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Posted: 11/11/2023 4:34:07 PM EDT
[#1]
Quote HistoryOriginally Posted By Paulie771: Just passed the Tech exam. Have a couple of months to learn the General stuff. Next exam date is in January. This thread was invaluable and continues to be a wealth of knowledge. Thanks to all who contribute(d) to it. Congrats! Definitely push forward on the General license. HF is where the real fun happens. |
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MD, USA
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Posted: 11/11/2023 7:15:53 PM EDT
[#2]
Quote HistoryOriginally Posted By Paulie771: Just passed the Tech exam. Have a couple of months to learn the General stuff. Next exam date is in January. This thread was invaluable and continues to be a wealth of knowledge. Thanks to all who contribute(d) to it. CONTRATULATIONS! If you passed your Tech, it should only take you a couple weeks to be ready for General. It isn't harder at all. |
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Posted: 11/11/2023 7:39:06 PM EDT
[#3]
Quote HistoryOriginally Posted By Paulie771: Just passed the Tech exam. Have a couple of months to learn the General stuff. Next exam date is in January. This thread was invaluable and continues to be a wealth of knowledge. Thanks to all who contribute(d) to it.  Attached File |
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Posted: 11/11/2023 9:28:35 PM EDT
[#4]
Quote HistoryOriginally Posted By 67Firebird: @Merlin I have been trying, off and on, but I'm ready to pursue it harder. I just want to get my Tech license. My goal/reasoning is for simple communication, if phones and internet go down. I don't drive anymore, so if nobody else is home, I am truly on my own. I bought a Baofeng, and a MO HTF member drove some distance to come over and set it up. I have it set to the weather service frequency of the nearest big city. A friend at church has helped me with info and some equipment, so here's what I have; I set up a coax to run from my computer to outside the back of the house https://i.postimg.cc/SRssggQG/2023-4-7_Inside_Coax_(1).jpg Set up the gifted box/wire, and made an antenna against a Cedar tree https://i.postimg.cc/gJhNCVzF/2023-4-9_Antenna_Put_Up_(5).jpg https://i.postimg.cc/25VHwpg5/2023-4-9_Antenna_Put_Up_(8).jpg He also gave me an SDR, and I occasionally just listen to whatever I can find https://i.postimg.cc/9QDYKXDZ/2023-4-16_SDR_Screen.jpg https://i.postimg.cc/6QMcBmxR/2023-4-20_SDR_(1).jpg https://i.postimg.cc/SsjrRfmP/2023-4-20_SDR_(2).jpg https://i.postimg.cc/HxKty8xk/2023-4-20_SDR_(3).jpg I've taken the practice test a few times, but I've never been good at memorizing things, especially if I don't actually understand them. All the questions with meters, hz/khz/mhz are just attempts at memorization, and the wiring diagrams are absolutely meaningless to me. I don't recall the test scores, but I failed very time. I improved, but still failed. I want to; 1. Get Tech license. 2. Learn where I'm allowed to talk. 3. Listen until I'm comfortable with all of that. 4. Get a small base station so that I can talk. Quote HistoryOriginally Posted By 67Firebird: Originally Posted By Merlin: Anyone else getting their license, new to Ham Radio? I have been trying, off and on, but I'm ready to pursue it harder. I just want to get my Tech license. My goal/reasoning is for simple communication, if phones and internet go down. I don't drive anymore, so if nobody else is home, I am truly on my own. I bought a Baofeng, and a MO HTF member drove some distance to come over and set it up. I have it set to the weather service frequency of the nearest big city. A friend at church has helped me with info and some equipment, so here's what I have; I set up a coax to run from my computer to outside the back of the house https://i.postimg.cc/SRssggQG/2023-4-7_Inside_Coax_(1).jpg Set up the gifted box/wire, and made an antenna against a Cedar tree https://i.postimg.cc/gJhNCVzF/2023-4-9_Antenna_Put_Up_(5).jpg https://i.postimg.cc/25VHwpg5/2023-4-9_Antenna_Put_Up_(8).jpg He also gave me an SDR, and I occasionally just listen to whatever I can find https://i.postimg.cc/9QDYKXDZ/2023-4-16_SDR_Screen.jpg https://i.postimg.cc/6QMcBmxR/2023-4-20_SDR_(1).jpg https://i.postimg.cc/SsjrRfmP/2023-4-20_SDR_(2).jpg https://i.postimg.cc/HxKty8xk/2023-4-20_SDR_(3).jpg I've taken the practice test a few times, but I've never been good at memorizing things, especially if I don't actually understand them. All the questions with meters, hz/khz/mhz are just attempts at memorization, and the wiring diagrams are absolutely meaningless to me. I don't recall the test scores, but I failed very time. I improved, but still failed. I want to; 1. Get Tech license. 2. Learn where I'm allowed to talk. 3. Listen until I'm comfortable with all of that. 4. Get a small base station so that I can talk. Some comments: I know you're still working on technician, but General might be a very useful goal for the situation you describe. HF would give you a lot more capability for longer distance contacts and a lot better environment for day to day recreational use if that would be something you would enjoy. It might be useful to take a look at some different books/study materials. Some get better results from different styles of presenting the material. I'm a fan of the Gordon West books, but what's important is what would work for you. I guess what I'm saying is that if you're struggling with your current study materials, maybe a different style of presentation might be helpful to you. If you're using online stuff now, maybe getting ahold of an ARRL or Gordon West book might be just the ticket. Once (hopefully) you find something that works for you and you get through the Technician test, I would immediately start working on General, keep at it while you're in that mode and still have the Tech material fresh in mind. The SDR receivers are a great learning tool. The images you show with the signal spikes at regular spacing... those spikes are noise generally from switching power supplies as are omnipresent in modern homes. Sometimes you can "choke" the feedlines and significantly reduce or eliminate that noise, but often it takes more attention to the sources inside the home. It can be quite an exercise. |
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Posted: 11/12/2023 1:34:47 AM EDT
[#5]
I appreciate all of that. Yes, I still struggle with it, because I've never been good at memorizing anything, and my mind races too fast even when reading. I can read a paragraph, and have no idea what I just read, because I'm thinking about other things at the same time. I'll look for the books you mentioned, and see if they're in a format that looks more helpful. Thanks.
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Posted: 11/12/2023 1:42:59 AM EDT
[#6]
Quote HistoryOriginally Posted By 67Firebird: I'll look for the books you mentioned, and see if they're in a format that looks more helpful. Thanks. https://www.amazon.com/dp/0945053010?tag=arfcom00-20 https://www.amazon.com/dp/1625951558?tag=arfcom00-20 |
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Posted: 11/12/2023 2:09:31 AM EDT
[#7]
Thanks, I'll look into those.
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Posted: 11/12/2023 8:33:09 PM EDT
[#8]
I figured I'd start with taking the practice test again.
 Time for study mode, and ordering a book.  |
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CO, USA
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Posted: 11/13/2023 1:25:18 AM EDT
[#9]
heh, just did a couple practice tests, no studying
Tech, missed 1... stupid one, "What type of modulation is commonly used for VHF packet radio transmissions?" ... OFDM was not an option. I don't do packet.  General... Your score: 22/35 (62%)  |
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Posted: 11/16/2023 10:28:18 PM EDT
[#10]
Quote HistoryOriginally Posted By SnowMule: heh, just did a couple practice tests, no studying Tech, missed 1... stupid one, "What type of modulation is commonly used for VHF packet radio transmissions?" ... OFDM was not an option. I don't do packet. General... Your score: 22/35 (62%) I do that occasionally as well. It can be humbling.
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Posted: 12/14/2023 1:12:20 PM EDT
[#11]
Quote HistoryOriginally Posted By Gamma762: https://www.amazon.com/dp/1625951558?tag=arfcom00-20 I finally got the book, yesterday. Studying will be done.   |
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Posted: 12/20/2023 6:29:07 PM EDT
[#12]
Quote HistoryOriginally Posted By 67Firebird: I finally got the book, yesterday. Studying will be done. https://i.postimg.cc/0jV4ZvB0/2023-12-13-HAM-Study-Book.jpg |
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Posted: 12/20/2023 7:31:09 PM EDT
[#13]
Poorly.
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Posted: 12/21/2023 8:01:10 AM EDT
[#14]
Scheduled my tech and general on Jan 06, '24.
For motivation, I've already purchased a Yaesu FT-710 and a Wolf River Coils antenna. m |
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Posted: 12/21/2023 11:28:06 AM EDT
[#15]
Quote HistoryOriginally Posted By 67Firebird: Poorly. Good luck! |
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Posted: 12/21/2023 11:29:45 AM EDT
[#16]
Quote HistoryOriginally Posted By warp_foo: Scheduled my tech and general on Jan 06, '24. For motivation, I've already purchased a Yaesu FT-710 and a Wolf River Coils antenna. m https://www.gigaparts.com/yaesu-ft-710-aess-hf-50mhz-100w-sdr-transceiver.html  |
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Posted: 12/21/2023 2:00:45 PM EDT
[#17]
Quote HistoryOriginally Posted By Merlin: If you have a smart phone, there are apps to help you study. Sitting and waiting for a doctor's appointment or at the local DMV? Practice while you wait! And there are a number of on-line test practice places as well. Good luck! I appreciate the encouragement. I'm sticking with it, because it's my next thing that I want *done*. |
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Posted: 12/21/2023 2:17:09 PM EDT
[#18]
Quote HistoryOriginally Posted By Merlin: https://www.gigaparts.com/yaesu-ft-710-aess-hf-50mhz-100w-sdr-transceiver.html Quote HistoryOriginally Posted By Merlin: Originally Posted By warp_foo: Scheduled my tech and general on Jan 06, '24. For motivation, I've already purchased a Yaesu FT-710 and a Wolf River Coils antenna. m https://www.gigaparts.com/yaesu-ft-710-aess-hf-50mhz-100w-sdr-transceiver.html Humor aside, for a base station, the FT-710 pretty much does everything you'd ever need in a small package and, tbh, quite well priced. m |
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Posted: 1/6/2024 3:33:16 PM EDT
[#19]
Passed Tech and General this morning. Examiners said it's currently taking 2 weeks to get into the db.
m |
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Posted: 1/6/2024 3:43:01 PM EDT
[#20]
Quote HistoryOriginally Posted By warp_foo: Passed Tech and General this morning. Examiners said it's currently taking 2 weeks to get into the db. m  |
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Posted: 1/6/2024 6:28:38 PM EDT
[Last Edit: Merlin]
[#21]
Quote HistoryOriginally Posted By warp_foo: Passed Tech and General this morning. Examiners said it's currently taking 2 weeks to get into the db. m Attached FileETA: Bet you a P-51 it's in by next Friday (1/12). It's in by Friday: You get a P-51 It's not in by Friday: I'll send you a P-51. You in? |
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Posted: 1/6/2024 9:02:05 PM EDT
[Last Edit: warp_foo]
[#22]
Quote HistoryOriginally Posted By Merlin: /media/mediaFiles/sharedAlbum/toast_gif-994.gif ETA: Bet you a P-51 it's in by next Friday (1/12). It's in by Friday: You get a P-51 It's not in by Friday: I'll send you a P-51. You in? Quote HistoryOriginally Posted By Merlin: Originally Posted By warp_foo: Passed Tech and General this morning. Examiners said it's currently taking 2 weeks to get into the db. m ETA: Bet you a P-51 it's in by next Friday (1/12). It's in by Friday: You get a P-51 It's not in by Friday: I'll send you a P-51. You in? Other than the North American fighter, I'm not sure what you mean by P-51... m ETA: I have found a reference to jumper p51 on the Yaesu FT-710 to enable MARS? |
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Posted: 1/6/2024 11:05:36 PM EDT
[#23]
I passed my technician test on 7 Oct 23 and passed my General test today (6 Jan 24). I have been using the Pass Your Amateur Test books by Craig "Buck" K4IA and also taking the practice tests on QRZ. I also took the Extra test today but did not pass it. I wasn't expecting to pas the Extra since I have not studied at all for it. I did get 24 out of 50 correct though. I went ahead and got the Kindle version of the Pass Your Amateur Extra test book after I got home from testing. I started reading that book today and will probably start taking practice exams in a day or two.
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Posted: 1/7/2024 12:33:38 AM EDT
[#24]
Quote HistoryOriginally Posted By warp_foo: P-51D or P-51H? Other than the North American fighter, I'm not sure what you mean by P-51... m ETA: I have found a reference to jumper p51 on the Yaesu FT-710 to enable MARS? Quote HistoryOriginally Posted By warp_foo: Originally Posted By Merlin: Originally Posted By warp_foo: Passed Tech and General this morning. Examiners said it's currently taking 2 weeks to get into the db. m ETA: Bet you a P-51 it's in by next Friday (1/12). It's in by Friday: You get a P-51 It's not in by Friday: I'll send you a P-51. You in? Other than the North American fighter, I'm not sure what you mean by P-51... m ETA: I have found a reference to jumper p51 on the Yaesu FT-710 to enable MARS? https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/P-38_can_opener#Design |
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Posted: 1/7/2024 3:13:26 AM EDT
[#25]
Quote HistoryOriginally Posted By chumpmiester: I passed my technician test on 7 Oct 23 and passed my General test today (6 Jan 24). I have been using the Pass Your Amateur Test books by Craig "Buck" K4IA and also taking the practice tests on QRZ. I also took the Extra test today but did not pass it. I wasn't expecting to pas the Extra since I have not studied at all for it. I did get 24 out of 50 correct though. I went ahead and got the Kindle version of the Pass Your Amateur Extra test book after I got home from testing. I started reading that book today and will probably start taking practice exams in a day or two. Be aware that the Extra test pool changes in July of this year, so if you (or anyone) is studying for Extra, plan to test before then. |
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Posted: 1/7/2024 11:21:20 AM EDT
[#26]
Quote HistoryOriginally Posted By Gamma762: Be aware that the Extra test pool changes in July of this year, so if you (or anyone) is studying for Extra, plan to test before then. |
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Posted: 1/9/2024 9:18:08 AM EDT
[Last Edit: warp_foo]
[#27]
Took the tests on January 6, paid cores fee yesterday, and received my call sign this morning. 12 days.
Also, the FCC website is... horrible. Navigating that thing is fun. (For diving into pools full of shards of broken glass values of 'fun'.) m |
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Posted: 2/6/2024 3:29:27 PM EDT
[#28]
I want to get my license.
I inherited a radio and I'm going to learn to use it (legally) |
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Posted: 2/6/2024 9:54:46 PM EDT
[Last Edit: Gamma762]
[#29]
Quote HistoryOriginally Posted By dorobuta: I want to get my license. I inherited a radio and I'm going to learn to use it (legally) What kind of radio? ETA: found your other thread. For that particular radio, the entry level Technician license would cover the amateur bands that radio is capable of operating on. What kind of learning style works best for you? The tests are multiple choice with all possible questions published, so study material tends to be tailored to the tests. There are free online resources that let you just go through the question/answers, or if you want to dig in a little more there are study materials that go into a bit more detail in explaining things. Some prefer a book vs online, and some like video presentations. Depending on what you want to do with amateur radio, you might look ahead to a higher class license which would allow more privileges on the HF bands, but that would be a different kind of radio and operating environment. |
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Posted: 2/6/2024 10:54:47 PM EDT
[#30]
Quote HistoryOriginally Posted By dorobuta: I want to get my license. I inherited a radio and I'm going to learn to use it (legally) hamstudy.org is your friend. I am the dumbest one on here, and I used it to get my technician and general license. You can do study mode, or just take the tests over and over until you memorize the pool. The questions do have an explanation on them you can click. |
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TN, USA
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Posted: 3/26/2024 8:12:04 PM EDT
[#31]
Question- I have downloaded a couple ham radio study books and they mostly seem to be oriented toward question memorization. Could any of you recommend me something more in the conventional textbook format? I am boring and would prefer to just read something that flat out explains everything.
Thanks |
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Posted: 3/26/2024 8:42:20 PM EDT
[Last Edit: Gamma762]
[#32]
With the caveat that I haven't seen firsthand any of the current study books, I would suggest either the ARRL or the Gordon West license prep books. ARRL's traditionally read somewhat like a textbook while the Gordon West books had a bit more of a "conversational" style. Either one would give you a more detailed answer as to why an answer is the answer.
Here are the Technician books: https://www.amazon.com/dp/1625951558?tag=arfcom00-20 https://www.amazon.com/dp/1625951906?tag=arfcom00-20 The tests themselves aren't really intended to encompass a complete understanding of amateur radio, but rather to introduce various concepts so that you know they exist, and show that you can learn technical information. So one shouldn't expect the test prep materials to be a complete manual for amateur radio either, they are an overview. |
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TN, USA
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Posted: 3/27/2024 5:40:05 PM EDT
[#33]
Quote HistoryOriginally Posted By Gamma762: With the caveat that I haven't seen firsthand any of the current study books, I would suggest either the ARRL or the Gordon West license prep books. ARRL's traditionally read somewhat like a textbook while the Gordon West books had a bit more of a "conversational" style. Either one would give you a more detailed answer as to why an answer is the answer. Here are the Technician books: https://www.amazon.com/dp/1625951558?tag=arfcom00-20 https://www.amazon.com/dp/1625951906?tag=arfcom00-20 The tests themselves aren't really intended to encompass a complete understanding of amateur radio, but rather to introduce various concepts so that you know they exist, and show that you can learn technical information. So one shouldn't expect the test prep materials to be a complete manual for amateur radio either, they are an overview. @Gamma762 Thanks, I will grab both and try them out. |
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Posted: 4/10/2024 2:30:07 PM EDT
[#34]
Quote HistoryOriginally Posted By lorazepam: hamstudy.org is your friend. I am the dumbest one on here, and I used it to get my technician and general license. You can do study mode, or just take the tests over and over until you memorize the pool. The questions do have an explanation on them you can click. This is what I am doing in conjunction with watching some YouTube videos. I am taking the test on 11 May so I have to get it done! |
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