Why?

[KX4KDH]

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I just stopped halfway through an online practice test for the general part, assuming that is the entry level test. It blows me away, some of the stuff you have to know. Why do I need to know anything beyond the rules of broadcasting, and power limits, etc. to get a ham ticket? All of this just to essentially key a mic, and talk? Why do I need to know about certain capacitors, and all kinds of other useless nonsense to get a license? I can see where these questions would make people mad, but I just want to know. If there is something wrong with my radio, I will take it to a shop!

 

[mancow]

I don't recall much of anything like that on the General test but it has been a couple of years since I took it. I seem to recall there being mainly just questions about rules and band limits and power and various stuff like that.

 

[KX4KDH]

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Oh yeah... And there was a question about how to end a Morse code transmission. I thought they dropped all of that? Maybe it was an old practice test. It was on the W8MHB page.

 

[RadioDaze]

It raises the bar so that people are serious about the hobby. At least they dropped the code requirement.

Technician is the entry level. Give that a try.

 

[KX4KDH]

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It raises the bar so that people are serious about the hobby. At least they dropped the code requirement.

Technician is the entry level. Give that a try.

Ooooohh. Technician is the entry level test. I thought it was the other. This is why I was blown away by the questions. I guess I can see the "raising the bar" part making sense. Trying to keep all of the riffraff out.

 

[texasemt13]

Even the tech tests requires some basic knowledge of electronic theory and component theory. I believe it's good knowledge though, for the fact that it allows the operator to be aware of:

a. what might be causing problems in a circuit. Got bad SWR? Might want to read about impedance.

b. how to correct bad operating practices. Not everyone gets a brand new rig out of the box. Others have old boat anchors that might need some tweaking, and if you don't know how to handle a capacitor that might store a lethal charge, you might get snakebit. By understanding what might be causing the problem, and how to isolate it, you might be able to fix it yourself.

c. how to troubleshoot. If you don't understand what the V/A/mH/mF readings mean on components or test gear, how can you troubleshoot it? Send your whole rig in and let the manufacturer figure out what's wrong? They might do you like a mechanic does unsuspecting drivers with "low headlamp fluid."

I thought the tech test was a cinch for a "test," and that's how it should be, to encourage others to get on the air and see what it's about. Of course techs don't get hardly any fun priveleges and in order to earn those you have to earn you wings in the General lessons. By learning all this "nonsense" you get HF priveleges that truly show how amateur radio can be utilized.

If you think the General looks tough, take a peak at the Extra test. I just cracked the manual to begin reading and already have headaches. I can't imagine what the GROL exam is like.

 

[davidgcet]

remember that ham radios are considered experimental and thus they expect you to know a little about how the ciruits work to experiment! just like when i took my GROL i had to know radar theory basics and ILS basics, even though i am neither a pilot nor a radar operator.

GROL is not a hard test if you are familiar with the basics. but then again i have been involved in 2way radio for over 20 years, 19 of which employed as a radio tech. to someone just getting started or not used to how the circuits work and theories behind them, i can see how it would be a nightmare!

 

[RadioDaze]

I just stopped halfway through an online practice test for the general part, assuming that is the entry level test.

I don't know if this needs to be said, but it's necessary to study the material first before trying your hand at the test. Some of the answers may be common-sense intuitive, but many are not. Getting all the common-sense questions right, even assuming you really knew your electronics, probably wouldn't be enough points to pass the test. There's plenty in there that's just arbitrary customs and adopted procedures. Most of that type of stuff is the stuff you really need to know before transmitting.

But do pursue it, and good luck!

 

[KX4KDH]

Okay, guys... What is THE book I should buy to study for the technician test?

 

[jmp883]

Okay, guys... What is THE book I should buy to study for the technician test?

I took license classes for both my Tech and General-class license tests. The only requirement for taking both classes was that we purchase the respective Gordon West books. Between our instructor and reading Gordon's books it made taking both tests very easy. Even if you don't have the luxury of taking a class the Gordon West books are still the best resource out there. I wouldn't take the on-line practice tests until after you've read and studied his book(s).

It's always good to know theory and electronics. In my opinion just knowing enough to pass the tests isn't enough. If all you want to do is key up and talk then save the studying and just go CB. Amateur radio has a history of experimenting and home-building and you should have a technical base. As for Morse Code (CW), it is no longer required but many hams still use it. CW will get through when voice (phone) can't. In fact you can often get through with CW with much lower power than you would have to use with phone. I'm still learning CW, and it's still going to be a while before I'll be ready to have a QSO using CW, but I'm having fun learning. I've also bought Gordon West's study guide for the Extra-class test but it will be a while before I'm ready to take that test.

Good luck on getting your license!

 

[RadioDaze]

Gordon West is good, and the other gold standard guide is the ARRL guide:
ARRL :: Licensing, Education & Training :: The ARRL Ham Radio License Manual 2nd Edition

Whatever you get, make sure it covers the NEW question pool, which changed as of July. The new pool is good now through June 30, 2014.

 

[SCPD]

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It raises the bar so that people are serious about the hobby. At least they dropped the code requirement.

Technician is the entry level. Give that a try.

Of course, back in 1982 when I got my tech license, I had to know about capacitors, resistors, ohms and the like in order to pass the written exam and pass a 5 WPM code test. Times have changed.

 

[SCPD]

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Gordon West is good, and the other gold standard guide is the ARRL guide:
ARRL :: Licensing, Education & Training :: The ARRL Ham Radio License Manual 2nd Edition

Whatever you get, make sure it covers the NEW question pool, which changed as of July. The new pool is good now through June 30, 2014.

Sorry RadioDaze, but I have to make one more comment. Gordon West was my instructor in a Ham class taught at Orange Coast College. I'm not the only one to have received personal instruction from "Gordo", but it is kinda cool to say I knew him before he really hit it big with his books, CD-ROMs, etc.

 

[CLynch7]

If you want to save a little $$, older books that cover the novice ticket are very useful towards some of the General test questions.

Here are some good study notes.

Good luck!

 

[zz0468]

Why do I need to know anything beyond the rules of broadcasting, and power limits, etc. to get a ham ticket? All of this just to essentially key a mic, and talk?

It's because the hobby is intended to be more than just a free radio service for appliance operators. You become authorized to build and adjust transmitters. the FCC wants to insure that you have some minimum skill sets to do that without interfering with other services. The technical questions are one way to convey to the FCC what you know.

Why do I need to know about certain capacitors, and all kinds of other useless nonsense to get a license?

Because it's not useless nonsense. Perhaps if you think so, a different radio service with more limitations is what you need. Perhaps if you read Part 97 rules, where they define amateur radio, and what it's real purpose is, it might make more sense.

I can see where these questions would make people mad, but I just want to know. If there is something wrong with my radio, I will take it to a shop!

That's fine, you don't HAVE to fix your own radio, but wouldn't it be nice if you could?

Oh yeah... And there was a question about how to end a Morse code transmission. I thought they dropped all of that? Maybe it was an old practice test. It was on the W8MHB page.

Because Morse code is still an authorized mode of communication, and people still actually use it, you're expected to understand a little bit about how it's done, even if you're no longer required to learn it.

 

[KX4KDH]

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Well, I think I have a little better understanding of the whole thing. Thanks for everyone's input! I will be buying the ARRA book soon.

 

[KX4KDH]

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Well, I think I have a little better understanding of the whole thing. Thanks for everyone's input! I will be buying the ARRA book soon.

 

[KX4KDH]

I meant ARRL...

 

[KC0KM]

There are also downloads on line that can help. I used this one (as well as going to a class) TEARA VE Home. Look into some of the local ham clubs in your area, some of them do give classes. Years ago I went to the Raytown K0GQ ARRL Field Day, I asked about getting a license and they told me to go and get the Now Your Talking book (which is the same thing as the ARRL Tech book). But when I started into it was clear as mud to me at the time. I was a little discouraged, and felt like the group did not really want to help, just saying study and take the test.

Last year, when I went to a storm spotters class, they had a representative for Skywarn, who had info about some of the local cubs, and classes. I took the class, passed it in April 2009, and later I went for General. On General I studied on my own, and got it back in February. When I went back to the spotter class I went up to the guy, and handed my QSL card, and told him I just made General -- I made his day.

I really suggest if you can, try and find a local group that is giving classes. Find local hams and talk to them. As for the group -- I am now a member, as is my father who got his ticket back in June, and he too went to a class, but even he admits I helped him more with the above web site. With our group we have an "Ice Cream Net" where we meet at the local Dairy Queen and just "rag chew" (talk). I was hanging out with them, so when it came to joining the group they knew me. I also even operated on HF during Field Day this year -- although was at 3:30 in the morning.

One thing is whatever you do, take a lot of practice tests, you can find them in several places. Keep taking the tests until you are passing it with ease. Key thing - find other hams in the area and ask for help if you have any questions.

 

[KX4KDH]

Yeah, the only think I can really do here is hang out with a couple of the local hams. This place really isn't that big, and it is in the middle of nowhere, so I don't think there is much in the way of a "club" per se. One guy I talk to quite a bit is a younger guy who just got his Technician.