2:12 - Bottom line = Cram! 6:48 - Memorize the right answers. 7:25 - Recommend reading the ARRL Ham Radio License Manual. 8:30 - After passing the test, check out other resources for learning.
I had a different take on it all. I spent several weeks at it, read and learned a lot about RF and the reasons for the FCC rules and such, because it was important information, interesting, and useful. I sat for the Tech, General, and Extra licenses the same day, and walked out as an Extra. Then I read still more, got some cheap test equipment, and now I can make RF communications work, and work well under all sorts of conditions. Plus I'm learning CW. I think doing all this beats memorizing for a license and still not knowing what's going on, or how, or why to do anything. I just don't like feeling helpless when something doesn't work.
That’s awesome, John! I think it depends one what someone wants out of the license. If they just simply want to talk to others from time to time that are nearby, memorizing enough to get the ticket is fine. But for someone like yourself that wants to go deep into the hobby, you did the right thing 👍🏻
I did this for my test and finished first and got a perfect score out of 32 people taking the test a few weeks ago. Thanks for the advice. There's so many aspects to amateur radio is hard to focus on one area.
I’m almost done reading the book and I’m glad I did because it taught me more about the ecosystem, how to communicate and different methods of communication with different modes on different bands. It also taught me how to read the ARRL chart that shows what we can do for what license for what band. Please just don’t memorize the questions and answers. The book is very approachable and helpful when it comes to learning Ham Radio.
Not so easy for me, sorry! There are 423 questions you need to know and then the questions were NOT written as I studied and the answers were totally different from what I studied... so while it might be easy for some.... this 66 years old great grandma had to study much longer.... BUT, I did pass and only missed 2...YAY!!!!
I was wondering if you may have used the Third Edition License Manual intead of the 4th? I'm under the impression that the core material is essentially the same but the question pool was changed in the Fourth Edition. That would make it a lot harder.
The current question pool is online. It changes every 4 years I believe. But you gotta make sure you study the current version! The wording doesn't change. What is online is what is on the test as long as you have the current version. No variation!
@@WW5RM That is a valid point & I did use the question pool starting July 1, 2019 for the Tech and General. As I used the Craig Buck series, which embodies the current test questions, I needed to use the current offerings reflecting the July 1, 2019 pool. The Free Ham Test Online program was the exam practice tool I used for the Tech and the General. The test questions for the Amateur Extra class are due to be replaced this year, 2020. As I passed Element 4 on Jan 11, 2020, may new call sign is AG7YT. 73.
The questions are “word for word” exactly the same as on the test. The multiple choice answers are also “word for word” exactly the same as on the test. HOWEVER! The answers are moved around from what you will see on the test. For example, if the correct answer for a particular question is (a) on the app, it may show up as (c) on the actual FCC exam. The answer will not be different, but it’s location of (A) (B) (C) or (D) will usually be different from the app. They do this to make you learn the answer verses just memorizing A, B, C or D for that question. Personally I don’t think it would be any easier trying to remember A, B, C, D, etc even if the location of the answers did not change. The great thing about these apps are that they learn what you know and what you don’t know. The more often you get a certain question wrong, the more often you will see that question pop up, until you start consistently answering it correctly. And then you will see it less often because you have demonstrated that you know the correct answer. For this reason the apps (there are several to choose from) are better than the study manuals available on Amazon or the ARRL website.
I totally get your approach with testing then learning from there. Myself, I learn the same way through doing and experiencing. Experienced friends have given some quick pointers on etiquette to help being a newbie that may make mistakes.
At least you had friends who helped you when you were a newbie. Kudos to them, and kudos to you too no matter how you learn. I hereby direct this to all Hams everywhere. Frankly Who cares if anyone is a newbie. Every newbie makes newbie mistakes including yourself back when you were a newbie. Never forget that. Never put a newbie down, or make a newbie feel unwelcome, or make a newbie feel like he or she is being discriminated against, or make a newbie feel like he or she is a newbie just for being a newbie just because they make (or made), a newbie mistake. If you do, then you yourself are direly in the wrong, and need further training in proper human relations etiquette. Remember this. Everybody in ham radio (or any other field for that matter), has had to start out being a newbie first and nobody in ham radio or any other field has ever not started out as a newbie and not made newbie mistakes or not had to work their way up the seniority ladder. If anyone has a problem with someone else being a newbie then I say they themselves have a personal problem and shouldn't be in the ham radio field themselves (or any other field for that matter). Everybody in the ham radio field needs to help everyone else without an issue and without discrimination and YES that goes for even helping newbies feel at home and welcome in the ham radio field without an issue when they make a newbie mistake as well.
Hey Chad..... yep.... your advise worked out very well for me. I loaded the ham radio training app on my phone. I passed my Technician teat today. I got a 94%. Thx again.
Back in the day (the 80's in my case) we had study guides by Bash which we called the "Bash Books" jokingly as going through that same process of question and highlighted answer was supposed to "bash" the test into your head, lol. I know many hams who started out barely passing and ended up highly skilled. Kudos and welcome to ham radio. (Yes, I know I'm late on this, lol). DE N3ELZ
THANK YOU for this video - I was on the 32 hour course plan! Saw your video yesterday, downloaded the app. watched a few other videos for context. Went to my local club tonight and passed with a 31/35. I read @johnwest comments about REALLY STUDYING - but I only got it to "legally" fly a new uav/drone I am building which requires the FCC HAM license due to the transmissions between the remote and the drone. And of course, when our country falls into a civil war and lawlessness, I'll be able to communicate with other patriots :)
THANK YOU. I reviewed Exactly the way you said... by Only reading the GREEN answers. I reviewed top to bottom, quizzed frequently. Then re-read the questions of my harder sections the morning of the test. The question /answers were EXACTLY the same as the app. PASSED Yesterday. Wouldn't have dreamed I could do it if I hadn't found your video & the app. *** idk how the test will change,, if the questions will change but a new test is coming JUNE 2022** Maybe the app will change to reflect the new question/answers. Now for the hands on, in- person learning. THANK YOU.
I used this very same technique, but the material is so odd to a newb coming into HAM for the first time that they may hesitate to take it in 24 hours. I can see this technique working for most in like a week. Thanks for the vid and the advice on HAM exams.
About the test... Why take a test for building a radio or antenna? When you buy them ready to go. I think the FCC needs to change with the times. We need a test for plug in and go. Thanks
You can do that, but amateur radio is all about learning how to get the most out of your radio. And for the budget conscious, there remains no way cheaper than building your own antenna. Even most antennas require some basic tuning. Especially HF.
For general information, the FCC does not have anything to do with the test questions. The testing questions and answers are created by a group of Volunteer Examiners, and only approved by the FCC. 73 de N9GIX / Bill
It really can be that easy. I had a little electronics and radio background, but never dug into the technician class licensing tests. I started taking online practice tests, paid attention to the ones I got wrong, looked up why I was wrong, and within a few hours, I was consistently passing the tests. Occasionally acing them.
It is good to get your Ham Radio license. It is an achievement that requires some study, not every question is intuitive & most people fail if they take the exam without study. On the other hand, it is almost like answer key studies. It does not make you a subject matter expert- it is permission to start. Experience & practice is just as important after you get your license.
Such an old video, but, congrats, first off.... I'm going through this now... People are like "test for all 3!!" Yeah, that's not gonna happen... I need to go pass these 1 at a time. I'm very impressed you did it in 24 hours... I've been pounding this material for 3 nights after work, and I'm not ready.... So, good for you. Nice job.
You can get a GMRS license for 70 bucks and it is good for 10 years and you don't have to study all that theory or take any kind of test. It is perfect because your whole family can use it, you can have repeaters, mobile and base radios are 50 watts, and you can buy them at Wal-Mart, Amazon, E-Bay and many other places. The General Mobile Radio Service (GMRS) is a licensed radio service that uses channels around 462 MHz and 467 MHz. The most common use of GMRS channels is for short-distance, two-way voice communications using hand-held radios, mobile radios and repeater systems. You can talk up to 50 miles or more with a GMRS repeater on a good high spot above average terrain (just like the hams do) there is very little difference between ham repeaters and GMRS repeaters, and you can use it for family business too. I have been a licensed GMRS operator since the 1980s and I am a licensed commercial radio technician with 30 years of experience as a bench tech I also hold an advanced class amateur radio license and I know the differences between GMRS and ham radio and I am giving you my best opinion and for the average person GMRS is a better service.
Norbert Sichterman thanks for your opinion. For the average person, I would agree. But as far as using GMRS repeaters, I don’t think many of them are public from what I can tell, and ham repeater directories are a lot more available. Also, you can reach much further with the ham radio bands than the GMRS bands and equipment. Granted, you have to have the proper license to be legal to use those bands, but if you want or need to get your signal out further, ham is the better option in my opinion. There are pluses and minuses to both. For communications out on the trail with others, where I use radios the most, GMRS is probably the best option.
@@OverlandAddict As I have mentioned. I have been licensed since the 1980s and in that time I have had repeaters and know other people who have and use them. What I have found is that most (not all) repeater owners want other people on their systems because it gives them someone to talk to and some in cases to help with the expense of maintaining their systems. In most cases they charge very little and many cases they don't charge at all. They can not be set up as "commercial community repeater" systems for the purpose of making a profit however.
@@OverlandAddict you can also use GMRS mobile repeaters in the field and they have the same range as most UHF ham repeaters which use 50 Watt transmitters. Most people who I know that own repeaters leave at least one tone (usually 141.3 Hz) for emergencies and new people because they want people to use their system. Some people charge a small fee to help with cost and maintenance of their repeaters. Everyone is different though... thanks for the reply.
Thanks for the info, I've got a while before Tennessee Jeep Jamboree. I look forward to getting licensed before end of April with this info I'm going to get started. OMB
One of the frustrating things up here, north of the border, is that there is no Canadian equivalent of the Technician level. For the lowest level of license, there are 120 questions on the exam out of a pool of around 1000 possible questions. The level of electronics theory in the course and on the exam was crazy, especially for someone with no electronics background. In the class I took, people were dropping out because of the heavy, heavy focus on the electronics side. A number of folks (including me) that stuck it out because we wanted to learn, ended up failing because so much of the focus was on electrical theory. For those of us who really just want a radio for in the vehicle, and / or to help in emergency situations, there is no option. The regulations, etiquette, propagation theory and safety are all obviously extremely important aspects, but the vast majority of the questions I had on my exam were all around electrical theory, formulas, diagrams and building antennas...
Steve E. I agree. For the average person there is no need for that level of electronics knowledge. Only for guys that are going to build their own radio.
Yikes, me too, in Canada. I have issues with memorizing information. So Much of the exam requires rote memorizing. You are not allowed ANY cheat notes. NONE whatsoever. Never mind that IRL you can just look up formulas etc. I desperately want my basic licence for safety and communicating with family......but it's just too hard for me. And ham clubs wonder why there is declining enrollment....
solomon kane I’m in glarg as well and well yes we can’t change the answer order, but the answers are already mixed up. My point is practice exams and what you get in an exam will have answers in a different order
I used to study this way when i was pursuing my Microsoft certifications,,, it works. VE may mix the answers order,,, but there is only one correct answer and if you memorize it you will recognize it,,, no matter if is A or C...
FWIW, I've watched ham and GMRS radio reviews and general knowledge radio videos for about 5 months. Decided to try a practice exam and managed to get 24/35 missing a "pass" by two answers. It's a good way to learn some of the terms and concepts. Then, applying your study technique should bring an easy pass.
thanks for the link! I have RF experience, but no experience with Ham radio and want to get my HAm license to have a radio for emergency comms to overland, have for remote hunting areas, etc. Basically its part of just "being prepared"
Best advice on taking this exam. Other channels go through all the answers. They just confuse you. Read correct answers only and they will be the ONLY familiar answer you see. Learning "theory" will come later as you use the radio. This method is taught by many crash course schools such as the exams for FAA A&P Mechanics. certificates.
I’m pushing 60. Time to get my General. They have this for General so thanks. I agreed with your testing methods. I’ve tested for a few IT certifications. You burn the right answers in over and over. Then you go with your first choice. Don’t doubt your gut. I been a tech for years. Tech I did learn. That’s the practical science and theory. You do know to understand the practical side.
My son who is 13 years old has his test tommorow..he studied for a month on the qrz site & basically did the same. 38 category's was what he studied first. Memorized each category before going to the next..now he just does the random tests & is scoring 90 percent & higher. I think he will pass!
I'm probably gonna piss off some of my fellow hams saying this as someone who has been licensed for several years, but I tend to agree with your method when it comes to the tech test. There isn't much outside 2m and 440 you can transmit on with a tech license anyway. Just do us a favor and don't call CQ DX on a 440 repeater! lol You need to make sure you at least listen to other ham radio operators transmit for a while paying particular attention to how they identify themselves with their callsign before opening a conversation, how long they go on talking before saying their callsign again, how they break into an ongoing conversation, and how they end their conversation when they plan to leave. Knowing these basic things will at least keep you from getting ragged out by an overzealous old timer. (just know they were even worse and more of them when I started so just don't take it to heart if you do manage to get the jerk. Another reason not to start on HF because most of those guys hang out there and gripe at people all day for random even though their crappy tuner sh**s all over the band while they hold their cw key down and take forever at it, and they transmit AM in the lsb and ssb segments.) Biggest thing is I want to say welcome to the hobby! I look forward to hearing new people like you enjoying your time using the ham radio spectrum to communicate!
I got my Novice Class license back in 1979 and had to learn Morse code, and be tested on it at 5 words per minute. As a Novice class licensee, that’s pretty much all you could do was send and receive Morse code. I wasn’t that proficient as it, but I studied more and became what was then called a Technician Plus. The “Plus” part was because I passed the code test. Then using a similar method of studying, I passed my General Class license many years ago. To me, a lot of older hams knew and learned all of the theory stuff because they wanted to know how to build kits, replace burnt out resistors, capacitors, etc.....not me. I wanted to get on the air and talk with other hams all over the world as soon as I could with little to no equipment. I have absolutely no desire to get my Extra class license.... with digital ham radio and using hot spots, you can talk with hams all over the globe with only a Technician Class License. If there were explicit laws that stated you cannot take a test doing it the way you have mentioned, then anyone wanting to be licensed would do that if they really wanted to get licensed. Finally, for about 25-30 years of being licensed, my license just sat there collecting dust. Now, I have gotten back into the hobby and am having a blast. And I find myself WANTING to learn more about various theories and components. Sorta like you’re forced to go to college, but you really don’t want to go, then later in life like Tom Scholz the founder of the extremely successful rock group Boston did, he set aside his degree from MIT and built his own gear and developed his unique sound and The Rockman effects system came into existence! Keep learning and pass those tests! You never know, any of you could invent something completely new in the ham radio hobby! God bless, Mark W5HSJ
You did the correct choice in testing for the Tech Exam. Tech is Basic, it is for very short distance. You will mainly be on 2 meters or 70cm, which is mainly for short local distance. Using the Repeaters will give you a little more distance. You don't need to know all the advanced material about antenna or radio building until you get your General and Extra Class License. Those latter two classes will allow you to use more frequencies that allow you to reach out further to other countries in distance. For what you will be using the radio for is perfect, 2m FM is short distance and quite airwaves, just right for talking to other Jeeps in the convoy.
@@WW5RM ...I don't think he will be doing any CW while driving, and 10m SSB will require him to take his eyes and hands away from driving to tune it in. Plus the Antennas will be too long for driving through the trails. So 2m FM would be the logical choice.
@@TwoFeatherChannel you said......"Tech is Basic, its for very short distance". WRONG! If all he wants to do is comms between jeeps then yeah. A HT will probably suffice but a Tech has way more privileges than just simplex on 2M! Plus not advancing or moving up is essentially holding oneself back! Its tons of stuff a Tech can do. Satellites, 6M SSB, 2M SSB and HF. But if all he wants is comms between jeeps get a MURS walkie talkie or CB. We run CB whips on or buggies. They hold up fine.
@@mdr721 Hams will give away old HandBooks. It isn't a good read but for tech stuff it is the best. Things like how to build a beam for working the space station or an Omnidirectional antenna for nothing but spare parts.
Dude , I got the app and he is right. If you read the question and only the right answer which is highlighted in yellow, it sticks in your mind. After reading all the questions and only the answers I have been able to pass the samples tests multiple times. You don’t actually learn anything this way but you don’t really need to anyhow
This app is made by Roy Watson. Very good app! You actually are learning by teaching yourself the correct answers. Search for it by his name. I used this app to study for my General License. I had also purchased the ARRL study guide, and it re-enforced concepts that I wanted to know better as a General class.
Great video. I have Gordo's current Technician book that I am using. I actually do want to learn the information but also want to pass the test. I am using the HRE-Tech app to help cram for the exam while also absorbing the material from Gordo's book. The day before the test I plan to cram using the app, memorizing the correct answers. But I like the background and explanations provided in the book for my own knowledge.
The order of the answer may or may not be the same as from the answer pool. That is because the test is graded with 1 of 9 overlays which can grade 4 different test booklets. So they have to determine which overlay is going to be used, then that determines the order of the answers.
I'm studying for the Technician License and have this app, plus there's a free online study guide (hamstudy.org), but the problem is you cannot remember which question was missed. So I bought flashcards, and each wrong answer goes into a box for further study, which helps to improve the practice exam results.
If you buy or download (i.e. for Kindle) the ARRL manual as stated in the video, you can do the same thing. The full question pool for that test is in the back of the guide. And if you're at all curious as to why the answer is right, it has a cross-reference to the specific paragraph that explains the background. I'm an Extra-class operator and that's how I studied for all three exams and passed each time with not a lot of trouble. As for those hams who may be finger-wagging about the spirit of learning or the broader concepts, I promise you those concepts that are actually important will be learned in due time as you get on the air. It's just not worth it to study for weeks and weeks to get every concept from the book down. It's much more valuable to get the license how you can, get your radio(s) set up, and get to using them. As you get more and more into the hobby you'll learn from others, you'll struggle through performance issues and solve them, and eventually you'll have all of what you need to know. Don't be afraid to ask the elmers for help and if a crusty ol' ham isn't helpful or is judgmental find another one. Most of us really just want to help and get people excited about the hobby. Two pieces of advice for overlanders: 1) Don't underestimate the importance of your antenna mounting on your rig. When you install it, find someone with an analyzer and let them help you test it. Because you're new and don't know what good sounds like yet, you could think you're doing great and really you're getting just a fraction of your performance out of your system. 2) If you think it's fun to talk 100 miles through a repeater in VHF from your rig, it's *really* fun to talk 8000+ miles over HF to totally different continents, all from the driver's seat or at camp. Don't stop at your Tech ticket. Go for your General. 73 de K5PSN
Great info! I'm ham too (IZ3QVB) most of my 4x4 friend still have CB (cause ham radio exam it's a bit difficult) or neewbe have nothing, so in dis case I carry spare cheap "handle&scanner" to give them
Always have a couple 12 volt batteries I use my single Side Band base in and out of the house don't depend on repeaters in a grid down scenario don't discount a.m. or single Side Band they don't need repeaters and have line of sight I would rather have one of those two with a amplifier
I can't even take any local exams given the current situation, but I'm going to order the manual and study up and I'm hoping to get at least Tech. -certified by later this year if possible. I also used to have a general college radio op. license but I misplaced it long ago. And it won't help you for HAM.
I studied by taking the 100 question Industry Canada practice exam a few times until I could pass consistently. Now, to think about hitting up a local examiner listed there and do the real thing. Hopefully it will be the same questions. There are more than 100 questions in circulation for the practice exam because I kept getting new ones thrown in.
When you take the extra class, sections 7 and 9 will require some focus. I my opinion, studying for extra takes about a month for someone average... like me.
They need to bring back the morse code part of the exam for advanced, general and extra class. now anyone can get a license. I had to pass 20 wpm morse code to get my extra class license. It was a big mistake removing that part.
Yup! Learning the concepts and the "why's" is useful. Having to memorize and be tested on what frequencies in which band you can use is lame. There will always be a band plan, whether electronic or paper, to refer to.
Its easy now Tech 35 General 35 Extra 50 Total 120 questions Before 2000 Novice 35 Tech 30 General 30 Advance 50 Extra 40 Total 185 questions AND a morse exam at 20 wpm
Look for keywords and never let a wrong answer anywhere near your mind. Study tangents and further information because it will help you with the General and Extra. Another is "Ask Dave" run by Dave Cesler KE0OG.
Thanks for the study tips! I'm scoring mid 60's % on practice tests with no study due to electronics background and such. Your method sounds good for me. :)
2:12 - Bottom line = Cram! 6:48 - Memorize the right answers. 7:25 - Recommend reading the ARRL Ham Radio License Manual. 8:30 - After passing the test, check out other resources for learning.
Sounds like what we're all already doing.
Fucking hero.
I had a different take on it all. I spent several weeks at it, read and learned a lot about RF and the reasons for the FCC rules and such, because it was important information, interesting, and useful. I sat for the Tech, General, and Extra licenses the same day, and walked out as an Extra. Then I read still more, got some cheap test equipment, and now I can make RF communications work, and work well under all sorts of conditions. Plus I'm learning CW. I think doing all this beats memorizing for a license and still not knowing what's going on, or how, or why to do anything. I just don't like feeling helpless when something doesn't work.
That’s awesome, John! I think it depends one what someone wants out of the license. If they just simply want to talk to others from time to time that are nearby, memorizing enough to get the ticket is fine. But for someone like yourself that wants to go deep into the hobby, you did the right thing 👍🏻
Not everyone retains everything they read
If you provide information. Make sure it is correct. There are better options for studying. See good video at Ham Radio Crash Course channel.
I passed with a perfect score using your technique just today! Whohoo!
Congrats!
I did this for my test and finished first and got a perfect score out of 32 people taking the test a few weeks ago. Thanks for the advice. There's so many aspects to amateur radio is hard to focus on one area.
No one is a prepper until they wish they were prepared
I'm pretty sure this is how my plumber got his plumbing license.
lol
I’ve been watching your channel for several months. It has grown on me and is one of my fav YT channels. Great work, brother!
Thanks so much man!
Thanks for the Shoutout!
This is awesome. From Mike Glover to Josh Nass to T Rex arms to this video. Man I'm getting jacked about getting my license!!!
@@NoKingButChrist1689 t rex started me down this path lol
@@stevenadams2814 also guilty of getting involved cause of trex
I’m almost done reading the book and I’m glad I did because it taught me more about the ecosystem, how to communicate and different methods of communication with different modes on different bands. It also taught me how to read the ARRL chart that shows what we can do for what license for what band.
Please just don’t memorize the questions and answers. The book is very approachable and helpful when it comes to learning Ham Radio.
Not so easy for me, sorry! There are 423 questions you need to know and then the questions were NOT written as I studied and the answers were totally different from what I studied... so while it might be easy for some.... this 66 years old great grandma had to study much longer.... BUT, I did pass and only missed 2...YAY!!!!
kathy Bakos congrats!
I was wondering if you may have used the Third Edition License Manual intead of the 4th? I'm under the impression that the core material is essentially the same but the question pool was changed in the Fourth Edition. That would make it a lot harder.
The current question pool is online. It changes every 4 years I believe. But you gotta make sure you study the current version! The wording doesn't change. What is online is what is on the test as long as you have the current version. No variation!
@@markchase5323 do not study a old question pool! It changes every 4-5 years.
@@WW5RM That is a valid point & I did use the question pool starting July 1, 2019 for the Tech and General. As I used the Craig Buck series, which embodies the current test questions, I needed to use the current offerings reflecting the July 1, 2019 pool. The Free Ham Test Online program was the exam practice tool I used for the Tech and the General. The test questions for the Amateur Extra class are due to be replaced this year, 2020. As I passed Element 4 on Jan 11, 2020, may new call sign is AG7YT.
73.
The questions are “word for word” exactly the same as on the test. The multiple choice answers are also “word for word” exactly the same as on the test. HOWEVER! The answers are moved around from what you will see on the test. For example, if the correct answer for a particular question is (a) on the app, it may show up as (c) on the actual FCC exam. The answer will not be different, but it’s location of (A) (B) (C) or (D) will usually be different from the app. They do this to make you learn the answer verses just memorizing A, B, C or D for that question. Personally I don’t think it would be any easier trying to remember A, B, C, D, etc even if the location of the answers did not change. The great thing about these apps are that they learn what you know and what you don’t know. The more often you get a certain question wrong, the more often you will see that question pop up, until you start consistently answering it correctly. And then you will see it less often because you have demonstrated that you know the correct answer. For this reason the apps (there are several to choose from) are better than the study manuals available on Amazon or the ARRL website.
I totally get your approach with testing then learning from there. Myself, I learn the same way through doing and experiencing. Experienced friends have given some quick pointers on etiquette to help being a newbie that may make mistakes.
At least you had friends who helped you when you were a newbie. Kudos to them, and kudos to you too no matter how you learn.
I hereby direct this to all Hams everywhere. Frankly Who cares if anyone is a newbie. Every newbie makes newbie mistakes including yourself back when you were a newbie. Never forget that.
Never put a newbie down, or make a newbie feel unwelcome, or make a newbie feel like he or she is being discriminated against, or make a newbie feel like he or she is a newbie just for being a newbie just because they make (or made), a newbie mistake. If you do, then you yourself are direly in the wrong, and need further training in proper human relations etiquette.
Remember this. Everybody in ham radio (or any other field for that matter), has had to start out being a newbie first and nobody in ham radio or any other field has ever not started out as a newbie and not made newbie mistakes or not had to work their way up the seniority ladder.
If anyone has a problem with someone else being a newbie then I say they themselves have a personal problem and shouldn't be in the ham radio field themselves (or any other field for that matter).
Everybody in the ham radio field needs to help everyone else without an issue and without discrimination and YES that goes for even helping newbies feel at home and welcome in the ham radio field without an issue when they make a newbie mistake as well.
Hey Chad..... yep.... your advise worked out very well for me. I loaded the ham radio training app on my phone. I passed my Technician teat today. I got a 94%. Thx again.
Congrats! Glad it helped.
A lot of videos I was browsing through before I saw this one were HOURS long. Thank you for getting to the point
Back in the day (the 80's in my case) we had study guides by Bash which we called the "Bash Books" jokingly as going through that same process of question and highlighted answer was supposed to "bash" the test into your head, lol. I know many hams who started out barely passing and ended up highly skilled. Kudos and welcome to ham radio. (Yes, I know I'm late on this, lol). DE N3ELZ
THANK YOU for this video - I was on the 32 hour course plan! Saw your video yesterday, downloaded the app. watched a few other videos for context. Went to my local club tonight and passed with a 31/35. I read @johnwest comments about REALLY STUDYING - but I only got it to "legally" fly a new uav/drone I am building which requires the FCC HAM license due to the transmissions between the remote and the drone. And of course, when our country falls into a civil war and lawlessness, I'll be able to communicate with other patriots :)
THANK YOU. I reviewed Exactly the way you said... by Only reading the GREEN answers. I reviewed top to bottom, quizzed frequently. Then re-read the questions of my harder sections the morning of the test. The question /answers were EXACTLY the same as the app.
PASSED Yesterday.
Wouldn't have dreamed I could do it if I hadn't found your video & the app.
*** idk how the test will change,, if the questions will change but a new test is coming JUNE 2022**
Maybe the app will change to reflect the new question/answers.
Now for the hands on, in- person learning.
THANK YOU.
I used this very same technique, but the material is so odd to a newb coming into HAM for the first time that they may hesitate to take it in 24 hours. I can see this technique working for most in like a week. Thanks for the vid and the advice on HAM exams.
About the test... Why take a test for building a radio or antenna? When you buy them ready to go. I think the FCC needs to change with the times. We need a test for plug in and go. Thanks
You should look up the reasons for the amateur radio service. That will answer your question.
You can do that, but amateur radio is all about learning how to get the most out of your radio. And for the budget conscious, there remains no way cheaper than building your own antenna. Even most antennas require some basic tuning. Especially HF.
For general information, the FCC does not have anything to do with the test questions. The testing questions and answers are created by a group of Volunteer Examiners, and only approved by the FCC.
73 de N9GIX / Bill
It really can be that easy. I had a little electronics and radio background, but never dug into the technician class licensing tests. I started taking online practice tests, paid attention to the ones I got wrong, looked up why I was wrong, and within a few hours, I was consistently passing the tests. Occasionally acing them.
My kind of approach, thank you for sharing your strategy!
Thanks man got my Tech and General the same night thanks to you and the App. 👍
Snow Diddley awesome man! Congrats!
CB radio is coming back in a big way!
I see more people going with GMRS than CB.
It is good to get your Ham Radio license. It is an achievement that requires some study, not every question is intuitive & most people fail if they take the exam without study. On the other hand, it is almost like answer key studies. It does not make you a subject matter expert- it is permission to start. Experience & practice is just as important after you get your license.
I have 2020 Overland Gladiator, absolutely love this thing. 72 Airstream we pull to rally, am studying for tech lic.
Although I'm starting a 4 day course, I want to thank you for the info on the App, I think that will really help
Such an old video, but, congrats, first off....
I'm going through this now... People are like "test for all 3!!" Yeah, that's not gonna happen... I need to go pass these 1 at a time.
I'm very impressed you did it in 24 hours... I've been pounding this material for 3 nights after work, and I'm not ready.... So, good for you. Nice job.
VERY HELPFUL!! THANK YOU! I agree, get the test out the way and learn. // Too much info. I want to do it right, but learn as I go
I know I'm a bit late, but you helped me quite a bit with this. Thank you so much!
MrHeyThere_ hey, that’s great to hear! Take care!
Ham Radio Operator here. IMHO, pass the test, then get involved and learn ham radio. Listen to this guy
You can get a GMRS license for 70 bucks and it is good for 10 years and you don't have to study all that theory or take any kind of test. It is perfect because your whole family can use it, you can have repeaters, mobile and base radios are 50 watts, and you can buy them at Wal-Mart, Amazon, E-Bay and many other places. The General Mobile Radio Service (GMRS) is a licensed radio service that uses channels around 462 MHz and 467 MHz. The most common use of GMRS channels is for short-distance, two-way voice communications using hand-held radios, mobile radios and repeater systems. You can talk up to 50 miles or more with a GMRS repeater on a good high spot above average terrain (just like the hams do) there is very little difference between ham repeaters and GMRS repeaters, and you can use it for family business too. I have been a licensed GMRS operator since the 1980s and I am a licensed commercial radio technician with 30 years of experience as a bench tech I also hold an advanced class amateur radio license and I know the differences between GMRS and ham radio and I am giving you my best opinion and for the average person GMRS is a better service.
Norbert Sichterman thanks for your opinion. For the average person, I would agree. But as far as using GMRS repeaters, I don’t think many of them are public from what I can tell, and ham repeater directories are a lot more available.
Also, you can reach much further with the ham radio bands than the GMRS bands and equipment. Granted, you have to have the proper license to be legal to use those bands, but if you want or need to get your signal out further, ham is the better option in my opinion.
There are pluses and minuses to both. For communications out on the trail with others, where I use radios the most, GMRS is probably the best option.
@@OverlandAddict As I have mentioned. I have been licensed since the 1980s and in that time I have had repeaters and know other people who have and use them. What I have found is that most (not all) repeater owners want other people on their systems because it gives them someone to talk to and some in cases to help with the expense of maintaining their systems. In most cases they charge very little and many cases they don't charge at all. They can not be set up as "commercial community repeater" systems for the purpose of making a profit however.
Norbert Sichterman in
@@OverlandAddict you can also use GMRS mobile repeaters in the field and they have the same range as most UHF ham repeaters which use 50 Watt transmitters. Most people who I know that own repeaters leave at least one tone (usually 141.3 Hz) for emergencies and new people because they want people to use their system. Some people charge a small fee to help with cost and maintenance of their repeaters. Everyone is different though... thanks for the reply.
Thanks for the info, I've got a while before Tennessee Jeep Jamboree. I look forward to getting licensed before end of April with this info I'm going to get started. OMB
Thanks for the app pick! Time to study!
This is March 29. I bet you're glad you got into Prepping!! :)
Wish I dove in a little deeper!
One of the frustrating things up here, north of the border, is that there is no Canadian equivalent of the Technician level. For the lowest level of license, there are 120 questions on the exam out of a pool of around 1000 possible questions. The level of electronics theory in the course and on the exam was crazy, especially for someone with no electronics background. In the class I took, people were dropping out because of the heavy, heavy focus on the electronics side. A number of folks (including me) that stuck it out because we wanted to learn, ended up failing because so much of the focus was on electrical theory.
For those of us who really just want a radio for in the vehicle, and / or to help in emergency situations, there is no option. The regulations, etiquette, propagation theory and safety are all obviously extremely important aspects, but the vast majority of the questions I had on my exam were all around electrical theory, formulas, diagrams and building antennas...
Steve E. I agree. For the average person there is no need for that level of electronics knowledge. Only for guys that are going to build their own radio.
Yikes, me too, in Canada. I have issues with memorizing information. So Much of the exam requires rote memorizing. You are not allowed ANY cheat notes. NONE whatsoever. Never mind that IRL you can just look up formulas etc. I desperately want my basic licence for safety and communicating with family......but it's just too hard for me. And ham clubs wonder why there is declining enrollment....
Been a Ham for many years now.
Going to try that app for my general
I’m a VE, and we mix the answers up, it might be C it most likely won’t. The wording will be the same
Yep.... That is what the VE's did when I took my test years ago.
solomon kane I’m in glarg as well and well yes we can’t change the answer order, but the answers are already mixed up. My point is practice exams and what you get in an exam will have answers in a different order
I used to study this way when i was pursuing my Microsoft certifications,,, it works.
VE may mix the answers order,,, but there is only one correct answer and if you memorize it you will recognize it,,, no matter if is A or C...
FWIW, I've watched ham and GMRS radio reviews and general knowledge radio videos for about 5 months. Decided to try a practice exam and managed to get 24/35 missing a "pass" by two answers. It's a good way to learn some of the terms and concepts. Then, applying your study technique should bring an easy pass.
thanks for the link! I have RF experience, but no experience with Ham radio and want to get my HAm license to have a radio for emergency comms to overland, have for remote hunting areas, etc. Basically its part of just "being prepared"
Best advice on taking this exam. Other channels go through all the answers. They just confuse you.
Read correct answers only and they will be the ONLY familiar answer you see.
Learning "theory" will come later as you use the radio.
This method is taught by many crash course schools such as the exams for FAA A&P Mechanics. certificates.
I’m pushing 60. Time to get my General. They have this for General so thanks. I agreed with your testing methods. I’ve tested for a few IT certifications. You burn the right answers in over and over. Then you go with your first choice. Don’t doubt your gut. I been a tech for years. Tech I did learn. That’s the practical science and theory. You do know to understand the practical side.
My son who is 13 years old has his test tommorow..he studied for a month on the qrz site & basically did the same. 38 category's was what he studied first. Memorized each category before going to the next..now he just does the random tests & is scoring 90 percent & higher. I think he will pass!
Did he pass?
Did he pass? This has been 8 months now and people have been waiting to know. You’ve left us on the cliff hanger now give us results.
Did he pass????
Did he pass?
For Android users, search for the app by the name 'HamRadioExam - Technician"
I used this app and passed. It took me 4 days
What about iOS?
I just got it. Thank you!!!
Studying for my license on Android. The APP is HamRadioExam Tech.
I've done this before for other similar tests many times. I got so good at it I'd schedule tests a few days out before beginning to study for it.
Thank you for sharing this information.
This is a great app. I take my test this Wednesday. I’ll advise.
Thank you for this post. I was about to throw in the towel, I am reading HAM Radio for Dummies and the more I read, the more confused I got.
I'm 19, and I'm looking to get my license because I like new hobbies.
No better time than Now!!!
Knowledge baby! I am young as well!
@@keywestalert6329 I didn't get my ham, but I do have my gmrs license
I'm probably gonna piss off some of my fellow hams saying this as someone who has been licensed for several years, but I tend to agree with your method when it comes to the tech test. There isn't much outside 2m and 440 you can transmit on with a tech license anyway. Just do us a favor and don't call CQ DX on a 440 repeater! lol
You need to make sure you at least listen to other ham radio operators transmit for a while paying particular attention to how they identify themselves with their callsign before opening a conversation, how long they go on talking before saying their callsign again, how they break into an ongoing conversation, and how they end their conversation when they plan to leave. Knowing these basic things will at least keep you from getting ragged out by an overzealous old timer. (just know they were even worse and more of them when I started so just don't take it to heart if you do manage to get the jerk. Another reason not to start on HF because most of those guys hang out there and gripe at people all day for random even though their crappy tuner sh**s all over the band while they hold their cw key down and take forever at it, and they transmit AM in the lsb and ssb segments.)
Biggest thing is I want to say welcome to the hobby! I look forward to hearing new people like you enjoying your time using the ham radio spectrum to communicate!
I got my Novice Class license back in 1979 and had to learn Morse code, and be tested on it at 5 words per minute. As a Novice class licensee, that’s pretty much all you could do was send and receive Morse code. I wasn’t that proficient as it, but I studied more and became what was then called a Technician Plus. The “Plus” part was because I passed the code test. Then using a similar method of studying, I passed my General Class license many years ago. To me, a lot of older hams knew and learned all of the theory stuff because they wanted to know how to build kits, replace burnt out resistors, capacitors, etc.....not me. I wanted to get on the air and talk with other hams all over the world as soon as I could with little to no equipment. I have absolutely no desire to get my Extra class license.... with digital ham radio and using hot spots, you can talk with hams all over the globe with only a Technician Class License. If there were explicit laws that stated you cannot take a test doing it the way you have mentioned, then anyone wanting to be licensed would do that if they really wanted to get licensed. Finally, for about 25-30 years of being licensed, my license just sat there collecting dust. Now, I have gotten back into the hobby and am having a blast. And I find myself WANTING to learn more about various theories and components. Sorta like you’re forced to go to college, but you really don’t want to go, then later in life like Tom Scholz the founder of the extremely successful rock group Boston did, he set aside his degree from MIT and built his own gear and developed his unique sound and The Rockman effects system came into existence! Keep learning and pass those tests! You never know, any of you could invent something completely new in the ham radio hobby! God bless, Mark W5HSJ
Well said. Thanks for sharing!
Thanks for posting the video. I’ll be following you format and taking your recommendations.
Philly Preppers you’re welcome. Thanks for watching!
You did the correct choice in testing for the Tech Exam. Tech is Basic, it is for very short distance. You will mainly be on 2 meters or 70cm, which is mainly for short local distance. Using the Repeaters will give you a little more distance. You don't need to know all the advanced material about antenna or radio building until you get your General and Extra Class License. Those latter two classes will allow you to use more frequencies that allow you to reach out further to other countries in distance. For what you will be using the radio for is perfect, 2m FM is short distance and quite airwaves, just right for talking to other Jeeps in the convoy.
Tech now have 10M SSB privileges plus the CW portion on 80M, 40M, 15M and 10M so its not limited to short range. Even on 6M you can work some DX.
@@WW5RM ...I don't think he will be doing any CW while driving, and 10m SSB will require him to take his eyes and hands away from driving to tune it in. Plus the Antennas will be too long for driving through the trails. So 2m FM would be the logical choice.
@@TwoFeatherChannel you said......"Tech is Basic, its for very short distance".
WRONG!
If all he wants to do is comms between jeeps then yeah. A HT will probably suffice but a Tech has way more privileges than just simplex on 2M!
Plus not advancing or moving up is essentially holding oneself back! Its tons of stuff a Tech can do. Satellites, 6M SSB, 2M SSB and HF. But if all he wants is comms between jeeps get a MURS walkie talkie or CB. We run CB whips on or buggies. They hold up fine.
That's the way to pass the test. Now it's time to learn as ham and all it's abilities
.
For someone finding this video now like me, the answers changed in September.
Also, I respect the Zelda memorabilia in the background
Seriously, the staind glass is dope
Pick up the ARRL Handbook if you want a good book to read for all Ham's. It is a book that all Ham's should have.
I agree, I been reading it recently and it cover information really good plus at the start you read about history of ham radio.
@@mdr721 Hams will give away old HandBooks. It isn't a good read but for tech stuff it is the best. Things like how to build a beam for working the space station or an Omnidirectional antenna for nothing but spare parts.
Tell me you bought a Baofang without telling me you bought a Baofang. lol
Dude , I got the app and he is right. If you read the question and only the right answer which is highlighted in yellow, it sticks in your mind. After reading all the questions and only the answers I have been able to pass the samples tests multiple times. You don’t actually learn anything this way but you don’t really need to anyhow
I didn't do this, but I did go and watch a video lecture series for both technician and General over two days and passed both tests the next day.
Congratulations 🎉 I've had a license since 1996.
How much has changed with Ham Radio? Do you still remember how to use Morse on CW?
This app is made by Roy Watson.
Very good app!
You actually are learning by teaching yourself the correct answers.
Search for it by his name.
I used this app to study for my General License.
I had also purchased the ARRL study guide, and it re-enforced concepts that I wanted to know better as a General class.
Great video. I have Gordo's current Technician book that I am using. I actually do want to learn the information but also want to pass the test. I am using the HRE-Tech app to help cram for the exam while also absorbing the material from Gordo's book. The day before the test I plan to cram using the app, memorizing the correct answers. But I like the background and explanations provided in the book for my own knowledge.
I will bet anything you gave up on Gordo's book and went in another direction to try and learn. No one uses Gordo's book anymore. No one.
Got damn but those Walls are GREEN!!!!😂😂😂
Good insight, thank you
The order of the answer may or may not be the same as from the answer pool. That is because the test is graded with 1 of 9 overlays which can grade 4 different test booklets. So they have to determine which overlay is going to be used, then that determines the order of the answers.
I'm studying for the Technician License and have this app, plus there's a free online study guide (hamstudy.org), but the problem is you cannot remember which question was missed. So I bought flashcards, and each wrong answer goes into a box for further study, which helps to improve the practice exam results.
I agree with you on the way you study pretest. I would read the manual first though. Thanks for the info
Good method. I agree that the book is important. Knowledge AND understanding!
Super helpful. I’m in the same place as you. I’ll learn as I go but want to be legal to transmit first.
If you buy or download (i.e. for Kindle) the ARRL manual as stated in the video, you can do the same thing. The full question pool for that test is in the back of the guide. And if you're at all curious as to why the answer is right, it has a cross-reference to the specific paragraph that explains the background. I'm an Extra-class operator and that's how I studied for all three exams and passed each time with not a lot of trouble.
As for those hams who may be finger-wagging about the spirit of learning or the broader concepts, I promise you those concepts that are actually important will be learned in due time as you get on the air. It's just not worth it to study for weeks and weeks to get every concept from the book down. It's much more valuable to get the license how you can, get your radio(s) set up, and get to using them. As you get more and more into the hobby you'll learn from others, you'll struggle through performance issues and solve them, and eventually you'll have all of what you need to know. Don't be afraid to ask the elmers for help and if a crusty ol' ham isn't helpful or is judgmental find another one. Most of us really just want to help and get people excited about the hobby.
Two pieces of advice for overlanders:
1) Don't underestimate the importance of your antenna mounting on your rig. When you install it, find someone with an analyzer and let them help you test it. Because you're new and don't know what good sounds like yet, you could think you're doing great and really you're getting just a fraction of your performance out of your system.
2) If you think it's fun to talk 100 miles through a repeater in VHF from your rig, it's *really* fun to talk 8000+ miles over HF to totally different continents, all from the driver's seat or at camp. Don't stop at your Tech ticket. Go for your General.
73 de K5PSN
idk why but I had a hard time not looking at the wrong answers, after you said not to look at them lol
Excellent vid. Thank you.
Gonna skim through the manual and then use your method to prep for the test. AND OMG YOU HAVE ZELDA IN THE BACKGROUND!!! That's awesome ^_^
Just passed! Thx for the vid~
I was sorry to hear of your passing. LOL :) Congrats and welcome to the hobby
Thanks for the info will use it to take the test too :)
Thank you
Great info! I'm ham too (IZ3QVB) most of my 4x4 friend still have CB (cause ham radio exam it's a bit difficult) or neewbe have nothing, so in dis case I carry spare cheap "handle&scanner" to give them
Alessandro Concas thanks for watching, and 73 to you!
A lot of 4x4 folks that don't want to take the ham licensing test are switching from CB to GMRS - seen a lot of UA-cam folks saying this.
Great advice 👍 thx
Always have a couple 12 volt batteries I use my single Side Band base in and out of the house don't depend on repeaters in a grid down scenario don't discount a.m. or single Side Band they don't need repeaters and have line of sight I would rather have one of those two with a amplifier
I can't even take any local exams given the current situation, but I'm going to order the manual and study up and I'm hoping to get at least Tech. -certified by later this year if possible. I also
used to have a general college radio op. license but I misplaced it long ago. And it won't help you for HAM.
If they shut down everything... I could care LESS about any license at that point! I'll get on there anyway.
I studied by taking the 100 question Industry Canada practice exam a few times until I could pass consistently. Now, to think about hitting up a local examiner listed there and do the real thing. Hopefully it will be the same questions. There are more than 100 questions in circulation for the practice exam because I kept getting new ones thrown in.
thanks 🙏
Fantastic suggestions!
When you take the extra class, sections 7 and 9 will require some focus. I my opinion, studying for extra takes about a month for someone average... like me.
I hope the questions have something to do with the basic operations of radios in general
@Situational Ready of course you are interested in the subject. If you study every day, you will do fine
thanks I plan on taking the test some time this summer
Thank you sir ~ watching from Cambodia
might get this book what to past my test i got the cobra 148 gtl dx radio i from the uk birmingham
They need to bring back the morse code part of the exam for advanced, general and extra class. now anyone can get a license. I had to pass 20 wpm morse code to get my extra class license. It was a big mistake removing that part.
Yup! Learning the concepts and the "why's" is useful. Having to memorize and be tested on what frequencies in which band you can use is lame. There will always be a band plan, whether electronic or paper, to refer to.
came to listen but cant get past the fact your whole living room is a green screen
Not my living room. It was my office at the time.
Thank you!
Thanks bromigo. Good, honest information.
Its easy now
Tech 35
General 35
Extra 50
Total 120 questions
Before 2000
Novice 35
Tech 30
General 30
Advance 50
Extra 40
Total 185 questions AND a morse exam at 20 wpm
What is the range of GMRS? Seems like it being UHF doesn't reach as well as a CB (on HF) with a good whip.
Look for keywords and never let a wrong answer anywhere near your mind.
Study tangents and further information because it will help you with the General and Extra.
Another is "Ask Dave" run by Dave Cesler KE0OG.
Thanks for the study tips! I'm scoring mid 60's % on practice tests with no study due to electronics background and such. Your method sounds good for me. :)
It’s the method I used. It does work to pass the tests. Mark K3DEX
411 questions in the current 2022-2026 Technician Exam Pool.
Get the Fast Track to Ham Radio License series. It will teach you.
Listen we all need supporting tools to sum up everything.