Radio License

OVH VE Session April 18, 2026

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On April 18, 2026, W4OVH conducted our second exam session this year using the new ExamTools online system. Everything went smoothly and we added two new ham radio operators to our hobby! We also had our first opportunity to offer an exam to a 12-year-old and submit an “ARRL Youth Licensing Grant Program” application. This ARRL program reimburses the $35 FCC application fee, encouraging those under 18 years of age to become newly licensed hams. The 12-year-old earned his Technician class license. Four applicants were present at the exam session. Two new Technician Class licenses were earned and two hams qualified for an upgrade to General Class. Holding VE sessions in-person provides valuable face-to-face engagement with prospective members, allowing them to learn more about the club and its activities. All the applicants … Read more >>

George, K4GVT’s VE Session @ Cisco in Knoxville, TN

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The same week the OVH held its VE session, our Christmas Parade Chairman, George, K4GVT, was at a Cisco internal conference in Knoxville, TN. George had three papers to present and he set up some ham gear to demo. While there, George and his team also held a Cisco internal only VE Session. George set up his demo station to attract candidates for ham testing. Additionally, George writes: “For my ham buddies: When I first set this up on the IC-7610, all bands were dead. I pulled the PL-259 out with only the center conductor connected, and the bands were alive. So, I had guys on the ground take an ohm meter and monitor the resistance while I went up onto the roof. I checked the feed line, all good. … Read more >>

OVH VE Session

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Grading table with John, KG4NXT; Jay, NQ4T; David, KY4MM

The OVH sponsored a successful VE session on May 27th with a total of 6 candidates and everyone passed! We minted 2 brand new Techs, upgraded 2 folks to General Class and 2 other folks to Extra Class. In a first for us, we tested a legally blind ham Dominic, KD4MEZ.  Bruce, KN4GDX read him the questions aloud. In order to help, the ARRL had sent us 2 versions of the Extra Class exam that did not have diagrams. It would be hard to read a diagram. The VEs who attended were:  Al, KB4BHB; John, KG4NXT; Mark, WA4KFZ; Jay, NQ4T; Bruce, KN4GDX; Sean, KO4TZO; David, KY4MM; Ken, KN4DD and Andy, KK4ADQ. Special thanks for Ken for getting us a free room at his Lord of Life church in Clifton. Please … Read more >>

Become “Radio Active” in 2018

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Its 2018 and the Ole Virginia Hams want to help you start the New Year off right by helping you  join an exciting hobby and technology venue by helping you both learn and test for your own Amateur Radio Technician Class License.

The W4OVH club will continue our offering of free Technician Class license preparation courses starting on January 29th at 7PM. There will be a total of 8 weekly sessions of 1 hour each.

This year we are introducing new innovations to the course delivery. The course will be conducted by video teleconference so that you have the convenience of attending from your computer at home.

We have class availability for 9 students using this format.

The specific class schedule and dates beyond the start date of 29 January will be added to the club event calendar when finalized.

Please contact Mark Braunstein, WA4KFZ, direct if you are interested at wa4kfz@cox.net