Glendora Emergency Response Communications

Glendora Radio Operators Upgrade Their Skills

Mar 24, 2007

Glendora Radio Operators Upgrade Their Skills Under New FCC Rule Changes

By Mark R. Hayden, KF6DSA, Glendora Stake Emergency Response Communications


The mission of the Glendora Emergency Response Communications is to unite amateur radio operators who have a common interest in communications, specifically to provide training, support and encouragement to radio amateurs who wish to serve as emergency communicators for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. A group of Glendora radio operators are preparing to upgrade their amateur radio license privileges.

The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) grants three classes of licensees, Technician, General, and Extra. They vary in the amount of knowledge required and frequency privileges authorized. Recently, the FCC dropped all Morse code requirements, so there has been an increase in hams upgrading to General.

The Glendora group is led by Phil Barnes-Roberts, WA6DZS, an Extra class license operator and electronics expert. Using a unique teach-back method of learning, each participant is encouraged to prepare a lesson to present to the group. Group member Greg Lee, KI6GIG, a geography professor, demonstrated azimuthally-equidistant projection mapping that is used by radio operators to aim their beam antennas.

The study group meets each Wednesday in March and April to learn electronics theory and operating practices for the General class license. These operators will be authorized to operate on all amateur bands, including the high frequency bands that are used on networks from Church headquarters.

The public is invited to take the FCC Examination for the Technician, General, or Extra Class license on May 9, 2007 at the Oakbank Building of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 120 N. Oakbank Dr., Glendora CA 91741. Exam session starts at 6:30 PM, and walk-ins are welcome. Contact Merrie Suydam, AB6LR, Volunteer Examiner team leader at 626-969-4409 for information.

73, KF6DSA