Shop OBEX P1 Docs P2 Docs Learn Events
Could you use a study/motivation partner? [Ham Radio Study] — Parallax Forums

Could you use a study/motivation partner? [Ham Radio Study]

Oldbitcollector (Jeff)Oldbitcollector (Jeff) Posts: 8,091
edited 2011-11-15 21:12 in General Discussion
Ken's recent reply in this thread has got me thinking...

There is an item on my bucket list that has been there the longest: Passing my amateur radio exam.

When I first started studying, it required morse code. This has changed.

Question:

Is there anyone else here who has the same goal and would like to become a motivation partner in learning and passing the test? We'll steal this thread to post up some accountability about spending some time studying, and toss tricks/etc back and forth.

We can celebrate passing the exam on this thread..

Anyone else want to get this off their list with me?

OBC
«1

Comments

  • ercoerco Posts: 20,259
    edited 2011-10-04 08:48
    I have my Extra ticket, it's a great goal to shoot for. I'm not currently active, but I have still all my ham gear in the closet. Gonna bust it out one day. And I'm gonna build my newly-acquired unbuilt HW-9 someday, too!

    Ironically, I like CW for its purity & efficiency. Plus, I'm a grumpy old guy and "that's the way it was' back in the 1970's when I got my Novice ticket, WN4CIK. Ten years ago when I went to upgrade from Advanced to Extra, I was extremely disappointed that the code requirement had been dropped.

    Good luck on your quest, OM. 73's
  • sylvie369sylvie369 Posts: 1,622
    edited 2011-10-04 09:53
    I studied for the Tech license using the ARRL's "Let's Get Talking" (Or is it "Now You're Talking"? I don't remember) a few years ago. The day I showed up at Amateur Electronic Supply to take the test, I expected to be one of maybe three people there. Instead, there was a line around the building - it happened to be about three days after the code requirement was eliminated, and every Tech in town was there to upgrade to General.

    I passed the Tech exam easily (and Jeff, I have no doubt that you'll fly through it as well). Then they told me I could try for General without having to pay anything extra. Why not? I took it, and passed by the skin of my teeth, without having studied for it at all (and Jeff, I'll bet you could go right to General as well).

    Paul
    KC9KST
  • Phil Pilgrim (PhiPi)Phil Pilgrim (PhiPi) Posts: 23,514
    edited 2011-10-04 10:06
    This book is all you really need:

    BTW, even though Amazon has the "same" book for less, don't buy it from them. It's not the latest edition and does not include the current pool of exam questions.

    Here's where you can find an exam session near where you live:

    -Phil
  • Duane DegnDuane Degn Posts: 10,588
    edited 2011-10-04 10:16
    Jeff,

    I want to join you. I noted the walkie talkies I purchased a few years ago at Sam's Club stated the radios required a technician's license to use.

    I'm pretty sure I wasn't the only one buying them (and using them) who didn't have a license.

    Anyone know what kind of license I need to send a radio up in a weather balloon?

    I'm off to buy the book.

    Duane

    Edit: I just purchased the book. $40.45 shipped.
  • Dave HeinDave Hein Posts: 6,347
    edited 2011-10-04 10:57
    Someone with a basic understanding of circuit design and radio transmission should be able to pass the technician test with very little preparation. Some of the questions are just common sense, such as whether it's a good idea to install a tall antenna under power lines. The only questions that require some memorization are the regulatory ones, like what is the region number for North America. When I got my technician license I prepared by just taking the online tests until I felt like I knew it pretty well.

    You may want to study up on all three levels. If you pass the technician test you can take the general test, and if you pass that you can take the extra test -- all on the same day. I only studied for the technician test, but I passed the general test also. I missed passing the extra test by one question.
  • Phil Pilgrim (PhiPi)Phil Pilgrim (PhiPi) Posts: 23,514
    edited 2011-10-04 11:08
    OBC,

    You've been putting this off for awhile, haven't you?

    :)

    -Phil
  • Duane DegnDuane Degn Posts: 10,588
    edited 2011-10-04 11:14
    What kind of license does one need to have a microcontroller send an automated message?

    I image a lot depends on the transmission frequency and power?

    I've been thinking about this for a few years now. Thanks Jeff for getting me to take some action.

    Duane
  • Phil Pilgrim (PhiPi)Phil Pilgrim (PhiPi) Posts: 23,514
    edited 2011-10-04 11:21
    Duane Degn wrote:
    What kind of license does one need to have a microcontroller send an automated message?

    A Technician Class license is all you need for that, but you will be restricted by frequency and power. See this:

    -Phil
  • ratronicratronic Posts: 1,451
    edited 2011-10-04 11:45
    Back when I took the test for the technician class license I studied Morse code by writing a program on the C64 that would sound out the beeps for the key you hit. But sadly today I have to admit I barely remember a dit for a "E" and dah for a "T".
  • Phil Pilgrim (PhiPi)Phil Pilgrim (PhiPi) Posts: 23,514
    edited 2011-10-04 12:12
    As a teen, studying for my General Class license, I made my own Morse study tape by writing down pages of random letters -- too many to memorize -- and recorded them using a code practice oscillator. Then I could play back the tape and compare what I copied to the original list. When I took the test at the FCC office in Indianapolis, their code was much cleaner, more regular, and, thus, easier to copy. It was still a struggle to copy 13 wpm, but I passed. I've never been able to copy that fast since.

    -Phil
  • ercoerco Posts: 20,259
    edited 2011-10-04 13:04
    @PhiPi: I did that too, using a cassette tape recorder! Random letters are great for real code practice.

    After I got my Novice license, I used the tape recorder to automate my CQ call. I recorded a minute of "CQ CQ CQ de WA4CIK" from my hand-keyed oscillator, and played that audio back through a bridge rectifier & filter, to drive a relay which keyed my trusty Heathkit DX-60B.
  • Phil Pilgrim (PhiPi)Phil Pilgrim (PhiPi) Posts: 23,514
    edited 2011-10-04 14:06
    I had the matching HR-10 receiver but no money to buy a transmitter for Novice operation. So I borrowed my uncle's DX-20 until I passed my General test and had some bucks for a better transmitter, a Johnson Viking AM/CW unit that I picked up at a hamfest. I later modified it for FSK to use with a Western Union TTY.

    -Phil
  • Oldbitcollector (Jeff)Oldbitcollector (Jeff) Posts: 8,091
    edited 2011-10-04 20:48
    Duane,

    Your on! Just ordered the same book. Amazon Prime $29.95 (shipped)

    (Double checked ISBN, right book. Yes there are a bunch of the old copies up there, cheaper.)

    Anyone else want to join the fun?

    OBC
    Duane Degn wrote: »
    Jeff,

    I want to join you. I noted the walkie talkies I purchased a few years ago at Sam's Club stated the radios required a technician's license to use.

    I'm pretty sure I wasn't the only one buying them (and using them) who didn't have a license.

    Anyone know what kind of license I need to send a radio up in a weather balloon?

    I'm off to buy the book.

    Duane

    Edit: I just purchased the book. $40.45 shipped.
  • Oldbitcollector (Jeff)Oldbitcollector (Jeff) Posts: 8,091
    edited 2011-10-04 20:48
    /hangs head in shame...
    Phil Pilgrim (PhiPi) wrote: »
    OBC,

    You've been putting this off for awhile, haven't you?

    :)

    -Phil
  • Phil Pilgrim (PhiPi)Phil Pilgrim (PhiPi) Posts: 23,514
    edited 2011-10-04 21:06
    OBC wrote:
    /hangs head in shame...
    Hey, man, no need to. Just whisper "PropCam", and I'll be right there with you. :)

    -Phil
  • LoopyBytelooseLoopyByteloose Posts: 12,537
    edited 2011-10-05 02:11
    Is Morse Code still required to achieve the rank of First Class in the Boy Scouts?
    Maybe they should now require ASCII and EBDIC.

    I'd love to get a license, but being in Taiwan creates a real barrier to doing so. Even if I got the US license, I doubt I'd be allowed to use it here.
  • ratronicratronic Posts: 1,451
    edited 2011-10-05 07:32
    @Loopy they don't allow amatuer radio in your country?
  • LeonLeon Posts: 7,620
    edited 2011-10-05 07:37
    I found this web page describing the situation there:

    http://pa2bx.nl/PA-to-BX/?Amateur_radio_in_Taiwan

    I don't think that Taiwan can issue internationally recognised licenses, which could cause problems, and there are difficulties operating there with foreign licenses.
  • ratronicratronic Posts: 1,451
    edited 2011-10-05 07:57
    thanks for that info Leon
  • Phil Pilgrim (PhiPi)Phil Pilgrim (PhiPi) Posts: 23,514
    edited 2011-10-05 08:20
    It doesn't look like getting a Taiwanese license is that onerous a task. Even the code requirement for the Class 2 license is only 5 wpm -- the same as the U.S. Novice requirement used to be. It's interesting that they have to inspect one's equipment, though, before being allowed to use it.

    -Phil
  • LoopyBytelooseLoopyByteloose Posts: 12,537
    edited 2011-10-05 10:37
    Apparently things have evolved a bit in Taiwan. I just wonder if the exam is available in English. It certainly does seem possible.
    I wouldn't worry too much about the internationally recognized aspect. It is the local national police that I care not to upset.

    Lets see, is that .. Dit-dah; Dah-dit-dit-dit..... can't get to C quite yet. 25 Characters per minute should be possible though.. eventually.
  • User NameUser Name Posts: 1,451
    edited 2011-10-05 18:43
    Jeff,

    Needing some sort of external motivation or pressure is something I can identify with. After 10 years on the fringe of Ham Radio, what finally pushed me over the threshold was a solo sail to Hawaii. An uncle of mine, an Extra Class ham, offered to keep in touch with me. Once I had a compelling reason, the ticket took no time to obtain.
  • ElectricAyeElectricAye Posts: 4,561
    edited 2011-10-05 19:17
    Can you use lightning bolts as antennae?
    Seriously - if you could figure out a way to modulate one of those suckers...
  • Duane DegnDuane Degn Posts: 10,588
    edited 2011-10-05 20:03
    Jeff,

    Do you know when the next test is in your area?

    I used the link Phil provided and found this.

    attachment.php?attachmentid=85704&d=1317869725

    I'm not sure if I want to take it this soon or not.

    I guess, I'll wait to see how hard the material is I need to learn.

    Do you have a time in mind when you'd like to take the test?

    Duane
    RadioTest111005.PNG
    276 x 114 - 5K
  • Oldbitcollector (Jeff)Oldbitcollector (Jeff) Posts: 8,091
    edited 2011-10-07 18:01
    @Duane

    Book arrived today.. Sweet! I'll be working on section 1 this weekend.

    I haven't found the test locations/dates yet. Perhaps they are listed on the website.

    test_session.JPG


    Looks like the time-frame for this should be about 1 month.

    OBC
    test_session.JPG
    228 x 158 - 10K
  • Duane DegnDuane Degn Posts: 10,588
    edited 2011-10-07 19:06
    Your test date is two days before mine.

    So are you planning on taking the test on Nov. 10?

    I haven't received my book yet. I'm not so sure if I want to try to be ready by Nov. 12 myself. I think I need to take a look at the book before I commit to trying to be ready for the test in a month.

    Duane
  • Duane DegnDuane Degn Posts: 10,588
    edited 2011-11-09 11:39
    Jeff,

    How goes the studying?

    I picked my book back up today to read the first chapter (not done with it yet). My test (if I choose to take it) is on the 12th but your is tomorrow.

    Are you going to take this test or wait for the next one? I haven't decided myself.

    Duane
  • TymkrsTymkrs Posts: 539
    edited 2011-11-15 20:48
    How'd it go OBC? @ajfabio (vayaconqueso) and I just got our technician licenses this past week! We're still waiting on our callsigns, but ajfabio only took 2 days to study and take practice exams. You'll have no problems!
  • Oldbitcollector (Jeff)Oldbitcollector (Jeff) Posts: 8,091
    edited 2011-11-15 20:53
    I had to push the date forward to the next month as my work schedule got in the way of getting out of town soon enough to make the trip.

    The extra study time won't hurt me.. I'm still a little baffled by antenna theory.

    OBC
  • $WMc%$WMc% Posts: 1,884
    edited 2011-11-15 21:12
    Cool post!!!!
    '
    Mores code...much better then text.
Sign In or Register to comment.