Study guides - Buy now or wait?

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nallen

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Mar 29, 2014
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Just getting started, playing with a UV5R & learning a bit here and there.

I come from a fairly strong electronics background (pro TV/radio repair before out of high school, avionics in the service) so I'm confident on the basics of the tech side at least. But in looking at some of the practice tests, a solid electronics background isn't really the half of it. - I clearly need a study guide if for no other reason than to get some direction.

But ... the ultimate goal is passing the test which I gather is changing in June..?

I've been left dangling by changing tests and study tracks in the past (Novell, CNE training) and don't want to get "burned" by buying a guide to help with the test and having to buy another guide thats suited for the new test track..

Anyone have any ideas? - Should I just wait another year before bothering with a study guide?

Many thanks,
Norm
 

WX4WCS

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Cherokee County, GA
I assume you meant to put this in the amateur radio forums as opposed to the scanner forums? From what I understand about the change (which isn't much, hopefully some others will chime in), if you're planning to take the test after June I would wait to buy the study guides.

*edit* Looks like n5ims beat me to it.
 

W8RMH

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You don't have to wait a year. The new books will be out on or before July 1, 2014, unless you want to take the test before then.

I have had good luck with the Gordon West books. Since the question pool has been released I'm sure the books are being written as we speak.

With your experience you shouldn't have any problems, just read up on questions relating specifically to amateur radio such as the rules.
 

shortwaver

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I would suggest you consider buying the present version of the ARRL Ham Radio License Manual and take a couple of weeks to read it and use the included study questions to prepare. The book is well laid out and asks you the exact test questions- right after you cover that particular area. I used this book and it took me about 3 weeks to prepare and I passed the Technician test this weekend.

You probably won't have any problems with the electrical portions with your background. Also knowing the calculations for dipoles and wavelengths makes it much easier!

Oh yeah...and use the free tests online. The one on eHam is good.

Good luck
 
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