The OVH successfully completed another VE session on Saturday, August 15, 2026. This session was an opportunity for two of the VE team members to learn how to use the new ExamTools system.
The exam session was also an opportunity to use our newly printed yard signs. A total of four signs were placed along the parking lot to direct applicants to the rear entrance of the Chantilly Regional Library. A fifth sign was placed on an easel indoors to direct applicants to the exam room.
A total of four candidates took the Technician Class exam. Three passed and (sadly) one failed. It was gratifying to have two youth candidates attend our session. Getting kids involved is so important in keeping our hobby vibrant and relatable in our technology-driven world.
We have been conducting exams using three old laptop computers running Linux Mint with the Google Chrome browsers set to “kiosk mode.” Kiosk mode ensures that browser stays locked to the ExamTools web site, preventing candidates from going out to the internet and seeking assistance during the exam.
Having seen how slow and bulky the laptop computers were to use, David Lane, KG4GIY has graciously donated five Android X109 tablets for use in future exams. The tablets can be locked in kiosk mode as well. Transporting the tablets will be so much easier than lugging the laptop computers around. Thank you, David, for your generous contribution to the club!
Thanks to the VE team for helping out:
Byron Dillon AK4XR
David Lane KG4GIY
Bruce Crandall KN4GDX
Lynn Timmons KX4HR
David Weaver KY4MM