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kd5rjz

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I would suggest the W5YI study guide as a resource to ace the test quickly, and the ARRL study guide to learn the material at a slower pace, but more thoroughly.

W5YI: https://www.amazon.com/dp/0945053908/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_mdTlCbYYPF3CS


ARRL:
https://www.amazon.com/dp/1625950829/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_1gTlCbMZ5NF7Q

My issue with the practice tests so far is that they seem to have random questions covering topics that I can't really pinpoint a study resource on. My only way to remember the answer is to just keep taking the test, but it doesn't do me any good to understand why. Any thoughts on a study guide?
 

p238shooter

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If you are serious about getting your license but having a little bit of a hard time understanding the why's for some of the questions or are limited on study time to figure it all out, I suggest you take a good look at this.

Do a google search for hamtestonline (one word no spaces) it will take you to https://www.hamradiolicenseexam.com and give it a try. Yes, $24.95 for the Tech course, but it not only gives you the questions and answers, it drills it into you and makes you learn it, each question has a place to click that will take you to the "Why" each question has that correct answer.

You can do about 25% for free to try it out. It is hands down the best study tool out there for actually learning the why for each question. Many different options and ways you can set it up to practice for the exam. If you register even for the free part it will take you to where you left off the last time you were logged in.

My blond ex-wife with absolutely no preknowledge passed her Technician license missing only one question studying 10 hours in a two week period of time. I highly recommend it for the Tech license and his upgrades to General and Extra as well. He makes it easy to really learn the material.

I personally know at least 20 hams that have used this course. Not a single one had a complaint or failed their Tech test or upgrades on the first try. It just works. JMO like everyone has naturally. WB5Y
 
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Dave70968

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Here are several amateur radio clubs in the Tulsa area; I don't know the geography up there, so I don't know which is closest to you, but I'll bet if you contact just about any of them, they'll be able to give you some more information. More than likely, at least one will be running free classes. I know the South Canadian Amateur Radio Society (SCARS) does, as well as running test sessions on a regular basis.

http://w5ias.com/
http://www.tulsahamradio.org/
http://w5drz.org/
http://www.arrl.org/Groups/view/tulsa-community-college-arc-tcc-arc

(For those in Norman/Moore/south OKC, SCARS meets at the fire station at Norman Westheimer, and its website is https://w5nor.org/ ).
 

Dave70968

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Addendum to previous:

SCARS is starting new Technician/General classes on 5 Feb (Tuesday). The syllabus, along with links to several test prep sites and the question pool, is at https://w5nor.org/class/ (it references the 2018 class, but the Events page at https://w5nor.org/class/ gives the 2019 date). I think it's about time I upgrade to General anyway, so I'l be there.

I'm also thinking of picking up a couple of their Pixie 40 meter kits (https://w5nor.org/pixie/). At ten quid, they're dirt cheap, and they're a fun way to get started as well as work on your soldering skills and Morse code. Things like this are great projects for winter when you'd rather be indoors anyway. If anybody wants me to pick one up, I'd be happy to do so for FTF exchange, or by mail on your dime. If we get enough people interested, we might even be able to get an OSA net going from time to time. SCARS runs several scheduled nets, listed at https://w5nor.org/meetings/ along with the regular, in-person meetings.
 

kd5rjz

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I have Pixie kits (and some other kits) in Tulsa if you need one. I also have most common rf adaptors in stock.

Addendum to previous:

SCARS is starting new Technician/General classes on 5 Feb (Tuesday). The syllabus, along with links to several test prep sites and the question pool, is at https://w5nor.org/class/ (it references the 2018 class, but the Events page at https://w5nor.org/class/ gives the 2019 date). I think it's about time I upgrade to General anyway, so I'l be there.

I'm also thinking of picking up a couple of their Pixie 40 meter kits (https://w5nor.org/pixie/). At ten quid, they're dirt cheap, and they're a fun way to get started as well as work on your soldering skills and Morse code. Things like this are great projects for winter when you'd rather be indoors anyway. If anybody wants me to pick one up, I'd be happy to do so for FTF exchange, or by mail on your dime. If we get enough people interested, we might even be able to get an OSA net going from time to time. SCARS runs several scheduled nets, listed at https://w5nor.org/meetings/ along with the regular, in-person meetings.
 

KOPBET

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I got a Technician Plus (which later was adjusted to simply Technician) license back in ‘91 (I won’t put my call here since I don’t want my home address exposed so conveniently to the world). Back then of course you had to pass the Novice first and also a 5 wpm code exam. Don’t remember what the code requirement was back then for General but IIRC that code kind of hindered my progress. I also have a non-expiring FCC Radio Telephone Operator license with Ship Radar Endorsement. I’ve been out of the game since before I renewed the first time in 2001. I know things have changed quite a bit since then so maybe starting afresh with the basics wouldn’t hurt since I’m pretty rusty on the theory. After that, work towards General again. Retirement isn’t that far away so maybe it’ll give me something to do. Thanks to all of you that posted class and study info.
 
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Dave70968

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It was 13 WPM for General, 20 WPM for Extra. I don't recall Advanced (which no longer exists). You could also do a no-code tech which was the Novice and Tech written elements with no code; it was VHF/UHF/microwave only (no HF privileges). Since the ITU requirement for code disappeared, the FCC followed suit and dropped it as well, so all three license classes (down from 5½) are available without code.

You should still learn it, though; it's by far the simplest and most power-efficient way to communicate, making it the most reliable under adverse conditions.
 

KOPBET

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It was 13 WPM for General, 20 WPM for Extra. I don't recall Advanced (which no longer exists). You could also do a no-code tech which was the Novice and Tech written elements with no code; it was VHF/UHF/microwave only (no HF privileges). Since the ITU requirement for code disappeared, the FCC followed suit and dropped it as well, so all three license classes (down from 5½) are available without code.

You should still learn it, though; it's by far the simplest and most power-efficient way to communicate, making it the most reliable under adverse conditions.


Thanks for refreshing my memory. Thirty years (almost) and a stroke has dulled it somewhat. I agree on learning the code though. Passing 5 wpm was what at the time seemed like a major milestone but I got it done. Now a days the tinnitus will likely impede my progress once again.
 

Raptor62

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I got a Technician Plus (which later was adjusted to simply Technician) license back in ‘91 (I won’t put my call here since I don’t want my home address exposed so conveniently to the world). Back then of course you had to pass the Novice first and also a 5 wpm code exam. Don’t remember what the code requirement was back then for General but IIRC that code kind of hindered my progress. I also have a non-expiring FCC Radio Telephone Operator license with Ship Radar Endorsement. I’ve been out of the game since before I renewed the first time in 2001. I know things have changed quite a bit since then so maybe starting afresh with the basics wouldn’t hurt since I’m pretty rusty on the theory. After that, work towards General again. Retirement isn’t that far away so maybe it’ll give me something to do. Thanks to all of you that posted class and study info.
The cool thing for me is HRD ham radio deluxe software. Hook your radio to the computer via USB and send and receive morse code via the keyboard.
For someone learning there are free programs for doing this and HRD is free to try. ARRL broadcast 5 wpm on a schedule.
I love using the computer on these digital modes.

Sent from my SM-N960U using Tapatalk
 

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