I don't know how you guys do it. The online practice tests were enough to drive me away from tring to get in this hobby.... Which is precisely why they do this... To keep idiots like me out of it!
Me = FAIL
- Thread starter KX4KDH
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That's the one I was on....
OsloViking1975
Member
Dont feel bad thats why we study. I just tried the practice test of current one I believe and got a 31.4%.
Study Study Study
Read the book, what the ARRL book doesn't cover a class put on by local Hams or checking out a textbook from a local library in math or physics my make easier to understand. then take a practice test to know what they're looking for then re-read the book, take the test again, hopefully you're seeing progress, now take and comb through the book pulling out the key points that the test covers and writing them down. If you know what it means, writing it out in a statement (not just the question with the answer) makes you use the material and the act of writing helps the memory)
A good understanding of theory and a a little bit of memorization (things like some specific rules, or common frequencies) and you should be pretty close. While you're studying turn on your scanner and listen to HAM radio, not only will you hear much of what is discussed in the material, but you'll also hear good practice and start to make what you're learning more concrete; once it becomes real the cure to learn becomes much easier IMO; and you'll start to get more into the hobby which will help keep you motivated to study. You can also try to seek out some local HAMs through clubs in your area to see if you can find some "Elmers" that are HAMs willing to help teach people new to the hobby.
Amateurs are afforded a great deal of freedom on the airwaves, with that comes responsibility and in order to execute that responsibility you need a good base level of knowledge, the test measures as much of that as it can in a few multiple choice questions. 5th grade classes have passed the test; and I just used the method described above to upgrade and passed my General a few weeks ago with 34 of 35 questions correct (and I swear I had that 35th one but changed my mind on it right before turning in the test):lol: My point is with a little time, effort, commitment and studying it is definitely a doable task; keep at it.
A good understanding of theory and a a little bit of memorization (things like some specific rules, or common frequencies) and you should be pretty close. While you're studying turn on your scanner and listen to HAM radio, not only will you hear much of what is discussed in the material, but you'll also hear good practice and start to make what you're learning more concrete; once it becomes real the cure to learn becomes much easier IMO; and you'll start to get more into the hobby which will help keep you motivated to study. You can also try to seek out some local HAMs through clubs in your area to see if you can find some "Elmers" that are HAMs willing to help teach people new to the hobby.
Amateurs are afforded a great deal of freedom on the airwaves, with that comes responsibility and in order to execute that responsibility you need a good base level of knowledge, the test measures as much of that as it can in a few multiple choice questions. 5th grade classes have passed the test; and I just used the method described above to upgrade and passed my General a few weeks ago with 34 of 35 questions correct (and I swear I had that 35th one but changed my mind on it right before turning in the test):lol: My point is with a little time, effort, commitment and studying it is definitely a doable task; keep at it.
OsloViking1975
Member
Great advice. That so true. I was listening to the 144Mhz area today.
Yeah, got 16 wrong. Out of that 16, one I didn't answer. And if they still had Morse code in there, forget it.... However, I know that if I studied the stuff, I could get it. Just takes time, I suppose.. There are a few hams around here I could ask for some help....
iamhere300
Member
There are 37 licensed HAMS listed in your zip code - have you talked to any of them? You may even know some of them.
Go to QRZ.COM Callsign Database and enter your town name in the search box.
Go to QRZ.COM Callsign Database and enter your town name in the search box.
N1BHH
Member
You should learn the formulas, don't just go for the answers. The groups that conduct exams can make their own questions for the exam from the complete available question pool. Too many people take the test thinking about only the answers and learn nothing. So when someone wants to know how to build an antenna, they buy some manufactured antenna and couldn't possibly figure out how to make insulators or calculate wire length. You learn by doing, not by just answering test questions.
kc4jgc
Member
Check out this web site: OBRA Outer Banks Repeater Assoc.
E-mail the president W2EHD. Tell Jack I sent 'ya!
Their web site seems a bit outdated as there is nothing on their calendar hotlink; Jack should point you in the right direction and be able to give you info on upcoming tech classes and exam sessions. He may even elmer you or set you up with someone to elmer you.
E-mail the president W2EHD. Tell Jack I sent 'ya!
Their web site seems a bit outdated as there is nothing on their calendar hotlink; Jack should point you in the right direction and be able to give you info on upcoming tech classes and exam sessions. He may even elmer you or set you up with someone to elmer you.
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hockeyshrink
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DO keep diggin'!! Using a ham radio 4-wheelin' in the jeep will make it more fun!! Before you know it, you will be wanting to get your general license and get on HF!
Lots of good advice here...ask the local Elmers for help, or to even consider offering a class to help folks such as yourself nail down the concepts and passs the test. Sometimes studying as a group with some guidance and lots of questions & answers help.
Lots of good advice here...ask the local Elmers for help, or to even consider offering a class to help folks such as yourself nail down the concepts and passs the test. Sometimes studying as a group with some guidance and lots of questions & answers help.
I found a guy here locally who just got into it. So far, he has pointed me in the right direction... And there is a test on August 27.......
perigee123
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SInce I've been sucked into this madness, I've decided to go for it; I just followed your advice, and there's a guy about 100 yards away from me I'd like to contact. They give you an address, but (apparently) no email/messaging capability. Am I supposed to snailmail him, drop a letter in his home mailbox, or inportune him this saturday when he's out mowing his lawn? Am I (once again) doing it wrong?
So, walk over to the guy's house and strike up a conversation.
Start out with: "Hi, neighbor! Are you a ham radio operator? I'd like to learn more about it."
perigee123
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~LOL~ Don't blame me - it's nature versus nurture. Here in Joisey we're not usually too much into the "Hi Neighbor." But I'm sure I can put myself out for it. ~grin~ I was just wondering if the was a hidden "contact this member" icon there I was missing.
I also contacted the local Ham club after I wrote this - I missed the monthly meeting by four days, but they have a Yahoo group I've signed onto. So... off I go.
I also contacted the local Ham club after I wrote this - I missed the monthly meeting by four days, but they have a Yahoo group I've signed onto. So... off I go.
That is good progress, you should be able to pass easily in August. With a tech license you can work the FM satellites, its a lot of fun and addicting. For now, just keep studying and listening to your local guy
By the way, I am well on my way to getting my license.... However, every single email address on the OBRA site is no good...
Do you have a current email address for Jack? I hear him quite a bit on the radio....
KC5AKB
Member
Hey drop me a e-mail I will try to help kc5akb @ arrl.net
kc4jgc
Member
Here it is....
Just spoke /w Jack on the twisted pair... check your PM for e-mail and phone.
73 de Steve
Just spoke /w Jack on the twisted pair... check your PM for e-mail and phone.
73 de Steve
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