you need money for your activities?'''

As Grandma used to say: "You don't need to spend money to have fun!" Now with that out of the way, sure we do need cash occasionally. Our single biggest group expense is probably Field Day, and that's mostly to cover the cost of food and sanitation. All other expenses are borne by the principals of the organization. The club has no assets. All equipment is individually owned. We generally resort to fund raisers, passing around the hat, or pot luck. No Treasury, No Arguments, No Exceptions.

'''Do you ever meet face-to-face?'''

Certainly, when there is a reason to. We usually have a monthly "hang-out" that coincides with our monthly [[Exam Schedule|VE SESSION.]] As you can imagine, extremely informal except for the serious business of administering FCC Part 97 exams. Registration for exams is required. If we don't have any candidates we might not have a hang-out.

'''Wow, this is awesome how do I join?'''

[http://wc2fd.com/images/0/0c/Join-the-721st.png You can't.] There are no members. We've found that "membership" in a club conveys a sense of "entitlement" to the "member." Many people feel just by paying dues and showing up once in a while, with no other participation beyond that, gives them a say in how the club should function. We don't exist to entertain you. Just to be clear, this is not a Democracy. The terms "[http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Oligarchy Oligarchy]" or "[http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Benevolent_dictatorship Benevolent Dictatorship]" are probably more accurate.

With all of that out of the way, we are always eager for talented people to join us. Even if you are new to radio but are eager learn and not afraid of being put to work [mailto:info@wc2fd.com contact us]!

Also, you should know in advance: being called "Jackass" is of the highest honor in the 721st.

MediaWiki:Sidebar

2024-11-24T16:01:43Z

Wc2fd:

Exam Schedule

2024-11-23T18:16:45Z

Operating Aids

2024-11-17T18:16:55Z

Wc2fd:

* [http://wc2fd.com/files/USContestSections US Contest Sections]
* [http://wc2fd.com/files/ContestSections.pdf Contest Sections]
* [http://wc2fd.com/files/MorseCode.pdf Morse Code]
* [http://wc2fd.com/files/PhoneticAlphabetFINAL.pdf Phonetic Alphabet]
* [[Alternate Phonetic Alphabet]] (DX phonics)
* [http://wc2fd.com/files/State%20Abbreviations.pdf State Abbreviations]
* [[Media:Comm w Other Hams-Q Signals.pdf|Q-Signals]]
* [[Media:Logsheet sample.pdf|Generic Paper log page]]

Alternate Phonetic Alphabet

2024-11-17T18:15:50Z

Wc2fd: Created page with "{| class="wikitable" |'''A'''||AMERICA |- |'''B'''||BOSTON |- |'''C'''||CANADA |- |'''D'''||DENMARK |- |'''E'''||ENGLAND |- |'''F'''||FRANCE |- |'''G'''||GERMANY |- |'''H'''||..."

{| class="wikitable"
|'''A'''||AMERICA
|-
|'''B'''||BOSTON
|-
|'''C'''||CANADA
|-
|'''D'''||DENMARK
|-
|'''E'''||ENGLAND
|-
|'''F'''||FRANCE
|-
|'''G'''||GERMANY
|-
|'''H'''||HONOLULU
|-
|'''I'''||ITALY
|-
|'''J'''||JAPAN
|-
|'''K'''||KILOWATT
|-
|'''L'''||LONDON
|-
|'''M'''||MEXICO
|-
|'''N'''||NORWAY
|-
|'''O'''||ONTARIO
|-
|'''P'''||PORTUGAL
|-
|'''Q'''||QUEBEC
|-
|'''R'''||RADIO
|-
|'''S'''||SANTIAGO
|-
|'''T'''||TOKYO
|-
|'''U'''||UNITED
|-
|'''V'''||VICTORIA
|-
|'''W'''||WASHINGTON
|-
|'''X'''||X-RAY
|-
|'''Y'''||YOKOHAMA
|-
|'''Z'''||ZANZIBAR
|}

Operating Aids

2024-11-17T17:54:52Z

Wc2fd:

* [http://wc2fd.com/files/USContestSections US Contest Sections]
* [http://wc2fd.com/files/ContestSections.pdf Contest Sections]
* [http://wc2fd.com/files/MorseCode.pdf Morse Code]
* [http://wc2fd.com/files/PhoneticAlphabetFINAL.pdf Phonetic Alphabet]
* [[Alternate Phonetic Alphabet]]
* [http://wc2fd.com/files/State%20Abbreviations.pdf State Abbreviations]
* [[Media:Comm w Other Hams-Q Signals.pdf|Q-Signals]]
* [[Media:Logsheet sample.pdf|Generic Paper log page]]

Wc2fd:

ARRL Field Day 2024

2024-06-07T16:34:48Z

Wc2fd:

2024-05-10T14:25:58Z

Wc2fd:

__NOTOC__
== Obtaining your Amateur (HAM) Radio License ==

*We hope you decide to pursue your Amateur License. It opens a life time of enjoyment and discovery.
*You can visit [http://wireless.fcc.gov/services/index.htm?job=about_3&id=amateur The FCC]for more information.
*All Amateur License Tests are multiple choice, based on the approved [http://www.ncvec.org/ NCVEC Question Pools.]

:;Technician Class Exam
::35 Questions
:::Passing score of 26
::[http://www.ncvec.org/page.php?id=373 2022-2026 NCVEC Tech Pool] Valid 7/01/2022 – 6/30/2026
::[http://wc2fd.com/files/2022-no-nonsense-tech-study-guide-v0-1.pdf The No-Nonsense Technician-Class License Study Guide](pdf)(courtesy of [http://www.kb6nu.com/study-guides/ KB6NU])

:;General Class Exam
::35 Questions
::: Passing score of 26
::[https://www.ncvec.org/index.php/2023-2027-general-question-pool-release 2023-2027 NCVEC General Pool]

:;Amateur Extra Class Exam
::50 Questions
:::Passing score of 37
::[http://www.ncvec.org/page.php?id=356 2020-2024 NCVEC Extra Pool]

== VE Team Accredidation ==

*VE's or Volunteer Examiners are average hams who have agreed to be impartial proctors on behalf of the FCC, and who are registered with a VEC.
*The 721st MCB VE Team is accredited thru the [http://www.laurelvec.com Laurel ARC VEC].
**We are happy to continue their tradition of offering Amateur Radio Exams to all free of charge since 1984.
**[http://wc2fd.com/index.php?title=VE_Roster VE Roster]

== Logistics ==

Exam sessions will be the 3rd Thursday of the month at 7:00PM.

Schedule :

::*Thursday, March 21, 2024 ([https://ham.study/sessions/655d4351d7b427cc515b62bc/1 Register])
::*Thursday, April 18, 2024 ([https://ham.study/sessions/655d43904043596e3057ba39/1 Register])
::*Thursday, May 16, 2024 ([https://ham.study/sessions/655d43cb1ff426121dd02d2a/1 Register])
::*Thursday, June 20, 2024 ([https://ham.study/sessions/655d43e198674cadab88d07a/1 Register])
::*Thursday, July 18, 2024 ([https://ham.study/sessions/655d4413eac0441d60c38c8f/1 Register])
::*Thursday, August 15, 2024 ([https://ham.study/sessions/655d44281ff4260631d02e4b/1 Register])
::*Thursday, September 19, 2024 ([https://ham.study/sessions/655d4444eac04439dbc38d89/1 Register])
::*Thursday, October 17, 2024 ([https://ham.study/sessions/655d445feb33c917a0ce6cfc/1 Register])
::*Thursday, November 21, 2024 ([https://ham.study/sessions/655d4492d7b42711315b672c/1 Register])
::*Thursday, December 19, 2024 ([https://ham.study/sessions/655d44ad98674c10a188d33d/1 Register])

:;Location:

::*Sessions are held at the [http://www.ccatbelvidere.org/ Community Center @ Belvidere]
::*301 Second Street, Belvidere, NJ 07823 [https://goo.gl/maps/2NbhJW7EaX82 (Map Here)].
::*Parking is on the street, but not usually a problem. Please be mindful of local parking regulations specifically parking 25' from the crosswalk.

::*We are happy to accommodate testing sessions for those with functional needs by special arrangement. Please [mailto:exam@wc2fd.com contact us] directly to discuss how we can facilitate a test session.

:;Registration:
::*[https://hamstudy.org/sessions/WC2FD Online Registration courtesy of www.hamstudy.org]
::*Alternate registration via [mailto:exam@wc2fd.com?Subject=VE%20Test%20Request&body=Hello%20I%20would%20like%20to%20register%20for%20a%20VE%20Session exam@wc2fd.com] or 424-272-1622

== What to bring to an Exam Session: ==

*Photo ID
*Basic Calculator
*Pen/Pencil and blank scrap paper
*Photo Copy of any existing Amateur Radio license or CSCE
*Your FCC FRN#
**''NOTE: We now require you to have an FRN to test with us. If you don't already have an FCC FRN. we recommend applying for one prior to the exam. It makes the paperwork easier and eliminates the need to disclose your SSN. Instructions on applying for an FRN can be found at this FCC website:[https://www.fcc.gov/help/getting-fcc-registration-number-frn-universal-licensing-system-uls (FCC FRN FAQ PAGE)]''
**''If you do not yet have any FCC License, you can register to obtain an FRN prior to your exam via [https://apps.fcc.gov/coresWeb/publicHome.do FCC CORES] NOTE: The session registration process will also assist you in obtaining an FRN. DO NOT request an FRN if you already have one.

== Study Materials ==

Good study references in addition the the [http://www.arrl.org/shop/Licensing-Education-and-Training/ ARRL] or [http://www.w5yi.org/catalog.php?sort=4 Gordon West] books ([http://www.Amazon.com Amazon.com] is a good source) include:

::*[http://www.hamstudy.org HamStudy.org Free Online] [https://hamstudy.org/appstore Device App Store $3.99]

::*[http://www.eham.net/exams/ EHAM.NET]

::*[http://aa9pw.com/ AA9PW.COM]

License Study Guides
::* [http://wc2fd.com/files/2022-no-nonsense-tech-study-guide-v0-1.pdf The No-Nonsense Technician-Class License Study Guide](pdf) (courtesy of [http://www.kb6nu.com/tech-manual/ KB6NU])
::* [[media:2011 General Study Guide.pdf|General Class Study Guide (pdf)]] (courtesy of [http://www.kb6nu.com/tech-manual/ KB6NU])
::* [http://www.arrl.org/files/file/Instructor%20resources/Extra%20Class/AD7FO2012%20%20rev%202_00%20pdf.pdf Extra Class Study Guide (pdf)] (courtesy of [http://www.qrz.com/db/ad7fo AD7FO])
Video
::* [https://youtu.be/F0A8vkDC5jk HamCram: US Amateur Radio Technician Class material review - Trenton Computer Festival 2021] (courtesy of [http://www.qrz.com/db/w2aew W2AEW])

We tell most people they are ready for the exam when they consistently score over 85-90% on the practice tests.

== After the Exam ==
* Effective '''April 19, 2022''': The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) will impose a '''$35 application fee'''.
** The fee will apply to new, renewal, and modification applications that request a new vanity call sign.
** Administrative updates, such as a change of name, mailing or email address, and modification applications to '''upgrade an amateur radio licensee’s operator class, will be exempt from fees.'''
** '''You will NOT be asked to pay nor can we payment for this fee at exam time.'''
** You will receive an email with instructions on how to make payment using the [https://apps.fcc.gov/cores/userLogin.do FCC Registration System]
** The FCC's authority to impose and collect fees is mandated by Congress. This legislation was part of the "RAY BAUM'S Act" included in [https://www.congress.gov/bill/115th-congress/house-bill/1625/actions H.R.1625 - Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2018]

*HOW WILL I GET MY LICENSE?
::;Effective February 17, 2015 the FCC no longer automatically mails paper licenses by default.

::An active record in the [http://wireless2.fcc.gov/UlsApp/UlsSearch/searchLicense.jsp FCC Universal License System (ULS)] is your authorization to operate.

*GETTING AN OFFICIAL COPY OF YOUR LICENSE YOU CAN PRINT YOURSELF

::*The FCC provides an official copy of your license in the form of a .pdf file that you can print yourself.

::*You can get this .pdf file in one of two ways:

:::1. Provide an e-mail address on your NCVEC Form 605 application. The FCC will then e-mail the .pdf file to you when the application is granted.

:::2. Use your FCC Registration Number (FRN) to [https://wireless2.fcc.gov/UlsEntry/licManager/login.jsp log into the ULS] and download the .pdf file of your current license. See the BLUE arrows in the [http://wc2fd.com/images/c/c9/FCCULSPREF.jpg example here]

*GETTING AN OFFICIAL PAPER COPY OF YOUR LICENSE MAILED TO YOU

::*You can still have a paper copy of your license mailed to you by the FCC by [https://wireless2.fcc.gov/UlsEntry/licManager/login.jsp logging into the ULS] and selecting the option to always receive paper licenses. See the RED arrows in the [http://wc2fd.com/images/c/c9/FCCULSPREF.jpg example here]
::*If you do not yet have any FCC License, you can register to obtain an FRN prior to your exam via [https://apps.fcc.gov/coresWeb/publicHome.do FCC CORES] and then follow the step above before you take your test.
::* In any case, selecting the option to receive paper licenses WILL NOT cause the FCC to automatically mail you a paper copy of any existing or current license. A paper copy will only be mailed when there is a change to your license such as: a new grant, an upgrade or a renewal.
:::*You can request a current copy be mailed at any time [https://wireless2.fcc.gov/UlsEntry/licManager/login.jsp via the ULS]. See the GREEN arrow in the [http://wc2fd.com/images/c/c9/FCCULSPREF.jpg example here]

*SPECIAL NOTE:
::*The FCC no longer uses special watermarked paper to print licenses. They now print on plain, re-cycled white paper.
::*Therefore, there is NO DIFFERENCE between a paper license mailed by the FCC and a license that you print yourself from the .pdf file.

== Questions? ==

Please let us know if you have any questions, or require any assistance preparing for your exam.

::*[mailto:exam@wc2fd.com exam@wc2fd.com]
::*+1 (424) 272-1622 (Phn or SMS)

73,

721st Mechanized Contest Battalion VE Team