New England Sci-Tech

I became associated with New England Sci-Tech through Bob Phinney who started the organization as a STEM maker space to teach students and adults about science, technology, astronomy and engineering. Mr. Phinney initially helped me get my Technician level Ham Radio license over 10 years ago. From that point on, I had been a member of his Amateur Radio club at first the Clay Center Amateur Radio Club (callsign W1CLA). I was Vice President of the CC-ARC in 2016 and helped Mr. Phinney open his own maker space in 2018 and a new Ham Radio Club NEAR (New England Amateur Radio, callsign NE1AR).

Through the club, I operated in the annual “Field Day” emergency drill where the club setup a temporary station using generator power and attempted to reach as many other stations in U.S. and Canada in a 24 hour period. I, at one point, held the record for most contacts in the club with over 200 contacts in one day.

I taught FCC Amateur Radio License exam prep course to help new operators become licensed the way Mr. Phinney had taught me. I also became an ARRL certified Volunteer examiner which allowed me to proctor 12 FCC licensing exams at New England Sci-Tech.

I also worked with Nathan Pennie (KB1RD) to designed electronics kits which Mr. Phinney used to teach soldering middle/high school students. I helped to design the kits and wrote documentation for kits.