Ham radio guys

[Jesser04]

I want to become licensed I'm just not sure what's the best way to go about it. From what I can see there is a couple was to go about it. The class that dcarc puts on that starts the 13th of Jan that I am signed up for or I could just get a manual and study and go to a test session. That being said what do you guys recommend I do. The class is cheap so Im not worried about the money part it's 6 weeks long 2 1/2 a weeks so quite a bit of time. Has anyone takin this class? Was it worth your time? Would I be beter off getting the book and teaching myself over the course of a week then just testing?

Thanks in advance

 

[Brian P]

I didnt take a class, I read the book, took online tests and passed my first time.
I didnt like the idea of the class being drawn out like that either, But I'm sure it could be beneficial.
I took my General test and failed miserably... I studied for a few weeks off and on and it didnt work out, I need to study up in a shorter time period and retake my general exam.
Good luck!

 

[cruiseroutfit]

ditto Brian on the way I did it. Skim over the book, take the online practices test over and over and over and then go take the exam.

However taking a class is never a bad thing, you'll absorb more and while you only need to know the bare minimum to pass the exam, there is still plenty to learn.

 

[Jesser04]

I didnt take a class, I read the book, took online tests and passed my first time.
I didnt like the idea of the class being drawn out like that either, But I'm sure it could be beneficial.
I took my General test and failed miserably... I studied for a few weeks off and on and it didnt work out, I need to study up in a shorter time period and retake my general exam.
Good luck!

I don't mind the lenght of the class if it will be worth it. I just don't want to get into it and by the 3rd week be wondering WTF I signed up for and wish I would have just done it on my own.

 

[SAMI]

ditto Kurt and Brian on the way I did it. Skim over the book, take the online practices test over and over and over and then go take the exam.

 

[cruiseroutfit]

ditto Kurt and Brian on the way I did it. Skim over the book, take the online practices test over and over and over and then go take the exam.

You have my book?

 

[SAMI]

^ I do. That's the one I snagged from Paul May right?

 

[Rusted]

I skimmed the book, I took the online quizes (qrz.com is good), I worried about it, and I passed with no problem. I can't see 6 weeks of class being useful over just reading the book

 

[SAMI]

the tests at qrz.com were very helpful. There are also practice tests 'apps' that you can get on your iphone, if you have one..

 

[Jesser04]

Thanks guys

 

[Jesser04]

One more question where can I get the book? Barnes and noble?

 

[Brian P]

I bought mine at Communications Products in West Jordan.
I have a copy of my Technician book if you cant find it anywhere else closer, Im usually up in B-town on Sundays if you arent in a hurry to get it.

 

[mbryson]

I think I bought the book at Barnes/Noble in Bountiful? I've lent mine out to a friend (like everybody else).

Ditto on the online quizzes vs. the book. A class would help me quite a bit, though.

 

[gijohn40]

gezz... I feel smart now... back in 1991 I just went and took the test and passed... didn't have fancy apps or books...

Oh yeah I had a few years of electronic classes that helped...lol

 

[cruiseroutfit]

^ I do. That's the one I snagged from Paul May right?

Ummm yeah... I'm going to need that back.

 

[Jesser04]

thanks for the site I took the test and got a 49.6. looks like I got some work to do. This may sound stupid but I think I can pass this test no problem but I still don't know how to use a radio. I some what understand how the repeaters work but Iwouldn't fill comfortable using a radio. Not one question on the test I took had anything to do with this subject. I don't think trial and error is the way to go here. Is anyone up for a crash test on using the radio once I get set up?

 

[gijohn40]

seeing your down the street from me I would be glad to show you the ropes...

 

[Brian P]

Do you have a radio?
You can monitor(listen) conversations and not transmit, Its a good way to see how the lingo works and how others use theirs.
With any radio, You are going to need to learn how they work, None are the same.

 

[Brian P]

I read your post again...
When you get your license most HAM's will be more than willing to assist you in the usage of the radio, Even fine tuning and proper use.
I was nervous the first time I got on the air, But there were willing people out ther the help, A lot of them look up your call sign and know you are new and try their best to help you out.

 

[Cody]

In the spirit of Easter, I shall resurrect this thread

Sami/Kurt, do you have the book handy that I can borrow? I' d like to throw in a HAM sometime this summer so I ought to get the paperwork done.

Does it cost money to get tested/licensed?