Ham Radio License

[msta999]

I just bought the ARRL Ham Radio License Manual. I want to get the license and learn a about and learn about the radio systems.
Questions:
Is there only one lic for radio?
Is this what is all so called the FCC general class license or equivalent (which is what I want)?
This is the July 1, 2006 manual. Is this going to be new enough to take the current lic. test?

[OzarkMtnDaredevil]

Hey msta. I'm just getting into ham radio myself! We can learn together.
The way I understand licensing is that you start with the Technicians Class, then move up to General. I don't see why one can't just jump right in at General, tho. I'll have to ask.

I can't recall when the latest manual came out but, 7-1-2006 should be a good study guide. You do know that the Morse Code requirement was dropped, right?

Here are a few sites I've found that are pretty in-depth:
www.smeter.net
www.hamuniverse.com
and the site of one of the local clubs that I'll be joining this week.. http://k5ozk.ham-radio-op.net

Do you have anyone that you know who can mentor you, or a local club? It's my good fortune that my best friends dad has been a Ham since before I met him when I was 13. I'm 42 now. He gave me a good show of his 'shack' the other day and explained a lot. Also has some equipment that he will give me as soon as I pass the test and will help me put up an antenna. Pretty cool, huh?

Keep me posted on how you're doing, bro. This will be fun!

Rob

[msta999]

Thanks Ozark,
I do have a friend, who dabbles in it and there is a house, about a mile away with several antennas on it. I talked to a neigbor next to the house and the guy is a ham. I also found a club in this town and am planning on looking them up. I figured I would work at getting the license first and go from there.
I have no experience with ham radios, I do have a radio that picks up short wave, but that is as close as I have been in the past.
I read there is only 35 questions on the test the book prepares you for, how ever I haven't read though it yet. I'll keep you updated with my progress, you do the same.

[OzarkMtnDaredevil]

Yes; 35 questions drawn from a 'Pool' of 200 questions which ensures that you can't buy a cheat-sheet, I guess. From what I understand, if you and I sat down and took the test at the same location, on the same day, our questions may or may not be the same. It seems that most of the Tech Test questions have to do with common-sence stuff like, no cussing and be courtious. We do that anyway, huh?
There are some basic Electrical Knowledge questions that are pretty easy. If you can change the batt in your car and replace an outlet in your wall, you should be good to go.

Keep in touch, buddy. I'll do the same. Looking forward to hearing your callsign come over my speaker!

[wy0mn]

There used to be 5 levels of licensing, back when I got mine. I am a grand-fathered Advanced Class. Although I passed the theory portion my hearing wouldn't allow me to copy the higher rate of code required at the time for the Extra class.
Code isn't required anymore, but you'll miss out on lots of neat people/places without it! There are three digit codes that are accepted worldwide. I've had many conversations with foreign hams when we shared no other common language!
The question pool isn't difficult. Many of the questions, as you've noticed by now, are simply re-worded or turned around.
Make flash cards with the answers on the back. Have a friend or spouse grill you.
Most test sessions allow you to take more than one level test per session, provided you passed the one proceeding it. There used to be no additional charge for further single session tests. I don't know if this is still true. I was a test examiner for the W5YI group, their website should answer many of your questions.

If you are interested in the electronics aspect of the hobby, I recommend a visit to the Ramsey electronics website. They have many kits for ham radio use and explanations of what various components purposes are.

For antennas I recommend "Verticals without Vertigo".

The older manual is probably obsolete. Check the cover and the inside cover, they usually say it good thru a certain date. I'm guessing it lacks the entire section on radiation hazards.

My server is really slow today or I'd supply links.
Hope this helps.

[msta999]

I did get a little reading in today. There are 3 levels: Technician, General and Amateur Extra. The higher the level, the more privileges you get. The tests can't be that hard, I see kids, starting out at age 7 are passing the tests and getting thier licenses. It is sounding pretty cool, even using sattlelites and computers to comunicate in some cases. I'm looking forward to finishing the book. Oh, looks like the book I have is good though 2009, however there can be some changes in 2007 and 2008. This was the newest manual I could find though, so I'm using it.

[OzarkMtnDaredevil]

I went to the library yesterday and picked up the ARRL Operating Manual, 8th Edition. Thumbed through it until WAY past my bedtime :-[ .
This afternoon I came across a 'Trial Test Site' and felt brave. I got 25 of 35 questions correct. I failed, though, as you can only miss 9. Most of what I missed were things that made sense when I was shown the correct answer. I've no doubt that I can pass the 'real test' but, I really want to Ace it!
I found the test at www.aa9pw.com/radio/index.html
Give it a shot, msta!

I'll be going to my first club meeting with my friends Dad, tomorrow night. Looking very forward to it!
Also looking forward to a local Hamfest and Swapmeet on 4-12. *:)

[msta999]

If you go to the back of the ARRL manual, there are over 100 questions, many are commonsense. I am still reading though the book, as I get a chance. The history of Hams is kind of cool, along with the fact that they make/adapt thier own technology. It has been some good reading.

Did you find a site with a listing of differant Swapmeets? I'd like to find one local and see just what they have.

[wy0mn]

The only ham site I use any more is qrz.com, they have practice tests, listed swapmeets & forums. They are missing a few things however, they have no agenda nor 'soapbox' from which to preach, a few of the members however... about like here! lol

[OzarkMtnDaredevil]

Yep, qrz.com is a very good site. I find myself there often *:) .
I really enjoyed the meeting tonight. Even saw a few folks that I knew but had no idea that they were into radio. Everyone was very nice and encouraging. One guy gave me a stack of his old books that he was going to toss if no-one wanted them. I didn't care that they were from 1973 or 1994. My brain is in Sponge-mode.

wyOmn, thanks for dropping in on this thread!

Edit: msta; if someone ask if you have your 'ticket', they mean your license. ::) *

[wy0mn]

Lots of abbreviations in radio too, leftovers from the days of Morse Code. (It'll never truly die, until the world slows to a stop.)
Anyone asked you your QTH (location)yet? Or discussed the wx(weather)? Or heard about getting QRM (static) from the spouse?
Yes I push Morse Code, its simple & elegant. Most folks will not make the effort to cuss in CW (continuous wave), & code will sometimes make it when voice will not. I've seen it happen.

Radio is fascinating. Because of it I now can build my own antennas, read schematics and build what they represent. I've built receivers & transmitters, starting with Ramsey kits as I said. One xmas I went to the Cell-Phone Shack (officially & erroneously RadioShack) & picked up a bunch of stuff. Added to my hoard, I made each of my ham buddies a 'Pixie II'. Google that one. lol
I avoid Cell-Phone Shack whenever possible, their salesmen know nothing about radio nor their products, other that what they read on the packages, and you can do that yourself. Here (Laramie) they don't even know what an NE-2 bulb is, or what it can be used for.
I sent a letter to their corporate office requesting a name change, removing "Radio" from their business, since they think a 'ladderline' is used to climb up the side of a boat/ship!
Gotta go, I hate it when I myself get "preachy".
Lex

[OzarkMtnDaredevil]

Preach On, Brother Lex! Preach On! I want to hear Hellfire and Brimstone sermons! *:)
I was the 'new kid' at last nights meeting and, while I don't think it was directed at me, the VP brought up the fact that someone (they know who) was kerchunking, as in keying a mic and releasing. Lex, did I get that right? This is a major no-no. It has some ill-effect on the Repeater from what I gathered. A lot of this is still WAY over my head.
It seems this kerchuncker did it often enough that he was identified ( you'll be dealing with old Navy ops with surplus govt equipment and better that can ID you by a meter reading even if you don't ID ). He is being mailed a polite letter that informs of more drastic actions that may be taken if he continues.
In laymans terms... It's a hobby that is meant to be Fun and Rewarding but PLAY BY THE RULES.

Another issue, which I'm sure was presented for my benefit, was that of the use of 10 Codes. My mentor knows that I have many friends on our local, small-town Police and Fire dept's that still use 10s. His son is one of them. 10 Codes are frowned upon in Ham. Someone said, "Oh yeah. Sometimes, in the heat of the moment I might reply with a 10-4 but, I never tell anyone that I need to 10-100". These guys are very serious but are still human. *;D * *

[wy0mn]

I've heard it called different things across the country, but thats a new expression for me!
In simplest terms, just imagine flipping a light switch until something goes blooey! Most repeaters have to re-set between transmissions, even if its something as basic as the TR (transmit/receive) switching. Many repeater owners can reset the parameters remotely using the numeric keypads on their HT (walkie talkie) or mobile rig. Therefore its even possible, I suppose, to 'confuse' the repeater by incessant rapid keying of the mike; causing it to fail to identify itself automatically (or erroneously) as per FCC regulations. Or even giving a shutdown code!
There are also the issues of power & heat. A repeater on receive uses little power, but on transmit they use MUCH more. Someone has to pay for this, usually the individual owner or the club that operates it. At peak power it produces heat, depending on the design it could produce excessive heat if constantly keyed up. Some repeaters are multiband, if they use one antenna with an antenna auto-tuner there goes more power & additional areas for malfunction.
Some repeaters are linked to other repeaters too, as a 'net', making communications possible for a greater distance. I worked a Florida station thru a series of net linkages from Tennessee. So you can see it possible to make oneself an idiot over a much larger area than some folks realize, even on a low output radio.
Thats why 'most' hams are gentlemen of the airwaves. As unofficial U.S. Ambassadors to the world, we can & should be held responsible for our actions.
Local transmissions are relatively easy to trace if given enough time & samples, basic triangulation. Theres even a 'Foxhunt' game hams play, searching for hidden transmitters.
I never got involved in those, and can only imagine the intricacies of ID'ing a signal by its individual RF *signature.
Many law enforcement agencies are phasing out 10-codes too. With the turnover rate of trained personnel, and dispatchers, they are finding it faster to respond if given accurate common language info to work with. If I were a cop now I'd hate hear a dispatcher say "Uh, gimme a minute, I can't find the right code!" But aside from that, the FCC regulations governing amateur radio transmissions absolutely prohibit using 'coded' speech with the intent to obscure the content of the message.
Attend those meetings, write down your questions & ask the locals too. What little I know you are welcome to, but I'm mostly a HF (high frequency aka global) radio op. And ham equipment is always evolving.
73
wy0mn/7
:)

[OzarkMtnDaredevil]

Wow. I taught Lex something! Kerchunk. Kerchunk. ;D
It'll probably be a long time before you see that happen again. :) Yes, Repeater reset time was mentioned so, we're on the same page. It's sure good to have you hanging around and talking in Laymans terms, Lex. Thx!

msta999? Are u still with us? Haven't heard from u in a while.

In the back of a book that I was given, I found a FCC Form 610. It's dated Feb 1990. Is this one still valid? I'd like to fill it out before my Test Day (next Saturday, I hope). I'll be nervous enough as it is.

Seven Tree.

[wy0mn]

Honestly I don't know. Is that the initial application form? Its been so long ago...
I got on the FCC forms site & can't find a listing for a '610' as a current or obsolete form... the ARRL page that pops up on a google for 610's actually has nothing about it either. Sorry.
I even went into the garage & dug out my most recent Extra Class study guide, only found a form 605 in it.
The cover is stamped 2002-2008, but the inside says 2002-2006!
If anyone wants it just send me an address, I'll even pay postage.
wy0mn@hotmail.com
Lex

[OzarkMtnDaredevil]

Yes. According to this 'old' book that I have, I need to present this form to the test admin before I take the test. Maybe it's no longer required? I'm sorry that you wasted time in your garage, Lex. I truly do appreciate the effort, though. I like hanging out in my garage. Wife doesn't allow cigar smoke in the house.
Somewhere back up there, I think u mentioned W5YI? This book is distributed by them. Titled 'Amateur Radio Service NOVICE FCC License Study Manual'. By Gordon West.
I told you that I was gonna pick your brain! I sure appreciate the help!

[wy0mn]

Not a problem, glad to help.
The W5YI site has this, so I guess the 610 is obsolete.
http://www.ncvec.org/ncvec605.pdf

I like my garage too. :)

[msta999]

Wow. I taught Lex something! Kerchunk. Kerchunk. ;D
It'll probably be a long time before you see that happen again. *:) Yes, Repeater reset time was mentioned so, we're on the same page. It's sure good to have you hanging around and talking in Laymans terms, Lex. Thx!

msta999? Are u still with us? Haven't heard from u in a while.

In the back of a book that I was given, I found a FCC Form 610. It's dated Feb 1990. Is this one still valid? I'd like to fill it out before my Test Day (next Saturday, I hope). I'll be nervous enough as it is.

Seven Tree.



Ya, I'm still hanging around. I looked though my book and the only forms I could find were if you passed the test, need to fill out the CSCE and Form 605. As far as taking the test, my book says to contact the VEC or go to thier website www.arrl.org/arrl/vec/examsearch.phtml
Sounds like the 605 form is needed only if you don't want to give the info online.
You are right, a lot of the questions are not hard. Just going through the electrical part, and finding it to be pretty easy, due to my back ground. I am still working on reading the complete book though, just to gain as much info as I can. The manual I have is just for the Tech level license. I'll have to find the one for general, once I'm done with this one.

[SCRich]

Changes come and go. I am a VE but have not administered a test in about 2 years since I moved and have not settled down, I guess my VE will expire soon.
Do not bother filling anything out from any web site, chances are you will need to fill them out again. The local VEC will provide you with everything needed the night of the exam, just bring exact change for the exam fee and 1 or 2 forms of POSITIVE ID.

VEC's run things different from group to group since there are several governing orginizations (W5YI and the ARRL are the 2 largest) approved by the FCC. Forms do vary except for the FCC application. Requirements to take the test also vary from calling ahead of time, to check or cash, etc etc. The best advice is to contact the group, verify the time and location since that can change and any specifics as I mentioned above.

The test can be a bit stressfull for some who are not sure of their knowledge so it is understandable. Do not make it any more difficult by wondering at the last moment while you are driving there if you have everything you need. Good luck and if all goes well it just takes about 2 or so weeks to get your callsign.

Even though you pass the exam YOU CAN NOT OPERATE untill that license is issued. You do not need the paper in your hand but it needs to be official. www.qrz.com has several ways to check, you can search by name and I also believe they have a listing of new licenses issued on a daily basis you can check. Word of advice the name search is UNFORGIVING! It's critical for middle initials, middle names, spaces everything to be exact for you to get verification. John W Smith will come up but you will not see your address so it's not you, John W. Smith will also show hits but no address, if days later you enter John W.Smith or Smith John W. you may sadly find out you have been licensed for 4-5 days already and not known it.

[SCRich]

Sounds like the 605 form is needed only if you don't want to give the info online.


Nothing is done online, the forms are filled out on-site when you take your test. The only time online comes into play is in renewing your old license which is good for 10 years. When renewing you can also do that by mail and in that case you would use the latest form.

I would not use anything from a Novice manual except for extra reading. My brain is mush now after so many years but I think that recent license restructuring did away with the Novice license. I know that during those changes the Advanced Class license was done away with (I got one of those) but current holders can still keep it. There was a bit of discussion about an automatic upgrade to Extra but they killed that idea. I am glad, I want to be the last Advanced Class licensee standing when I "go up into the E2 layer or higher".

[OzarkMtnDaredevil]

Rich! Thx for jumping in on this thread!
Prepare to have your brain picked. ;)

Guys - my ARRL member card came in the mail today! So did my NWS diploma from the Storm Spotters Course that I took last month. You ain't gonna believe it but, there were NO bills in todays mail. Tomorrow, I'll be attending my 1st HamFest / Swap meet. Can a Friday get any better?? ;D
Yes. Wife is making hand-wrapped Tamales, jalapeno cornbread and spinich for dinner. Eat your hearts out, suckers! :P

[msta999]

I just found a local testing site, sent an email, asking to take the Tech test on the 24th this month.
I used the site you provided for the sample test questions. Maxed 5 areas, but still need to study on the other 4 areas. Thanks for the practice test site.

[SCRich]

Pick away, I am not really active at this time due to the move but I do play on VHF and UHF while on longer trips which is only a few times a year. But I have almost tried it all over the past 33 years I have been licensed. I got my "ticket" when I was 8. At this stage most of the time is just going back to doing something I did years ago that I liked.

I do intend to get REALLY ACTIVE but right now the basement and office are all boxes, so is the rest of the house and I just don't have the energy or cash to get everything set up. I was going to build a tower right but lost a lot of cash sueing the builder so the tower will need to wait. So since I will be waiting a long time I guess I got to plan on wire antennas and that I have so it's just a matter of lazyness.

I'll keep an eye on the thread but I need help from someone who has been here awhile. Is there a way to subscribe to a thread? I am on a very weak EVDO wireless connection here that means slow. I do not check very often but if I can subscribe to the communications forum to get e-mail updates or at least specific threads I would like to.

[msta999]

Ozark,
what is a ARRL member card came in the mail today? I didn't see any referance to one in my book.

Got a confirmation on my test, turns out it is on the 23rd not the 24th. Good thing I checked. The site said the 24th.

[OzarkMtnDaredevil]

Ozark,
what is a ARRL member card came in the mail today? I didn't see any referance to one in my book.

Got a confirmation on my test, turns out it is on the 23rd not the 24th. Good thing I checked. The site said the 24th.

ARRL is the Amateur Radio Relay League. The site is at www.arrl.org . IMO, the value of the info in the Members Only area of the site is worth the membership ($39) but you also get a subscription to the magazine.

Congrats on the test date! Mine was cancelled on Saturday because the Club Secretary (VE) had forgotten that Saturday was the clubs annual Hamfest. ::)

[wy0mn]

Thats a puzzler Rich.. I'll ask around, about subscribing to threads...
Glad your here with us!
I ran Lakeview whips from ground-mounts occasionally, maybe that would work for you? Or the Outbacker multibander"
Wire antennas are neat, all I had many times & no regrets. They just aren't the best thing for my new QTH.
Lex

[msta999]

I have been taking the online tests and doing ok on them. I am only half way though the book, it is a little hard to read, because I have to keep going back and looking up terms, so I understand what I'm reading. Kind of a pain, but I am getting though it. Still on course for taking the Tech test on the 23rd.

[OzarkMtnDaredevil]

Looks like I can Test on 5-10. :)
I'm ready! X your fingers for me anyway.

[msta999]

Good luck.
I didn't take mine, I just didnt' feel ready and I haven't finished the book yet. Haven't been able to put as much time into it as I thought I would be able to. I have an other class this month I have to focus on for now, if I don't pass the testing part, I loose 500 bucks, so that is were my efforts are going for this month.

[vargthewanderer]

Good luck to the both of you! Let us know how the ARRL book worked out, I'm looking at ordering it myself. You were right, the bug bit!

[OzarkMtnDaredevil]

Darn it! Severe weather in the area canceled my test yesterday as the VE is on the ARES team. I was primed and ready, too. >:(
Oh well... that just gives me more time to study :) .
100% correct is my goal.

I'm getting really tired of tornado Warnings. >:(

[OzarkMtnDaredevil]

Varg. Everything is proceeding as I have forseen. ;D
That sounded like the Emporer in Star Wars, huh? LOL

Msta. Quit stalling. You remind me of me. :-[

My new Test date is 7-12-08. I'm only missing 2 or 3 questions on each Tech trial test I take now. Heck, I might try the General test! I'll keep you posted.

[msta999]

I see they have another test on 23-Jul-2008. I'll shoot for that one. I will have completed the hydraulic testing and will have time to complete this. What are you getting for a first radio? I'm thinking of the little hand held one, because we have a repeater near.

[OzarkMtnDaredevil]

Dang it! I missed my 7-12 test date. Too many things going on around the house and it completely slipped my mind until it was 2 hours too late. September is the next test here.
msta. Don't forget yours, bro!