Bad tech testing experience

[zz0468]

...We need to bring new people along and help them see the value in becoming a licensed amateur radio operator. Think about that the next time you tell some new guy to take his cellphone and hit the road.

If he had come in saying he failed the test and needed help understanding so he could pass it next time, we'd be singing a different tune. In this case, he's whining about how he shouldn't have to take a test just to use a mobile and HT.

When a newcomer shows interest, I'll show them the way. When a newcomer shows attitude, I'll show them the door.

I guess asking an old Extra to listen to a rant about how hard the test is isn't such a hot idea after all. :roll:

 

[N0BDW]

Jeez guys, I'll grant that the OP has a piss poor attitude, but some of your replies are just as bad or worse than his. Where is the ham spirit?

 

[zz0468]

Jeez guys, I'll grant that the OP has a piss poor attitude, but some of your replies are just as bad or worse than his. Where is the ham spirit?

Well, that's a good question. But look at my first post, and then look at his second post. He's looking for a give-away, and doesn't have enough interest to do the work required. Me? I'm going to save my ham spirit for where it'll actually do some good.

 

[reedeb]

Well, that's a good question. But look at my first post, and then look at his second post. He's looking for a give-away, and doesn't have enough interest to do the work required. Me? I'm going to save my ham spirit for where it'll actually do some good.

AMEN!!! I'm tired of the i'm special so I should be given it anyways mentality. You want it, you earn it!!

 

[sparks40]

I've been giving my previous posts a lot of thought, and i'd like to publicly apologize for everyone i've offended. You guys are right. I did have a piss-poor attitude about not passing the test, and it was my own damn fault for being cocky enough to think i could just take a few practice exams and pass it. I guess it just sticks in my craw that it didn't work out that way, because i really DO want to get into amateur, but i was in a hurry and trying to rush it instead of taking the time to do it right. It was also quite frustrating realizing i wasn't ready yet, and so i took it out on the hobby, and for that i humbly apologize. I made some pretty crappy comments, and i just want to say it wasn't personal. My new plan is to print out the entire question pool, answer what i can, and study on the rest. I'm also going to have the wife quiz me on them. I'm also going to get some study materials so i don't make the same mistake twice. I would really like to go in there next month and ace the Tech exam. If i can do that, i may even try for the General in the same sitting. Again, i apologize to everyone for my comments and poor attitude.

 

[mass-man]

And above all, please remember it is a HOBBY!!!!!

 

[AK9R]

My new plan is to print out the entire question pool, answer what i can, and study on the rest.

That's pretty much what I did the first time around. We didn't have all these web-based question pool study sites back then. I bought the license study book, turned to the back where all the questions were printed, and attempted to answer every one. After grading my performance, I went back to the book and studied the topics that my self-test proved I didn't understand. When it came time to take the test, I aced it.

The key here is to understand the material--don't just memorize the questions and answers.

Sparks, if you need help, give me a holler.

 

[sparks40]

Sparks, if you need help, give me a holler.

Thank you. Are there any good websites that explain the basics in laymans terms regarding transmitters and antennas, SWR, and propagation?

 

[JeremyB]

If you want to learn what is needed to pass the tech, or general, amateur extra get the ARRL ham radio license manual, general manual, and/or amateur extra manual- or the Gordon West manuals are a good alternative. If you learn the theory, equations, and the rest from the books and it won't matter what question pool is used for the most part. There are some answers that have to be memorized if you haven't been involved with ham radio.

You may be able to find answers to some questions by visiting arrl.org/hrlm

I may be biased, I bought the 3 ARRL manuals and signed up with hamtestonline.com and passed all 3 tests in one sitting. I think they have made the tech test a bit more difficult than mine was.

If you have other questions, post them here

 

[zz0468]

Thank you. Are there any good websites that explain the basics in laymans terms regarding transmitters and antennas, SWR, and propagation?

I just did a google search on 'beginner ham study materials' and came up with this:

http://www.kb6nu.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/06/2010_Tech_Study_Guide.pdf

and 1.6 million (really) other hits. Do a search and see what you like.

Also, check arrl.org. They have some excellent books for sale that are inexpensive, and do a very good job of explaining just about every possible aspect of amateur radio.

One thing you're going to realize is that, while there are beginner level texts out there, they're not really speaking in "laymans terms". That's useful for when a doctor needs to explain why he's going to remove your spleen, but not so much when you're studying to actively participate in soe sort of activity.

My recommendations, in order...

1. ARRL books.
2. Gorden West books.
3. Free study guides like what I posted above
4. Free practice tests with answers.

Good luck, and I'm glad to see you're actually really interested.

 

[robertmac]

Ham doesn't equal CB

Find an Elmer, or someone already in Ham Radio. Listen to repeaters, HF etc.. Read, Learn. Be patient. Experience listening. Don't rely on memorization. Understand non techincal rules, regulations. That is just the beginning of Ham Radio. It doesn't come from reading test questions. It is an experience.

 

[davidgcet]

i don't have my HAM ticket, but i do have my GROL. i had to study all sorts of info on ship radar(even though i did not test for the radar endorsement) and airplane/airport comms. i would say the majority of the test was towards one of these 2 subjects. I may not use my license for those, but the FCC feels it is minimum required knowledge.

i'm glad you calmed down and wish you best of luck on your next attempt!

 

[Paulsan]

Try HamTestOnline™ - Ham Radio Exam Courses. It's not for everybody but it worked for me with General and Extra. That's not to say you shouldn't get the books. Get the books and study the snot out of them.

 

[AK9R]

Finding an elmer, or mentor, is a good idea. The study guides and on-line test sites will teach you the cold, hard facts, but sometimes it takes an in-person explanation to help you make sense of it all. Granted, this is difficult when not face-to-face. Find an amateur radio club in your area and attend a few meetings. Let one of the club officers know you are interested in finding an elmer and ask them to make the introductions for you.

 

[Fast1eddie]

There are plenty of good replies here. Everyone has failed a test in life. Regroup and attack again. You missed it by three. Passing is certainly achieveable.

Suck it up and deal with it.

 

[GrayJeep]

I've been giving my previous posts a lot of thought, and i'd like to publicly apologize for everyone i've offended.

That's a brave and rare thing to post. Thank you.

Tech may be the current entry level but Novice used to be the "easy" level. And it was genuinely meant to be easy. Novice to Tech was a pretty big step. But it has pretty big privileges too.

Be grateful that (a) you don't have to test code ability and (b) tests are no longer administered at a District FCC office by a civil serpent who'd rather nobody took the test at all. (I dealt with those things at age 14 back in the days when the theory tests were on vacuum tubes)

 

[rexgame]

Well, if it's something you're interested in achieving, just have another go. It's certainly a fascinating hobby, and with the large numbers of licensed operators, I'm sure most would be more than helpful to someone wishing to learn more.


As for me, I see little point in testing, or licensing anything with the words "amateur" in the title. I thought the whole point of amateur anything is that you aren't credentialed. Perhaps a name change is in order? Oh well, I may just take a look at the entire question pool and take it myself if I can find a local club that's not a bunch of asshats. Most of the local hobby clubs are run like secret societies around here, I was gone for a mere 4 and half years and all the photo, fishing and hiking groups viewed me as some sort of foreign invader upon my return.

 

[zz0468]

As for me, I see little point in testing, or licensing anything with the words "amateur" in the title. I thought the whole point of amateur anything is that you aren't credentialed. Perhaps a name change is in order?

In this case, the name really implies that the licensees aren't getting paid for it. It really has nothing to do with any credentials. In the case of activities where a complete lack of skill and regulation could do harm to others, licensing is appropriate, even for non-professionals.

And if you're wondering how operating a transmitter could cause harm to others, consider the power levels that amateurs are allowed to operate in, and the frequencies they're allowed to operate in, the potential for harmful interference to critical services is very much there - hence the need for for some level of training, and the license to show you have acquired some minimal amount of knowledge.

 

[kb0nly]

I've been giving my previous posts a lot of thought, and i'd like to publicly apologize for everyone i've offended. You guys are right. I did have a piss-poor attitude about not passing the test, and it was my own damn fault for being cocky enough to think i could just take a few practice exams and pass it. I guess it just sticks in my craw that it didn't work out that way, because i really DO want to get into amateur, but i was in a hurry and trying to rush it instead of taking the time to do it right. It was also quite frustrating realizing i wasn't ready yet, and so i took it out on the hobby, and for that i humbly apologize. I made some pretty crappy comments, and i just want to say it wasn't personal. My new plan is to print out the entire question pool, answer what i can, and study on the rest. I'm also going to have the wife quiz me on them. I'm also going to get some study materials so i don't make the same mistake twice. I would really like to go in there next month and ace the Tech exam. If i can do that, i may even try for the General in the same sitting. Again, i apologize to everyone for my comments and poor attitude.

Now thats the attitude you need!! Hit the sucker hard and pass it!

Its very rare to see someone appologize these days, let alone an online forum. I would like to say appology accepted and also sorry for coming down on you so hard with the posts. It was all in how you came off in your posts that got the reaction you did from everyone.

When you do pass be sure and let us know! And he while she is quizzing you, maybe talk the wife into taking the test to. LOL

 

[N0BDW]

I've been giving my previous posts a lot of thought, and i'd like to publicly apologize for everyone i've offended. You guys are right. I did have a piss-poor attitude about not passing the test, and it was my own damn fault for being cocky enough to think i could just take a few practice exams and pass it. I guess it just sticks in my craw that it didn't work out that way, because i really DO want to get into amateur, but i was in a hurry and trying to rush it instead of taking the time to do it right. It was also quite frustrating realizing i wasn't ready yet, and so i took it out on the hobby, and for that i humbly apologize. I made some pretty crappy comments, and i just want to say it wasn't personal. My new plan is to print out the entire question pool, answer what i can, and study on the rest. I'm also going to have the wife quiz me on them. I'm also going to get some study materials so i don't make the same mistake twice. I would really like to go in there next month and ace the Tech exam. If i can do that, i may even try for the General in the same sitting. Again, i apologize to everyone for my comments and poor attitude.

Kudos for having the balls to post this.