Field Day 2015 Special Test Session

[KA2ODP/7]

There will be a special ARRL VE test session on Saturday, 27 June 2015, at 10:00 AM. This test session is being held in conjunction with the ARRL Field Day event, which will be happening at the same location. This is a great opportunity to upgrade your license class, or get started in Amateur Radio by passing your Technician class exam. The Field Day event will allow folks to see various types of radio equipment set up for operation on HF, VHF, and UHF amateur radio bands. There will also be an information table available for those interested in learning more about "ham" radio.

The test session will take place in the conference room at the Cascade County Disaster and Emergency Services (DES) building, located at 521 1st Avenue NW in Great Falls. Parking is behind the building, inside the fenced compound.

For those trying to picture the meeting location, please remember that the DES building was previously used by the Cascade County Weed and Mosquito Management office, as well as the County vehicle shop (both of which moved out to their new facilities near Manchester). When those two county functions moved out, the county DES office moved in. Same building, but with a different county function now.

Access to the DES building after normal business hours is through the vehicle yard on the back side of the building (North side). Look for the large chain link fence gate off of 6th Street NW. If you are coming from the direction of the intersection with Central Avenue West, go past the Salvation Army thrift store and turn right just before Chuck's Chinese Restaurant & Casino. Look for the park bench seat with the yellow back rest advertising "Sherlock's Home" on the right side of the street. Turn right just BEFORE this park bench, and drive through the open gate.

Due to Field Day equipment being set up, parking space will be limited. Parking is also available next to the chain-link fence outside the DES compound, alongside 1st Avenue NW. If you are just coming for the test session, or to help out at Field Day for a few hours, please consider parking outside the DES compound along the fence. The walk-in gate at the back corner of the DES building will be open for access. Please pay attention to antenna cables and power cords that might be stretched out across the ground between the various operating locations.

REMEMBER TO BRING: a photo ID (such as a Driver's License), your present Amateur Radio license (if you have one), and the $15 testing fee.

If you have any questions, please call Dawn (AD7MT) at (406) 454-3214 or send an E-Mail to Cameron (N7NBB) at n7nbb@arrl.net. Advance reservations are not required, but we really prefer folks tell us that they intend to test on a certain date so we know how many persons to expect. Advance notice is especially recommended for those travelling to Great Falls from out of town to attend a test session.