Ham Cram and Testing Session TCF 2021

Quick Links: Ham Cram 9 AM, License Testing 3:30 PM

Get a Ham Radio License via Zoom in One Day
at the Trenton Computer Fest 2021
on Saturday March 20, 2021
 Sponsored by the David Sarnoff Radio Club


Ham Cram
9 AM (Eastern Time)

To receive an amateur radio license you must show technical proficiency on topics including electronics and operating a station. This Saturday morning session can help you prepare for the License Testing session on Saturday afternoon

Preparation prior to participation in the course and the exam is strongly encouraged. The slide presentation in the class that follows the truly wonderful and free study guide can be found at http://www.kb6nu.com/tech-manual/.  Students are strongly urged to make use of it.

If you wanted to get an amateur radio license but never had the time, now is your opportunity! To obtain the entry-level Technician license, all one has to do is pass a multiple-choice exam. The course will step through the information needed to pass the FCC Technician License exam.

Online practice exams are also of great benefit, http://qrz.com/hamtest/ (free registration required.)  For further study a comprehensive set of slides that have been used in past classes, along with the complete Technician Class Question Pool material can be found at: https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/0B8Kvsw95jCqIU29oMTJVOFYxU3M?usp=sharing

The topic agenda for the Technician Class Ham Cram will be:

  • What is Amateur Radio,
  • Electrical Principles,
  • Math for Electronics,
  • Basic Electronics and Components,
  • Schematics,
  • Radio Wave Properties,
  • Propagation,
  • Antennas & Feedlines,
  • Amateur Radio, Signal/Modulation Types,
  • Safety Concepts,
  • RF Exposure,
  • Station Setup & Operation,
  • Operating Controls,
  • Station Equipment,
  • Common Troubleshooting,
  • Using a Multimeter or DMM,
  • Operating Procedures,
  • Public Service,
  • Amateur Satellites,
  • Fun Activities & Internet, and Rules,
  • Regulations & Definitions.
  • This is why we call it a “Cram”

The class will begin at 9:00 am, lunch at 12:30 pm, and end about 2:00 pm. Time permitting, we will run through a few practice exams prior to the actual virtual testing session, which will begin at 3:30 pm.


License VE Testing Session
3:30 PM (Eastern Time)

Take the Federal Communications Commission examination for an amateur radio license, administered by Volunteer Examiners (“VE’s”)

Advance registration is required for the exam session. Candidates must email nu3e@arrl.net no later than Wednesday, March 17 to register for the exam. The FCC examination will be given by ARRL-certified Volunteer Examiners (VEs).

You do not have to attend the HAM CRAM 101 to participate in the exam session. An exam fee ($15.00) must be paid by each examinee. Two forms of identification (at least one must have your photograph) will be required to take the exam.

All license exams will be offered (Technician, General and Extra) at this testing session. If upgrading, bring an official copy of your current license. Results of your test will be provided after exam session is completed.


Since 1976 Trenton Computer Festival is the parent of all technology festivals! TCF 2021  will be a virtual event, rain or shine.