Wanting to get in the amateur

[OsloViking1975]

Please forgive me if this question has been asked before. The more I searched hams/amateur radio threads the more I want to get into it. I'm a young 35 year old. Question is what should I study to get the Tech Lic? and what is a good amatuer radio for a beginner to start out with?

 

[kc4jgc]

The first thing to do is to check to see if there is a local club offering classes. Go to American Radio Relay League | Ham Radio Association and Resources to look for clubs in your area. If classes aren't in your schedule, you could study independently. I like the Gordon West study books personally. You can get the books from ham radio shops such as Ham Radio Outlet (HRO Ham Radio Outlet Worldwide Supplier of Amateur Radio Electronics Equipment). The next step would be to find an exam session near you. You can find those from a local club or the arrl site.

 

[jcpd9720]

One way I have been studying up (taking the test in 1 week) is the QRZ website's practice exam. The question pool that they are from officially expired July 1st, but I doubt that is of great importance. If there were any problems I had answering any of the questions, off to Google I went, looking up tons of information for free! To find the tests, Google "QRZ practice test".

As for radios, I will definately leave that to the professional amateurs! I have years of experience with public safety radios, and will probably use that platform until I find myself a nice dual band rig, like the Yaesu 8800r or 8900r.

 

[OsloViking1975]

Thank you for all the info. I cant wait to get started. I was listening to I believe ham net or something like that on my Pro 106.sorry if my posting of the lingo isnt correct yet but I will get it. I heard something about swamp meet or trunk meet at Metro Beach pretty soon.

 

[RadioDaze]

Lee, make sure you find a current exam to drill with at least once before your test, so that there are no surprises. Try the one here, which is supposed to be current: AA9PW FCC Exam Practice

 

[w8jjr]

look at this

USECA - Utica Shelby Emergency Communication Association

 

[jcpd9720]

Lee, make sure you find a current exam to drill with at least once before your test, so that there are no surprises. Try the one here, which is supposed to be current: AA9PW FCC Exam Practice

Thanks man! The point I was trying to make is that I'm not going for "memorize the answers to the questions" but actually learning the material expected to be known. I didn't go to college, had never heard of ohm's law, but have been able to find (through the testing) that ohms x amps = volts, and amps x volts = watts. For wavelength, 300/frequency=wavelength and vice versa. With those little things and a great understanding of radio ettiquette, I have been able to do really well on the tests.

 

[k8krh]

GOOD LUCK...my number of friends who took the tech test averaged 7-10 days of study about 2 hours a night and passed..former cb boys now all 4 are hams.

DOCTOR

 

[D00D]

AA9PW and W8MHB are my favorite practice sites. I'm an instructor and VE. I'd be happy to answer any questions.

 

[jcpd9720]

I passed my Technician... went ahead and passed my General too! Thanks for the site suggestions guys!

I can now say this... 73!

 

[D00D]

Congratulations! Awesome job on the instant upgrade! Now get on the air!

 

[jcpd9720]

Congratulations! Awesome job on the instant upgrade! Now get on the air!

Thankya sir! I will... as soon as I appear in the FCC ULS...! LOL

 

[OsloViking1975]

Good job. I can't wait until I take the test. Very nervous of course. But who isn't with any kind of test.

 

[jcpd9720]

Good job. I can't wait until I take the test. Very nervous of course. But who isn't with any kind of test.

I was a little nervous walking in there, but it was for absolutely no reason! Study, practice, and go in with the attitude "I'm going to pass this today" and you will! Check out the aa9pw site listed above, you won't regret it.