Getting HAM Radio License Revisited....

[Aviation_Scanner]

After doing a little more research and reconsidering, I have decided to go for my amateur radio license.
I am on the autism spectrum ("High functioning") and have found out through the years, I am not the right type to pursue self study options.

Tried to look up classes in my area on ARRL's website, but only found one about 25-30 miles away from me, which is more than I am willing to travel just to take a one day class, plus I work on the day it is offered (This Saturday).

Also, I don't feel confident about grasping all the electrical concepts as it relates to HAM radio, since I do not have any sort of electrical background and fear that I may not pass the test, even with a class, then end up getting frustrated at what I perceive to be a waste of time due to my autism.

 

[KC5AKB]

Its like any other hobby or job once you are doing it things start to fall in place. Most classes are a fast review of a study book.

 

[K4EET]

Hi @Aviation_Scanner,

Great to see that you decided on pursuing your Amateur Radio license. Try to stay positive about the whole situation. Tell yourself that you are going to pass the test. Tell yourself that even with autism, you will understand and remember what you read and studied. Even with a disability, you can achieve what you are willing to fight for. Autism is not going to hold you back. Please keep us posted on your journey and don’t hesitate to ask questions if you need help with understanding something in the Technician Class study material.

73, Dave K4EET

 

[Aviation_Scanner]

Well as mentioned, self study is not the right option for me, I need to take a class and have things explained.
The main issue is, I am unable to find a class near me so far.

 

[K4EET]

<snip> The main issue is, I am unable to find a class near me so far.

What would be a great asset for you would be to have an Elmer. That is somebody that helps you to do what is needed to get into the wonderful hobby of ham radio. You are apparently in the Houston area where there must be many hams and a selection of ham radio clubs. Have you reached out to any hams or clubs?

73, Dave K4EET

 

[Aviation_Scanner]

What would be a great asset for you would be to have an Elmer. That is somebody that helps you to do what is needed to get into the wonderful hobby of ham radio. You are apparently in the Houston area where there must be many hams and a selection of ham radio clubs. Have you reached out to any hams or clubs?

73, Dave K4EET

I found this club Northwest Amateur Radio Society that is not too far from me.
They do not offer classes themselves, so I haven't contacted them.
It looks like I should and maybe they can point me in the right direction.

Are there any more resources that could help me find an in-person class?

 

[K4EET]

As a person interested in getting into the Amateur Radio hobby, the American Radio Relay League (ARRL) in Newington, Connecticut would be willing to help you find local resources:

ARRL - Home

The American Radio Relay League (ARRL) is the national association for amateur radio, connecting hams around the U.S. with news, information and resources.

arrl.org

Visit their website and/or give them a call on the phone. The ARRL is the main organization in the United States 🇺🇸 that supports ham radio.

 

[AK9R]

Start with the listing of ARRL-affiliated clubs in your area. You can search for them using the search tool here: Search for ARRL Affiliated Clubs

Ask the club officers if their club offer classes or if they know of any amateur radio classes in the area. This is a situation where you really need to tap into local knowledge. You may need to drop into some of these club meetings and ask in person.

I think there is a trend among amateur radio clubs to not offer in-person license classes and rely on on-line classes instead. Some of the on-line classes are conducted in real-time using on-line meeting technology, e.g. Zoom, so you would be able to ask questions and get difficult points reinforced.

Also, keep in mind that there is more to the Technician test than electrical topics. There are many topics on the test about FCC rules, safety, and operating practices, etc.

And, don't be afraid of failing the test. Give the test session your best effort. You might pass. There will be 35 questions on the Technician test. You only have to answer 26 of them correctly.

 

[N1EXA]

Do you have any radios now ?
CB,Scanner or SDR ?
See if the Bug Bites you first - Using Receivers and making an antenna.
Your looking at the Test and hitting a wall.
Start off small.
Been a ham for 40+ Years and CB before that in the 70s
Dont get yourself dissapointed - There is no time limit.

Pete N1EXA

 

[Aviation_Scanner]

Do you have any radios now ?
CB,Scanner or SDR ?
See if the Bug Bites you first - Using Receivers and making an antenna.
Your looking at the Test and hitting a wall.
Start off small.
Been a ham for 40+ Years and CB before that in the 70s
Dont get yourself dissapointed - There is no time limit.

Pete N1EXA

To be fair, I am not into the tinkering aspect, I got into GMRS more as a hobby and a way to communicate with family in an emergency.
I actually got my GMRS license about a month or so ago and bought a GMRS HT, in addition I have a Uniden SDS-100 scanner.

 

[N1EXA]

Now you have to ask yourself - Do I need or want A Ham Radio Liscense ?

Pete N1EXA

 

[Aviation_Scanner]

Now you have to ask yourself - Do I need or want A Ham Radio Liscense ?

Pete N1EXA

Well, I don't need one, but I would like to get into amateur radio as a hobby to start off with.
Once I get some experience and possibly upgrade to general, given that I was a nineteen year volunteer firefighter, get into emergency communications.

 

[N1EXA]

Well There is no code anymore so dont even think about it !
Just have to learn the Technician Rules and Theory and take it from there.
You will have some HF along with VHF and UHF Stuff to play with.
Take it from there.
Its not a Yay or Nay Answer Im saying try it see if the bug bites there is so many different
directions to go its more than just hitting repeaters on 2M or SSB nets of HF.
I like FT8 on HF and Hitting the ISS when it goes over the house using 2M uplinks and 70cm down links.
What I Wanted from Ham radio when I started and where I am now is completely different.
Good Luck!
Pete N1EXA

 

[KC5AKB]

I found this club Northwest Amateur Radio Society that is not too far from me.
They do not offer classes themselves, so I haven't contacted them.
It looks like I should and maybe they can point me in the right direction.

Are there any more resources that could help me find an in-person class?

Talk to the locals there a few classes that are word of mouth and never make the internet except in a random post. Most classes are a quick review of what is in the book . Take your time. Winter Field Day you might find some locals . Contact the local clubs ask about a class or a Elmer. An Elmer is someone that answers questions.

 

[Aviation_Scanner]

I have decided to bite the bullet and go ahead and do the self study option.
Upon recommendation from an Elmer who reached out to me on these forums, I am going to use Hamstudy.org.

I am certainly looking forward to starting my journey into amateur radio.
Thank you to everyone who contributed to this thread.

 

[ladn]

Upon recommendation from an Elmer who reached out to me on these forums, I am going to use Hamstudy.org.

Good luck in your learning adventure. Remember, we all learn at a different pace so there's no need to rush.

You should also have a look at Dave Casler's (KE0OG) YouTube channel, Ask Dave. He has a comprehensive Technician licensing course on video as well as a multitude of videos on various ham radio topics. Unlike some YouTubers, Dave is low key and unpretentious and is responsive to viewer feedback and questions.

 

[AK9R]

Mr. Casler has transferred his license class videos to the ARRL. The playlist of Technician videos can be found here: Dave Casler Technician Course 2022-2026

 

[Aviation_Scanner]

Mr. Casler has transferred his license class videos to the ARRL. The playlist of Technician videos can be found here: Dave Casler Technician Course 2022-2026

Thanks for the link, I have bookmarked it for future reference along my initial licensesing journey.