New member intro.

[Meterorite]

Howdy, new member, here. I'm currently studying for the technician license. The reference I'm using is the ARRL Ham Radio License Manual. I haven't as yet decided whether or not I'll throw twenty bucks at an online course. I've been listening through various repeaters in my area in order to get a sense jhow radio operators conduct themselves. And I'm generally impressed; nice crowd. Anyway, cheers!

 

[fxdscon]

Howdy, new member, here. I'm currently studying for the technician license. The reference I'm using is the ARRL Ham Radio License Manual. I haven't as yet decided whether or not I'll throw twenty bucks at an online course. I've been listening through various repeaters in my area in order to get a sense jhow radio operators conduct themselves. And I'm generally impressed; nice crowd. Anyway, cheers!

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Welcome to Radio Reference!

 

[alcahuete]

Welcome and good luck on the test!

30 years ago when I got my Tech., I used one of the ARRL books. I used hamradiolicenseexam.com for the General and Extra. Was very happy with both methods. The online one didn't necessarily present the information any better, but it was a lot easier to go through the questions and track my progress.

Either way, good luck!

 

[K7MEM]

Welcome aboard "Meterorite". Good luck on your test. IMHO, the written test should be pretty easy. I would recommend that you study for the Technician and General at the same time. Simplex and Repeater operation is fine, but the General class license will open you up to many different operating possibilities. There have been may users that took all three tests at the same sitting. Even before they dropped the Morse testing, it wasn't very difficult to pass multiple tests at the VE session. I took the Advanced, Extra, and 20 WPM Morse test at the same VE session, in 1999.

Having the license books are great, to help get a better understanding of the principals. There are several web sites, like QRZ.com, that have sample tests, for free. These sample tests use the same questions that you will see on the actual test. They keep track of each test, so that you can see your progress. When you are regularly scoring 90% or better, your ready for the real thing.

 

[Meterorite]

Thanks for the welcome!

 

[ladn]

Welcome to RR, @Meterorite .

I agree with @K7MEM 's advice. Additionally, you might want to check out Dave Casler's (KE0OG) YouTube channel. Dave has a wide range of videos on many facets of amateur radio as well as specific videos for licensing. His licensing videos follow the ARRL books.

You might find a multi-focal approach to the material will work better for you rather than just reading the material in a study guide.

Best of luck and "73"!

 

[GlobalNorth]

Remember this - you will have a thousand and one questions when you sit in front of the radio for a while. Some answers will pop into your head easily and other issues will need a reference. That's why I prefer to have a reference library of guides, books, and manuals nearby, so that I can easily research frequency allocations, how to program my particular transceiver, operating techniques, tech info, or etc. ARRL has some quality reference materials - even if they can be pricey. Consider getting them used at clubs, hamfests, estates, etc.

YouTube can be helpful when setting up APRS on a new 2 meter rig for the first time, but sometimes you just want to know how to turn off the offset to go simplex and YouTube isn't easily geared towards that.

If you have a GMRS license or other licenses, get a deskplate or a piece of tape with your amateur call sign in front of you. More than once, I've hopped on and unintentionally broadcast my GMRS call. It can be embarrassing.

I also keep a cup with pens and pencils nearby to write down information.

If something stumps you and it will, ask here. There are a lot of good hams and tech people who can point you to the answer.

Welcome aboard and don't allow the codger hams [there are quite a few, based on bands] to wear you down. Expect to take a break every so often for the fun to remain.

 

[littona]

A lot depends on your learning style. If you like to study with books, then the ARRL books are helpful. If you like to study "flash card" style, then something like HamStudy.org: Cutting edge amateur radio study tools might be up your alley. A combination of both would help you to understand why the answers are what they are! But as others have said, there's a lot to learn in this hobby and you don't have to learn it all at once. The main point of the tests are to ensure you know enough to hopefully not kill yourself or operate illegally.

 

[Meterorite]

My sincere thanks for the kind words and helpful information. My ignorance when it comes to amateur radio is profound at this point in time. Work in progress.