Section News
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NH ARES NH NTS Section News Field Day ARRL NH Section Staff Section Manager Peter Stohrer, K1PJS Section Emergency Coordinator Wayne Santos, N1CKM Section Traffic Manager Bill Noyce, AB1AV Affiliated Club Coordinator Al Shuman, K1AKS Public Information Coordinator Open Technical Coordinator Jim Fowler, KA1SU State Government Liaison Bill Nelson, KA1PTW |
Distracted Driving "Hands Free Law"
Nearly all states now have in place a distracted driving law more commonly known as a “Hands-Free” law and NH is no exception. In 2014 new distracted driving legislation was introduced in the NH House (HB 1360). Initial wording of the bill would have prevented the use of most if not all electronic devices, including amateur radios when operating a motor vehicle. Several NH amateurs along with help from the NH ARRL State Government Liaison Rep. Bill Nelson KA1PTW, met during the House Committee meetings, not to argue against the bill but to suggest possible exceptions, i.e. to make it lawful “to use one hand to transmit or receive messages on any non cellular 2 way radio.” This language eventually made its way into the bill which became law on July 1, 2015. The entire Statute can be read here Section 265:79-c Use of Mobile Electronic Devices While Driving; Prohibition. (state.nh.us). The amateur radio exception (and all non-cellular 2 way radios regardless of what radio service) is found at 265:79-c II(b) “II. It shall not be an offense under this section for any person driving a motor vehicle upon a way: (a)…… (b) To use one hand to transmit or receive messages on any non-cellular 2-way radio.” The law has been on the NH books now for 6 years and police departments and officers in NH are aware of the exceptions. The law is not applicable to those under 18 years of age. For hams living in southern NH and commuting to Massachusetts, a special thanks to Mr. Mike Crestohl, W1RC, of Near-fest for his email sent to many Massachusetts Police Departments to help provide clarity regarding the distracted driving exception for amateur radio operators when operating a motor vehicle recently enacted in the Bay State. Please feel free to contact me k1pjs@arrl.net should you have questions about the NH law. 73, Pete, K1PJS NH Section Manager Now is the time to be thinking of an Amateur Radio License Class Hams are giving people, you will find them providing communication resources to help in emergencies or support for public service events. Sometimes, you will find them conducting Amateur Radio classes and some even become Volunteer Examiners administering the tests as part of a VE team. Without a doubt, it is fulfilling to help another toward the goal of passing an Amateur Radio exam and receiving a license. Each of us have been there; thankful for those that took the time to assist us. We know prior to taking the exam, the potential licensee will need to study and review the necessary material for the license sought after and having a class to attend with other like minded students for instruction is certainly well worth the time and investment not only for the student, but provides the instructor(s) opportunities to share his or her Amateur Radio knowledge and experience. The FCC issues 3 classes of licenses today; the Technician, General and Extra which are administered by a 3 person Volunteer Examiner (VE) team. The fall is a wonderful time for Amateur Radio clubs to prepare a class. Cooler months often re-focus activities to the inside, which provide an ideal time to conduct Amateur Radio License sessions. License classes are conducted numerous ways; from the single all day session to multi-class sessions, usually given over many weeks. Clubs know their demographics best and often tailor a class to meet the needs of their particular area. If you are wondering how to structure a typical Technician Class, consider a period of 6 Saturday mornings (or day and time of the club’s choice). This provides a good way for the instructor(s) to cover two easily digested chapters per session. The ARRL study manual has 10 chapters covering the introduction to Amateur Radio, Basic Electronics, Antennas, Propagation, Amateur Radio equipment, Licensing and Operating regulations ending with a chapter on Safety. The final class would be a VE session conducted a by the local VE team. Recently, the FCC Technician question exam pool was updated and using the new ARRL Ham Radio License Manual, Third edition, June 30th 2014 – July 1, 2018 is now in effect. The main advantage of the multi-session class is to allow students time to absorb the material presented from each session and to bring questions for the instructor during the next. Recruiting several in the local club to share in the teaching responsibilities takes advantage of different gifts and experiences from each instructor and makes individual chapter preparation quite manageable. Registering with the League as an instructor can provide substantial discounts on license manuals and other related instructional material with the Instructor Discount Program. Further info on the program can be found at http://www.arrl.org/License-instructor-registration The League also provides a way to promote your Amateur Radio License Class on the arrl.org website. Once details are determined, go to URL http://www.arrl.org/list-a-license-class to list your class. Send the information also to peter@k1pjs.com to have it added to the Section www.nharrl.org web site and the NH Section Facebook page. Finally, If you are interested in becoming a Volunteer Examiner, information can be found at the League web site http://www.arrl.org/volunteer- or drop me an email peter@k1pjs.com vy 73, Pete K1PJS NHSM " |
