Subj : Interested in Ham Radio?
To   : tmcca
From : Daryl Stout
Date : Fri Mar 24 2023 07:35:00

 tm> Is it best to get licensed first than get first radio? What is
 tm> suggested first radio? The technician license class teaches you the
 tm> basics than they give you exam?

  The exams cover Part 97 of the FCC Rules and Regulations, which are on
every license exam. You also need to know things such as Ohm's Law, RF
safety, propagation, basic electronic theory, and basic knowledge of the
metric system. Each are in more detail as you move up the ham radio license 
ladder...although the way technology is today with "internet radio", you 
only need a Techician license to talk around the world...without the extra
expense of equipment and accessories.

  However, without a license, having a radio/rig does you no good, as you
can just "listen only"...just as if you had a portable scanner.

  Unfortunately, one thing the Question Pools and exams don't cover is
"On The Air Etiquette", especially in relation to nets. I've prepared
a file, called "Mode Overview.PDF", which can be obtained by going to
http://www.wx4qz.net/elk.htm -- and look for the appropriate link. It
covers these, plus getting set up with the modes of D-Star, D-Rats, the
QuadNet Array, and more...and a Technician Class license lets you do all
of these.

  For study options, I *HIGHLY RECOMMEND* HamTestOnline, which is located
at https://www.hamradiolicenseexam.com

  It's all web browser based, with nothing to download or install...so,
you can do it on dial-up, DSL, or broadband internet. However, there are
no smartphone apps for it, and none are planned.

  Subscriptions are in 6 month increments, and the price(s) depend on 
how many elements you want to take. Instead of covering just the questions
that may be on the exam, they cover the concepts...to explain why the
answers are what they are. So, you're actually learning something, and not
just memorizing answers.

  As a side note, FCC Rules require at least 10 times the number of
questions in the respective pools, as there are questions on the exam...
and that total is usually higher. So, the Technician and General Class
exams have at least 350 questions in the respective pools, with the
Amateur Extra exam has at least 500 questions in its pool. However, there
are usually over 400 questions in the Technician and General Class pools,
and over 700 questions in the Amateur Extra class pool. So, unless a
particular question has been withdrawn, there's a chance that it will
appear on the exam. If it does appear, it'll be in the exact same wording
that was in the question pool. There are also schematic diagrams with
each exam. If you have a docmented disability, and you can get exams 
without these diagrams.

  Back to HamTestOnline...once you reach 80% studying, start taking the
practice tests. When you get to 85% passing rate on a regular basis, you
are ready to take the exam, and will likely pass the test. You can miss
as many as 9 on the Technician and General exams (35 questions each), and
13 on the Amateur Extra exam (50 questions), and still pass...a win by 1
is as good as a win by 10.

  The best part though, is that compared to study guides that you buy 
(which are YOURS after purchase), is that they offer a money back
guarantee if you fail the exam. Send them proof of the failure (which
is usually a Certificate Of Successful Completion Of Examination (CSCE),
but with NONE noted in the area of "License Class Earned". They will
cancel your subscription, and refund your money.

  For me, it was the best money I ever spent in amateur radio, in the
32 years that I have been licensed.

  As for radios, there are rigs for every budget...from a handi-talkie
around $50, to a DC To Daylight all band, all mode, rig...for over
$20,000. It depends on what license class you have, and what modes you
want to operate. I would ask for feedback from other amateur radio
operators in your area...but, you likely will get a wide range of
opinions. It's best to buy a new rig, even though it may be more
expensive...as with used gear, the saying "you get what you pay for",
applies.

Daryl, WX4QZ

.... I CQ. Therefore, I HAM. -- DE WX4QZ
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