thinking about getting my HAM license

[davidgcet]

i've been a radio tech for close to 20 years now. i finally got my GROL a few weeks back and am considering getting a HAM license. my question is does my recently passing element 3 carry over towards a general, or will i have to take it again as well? i don't mind taking it again if i have to, i aced element 1 and only missed 1 on element 3 out of 100 questions. honestly though, how often do you need to plot reactance in polar coordinates?

i have a few friends who are HAMs, but i rarely see them to ask. plus since i am new on the board here i figured this would be sort of an intro thread as well as ask a question. i've been reading different forums on this board, and it looks like i will like it here.

if i do get my general, as far as equipment goes i have ready access to radios. some would have to be converted to the HAM bands, but i have a few icom RX that pretty much cover from 2mhz up to 1ghz analog. i am sure that i will have to purchase a few things, but with a thousand or so old radios taking up room on our shelf i can at least get started!

 

[jcpd9720]

Welcome to the boards!

I am unsure what test you are referring to, but I am almost certain that you will have to go to an actual test site and take the Technician and General tests (in that order) to get your General ham license. I grew up at a fire station, have always dabbled in electronics for fun, and have 8 years as an emergency telecommunicator for the local 911 center, as well as 8 years as a firefighter and radio programmer, so with just a little studying I passed both with flying colors. I recommend doing the practice tests as AA9PW FCC Exam Practice for technician and QRZ.COM Callsign Database for general, and just taking them. They are 35 questions each, and you should have no problem whooping up on them. You might even study up on the Extra exam (50 questions), because with your background, it shouldn't be too hard.

Good luck, and again, welcome to the board!

 

[zz0468]

i've been a radio tech for close to 20 years now. i finally got my GROL a few weeks back and am considering getting a HAM license. my question is does my recently passing element 3 carry over towards a general, or will i have to take it again as well?

None of the GROL elements apply to ham licenses. It's a completely separate test. The only commonality is the name, 'element 3'.

 

[davidgcet]

i figured that it would not apply, but it never hurts to ask. i did a couple of the practice tests and nearly all the element 3 questions were the same as ones on the commercial license element 3, that is what had me wondering if it would carry over or not.

thanks for the help guys!

 

[zz0468]

i figured that it would not apply, but it never hurts to ask. i did a couple of the practice tests and nearly all the element 3 questions were the same as ones on the commercial license element 3, that is what had me wondering if it would carry over or not.

thanks for the help guys!

Interesting... but I suppose that could make sense. The electronic theory doesn't care whether it's for a commercial service, or amateur service. But the point is, you can't really use GROL study materials for an amateur test - especially when it comes to the rules and regulations part. I took the test for the 2nd class phone and radar endorsement back in the 70's, and it was quite different from the amateur tests at the time.

 

[KR4BD]

The GROL and Ham Licenses are totally non-reciprocal as far a credit is concerned. When I passed the (no longer given) Advanced Ham License in 1993 or 94, a friend told me to also take the GROL because it was virtually identical to the Advanced test of the time. I did, and sure enough, the tests had virtually identical questions in the technical areas. I would say if you have already passed the GROL, you should be ready for the Ham tests...Tech and General, for sure, and possible Extra. Just brush up on specific regulations and frequency allocations that apply to the amateur bands. The electronics questions, however, are similar on both the GROL and ham examinations.