2017 Mentorfest Flyer This is a PDF flyer you can download and print for distribution...

2017 Mentorfest
OCTOBER 21, 2017

Hosted by the Irving Amateur Radio Club
for the
North Texas Section
American Radio Relay League

Time: 7:30am - 4:00pm
Location: Betcha Bingo Hall, 2420 W Irving Blvd, Irving, TX 75061 [Google Map & Directions]

The ARRL North Texas Section would like to invite all current and prospective Hams to attend Mentorfest! This event is a great way for Hams, especially those recently licensed, to meet and learn about a variety of subjects. Amateur radio operators have a great tradition of helping each other learn about and gain experience in the many facets of the hobby. Mentorfest is designed to build on this tradition by providing a place for Hams of all ages and experience levels to come together, exchange knowledge and make new friends while having fun and enjoying the great hobby of Amateur Radio.

Here are some of the things you can expect at Mentorfest....

• Formal presentations on a number of topics.
• Local clubs providing information on their activities.
• “Elmers” (ham-speak for mentors) available for informal discussions on just about any topic.
• Tours of emergency communications vehicles.
• Representatives from the ARRL, ARES/RACES, REACT, National Weather Service and others showing how you can get involved.

Schedule

Presenters:  We'd like to thank all of the volunteer mentors for their presentations!

Bob KG5SQJ - Practical BaoFeng HT Radio Programming 101
Guy N7WSC - Digital HF modes- PSK31/JT65
Paul KA5TYW - AREDN- Amatuer Radio Emerg Digital Network and FSQ? What is it?
Jason K5HWB - DMR- Digital Mobile Radio?
Don W9VE - Inexpensive dual-band 2M/70CM
Tom K5LOL - CHIRP: RT to program their new HT
Ken AC5EZ - Intro to Soldering/Coax cable connector assembly
Andy KE5KOF and Kevin N5KRG - PowerPole
Jim W0UO - NVIS Antennas

Participants

All ARRL affiliated clubs are encouraged to participate in Mentorfest by at least having an information table with club representatives. The ARRL will be promoting Mentorfest to new Hams so there should be opportunities for clubs to recruit new members.

If your club or group is interested in participating in Mentorfest, please send E-mail to mentorfest@arrlntx.org.

Volunteers

Volunteers are needed to help will the following tasks...

• Arranging tables and chairs before the event opens
• Arranging tables and chairs after the event closes
• Parking lot control for EmComm vehicle static displays
• Greeters to help direct attendees to where to get the answers they seek.

If you are able to volunteer, please send E-mail to mentorfest@arrlntx.org.

Mentoring

In addition to the formal presentations, mentoring will be available on a large range of topics. Many amateur radio clubs, individual Hams and organizations with ties to amateur radio will be at Mentorfest to answer questions and provide demonstrations in a very informal setting.

If you ever wanted to learn more about a certain aspect of Amateur Radio, you should be able to find answers to most questions at Mentorfest. Check out the growing list of groups participating and see what topics they will be covering and equipment or techniques they will be demonstrating.

If you have something amateur radio related that you would like to show and tell about, please consider attending Mentorfest. Your excitement about a favorite subject might be an inspiration to another Ham. Come share your knowledge and experience.

You can send E-mail to mentorfest@arrlntx.org to let us know about a topic you're interested in learning about or to let us know that you're interested in being a Mentor. Mentorfest should be a great place to exchange knowledge and make new friends.