ARRL Southern New Jersey Section Convention and Hamfest
Sunday, September 13, 2020
Our 42nd Annual Hamfest
#GCARCSNJ
2020 Hamfest Prize Winners
2020 Hamfest Highlights
Gary Reed, N2QEE, reports : An experiment in VE sessions
The VE session at the Hamfest was an experiment in dealing with the Covid19 pandemic. The original plan was to have the candidates take their exams in their vehicles while parked in the Club House parking lot. This was to provide shelter, in case of inclement weather, and social distancing. However, the weather was cooperative and the candidate count enabled the exams to be administered at the club site picnic tables. The exams were graded in the club house, with social distancing. The VEs had their own masks and were provided with face shields, sanitizer, and gloves. This testing method was used in July by a group of clubs in North Jersey, except they had a low power FM transmitter that was used to broadcast messages to the candidates' vehicles. This may be considered for a future VE session.
The session had six candidates with four passing the exams :
I felt our session was a success considering the situation.
The VE's participating were :
Ed Champion, N2RO; Jeff Garth, WB2ZBN; Chuck Colabrese, WA2TML; Chris Chamberlain, N2IVN; Mike Harla, N2MHO; Urb LeJeune, W1UL; and Alex Bodnar, K3CIM.
A big thank you to the VE's.
The FCC has proposed the requirement that all candidates have a FRN (FCC Registration Number) before taking the exam, eliminating the use of a Social Security Number on the 605 application. This would make a walk-in candidate unable to participate in the VE session. Also, no plans have been considered for exam sessions if the FCC requires a $50 fee for amateur licenses.
The VE session at the Hamfest was an experiment in dealing with the Covid19 pandemic. The original plan was to have the candidates take their exams in their vehicles while parked in the Club House parking lot. This was to provide shelter, in case of inclement weather, and social distancing. However, the weather was cooperative and the candidate count enabled the exams to be administered at the club site picnic tables. The exams were graded in the club house, with social distancing. The VEs had their own masks and were provided with face shields, sanitizer, and gloves. This testing method was used in July by a group of clubs in North Jersey, except they had a low power FM transmitter that was used to broadcast messages to the candidates' vehicles. This may be considered for a future VE session.
The session had six candidates with four passing the exams :
- Gary Smith, KD2RGG : Upgrade to Amateur Extra Class, from Cherry Hill, NJ
- Dan McCormick, KD2TUS : Upgrade to General Class, from Sewell, NJ
- Fred Peifer, KC3QCZ : Passed both the Technician and General Class exams, from Benton, PA
- Jeff Frye , KD2USK : Passed the Technician Class exam, from Mullica Hill, NJ
I felt our session was a success considering the situation.
The VE's participating were :
Ed Champion, N2RO; Jeff Garth, WB2ZBN; Chuck Colabrese, WA2TML; Chris Chamberlain, N2IVN; Mike Harla, N2MHO; Urb LeJeune, W1UL; and Alex Bodnar, K3CIM.
A big thank you to the VE's.
The FCC has proposed the requirement that all candidates have a FRN (FCC Registration Number) before taking the exam, eliminating the use of a Social Security Number on the 605 application. This would make a walk-in candidate unable to participate in the VE session. Also, no plans have been considered for exam sessions if the FCC requires a $50 fee for amateur licenses.
Attention : In the September 2020 QST Magazine, on page 85, they have our Hamfest location listed as 462 Harrison Avenue, Mantua.
THAT IS WRONG!
The correct location is 235 Bridgeton Pike (Route 77), Mullica Hill, NJ.
THAT IS WRONG!
The correct location is 235 Bridgeton Pike (Route 77), Mullica Hill, NJ.
GPS Heading : 39.715572°, -75.211944°
2020 Hamfest Rules and Information :
MASKS ARE REQUIRED FOR GATE ENTRY AND SHOULD BE WORN AT ALL TIMES.
Non-vendors must park in the lower parking area - there are NO EXCEPTIONS.
All vendors must leave a 6 foot space between their setup and the next vendor.
6 Foot Social Distancing rule must be observed where possible.
All fees (Admission, Tailgating, and Vendor) will be collected at the gate this year.
Please bring small bills, exact change will help us expedite your entry into the event and minimize face-time.
Vendors may arrive at 6:00 am with general admission at 8:00 am.
There are No Forums or Programs this year.
We have streamlined the event this year to encourage social distancing and spread out on our spacious open-air fairgrounds.
VE Testing is at 9:00 am and will take place in your own vehicle at a special area in front of the W2MMD Clubhouse (at the gate).
MASKS ARE REQUIRED FOR GATE ENTRY AND SHOULD BE WORN AT ALL TIMES.
Non-vendors must park in the lower parking area - there are NO EXCEPTIONS.
All vendors must leave a 6 foot space between their setup and the next vendor.
6 Foot Social Distancing rule must be observed where possible.
All fees (Admission, Tailgating, and Vendor) will be collected at the gate this year.
Please bring small bills, exact change will help us expedite your entry into the event and minimize face-time.
Vendors may arrive at 6:00 am with general admission at 8:00 am.
There are No Forums or Programs this year.
We have streamlined the event this year to encourage social distancing and spread out on our spacious open-air fairgrounds.
VE Testing is at 9:00 am and will take place in your own vehicle at a special area in front of the W2MMD Clubhouse (at the gate).
2020 Hamfest VEC Testing @ W2MMD Clubhouse Parking Lot
There will be a VE Test Session on September 13th at the Hamfest. It will be at the W2MMD Clubhouse in the parking lot. This will be a drive-in test session where the candidates will remain in their vehicles to take the exam. The VE’s will be wearing face shields, gloves and masks. The VE’s will observe the candidates in their vehicles while they take the exam.
This is a method which has been used by other VE groups and should work for our session. This will minimize the exposure between candidates and VEs.
This is a method which has been used by other VE groups and should work for our session. This will minimize the exposure between candidates and VEs.
Hamfest Grand Prize :
Siglent SDS 1202X-E Digital Storage Oscilloscope
Hog Day Afternoon Hamfest Food Menu
Breakfast Sandwich - Egg & Cheese
Breakfast Sandwich - Bacon, Egg, & Cheese Breakfast Sandwich - Pork Roll, Egg, & Cheese Bagel With Cream Cheese Hot Dogs Pulled Pork Pulled Chicken Hamburgers Cheeseburgers Chips All Beverages - Coffee, Water, Juice, Soda, Etc. |
$2.50
$3.00 $3.00 $2.00 $1.50 $6.00 $5.00 $3.00 $3.50 $1.00 $1.00 |