Calling All New & Prospective Hams – Join Our Ham Bootcamp! Are you new to amateur radio… or thinking about getting licensed? Maybe you’ve had your license for a while but aren’t sure how to get on the air? The Nashua Area Radio Society (N1FD) is hosting a FREE, full-day Ham Bootcamp on Zoom designed for hams at all license levels! Date: Saturday, May 9, 2026 Time: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM Eastern (EDT) Location: Online (Zoom) Register here: https://www.n1fd.org/register-ham-bootcamp/ Learn more: https://www.n1fd.org/ham-bootcamp/ What You’ll Learn This Bootcamp is ideal for Technician, General, and Extra class licensees, as well as anyone getting started: VHF/UHF Basics How repeaters work Programming your radio Making your first contacts Net participation HF Operating Building an HF station Antennas, feedlines, and grounding SSB voice operating Getting started with digital modes like FT8 ️ Fun & Advanced Topics Making satellite contacts Fox hunting (radio direction finding) Practical tips from experienced operators Why Attend? ✔️ Learn from experienced Mentors ✔️ Get practical, real-world guidance ✔️ Ask questions in a friendly environment ✔️ Build confidence to get on the air Whether you’re just starting out or looking to become more active, this Bootcamp will help you take the next step in amateur radio. Space is limited—sign up today! https://www.n1fd.org/register-ham-bootcamp/ Hope to hear you on the air soon! 73, Nashua Area Radio Society (N1FD)
WHAT ABOUT MORSE …. CW….???? What about operating properly … What about Rules & Regulations …., Get your license in a Shredded Wheat Box Top …. LESS QUALITY OPERATORS ..,, More QUANTITY Bunch of MALARKEY K8PG Paul Morse Music CW FOREVER .
I followed the link to the website to look at the program schedule and did see a listing that mentioned CW. "Putting together an HF Station for SSB, CW, and Digital." That's about it. I could not find a mention of rules and regulations. The other topics are fine, but if you can't tie them into the rules and regulations, they are missing important information. Rules and Regulations should occupy a separate category on the list.
While you guys are trying to be funny, please take a moment to thank Anita and her group for doing this. At this point in the history of Amateur Radio, there is absolutely no point in quibbling over what facets new hams are interested in. Take a moment to consider that your off-handed remark to the advertisement might just dissuade someone from joining the hobby. Saying things like "quality operators" is very off-putting. It sucks, really. It conveys a sense that the hobby is full of self-important old farts you're unlikely to relate to. Sorry, but that's not friendly or respectful, or helpful to the hobby. So, guys, please don't disparage the efforts of those who donate their time and energy to bring new people into the hobby. Be friendly. Be welcoming. There's no risk in being polite.
It seems clear to me that this is NOT a "ham in a day" course. Rather, it appears to be a "fill in the gaps" course - which is much needed. If one gives the license question pools a good hard lookin'-at, and tries to imagine the perspective of a raw newcomer, it becomes apparent that the license tests don't necessarily include everything a newcomer needs to know to actually set up and operate an amateur station. Knowing the regulations is one thing; knowing how they translate to actual amateur radio operation is something very different. In the bad old days, the typical newcomer usually started as an SWL with a "communications receiver" of some kind, connected to a random wire antenna. Much was learned by listening around, reading manuals, books, and magazines, etc. Improvements were added incrementally, and when the license was earned, a transmitter, antenna suitable for transmitting, and TR system were added. But it's 2026, not 1956 or 1966 or even 1976, and the newcomer environment is completely different. That's why courses such as the above are A Good Thing. On top of that, many people learn by seeing worked examples. While in-person is usually best, Zoom offers a method that should be exploited. 73 de Jim, N2EY
I wish Anita all the best with her efforts…. She is a Novice herself.,, just because you have $100,000 station Your not a Expert …. Takes many years - even than you may be lacking in knowledge . First thing I used to teach is Rules and Regulation … operating procedure pro signs for CW ….. Q signs …. Band edges… Everybody is a teacher or expert …., Go to utube…, Its not 1954 …. its 2026 … All the right info is at your finger tips. NO Reason Not To Know . CB like now …. just listen anywhere Pretty Much a Free For All now. 2 hours of memorizing a few questions —- answers your a extra K8PG Paul. Morse Music
I attended the Ham Boot Camp the year I got my tech. I found it very informative, and gave me a greater sense of the hobby than I got studying for my tech. This day isn't designed to get someone licensed (IMHO) but to provide you with more information about ham radio the hobby, not the tests. As a result, I went on and am now an extra, so it does have an impact. KC9RB
