Passed the test

[Turbocharged3141]

I decided on Monday that I wanted to expand my options and get more into the radio world. I have a GMRS license, and every now and then I'd consider getting a HAM license.
Well, I finally decided to stop procrastinating. I studied for 4 days, took the test on Thursday, and passed with only 3 wrong (they don't tell you how many you got wong, but I watched the VE mark the wrongs ones with a highlighter).
I thought the test would be harder, but it seems all one needs to pass the test is to take onling practice tests. I took about 65 tests total, and after about 20 tests and a couple looks at the ARRL "Now You're Talking" book, I didn't fail a single practice test. .

Online tests really seem like the way to go. They make learning everything you need to know a lot easyer.
Though I'm not a fan of learning to the test (learning just what you NEED to know to pass), so I've since read the whole ARRL "Now You're Talking" book, just to make sure I know all the stuff.

The test site I used:
QRZ Ham Radio

[Paulsan]

Try that with the Extra test. LOL.

"easier"

[gewecke]

Not a problem for most people,being that the technician test is set up based on a 5th grade level.
Just for fun,I took the amateur "extra" test and passed and it seems that's set up for the 8th grade level,lol!
N9ZAS.

[Paulsan]

LOL! I'll watch for your upgrade!

[Turbocharged3141]

Originally Posted by Paulsan

LOL! I'll watch for your upgrade!

The VE offered to let me take the General test for free, so I tryed it. I got 12 wrong. Not too bad for a test I didn't study for.

Another guy that was there taking the Extra class test brought a scientific calculator for it. That makes me think it's a little tougher than the Technician.

[gewecke]

Originally Posted by Paulsan

LOL! I'll watch for your upgrade!

I have to admit it was only the practice exam,but I just had to know if I could do it!
I don't care for the h.f. bands,so I won't really do the upgrade.
Vhf and above is where it's at!
N9ZAS.

[Turbocharged3141]

Originally Posted by gewecke

I have to admit it was only the practice exam,but I just had to know if I could do it!
I don't care for the h.f. bands,so I won't really do the upgrade.
Vhf and above is where it's at!
N9ZAS.

I have to agree. HF bands are great if you know CW, you can reach people all over the world.
HF radios are also a lot more expensive than UHF and VHF radios. I've already spent all my money on 70cm and 2meter radios, none left for HF even if my license allowed their use.

[Paulsan]

That's cool. Have you ever seen Ham Radio Deluxe with DM780 running PSK31 on 20 meters? Very cool. I've seen 20 feeds at one time. It's the reason I upgraded from Tech.

Ham Radio Deluxe > Home

[SlipNutz15]

Congrats. I got the book that Gordon West wrote and studied all the questions for the tech level and got 100% on my tech test and then I studied the only tests on QRZ.com for my general and missed 4 and the ones I missed, I never got to study online so I feel I did rather well.

[K2QI]

Originally Posted by Turbocharged3141

The VE offered to let me take the General test for free, so I tryed it. I got 12 wrong. Not too bad for a test I didn't study for.

Another guy that was there taking the Extra class test brought a scientific calculator for it. That makes me think it's a little tougher than the Technician.

The extra is a harder exam, but not by much if you understand theory and can remember the formulas. I took my extra, and passed it in about 12 minutes. The VE said that was the fastest he's ever seen anyone take and pass the extra...