Posted: 3/26/2016 12:42:34 AM EDT
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My grandfather was really into HAM radio when I was growing up. He brought me to swap meets and HAM radio conventions as a kid. He has passed, yet at my age of 36, I want HAM radio to be one of my hobbies to keep the family tradition going. My brother purchased two radios for me for my birthday to get me started (Baofeng). I was thinking about Technician first to get my feet wet. After doing some online research, would it be nuts to just go for General on my first go? I'm good at studying and retaining knowledge. Plus I'm interested in HAM so I want to learn. Also there is online sites that give you study and practice tests. Are these sites good to go? Or is it better to just get the physical manual and study?
Thanks guys |
The good news is, that you came to the right place.  Welcome.
Absolutely you should go for both the Technician and General in one whack. General isn't much more difficult in study than the Tech and there is a fair bit of overlap. Start practicing the Tech practice tests on QRZ or hamtest.com and once you are reliably passing them, go on to the General. |
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I got both tech and general at the same time, last January, after studying for two weeks.One guy testing with me made tech, General, and extra in one sitting. I'm studying for the extra now myself. So, jump on it!
kb6nu has great guides. I used them and they're free. "Ham test prep" is a great Android app. |
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Quoted: Went for General the first time and wish I had gone for Extra when I tested the first time. Then again I wanted to go straight to HF. Going for at least General is a no brainer, HF is where it is at. Go for zero to Extra, they don't penalize for not getting it. |
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here's a where to start page from my ARF-inspired Ham Radio Podcast for the new guy
Fo Time Podcast there is Not a better place on the net for Ham Radio 'Helps' than ARF-Ham! Welcome |
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I would study general. Get to where you can pass that pretty easy and take a practice tech. I think you should be able to pass tech pretty easily if you can pass general without doing a lot of study just focused on tech. Lot of overlap and a lot of stuff on tech will be common sense if you study for general first. No need to study the same stuff twice. |
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Actually this place is pretty good mainly because there is enough technical know-how and NO SNOBS.
They treat dummies like me with courtesy and respect. Ask a question on QRZ or eHam and it's an "I'm cooler than thou" attitude. They can take a P-38 can opener and turn it into 674 moving parts, six chips and a triple battery pack and it won't open a can for shit. |
I like to read while sitting by myself.... in the smallest room in the house.  I just read the Gordon West books and used a yellow highlighter to highlight the right answers. I only moved to the next question when I understood the explanation fully. The night/morning before the test, I re-read the questions and correct answers only. Passed very easily. If you only memorize the questions/answers, you'll still pass but you'll be a General spending the first year asking Technicians to explain stuff to you. And thats no fun. Anywho, its a fun and useful hobby. Welcome to the club. http://www.amazon.com/General-Class-2015-2019-Gordon-West/dp/0945053827/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1459040066&sr=8-1&keywords=gordon+west+general+class |
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Quoted:
Thanks for the kind words everyone. I will be checking out the podcast and have checked out the general class book on Amazon. Are sites like HamTestOnline worth it or would I be better off just buying the book? The practice tests on qrz.com are the only I reason I was finally able to pass my extra, and they're free |
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Quoted: Plus they say money back guarantee. Quoted: Quoted: I used HamTestOnline to aid me in my General studies, it helped me understand where I was missing information on questions. Plus they say money back guarantee. If you got the time and drive, the Extra class question pool doesn't expand until July 1st. I'm working on getting that test done before it expands. |
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Quoted: Thanks for the kind words everyone. I will be checking out the podcast and have checked out the general class book on Amazon. Are sites like HamTestOnline worth it or would I be better off just buying the book? For extra, I got a book and it was quite helpful. Truth be told I probably didn't need it for that either, but I did want to learn a lot more about the hobby. The license allows you to learn about and practice the hobby, the expectation is not that you know it all before you start. |
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I used HamTestOnline for extra class, and it worked. I used HamExam.org for tech and general class, and it worked. One is free, the other is not.
If you really want to learn the material, and not just pass the tests, I would use HamExam.org (the free one), and spend the money on the books. That way, you get the study material, and the practice tests. |
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Quoted:
I used HamTestOnline for extra class, and it worked. I used HamExam.org for tech and general class, and it worked. One is free, the other is not. If you really want to learn the material, and not just pass the tests, I would use HamExam.org (the free one), and spend the money on the books. That way, you get the study material, and the practice tests. I used ham.exam, a friend used hamtestonline. We both passed. I went to general he stopped at tech is now studying for general. I think he saw the light after passing his techl. I also downloaded all the questions and read through them all a few times. The books by KB6NU or Craig Buck are worth reading too. I'll just repeat has already been stated. Once you start passing the online tech tests, study for general. Good Luck! |
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NoEffects6,
It is great to see another Washington guy in here! If you are interested in meeting over a beer to talk about Ham radio and licensing, I would be glad to meet up. If your profile pic means you are on Whidbey, I'd be glad to drive out to meet at Toby's in Coupville. |
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NoEffects6, It is great to see another Washington guy in here! If you are interested in meeting over a beer to talk about Ham radio and licensing, I would be glad to meet up. If your profile pic means you are on Whidbey, I'd be glad to drive out to meet at Toby's in Coupville. I was actually a Navy brat and fell in love with the Intruder when I lived next to NAS Oceana. We relocated here in Kitsap when my father was on multiple carriers. WA (Whidbey) was indeed Intruder Country. I was able to go on a few Tiger cruises when the A-6E was in its twilight. Long story short the CO of VA-95 flew my lucky penny over Iraq and blew up multiple radar sites. His closing words on a photo he signed for me were "INTRUDERS FOREVER" With that said once I get my feet wet with ham and I'm sure I will have more questions, if I am ever in your area I would definitely like to go for a beer and discuss Ham. Thank you for the offer Frostbite. Here is a newbie question. My Grandfathers callsign was W0DEN. Can I try to have his callsign since he has passed and I am family? |
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Quoted:
I was actually a Navy brat and fell in love with the Intruder when I lived next to NAS Oceana. We relocated here in Kitsap when my father was on multiple carriers. WA (Whidbey) was indeed Intruder Country. I was able to go on a few Tiger cruises when the A-6E was in its twilight. Long story short the CO of VA-95 flew my lucky penny over Iraq and blew up multiple radar sites. His closing words on a photo he signed for me were "INTRUDERS FOREVER" With that said once I get my feet wet with ham and I'm sure I will have more questions, if I am ever in your area I would definitely like to go for a beer and discuss Ham. Thank you for the offer Frostbite. Here is a newbie question. My Grandfathers callsign was W0DEN. Can I try to have his callsign since he has passed and I am family? Quoted:
Quoted:
NoEffects6, It is great to see another Washington guy in here! If you are interested in meeting over a beer to talk about Ham radio and licensing, I would be glad to meet up. If your profile pic means you are on Whidbey, I'd be glad to drive out to meet at Toby's in Coupville. I was actually a Navy brat and fell in love with the Intruder when I lived next to NAS Oceana. We relocated here in Kitsap when my father was on multiple carriers. WA (Whidbey) was indeed Intruder Country. I was able to go on a few Tiger cruises when the A-6E was in its twilight. Long story short the CO of VA-95 flew my lucky penny over Iraq and blew up multiple radar sites. His closing words on a photo he signed for me were "INTRUDERS FOREVER" With that said once I get my feet wet with ham and I'm sure I will have more questions, if I am ever in your area I would definitely like to go for a beer and discuss Ham. Thank you for the offer Frostbite. Here is a newbie question. My Grandfathers callsign was W0DEN. Can I try to have his callsign since he has passed and I am family? If the call was currently unissued you could go through the vanity process after you pass to try and get it. Unfortunately, it looks like the call is currently issued, expiring the end of this yet, and iirc it has to be inactive for 2 years before it can be reissued |
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Quoted:
If the call was currently unissued you could go through the vanity process after you pass to try and get it. Unfortunately, it looks like the call is currently issued, expiring the end of this yet, and iirc it has to be inactive for 2 years before it can be reissued Quoted:
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Quoted:
NoEffects6, It is great to see another Washington guy in here! If you are interested in meeting over a beer to talk about Ham radio and licensing, I would be glad to meet up. If your profile pic means you are on Whidbey, I'd be glad to drive out to meet at Toby's in Coupville. I was actually a Navy brat and fell in love with the Intruder when I lived next to NAS Oceana. We relocated here in Kitsap when my father was on multiple carriers. WA (Whidbey) was indeed Intruder Country. I was able to go on a few Tiger cruises when the A-6E was in its twilight. Long story short the CO of VA-95 flew my lucky penny over Iraq and blew up multiple radar sites. His closing words on a photo he signed for me were "INTRUDERS FOREVER" With that said once I get my feet wet with ham and I'm sure I will have more questions, if I am ever in your area I would definitely like to go for a beer and discuss Ham. Thank you for the offer Frostbite. Here is a newbie question. My Grandfathers callsign was W0DEN. Can I try to have his callsign since he has passed and I am family? If the call was currently unissued you could go through the vanity process after you pass to try and get it. Unfortunately, it looks like the call is currently issued, expiring the end of this yet, and iirc it has to be inactive for 2 years before it can be reissued I got it. |
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Great thread with lots of helpful info.
I used HamStudy.org for tech and general. It uses "flash cards" to help you learn the material and it is adaptive so you are working more on what you need to learn. It is FREE too, and saves a history of your performance. It isn't as good at explaining the theory for Extra class material as HamTestOnline though. I highly recommend them both. Welcome and feel free to ask as many questions as you may have! 
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Quoted: Great thread with lots of helpful info. I used HamStudy.org for tech and general. It uses "flash cards" to help you learn the material and it is adaptive so you are working more on what you need to learn. It is FREE too, and saves a history of your performance. It isn't as good at explaining the theory for Extra class material as HamTestOnline though. I highly recommend them both. Welcome and feel free to ask as many questions as you may have! |
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Go for it!
I didn't know they would let you take additional tests so I only studied for tech. After passing tech they asked if I wanted to proceed, which I did, and was able to pass general as well. Both were incredibly easy, but I am an electrical engineer. You can probably pass the first two with common sense and the knowledge that v=i*r. While the extra test is definitely a different level, it did not seem like it would be hard if you studied for it. |
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Quoted:
there is Not a better place on the net for Ham Radio 'Helps' than ARF-Ham! Welcome I agree, this is the best place for ham radio information. I discovered this place a few years ago. Caution: If you don't already own an AR, frequenting this place will make you want to buy one. The last thing that was on my mind was getting an AR. Because of this site, I now have one with 14 magazines and 2,000 rounds. (In before Hitlery) Back on topic. I went from 0 to extra in one evening. Used ARRL's Q&A books and QRZ.com Practice Amateur Radio Exams. |
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Quoted:
If the call was currently unissued you could go through the vanity process after you pass to try and get it. Unfortunately, it looks like the call is currently issued, expiring the end of this yet, and iirc it has to be inactive for 2 years before it can be reissued Quoted:
Quoted:
Here is a newbie question. My Grandfathers callsign was W0DEN. Can I try to have his callsign since he has passed and I am family? If the call was currently unissued you could go through the vanity process after you pass to try and get it. Unfortunately, it looks like the call is currently issued, expiring the end of this yet, and iirc it has to be inactive for 2 years before it can be reissued There are exceptions to the 2 year waiting period, IIRC he would qualify. But it's likely that it will be renewed. Lots of newish licensees are grabbing the old W and K 1x3s, usually to get their initials. Used to be able to identify the old timers, not any more. Then again keep an eye on it, you never know they might grab an Extra call at some point and give up the call you want. If that happens I think you can grab it without waiting the 2 years. |
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There are exceptions to the 2 year waiting period, IIRC he would qualify. But it's likely that it will be renewed. Lots of newish licensees are grabbing the old W and K 1x3s, usually to get their initials. Used to be able to identify the old timers, not any more. Then again keep an eye on it, you never know they might grab an Extra call at some point and give up the call you want. If that happens I think you can grab it without waiting the 2 years. Quoted:
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Quoted:
Here is a newbie question. My Grandfathers callsign was W0DEN. Can I try to have his callsign since he has passed and I am family? If the call was currently unissued you could go through the vanity process after you pass to try and get it. Unfortunately, it looks like the call is currently issued, expiring the end of this yet, and iirc it has to be inactive for 2 years before it can be reissued There are exceptions to the 2 year waiting period, IIRC he would qualify. But it's likely that it will be renewed. Lots of newish licensees are grabbing the old W and K 1x3s, usually to get their initials. Used to be able to identify the old timers, not any more. Then again keep an eye on it, you never know they might grab an Extra call at some point and give up the call you want. If that happens I think you can grab it without waiting the 2 years. Not sure if it will be renewed. According to QRZ, the ham it currently belongs to, was born in 1917. May be a SK now. 
Or perhaps that is the OP's grandfather?? NoEffects6, was your grandfather from Iowa City, IA? |
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Not sure if it will be renewed. According to QRZ, the ham it currently belongs to, was born in 1917. May be a SK now.
Or perhaps that is the OP's grandfather?? NoEffects6, was your grandfather from Iowa City, IA? Quoted:
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Quoted:
Here is a newbie question. My Grandfathers callsign was W0DEN. Can I try to have his callsign since he has passed and I am family? If the call was currently unissued you could go through the vanity process after you pass to try and get it. Unfortunately, it looks like the call is currently issued, expiring the end of this yet, and iirc it has to be inactive for 2 years before it can be reissued There are exceptions to the 2 year waiting period, IIRC he would qualify. But it's likely that it will be renewed. Lots of newish licensees are grabbing the old W and K 1x3s, usually to get their initials. Used to be able to identify the old timers, not any more. Then again keep an eye on it, you never know they might grab an Extra call at some point and give up the call you want. If that happens I think you can grab it without waiting the 2 years. Not sure if it will be renewed. According to QRZ, the ham it currently belongs to, was born in 1917. May be a SK now.
Or perhaps that is the OP's grandfather?? NoEffects6, was your grandfather from Iowa City, IA? Looking at the callsign history (sorry I didn't do that before) it appears to be the same licensee since at least 1987, before there were vanity calls. I would guess it's still "active" just because no one notified the FCC to cancel the license once he passed. Once you notify them it will start the 2 year clock though, so might as well wait until you get licensed first. In your case you do NOT want the 2 year clock to start, the 2 years is the window for you to get it without anyone else applying (unless you have another relative who would also want it). http://wireless.fcc.gov/services/index.htm?id=amateur&job=call_signs_3&page=5 Vanity Call Signs
Request Types: By Close Relative of Former Holder Now Deceased For your primary station, you may request a call sign that was previously assigned to the primary, secondary, repeater, auxiliary link, control or space station of your now-deceased spouse, child, grandchild, stepchild, parent, grandparent, stepparent, brother, sister, stepbrother, stepsister, aunt, uncle, niece, nephew, or in-law. An "in-law" is limited to a parent, stepparent, sibling, or step-sibling of a licensee's spouse; the spouse of a licensee's sibling, step-sibling, child, or stepchild; or the spouse of a licensee’s spouse’s sibling or step-sibling. When so requesting for your primary station: - You may request the former call sign of a close relative now deceased even though it has been unassigned for less than two years. Upon the death of the holder, a call sign is assignable immediately to an otherwise eligible primary station of a close relative once it has been cancelled from the database. If you're not familiar with the "groups" of callsigns, W0DEN is a "Group C" callsign so it's available to any new licensee - technician, general or extra. If your grandfather had changed to a "Group A" callsign with his Extra class license (1x2 or 2x1), you'd have to get an Extra to be able to get it. |
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I would guess it's still "active" just because no one notified the FCC to cancel the license once he passed. Yeah, this is what happened to my father. He renewed his license in 1986, and then passed away in 1987. No one told the FCC, so his call sign stayed in his name for another 9 years. After it was canceled, nobody picked it up, so I was able to get it as a vanity call sign in 2012, right after I got my license. |
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Quoted:
Not sure if it will be renewed. According to QRZ, the ham it currently belongs to, was born in 1917. May be a SK now.
Or perhaps that is the OP's grandfather?? NoEffects6, was your grandfather from Iowa City, IA? Quoted:
Quoted:
Quoted:
Quoted:
Here is a newbie question. My Grandfathers callsign was W0DEN. Can I try to have his callsign since he has passed and I am family? If the call was currently unissued you could go through the vanity process after you pass to try and get it. Unfortunately, it looks like the call is currently issued, expiring the end of this yet, and iirc it has to be inactive for 2 years before it can be reissued There are exceptions to the 2 year waiting period, IIRC he would qualify. But it's likely that it will be renewed. Lots of newish licensees are grabbing the old W and K 1x3s, usually to get their initials. Used to be able to identify the old timers, not any more. Then again keep an eye on it, you never know they might grab an Extra call at some point and give up the call you want. If that happens I think you can grab it without waiting the 2 years. Not sure if it will be renewed. According to QRZ, the ham it currently belongs to, was born in 1917. May be a SK now.
Or perhaps that is the OP's grandfather?? NoEffects6, was your grandfather from Iowa City, IA? ETA: Yes it is my grandfathers callsign from Iowa City. He died in the year 2008. WWII vet and helped develop radar. Im positive he was extra. He started teaching us morse code when I was 6. |