Hi, I'm new in this forum

[KQ9U]

I don't have a license yet. I plan on studying to take the test as a beginner.

I ordered a Now You're Talking! All You Need to Get Your First Amateur Radio License, Fifth Edition from Amazon.com. And I expect to receive it in a few days.

Is that a decent way to study up for the test? I would have to drive about 60 miles for the closest place to actually take a class on it.

Any recommendations on taking the test and getting started in Ham Radio?

I'm looking forward to talk with you people.

 

[kd-5-bgt]

Hiya and welcome to the forum!! The folks here can get you pointed the right way for you to get your ham ticket !!

The study book you have is a good study guide,and also go to www.qrz.com ,they have a practice test page that is a huge help as well,between both of those you will pass no trouble at all

And...give the general class test a shot as well,use the qrz practice test for that as well,...... the low bands are alot of fun

 

[Moleculo]

Welcome!

Yep, that book should get you going. That and taking the practice tests on QRZ as mentioned. If you can pass the practice tests, you can pass the real test. And of course make use of the site here to ask questions to help understands concepts that you might need help with. You'll have your license in no time...

 

[KQ9U]

Thanks guys. I just took one of the practice tests without studying anything and received a 65.71% score. I am fairly knowledgeable in electricity and electronics. Looks like I just need to learn the Ham Radio specifics requirements.

I'm going to take several of those tests and see if I can improve from just the tests.

 

[Captain Kilowatt]

You say you are fairly knowledgeable in electricity and electronics, may I ask what your experience in electronics is? I ask this because there is a bit of electronics on the exam but not much and almost any tech could pass that part without studying. That's what I did. I worked in commercial broadcasting and scored 100% on the theory portion and 98% on my regulations which is the only part I brushed up on prior to writing the exam. With any luck you may simply have to learn some basic regulations and that's it.

Welcome to the forum BTW.

 

[KQ9U]

You say you are fairly knowledgeable in electricity and electronics, may I ask what your experience in electronics is? I ask this because there is a bit of electronics on the exam but not much and almost any tech could pass that part without studying. That's what I did. I worked in commercial broadcasting and scored 100% on the theory portion and 98% on my regulations which is the only part I brushed up on prior to writing the exam. With any luck you may simply have to learn some basic regulations and that's it.

Welcome to the forum BTW.

I was in the Army, and there is where I retired from. I attended a electronics course while training for my military specialty in artillery. I never actually put the electronics knowledge to use but I still remember most of it. So I'm fairly familiar with circuitry, diodes, capacitors, etc, and what their functions are. Just the basics.

 

[GLR]

damn glad you are here

 

[mackmobile43]

damn glad you are here

slow down there big boy!

 

[GLR]

slow down there big boy!

I get all excited every time I see a wooden frog...sorry.

 

[TonyV225]

Welcome and be sure to wear your helmet at all times.

 

[Moleculo]

You're not going to have any problem passing that test. You might as well do the General at the same time and get straight on HF.

You say you retired as an artillery specialist? Does that mean you got to blow lots of s**t up?

 

[kd-5-bgt]

I bet he did get to blow s**t up.....from 10 miles away :tongue:

 

[VA3ES]

I bet he did get to blow s**t up.....from 10 miles away :tongue:

In that case, he's already got his helmet! Which he'll need from time-to-time. Keep yer head low, and you should be OK!!!

 

[N0NB]

Welcome aboard. Read the study guide thoroughly but don't stop there! A good way to avoid some rookie mistakes is to get a hold of a copy of the ARRL Operating Manual. It will give you more a background of the how and why we do things on the air than the study guide will. But don't sweat any mistakes as we all have done them and some of us still do nearly 30 years on. Just be prepared to learn from them and be willing to give an ear to those offering advice whether it seems useful or not.

Good luck and enjoy the hobby.

 

[KQ9U]

I took the test tonight and I passed it. I guess I'll be getting my license in a couple of weeks.