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ARRL switching to electronic exams
I went to NE Science tech in Natick last weekend to observe a testing session.?
They are all electronic...test online...grade online...forms and results submitted online. There there was a group of VE's that were from Western MA (Holyoke I believe).? That group currently uses paper and were there because they were told the ARRL was pushing VE Teams to switch to all electronic testing, so they wanted to watch the process.? I reached out to ARRL to find out the scoop.? The short version is paper can still be used, but exam must be printed from exam tools and results uploaded to ARRL (no more mail in).? I am not sure what the BVARC VE team is doing at this point except that paper exams are still being used (don't know if they are using pre-printed exams from ARRL? or already printing tests from ExamTools). My sense is this is the incremental step between where things are today and eventually "no more paper"...meaning WiFi and computers/tablets/chrome books might be needed at some point down the road.?? ?
At any rate, this could complicate walk-in testing cause candidates need to be registered for an exam before actually taking it Here is what they said: The Technician exams will change in 2026 so our VE teams will be required to print the new exams from ExamTools if they wish to continue in-person sessions using printed exams. This will be the new procedure as we are no longer printing or shipping booklets from ARRL HQ as costs have become unmanageable. At each pool change, teams will have to print new exams as the question pools will continue to update. ? Reducing license grant times from weeks to days. Additionally, all VE teams must submit their test session results via our secure webpage which we have been advertising for years. Teams will upload sessions for quicker service to candidates which will reduce the return shipping expenses, as we have also been covering the cost of shipping the administered sessions back to ARRL HQ. Uploading electronic session results through our website is a vital program feature for our customers. ? ExamTools Examination System The system works well for online or printed exams. Our blue overlay grading template designs are loaded in the program and can be used with the ExamTools printed exams. Additionally, whether the team is using online or printed exams, the program offers registering and tracking candidates throughout the session, automated grading, online signing of CSCE and 605 forms by the candidate and examiners, logging and compiling session stats and VE participation list (test report summary), and output files for upload to the coordinating VEC. The program manages/handles almost everything needed to conduct a test session for either printed or online exams. ? VE teams can use exams printed from ExamTools, or they can move to using the online exams at in-person sessions or entirely online remote video sessions. The important piece is moving teams to electronic files by utilizing ExamTools for the candidate’s data. ? There are two options in ExamTools for the teams in regard to exam grading if they want to continue using paper exams. ? 1. VEs can print exams to line up with our The team leader will register a session in ExamTools so the candidates can sign up for the session and fill out their 605 applications through the program. At the session, as mentioned, the team will still be able to use the paper tests that line up with specific grading templates. After the session is completed, the team leader will log into ExamTools and enter the candidate’s test element and pass/fail information and the participating VEs. ? When all session information is completed, the team leader will save the information and then download/save the session file (called VEC Archive file) which will be uploaded by the team leader through our upload webpage. The session archive file will automatically import into our system from there. Because the candidate’s fill out their own 605 applications in ExamTools and its automatically imported into our system, there are very few errors with the FCC data since we would not have to type any information like we have to do for paper 605s. Additionally, the paper exams must be scanned and uploaded separately from the ExamTools VEC archive file if the team does not use GradeCam (see information below about this feature). ? 2.? VEs can create printed exams that utilize GradeCam for grading tests. will automatically grade exams in seconds using the camera on a phone, tablet, or computer, which eliminates the need to manually score the tests. Additionally, the score will automatically be recorded in ExamTools for each test. ?The team leader will register a session in ExamTools so the candidates can sign up for the session and fill out their 605 applications through the program. At the session, the team will still be able to use the paper tests, but the printed exams that utilize GradeCam will automatically be graded instead of the team having to manually grade exams. Additionally, the candidate’s score and exam will automatically be recorded in the session record. After the session is completed, the team leader will save the information and then download/save the session file (called VEC Archive file) which will be uploaded by the team leader through our upload webpage. The session archive file will automatically import into our system from there. Because the candidate’s fill out their own 605 applications in ExamTools and its automatically imported into our system, there are very few errors with the FCC data since we would not have to type any information like we have to do for paper 605s. ? ? We believe that a year should be enough time for everyone to learn the ExamTools system and decide what works best for their team. We are here to help with any assistance that we can provide. ? Here is some information on the online examination system; also check out the .? ? ? |
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Re: BVARC Field Day planning meeting (Monday 21-Apr-2025, 8-9pm)
Notes from April 21 Field Day planning meeting ? Present at the meeting were: Bruce Wood, W1BRU Ken Trudel, N1RGK Larry Freitas, N1KLF Martin Bayes, AA!ON Mickey Callahan, K1WMC Peter Sichel, K1AV ? We reviewed the previously published agenda here (/g/W1DDD/message/297) so I’m only including notes and action items; ? Choppiest Hill Field Day site ———————————— site is confirmed - Bruce Wood has been in contact with Lisa Hopkins from the Scituate Public Works department to arrange the needed permit, picnic tables and trash receptacles. ? - Peter had understood Ray Vilnit arranged to have a Port-a-Jon at the site last year for a cost of $200.? I have since learned that club treasurer Lloyd Merrill has arranged for a Port-a-Jon to be on site. ? - We discussed the state of our operating tents (which leaked last year).? <Action> Martin and Peter agreed to bring extra tarps we can use to cover the tents and equipment if needed.? Mickey has arranged an SUV tent for his vehicle and QSO-a-go-go trailer which should provide better shelter. ? - We discussed ways to have Internet access from the site.? Internet is desired for synchronizing computer clocks for FT8 and for synchronizing logging software if needed.? Larry Freitas said he can borrow a dedicated cellular hotspot from the library to provide basic Internet access.? We agreed this would be easier than trying to gain and extend access to Senior Center network.? <Action> Larry agreed to test this configuration ahead of time. ? Stations and Operating Category ——————————————— Our plan is to: - Operate category 2A (or 1A depending on level of interest and operator coverage, 1 or 2 HF stations). An option we discussed is to have 1 station available for more experienced operators to run pile ups and another for more casual search & pounce. ?It doesn't cost us anything to allow a 2nd station even if it's idle part of the time. ?It could be available for BYO QRP or WinLink when not otherwise busy. - have GOTA station (does not count against category) - have VHF station (does not count against category).? <Action> Martin to bring a 6m beam (?) ? The club owns two Icom 7300s available for HF. <Action> Larry Freitas will make a Yaesu FT-710 available for HF. Paul Fontana may bring his own digital station which includes VHF capability (<Action> Peter to confirm) ? <Action> Martin Bayes is working on the clubs tri-bander and will lead beam set up based on condition and available support.? Martin has some tower sections but considering simpler options to suspend the beam.? Martin is a strong advocate for the beam to run pile-ups. ? Mickey expressed a preference for simpler antennas. Peter also wants to setup simple antennas but is open having the beam as an option. ? <Action> Peter has 10 meter fiberglass masts to setup a 40-10 meter EFHW. ? Still thinking about 80 meter coverage possibly using an 41’ or 71’ EFRW. ? The GOTA station will have it’s own antenna along QSO-a-go-go trailer <Action> Mickey ? <Action> Peter to confirm with Mark Hofstra if the tri-plexer is available (so 2 stations can share the beam). ?Yes, the quad-plexer and set of bandpass filters belong to the club. Martin has 3 sets of bandpass filters we can use to reduce receiver overload between stations. ? <Action> Peter to check with Ed Fox about club equipment including radios, generator, and extension cords. Get copy of club inventory. ?[Done] Honda 2000 watt generators: club, Peter, and Paul Fontana(?) <Action> Martin to check if his extension cords are 12 gauge (preferred for long runs). ? Computers and Logging ———————————————- We need computers for logging and to agree on software. Discussed using N3FJP Field Day Logger and other options. <Action> Peter to check with Mark if he has laptops available. ?[No, they're gone] <Action> Peter to check if N3FJP Field Day Logger can send CW. ?[Yes it can with WinKeyer etc.] Peter has an old Intel MacBook that could run Windows. ? Food —— Teri Diiorio helped organize food last year including Saturday lunch sandwiches and evening pot luck. <Action> Peter to followup if Teri wishes to volunteer again. ? Activity Sign Ups ——————— Including Setup, operating, and tear down. Sign-up “sheet” to be available on-line, at club meetings, and start of events. Setup time will be noon Friday, and 9am(?) Saturday morning. ? Bonus Activities ———————— - Publicity - check with Ron Blaise [Yes] - Copying Field Day Message - check with Bob Baudet (Peter has message schedule) - Message to Section Manager ? Peter used WinLink last year and would be glad to teach another volunteer to do this prior to Field Day. ? Note this pretty much requires VARA HF to be effective which costs $50 to register. - Satellite - may attempt but was not successful last year. [Bruce, Matt, or Jim?] - Alternate Power - need at least 5 contacts using battery charged from solar (or other source) ? Other Topics or Suggestions ———————————— - Safety Officer - I believe this was Teri or Jim Johnson last year. ?[Jim is available] - Invite Judson to planning as he collected logs and documentation to submit the clubs entry. - Schedule next Field Day Committee meeting for one week before the regular BVARC meeting (May 19th due to Holiday) so the next Field Day meeting would be Monday May 12th at 8pm via Zoom. ? Comments and corrections welcome. ? 73, Peter K1AV |
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Re: Antenna presentation at April 28th BVARC meeting
Here are the links to Greg Mihran's design files. ?73, Peter
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Gary Lake
Peter Sichel K1AV
Mike K1VI