So, if I get the callsign I was (2x3, Tech,) and later go General - and I don't check that box, there's a chance that I'll keep the callsign I'd have?
Vanity Callsign Question
- Thread starter JDKelley
- Start date
If you don't check that box when upgrading to General, you will keep the callsign that was issued when you got your Technician license.
Thank you. I'll have to keep that in mind for later.
GlobalNorth
Active Member
Take the test, just for the experience of the testing format. The Technician exam is very easy and I didn't study at all when i took it.
It's not a big problem now - I just had to hammer the new stuff home. The basic electronics and basic radio theory I had from before, but I have a bit of working memory deficit from TBI, which makes it take more effort to learn things (working memory -> short-term memory => long-term memory. My problem is in the first stage and some in the second.)
Finding out the question pool is going to change in a few days is a bit of a turn-up - I thought they kept those for ten years, and the last change was in '22? Anyhow. If they change the question pool, I'll need to drill all over again, because they're probably going to add more recent tech, and that's where I'm weak.
The question pools are normally valid for 4 years.
Yes, the questions are set to change to the new question pool in a few days. Are there any ham clubs nearby that may be offering the test tomorrow (Saturday)? If there are, go take the test. You just might surprise yourself and come home as a new ham! 😃
Only four? Got my wires crossed (happens all the bloody time. . .)
Truck's down, so I'd have to corrdinate in advance, or find someone who can offer the test online. And i have to have the dosh set aside to pay for it (fixed income in Calfornia - gotta fix that. One or the other, but we do want to unass California one of these days. . .)
Truck's down, so I'd have to corrdinate in advance, or find someone who can offer the test online. And i have to have the dosh set aside to pay for it (fixed income in Calfornia - gotta fix that. One or the other, but we do want to unass California one of these days. . .)
If you're going to be a contester, get a 1x3 that ends in BLT.
Everyone comes back to you when you yell "BACON LETTUCE TOMATO".
Everyone comes back to you when you yell "BACON LETTUCE TOMATO".
I know I’m a bit late to the party but… you do not have to take your test in person. There are many groups that do online testing and it’s available just about every day of the week. See Online testing - ARRL site It’s the same cost, typically $15 for exam fee - pass or fail then when you pass, $35 to the FCC, paid separately. I used the group in Florida for my Extra, it was easy and very convenient.
You do need a decent internet connection as they typically use Zoom or similar video meeting software. Do not attempt to do this on a phone, a tablet is okay but a laptop computer is probably the best. A tablet or laptop is usually perfect as they almost always have a built in camera which is required - so the proctors can see you while you take the test, no different than a classroom since they’ll always be somebody looking for way cheat. Sad but true.
If you know the call you want is available, wait until you have your license and then apply online. Do not apply when you pass the test, you must wait until after the FCC processes the license application. Yes, it’s another $35 and it takes about 18 days for the FCC to process your application. Once the vanity application is processed, you’ll receive an email telling you they’ve granted your application and at that point, you can use your new call.
If you’re scoring 90% on the test exams, you’re ready. Don’t worry about failing, yes, you’re out the $15 but you can come back a day later and do it again with more confidence since you’ll understand how the process works. It will be a mix of questions you’ve already seen and some different ones.
You do need a decent internet connection as they typically use Zoom or similar video meeting software. Do not attempt to do this on a phone, a tablet is okay but a laptop computer is probably the best. A tablet or laptop is usually perfect as they almost always have a built in camera which is required - so the proctors can see you while you take the test, no different than a classroom since they’ll always be somebody looking for way cheat. Sad but true.
If you know the call you want is available, wait until you have your license and then apply online. Do not apply when you pass the test, you must wait until after the FCC processes the license application. Yes, it’s another $35 and it takes about 18 days for the FCC to process your application. Once the vanity application is processed, you’ll receive an email telling you they’ve granted your application and at that point, you can use your new call.
If you’re scoring 90% on the test exams, you’re ready. Don’t worry about failing, yes, you’re out the $15 but you can come back a day later and do it again with more confidence since you’ll understand how the process works. It will be a mix of questions you’ve already seen and some different ones.
