VE3FFK

2025-05-20 mk’s Word – May

2025-05-20
Mike VE3FFK

In this issue: A bug for VE3RHQ, RAC antenna challenges, and information about the new ISED Basic Amateur Radio Exam effective July 15, 2025

RAC headquarters updates

A bug for VE3RHQ

I recently decided to get a bug for VE3RHQ at RAC headquarters. Thanks to XEM, that happened.
But…
Then I tried to make it talk. What a shock.
I haven’t had, or used a bug since I was a teenager. I’ve read that using paddles and a keyer makes it hard to retain the skill of using a bug. Those authors sure were right. When learning CW, you might be aware that your sending doesn’t quite sound like W1AW, but maybe not exactly why. At this point in my experience, I know exactly how I sound. If you learn a second language there comes a point in the process where you sort of understand a lot of it, but you try to speak, searching for words, mangling the grammer, pronunciation and so on. You sound like a 4 year old instead of the erudite scholar you are. Well, that’s me on the bug. The dits are ok, but the spaces within the characters are all over the map, as are the lengths of the dahs. I hear enough cruddy code on the air without adding to it, so will leave it to others to run the bug on the air, until I have more time on the code practice oscillator. There’s always something new to (re)learn.

Antenna challenges

Still at RAC, (where most of my ham time goes), we have been working away at finishing  the antennas while we have decent weather. We ran into an odd problem. The 80-10m end fed antenna no longer has a good SWR on 80 and 40. The coax checks out. The balun checks out. Even the wire checks out, with continuity from end to end. We even stuck a 20m long chunk of wire onto the balun and got a good SWR on 40. The only thing that we have left to try is to move the end away from the tower that holds the hex beam.

That will be a useful diagnostic, but as skyhooks are in short supply on that roof, it won’t help in the long term. At least we will have an answer to the puzzle.

We’re still making progress on a few fronts. If you want on to the VE3RHQ email list to keep on top of developments, let me know.

Below my signature, I’m including some information about changes coming on July 15, 2025 to the basic amateur radio exam.

73
thinking of field day
mk

New ISED basic amateur radio exam effective July 15, 2025

Effective July 15, 2025, the question bank for the Amateur Radio Operator Certificate with Basic Qualification is being completely updated. If you’re planning to write the exam this could affect how you prepare.

As of July 15, 2025, Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada (ISED) will implement a new version of the Basic Amateur Radio Exam. This update introduces a revised question bank, marking the first significant overhaul since 2013. The new question bank comprises 984 questions, each with a correct answer and three distractors, totaling 2,952 incorrect options. Notably, 201 new questions have been added to reflect current technologies and practices in amateur radio.

Implications for current students:

  • Exam Timing: If you’re preparing for the exam and expect to be assessed under the current question bank, it’s crucial to schedule and complete it before July 15, 2025. After this date, all examinations will utilize the updated question bank.
  • Course Validity: Courses based on the current question bank may not align with the new exam content. The OARC Basic Amateur Radio Course will be updated to align with the new question bank over the summer, prior to the Fall 2025 Course.

Resources for transition:

Recommendations:

  • For those nearing completion of our course: Aim to complete your exam before July 15, 2025, to avoid the need to study the new material.
  • For new or ongoing students taking the exam after July 15, 2025: Begin studying with the updated question bank to ensure alignment with the exam you’ll be taking.
  • Stay informed: Regularly check the ISED and RAC websites for updates, resources, and support materials related to the new exam format.

By proactively adjusting your study plan and utilizing the available resources, you can navigate the transition smoothly and position yourself for success in obtaining your Amateur Radio Operator Certificate with Basic Qualification.

Last Updated on 2025-06-16 by Joannadanna