HAM Radio Technician Test

[epicureus314159]

you have to test the technician because

well, i guess he might be on something

scary

[ddogg845]

I really cant find where to study and where to go to test if you can help i would really appreciate it

[GearBuyersGuide]

@ddogg845

I don't know where you are, but I did an internet search for HAM in my town and found the clubs that do the testing, etc

else check the big national clubs for their local sources

[keoghjacob]

Our VEs wouldn't let us know the amount of questions we missed.

[foxrivermotorman]

A good web sight out there is Ham Test Online, E-ham and the Gorden West books and audio CD are a big help. I pasted my Extra in 2009 by the Gorden West book and the Ham Test Online.

[wrestlemaniac202]

I got a few questions. I'll be taking the technician test at a local Hamfest and how hard is the test and could I buy a ham radio right after I took the test and passed it? Also how many questions could I get wrong that I could still pass the test? I have an app on my itouch to help my study for it

[GearBuyersGuide]

@wrestlemaniac202

The test is the test, how hard it is depends on your brain I suppose..

Good news is the test is out and available to study from so your iTouch app is showing you the actual questions you'll see on your test.. so take the practice tests until you always pass them and chances are you'll pass the 'real' one too

You can buy the radio whenever you want, you just can't use it until you are listed in the database with a call sign

Good luck and let us know how you do !!

[wrestlemaniac202]

@GearBuyersGuide How long will that take for the call sign to apper on the database website? Hours, days, weeks, or months?

[GearBuyersGuide]

@wrestlemaniac202

for me it was about 12-14 days. but there was a national holiday in there.. other guys have seen theirs show up faster

[wrestlemaniac202]

@GearBuyersGuide okay thats good to know for now

[fordbroncodave]

i have a few questions.

if you fail the first time, do they let you take it a 2nd or 3rd time? if so, are there extra costs involved?

if i did however pass the first round of the technician license, is the general free to take right then and there or is there extra costs involved?

how soon before you can use your new call sign or how long does it take to get your call sign?

i have the better part of 2 months to practice on qrz.com before our local hamfest takes place this year.

[GearBuyersGuide]

@fordbroncodave

In Tucson at least.. I took the test. If I would have failed it, I could pay the fee again and take the test again, as many times as needed

Once I passed the Tech test, I was able to take the General test once to see if I could pass it too

They sent in my paperwork that night, and I had my callsign (in database) in two weeks (w/ a holiday in there) so I could use it

Then I had my paper license in the mail about 4 weeks after the test

[bowlsallbroken]

Thanks for making this video as it's served as a reminder that this is something I've always wanted to try. After watching this video few days ago I took some of the online practice tests and discovered that my general knowledge was nearly good enough to pass.

I've been practicing and studying for the past 4-5 days and now I can reliably score in the 90's. I'm taking the test tonight. Wish me luck!

[GearBuyersGuide]

@bowlsallbroken

Very cool, and GOOD LUCK, if you have been scoring 90's you should do OK

Let us know how you do, and we'll keep an ear out for you on the air

[bowlsallbroken]

@GearBuyersGuide

Nailed it.

Like you, I went on and took the General test too but wasn't 100% prepared. I'll probably take the General again after studying more.

Has your call sign shown up in the FCC database yet? I just bought a Yaesu 2 meter ht today and I'm curious how long I'm gonna have to wait to give it a whirl.

[GearBuyersGuide]

@bowlsallbroken

Right on, well done !!

No, my call sign isn't posted yet..

It's driving me nuts, my radio arrived today .. so I guess I'll have some time to set it up

I assume the holiday week delayed it a bit, they said I could expect to see it show up this week..

I assume you've been following USNERDOC too, I am hoping to still get a chance to talk with the ISS before they come home at the end of the month

[superjet2771]

Isn't it illegal to have you navigator mounted up in the middle of your wind shield?

[GearBuyersGuide]

@superjet2771

no

[MrRUSS808]

How did you do on the test.??

[GearBuyersGuide]

@MrRUSS808

From looking over their shoulder, I think I only missed 2 out of 35.. but they don't show you the completed test so I am not sure..

[dsarti1]

welcome to the hobby KJ4VXJ... when you get your general check out american prepairedness radio net on 3.818 LSB

[ThePauperPrepper]

Hey Guys, I wanna share a great study guide for General. I used this same book in thb eTechnician format and got 100%. I read it the night before my test, just one time, and aced it. Now I had studied other stuff, but I swear I owe it to this guys booklet. He basically writes all of the test questions in an easy to read book format. IUts so hard to get a URL in here, so just GOOGLE "No Nonsense General Class Stydy Guide). Enjoy. I take my General on the 16th of Nov.. Ron KB3VEW

[ThePauperPrepper]

Congratuations on passing your technician Exam and welcome to a great hobby. But , you need to go back to that Test Site and get your General License because if you only missed 7 Questions thats 80% Correct and thats a PASSING Grade. You can miss up to 9 Questions outta the 35 and pass. So something is wrong here and you need to get it straightened out. You passed the test with Two Questions to spare. 73s de KB3VEW Ron

[GearBuyersGuide]

@ThePauperPrepper

I'll have to check that out

[Tacticalgearhead]

@ThePauperPrepper roger on that, he did pass, better double check GBG.

[GearBuyersGuide]

@Tacticalgearhead

They didn't give me the test back.. but I have no reason to think they were wrong..

So I think I must have mis-understood. I must have missed by 7, not missed 7

[Tacticalgearhead]

@GearBuyersGuide ah hahaah no worries my friend! I'm sure the VEs were doing a great job, and when you think about it, 3 people did verifying everything. Well, onwards to General study my friend.

[flasharoo]

Congrats on passing. I've been studying up and hopefully will get to take the test soon!

[usframe]

way to go! and that opportunity for hands on for the next step was certainly informative for you folks. We'll certainly be watching for more on the subject.

[GearBuyersGuide]

@usframe

Thanks, it's been a lot of fun having some new things to learn.

I hope you guys think about going for it.. could be another way to keep in touch

[usframe]

@GearBuyersGuide yes, we have been following everyone's progress. Looking into some local entities.

[GearBuyersGuide]

@usframe

Very cool ..

[x2mike2x]

When you guys get on HF let me know. I would love to work you from the east coast

KB1PUP

[GearBuyersGuide]

@x2mike2x

Cool, will do..

[Tacticalgearhead]

Congrats on passing the Tech exam and good effort on the General. I'm close to being ready for the General, but I have to wait a few more weeks for a testing location close to my location. I don't feel like driving 6 hours to take a test :) Welcome to the new hobby and 73 to you my friend!

[jnjulie]

Congrats! Can't wait to see some rig reviews.

[larlar752000]

Grats guys