Ham Exam.... prep?

[denverd0n]

I used the ARRL study guides. Borrowed them from the local library, spent some time going over them, took the test, no problem. Honestly, the tests for Technician and General are not very difficult.

(Haven't tried for Extra yet, though I understand that test is noticeably harder.)

[SaltyMonkey]

Hi:

I used an iPhone app
App Store - Amateur Radio Exam Prep: Technician

plus a Q+A book from AARL

plus the exam pool you can download

got all my licenses in 3 months

2 wrong on the tech; 1 wrong on the general; aced the extra

took the tech and general together.

You shouldn't have a problem. Just drill.

[goboatingnow]

I studied in the Car on the way to the exam. ( QR codes and whatnot)

Dave

[Surveyor]

I used the app SaltyMonkey mentioned above for a couple of months before taking the tech. I studied the general question pool with correct answers highlighted for about 2 hours that morning before taking and passing both tests the same day.

I passed but I do not know everything the way I should. That is the drawback of taking the memorization path.

[Tashtego]

Use the ARRL License Guides and go to <http://RadioExam.org> where you can take sample tests for FREE! Just start taking the tests and take them over and over again. Each exam is a random selection from the FCC exam questions and answers. As you start passing some groups with 100%, take others and come back later to brush up. I studied this way for about an hour in the evenings for about three weeks, took and passed all three exams in one exam session. But here's the catch - most of the stuff you learn for the exam is not very useful. You need to get a rig and spend plenty of time LISTENING.

[wsmurdoch]

Last year I took all three AARL books to the Bahamas for five months. I read them before going to sleep most nights. (They are excellent for curing insomnia.) We returned to the US in June. At Christmas I looked through the material and practiced taking the written exams at the end of the books marking those questions I missed for review. In January I passed all three tests, first time, at one sitting.Bill MurdochAK4PO

[Capt.Don]

Aim for the General Class. When I took the exam last year, I felt the Technician exam was mostly common sense, very little theory and the General exam overlapped with the Technician exam material. Here I was geared up for antenna design and questions were more about antenna safety!

Agree on above posts, AARL books, practice CD and online question pools are an easy way to study.

Good luck!
Don

[arobbert]

My experience was similar to several others reported here. I got the ARRL study guides read through them over the course of a few weeks, and used on-line practice tests to drill myself. Took the technician and general tests on the same day. Did similar prep to pass the Extra test a few months later.

You will want to get at least a general class license in order to have flexibilty on the frequencies you get to use. Waterway Net, for example, meets every morning on 7268 MHz, which requires a general class license.

[SoonerSailor]

As others have mentioned, if you plan to cruise internationally and want to use your amateur radio privileges in other countries through reciprocal licensing, you should really go for the Extra class license. It doesn't give you that much more in the USA, but in some European countries at least it would make a substantial difference in your operating privileges.

While you are in the study mode, might as well go all the way.

Chip

[Capt Phil]

I'm with jeremiason on this one... took the Gordon West instant SSB radio course years ago... Capt Phil

[Cruiser2B]

Passed Tech license today, take General in December. Looking for a rig now. I will buy a ham radio for now and then buy a marine unit when I eventually start cruising. I like the idea of the low power DX type stuff. I will then have both unit aboard. I will get my call sign I guess in a few weeks.

Thank all for your input

[zeehag]

here in banderas bay , just before the puddle jumpers leave this bay f or so pac, there are classes and exams and licensing meetings. is good fro those sailing south this fall..

[SaltyMonkey]

cruiser 2B - congrats!

recommend you work the 2 meter w/ a mobile unit. Lots of action. Save money for your boat rig.

[drruss]

Way to go Cruiser2B! Take your General soon while things are still fresh.

[Cruiser2B]

Thanks guys, December will be when I take General. The test date is about 8 weeks away, so not too far off. I am going to keep studing while looking for a rig. Thinking of a Yaesu FT-857D or maybe an Electracraft KX3 with 2m board.....still saving and learning. If anyone has any other suggestionsfor a QSO portable type rig please let me know. I work on military comms gear but this ham stuff is rather new, especially the rules.