| Author |
Message |
    
Beantown
Member
Username: Beantown
Post Number: 52
Registered: 10-2003
| | Posted on Thursday, March 10, 2005 - 10:10 am: | 
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Who do you think has the best practice pool online? I'm passing mostly at 80% and want to take the test in the next two weeks! Now if I can ever get over 4 WPM CW i'd be all set! lol
Thanks,
beantown |
Tech808
Moderator
Username: Tech808
Post Number: 5165
Registered: 8-2002
| | Posted on Thursday, March 10, 2005 - 10:24 am: |
|
Beantown,
QRZ, I have had a 99.99% rate of New Hams that I have elmered over the years passing the test on the very FIRST try when using the QRZ Practice Tests.
CLICK on the link below and save it to your Favorites.
Take 2 or 3 Practice Test's each morning and 2 or 3 each night. NO MORE THAN THAT each day!!!!
DO NOT read or study anything else until you pass the test and and YOU WILL PASS on your FIRST TRY!. 
After you pass your Ham test then Read, Study, Learn everything that you want
GOOD LUCK!
Practice Tests
Hope this helps,
Lon
Tech808
CEF808
N9OSN
|
Beantown
Member
Username: Beantown
Post Number: 53
Registered: 10-2003
| | Posted on Thursday, March 10, 2005 - 11:07 am: |
|
Lon,
Thanks for the info. I have to admit that the Ham world is mind bogleing. So many things you can do, and so little time to learn!. Can't wait to get my tech done then pass the CW and General class here I come!
Here to being a Ham someday SOON!
Thanks,
beantown |
Sarge
Junior Member
Username: Sarge
Post Number: 19
Registered: 11-2003
| | Posted on Thursday, March 10, 2005 - 6:46 pm: |
|
That's one of the great things about Amateur Radio - there are so many different things to do that you never get bored. Some guys are into 2-meter FM, some like to get on the satellites or talk to the International Space Station, some like the challenge of international DX day and night, some like to experiment with digital modes, etc. There's so many possibilities that you can definitely "grow into" a new aspect of ham radio when you get bored with what you are doing.
"Fox Hunting" can be a real blast during summer months. Finding a hidden transmitter can be a real challenge of your technical and operating skills. Usually the first person to find the hidden transmitter gets to be the "fox" next time.
Perhaps the most rewarding aspect of amateur radio is the emergency communications. I worked with the local county Emergency Manager during the great Red River flood of 1997, and also provided communications support to the Salvation Army during their disaster relief operations in Grand Forks, North Dakota. The days were long, but the job satisfaction "pegged the meter". It felt good knowing you were playing a part in helping an entire region recover from a "100-year" flood.
Good luck on your test preparation! Remember that your experience with CB radio will help you to understand some of the basic issues of ham radio, such as antenna matching and SWR. It's just a matter of expanding your knowledge and learning more about what goes on inside your radio!
I got my start with shortwave listening (SWL), then moved on to CB radio as a teenager. But it was my quest to learn more about radio electronics that prompted me to enlist in the Air Force to become a radio technician. I passed my Novice license exam back in 1981 while going through "tech school" in Biloxi, MS. Last year I finally made the move from General to Amateur Extra after a lot of studying. Your goal of aiming for the General class license is a good one. The General class license pretty much gives you access to everything possible with ham radio. The only thing lacking is a small portion of HF frequencies reserved for the Amateur Extra class. But really, 99.99% of the action is in the General portion of the HF bands - so there is not much to be gained by going for the Amateur Extra class. But maybe someday you'll decide to give it a try like I did. Either way you're going to have a great time on the ham bands!
Good Luck!
73 de Sarge |
Beantown
Member
Username: Beantown
Post Number: 55
Registered: 10-2003
| | Posted on Saturday, March 12, 2005 - 5:50 pm: |
|
Sarge,
Thanks fo the encouraging words! Looking forwared to all the differnt facets of HAM radio!
Lon,
you were right QRZ practice test WORK. Cause I just passed the Tech exam! WOO HOO can't wait for my call sign to be assigned!
See ya,
Beantown |
Tech808
Moderator
Username: Tech808
Post Number: 5203
Registered: 8-2002
| | Posted on Saturday, March 12, 2005 - 6:09 pm: |
|
BEANTOWN,
CONGRADULATIONS and WELCOME TO THE HAM WORLD.
When you get your License let me know and I will CHANGE your information on the CEF Membership List to read CEF #260 / Beantown Ham #76
Lon
Tech808
CEF808
N9OSN  |
Willie
New member
Username: Willie
Post Number: 6
Registered: 5-2002
| | Posted on Sunday, March 13, 2005 - 12:05 pm: |
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heeey beantown.
CONGRATULATIONS!!!!!!!!! and welcome to ham radio..
sure there is something for everyone even if "some" look down on ragchewers, like me
just don't forget and use 10-4 and good buddy etc. on the frequencies, a lot of them look down their noses if you do slip and use those afore mentioned things. but don't be discouraged, just do the parts that float "your"boat and it will be ok.
a word to all interested in the code or worried about it. most of the letters in the code is the reverse of another. like "a" is dit dah, well "n" is the exact reverse dah dit
73
willie |
Syklopz
New member
Username: Syklopz
Post Number: 8
Registered: 2-2005
| | Posted on Saturday, March 19, 2005 - 10:11 pm: |
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I want to take the Ham Test, but finding a test location in Longview or Marshall Texas or Shreveport Louisiana has been tough. I have done the QRZ tests and pass everytime. I could learn more, of course, but would like to test as soon as possible. |
Tech808
Moderator
Username: Tech808
Post Number: 5289
Registered: 8-2002
| | Posted on Sunday, March 20, 2005 - 7:00 am: |
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Syklopz,
Click on the Link below to find a Test Site near you,
ARRL Exam Session Search
Hope this helps,
Lon
Tech808
CEF808
N9OSN |
Red_devil
Member
Username: Red_devil
Post Number: 65
Registered: 10-2004
| | Posted on Wednesday, March 23, 2005 - 5:34 pm: |
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Congrats Beantown,
Right behind you. I test on 7 May.
Red Devil - 392
CEF 447 |
Red_devil
Member
Username: Red_devil
Post Number: 67
Registered: 10-2004
| | Posted on Wednesday, March 23, 2005 - 6:23 pm: |
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Forgot to add a few other on-line test sites that I have used.
http://www.kb0mga.net/exams/
and of course QRZ.
http://www.qrz.com/testing.html
I did prefer the QRZ site. I like the instant feedback on each question.
CEF 447
Red Devil - 392 |
Timebomb
Junior Member
Username: Timebomb
Post Number: 30
Registered: 2-2005
| | Posted on Friday, March 25, 2005 - 7:32 pm: |
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I've also been studying away with the QRZ site, along with a Radio Shack License prep book for backup. I plan on taking the Tech exam April 24th.
I'll always be a CBer at heart, but I've always been fascinated with skip, so I figure might as well take the next step in amateur radio.
Thanks for informing me of the QRZ site, it's helping tremendously. |
Timebomb
Junior Member
Username: Timebomb
Post Number: 38
Registered: 2-2005
| | Posted on Sunday, April 24, 2005 - 1:42 pm: |
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Well, just got back from taking my Technician exam and passed! Thanks to those QRZ practice tests, they really embedded the info into my brain!! I'm still working on morse code, I should be ready in a month or two.
|
Tech291
Moderator
Username: Tech291
Post Number: 153
Registered: 11-2004
| | Posted on Sunday, April 24, 2005 - 3:20 pm: |
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Good job Timebomb,I just found out this past week they were testing locally today.had been practicing with qrz on a regular basis since I passed my tech ticket 1 year ago yesterday,but had slacked off(my mistake).
Thursday evening I started cramming on qrz again for both element 3 and 4.well this morning I passed general with flying colors but failed extra by 1 question!Will retest the extra at the Dayton hamfest next month and hope to have enough of the code down by then to pass it also.
tech291
CEF#291
kc8zpj |
Tech808
Moderator
Username: Tech808
Post Number: 5617
Registered: 8-2002
| | Posted on Sunday, April 24, 2005 - 6:47 pm: |
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Timebomb & Tech291,
CONGRATULATIONS TO BOTH OF YOU.
Lon
Tech808
CEF808
N9OSN
|
Moderator136
Moderator
Username: Moderator136
Post Number: 5
Registered: 4-2005
| | Posted on Sunday, April 24, 2005 - 8:42 pm: |
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CONGRATULATIONS To Timebomb and welcome to Amateur Radio. Let us Know when you get your call letters?
CONGRATULATIONS To Tech291 for your upgrade.Good Job Dennis
moderator136
CEF136
kc0svc |
Nwleadfoot
Junior Member
Username: Nwleadfoot
Post Number: 16
Registered: 4-2005
| | Posted on Monday, April 25, 2005 - 12:12 am: |
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Hey Lon, without even doing any studying, just trying the test for fun, I got 50%. I'd love to try for my license! I will have to get the book or whatever, and study and try for the real thing. How hard is it to actually get the license? I'd probably go, at least for now, with what I've heard to be called "Tech No-Code". |
Yankee
Intermediate Member
Username: Yankee
Post Number: 474
Registered: 7-2003
| | Posted on Monday, April 25, 2005 - 9:57 am: |
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Nwleadfoot: The practice tests on QRZ.COM are the real questions you will see on the technician amateur radio exam, so just keep studying with qrz.com. The test is 35 questions and you must get 26 of the 35 correct to pass the exam. No need for any book all the questions and answers are on qrz.com.
Carl CEF-357 KD5SDM |
Tech808
Moderator
Username: Tech808
Post Number: 5619
Registered: 8-2002
| | Posted on Monday, April 25, 2005 - 11:01 am: |
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Nwleadfoot,
Carl / Yankee is 100% dead on correct.
Study the QRZ pratice test's and Nothing Else and you will pass your Ham Test.
After you have passed your Tech test then read and study anything and everything.
GOOD LUCK and keep us updated.
Lon
Tech808
CEF808
N9OSN
|
Nwleadfoot
Junior Member
Username: Nwleadfoot
Post Number: 17
Registered: 4-2005
| | Posted on Monday, April 25, 2005 - 11:47 am: |
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I'm not sure, but I think I took the practice test that you're referring to. I clicked on the link that Lon had posted in his first post of this thread. I went to the QRZ.com addy, and it looked like I'd been there. |
Tech808
Moderator
Username: Tech808
Post Number: 5623
Registered: 8-2002
| | Posted on Monday, April 25, 2005 - 11:54 am: |
|
Click on the Link Below,
QRZ's Practice Amateur Radio Exams
Hope this helps,
Lon
Tech808
CEF808
N9OSN
|
Patzerozero
Advanced Member
Username: Patzerozero
Post Number: 724
Registered: 7-2004
| | Posted on Monday, April 25, 2005 - 3:17 pm: |
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www.aa9pw.com used more of the questions from the pool. i found qrz to repeat a lot of questions when you retake practices.
like lon says, learn the ANSWERS to the QUESTIONS 1st, especially if you really don't know what they mean. THEN, after you're licensed, read about it so you understand it. that's the right way to take that type of multiple choice test, of course there's no incentive to LEARN anything, but if you really want to get into it, you'll find it's easier to learn it as you use it. |
Leewheat
New member
Username: Leewheat
Post Number: 2
Registered: 1-2005
| | Posted on Monday, April 25, 2005 - 5:22 pm: |
|
I passed my tech about a 2 months ago. The practice tests really helped. I have been trying to learn
the code for a month, and am really having a hard
time. Any hints or pointers would help. Been using
the arrl tapes.
Thanks,Ray(cef478) |
Tech808
Moderator
Username: Tech808
Post Number: 5627
Registered: 8-2002
| | Posted on Monday, April 25, 2005 - 5:36 pm: |
|
Leewheat,
Check out BOTH Links below,
Code Quick Review
A Non-Technical Review
by
Bob_p
CEF #362 / KG6POG
And
BKS-05000 Code Quick 2000 CD Rom
"THE FASTEST WAY TO LEARN MORSE CODE!"
Hope this helps,
Lon
Tech808
CEF808
N9OSN
|
Yankee
Intermediate Member
Username: Yankee
Post Number: 477
Registered: 7-2003
| | Posted on Monday, April 25, 2005 - 6:07 pm: |
|
A very large number of our CEF group membership who are licensed hams have used the QRZ.COM question pool method. And as Lon has said 99.9% have passed on the first try, many of us only missing as little as one or two questions on the technician as well as general exams, I passed both at age 64, but have yet to master the code. So if I master the code, it's just a matter of retesting the general written exam.
Carl CEF-357/KD5SDM |
Timebomb
Junior Member
Username: Timebomb
Post Number: 40
Registered: 2-2005
| | Posted on Tuesday, April 26, 2005 - 1:56 pm: |
|
I've been studying CW through the Koch method. It's a free download, and a fun, and versatile program. Just do a search on Google for Koch Method.
BTW, I found out about this thru searching on this forum. |
Slim1
Member
Username: Slim1
Post Number: 90
Registered: 4-2002
| | Posted on Wednesday, April 27, 2005 - 7:16 pm: |
|
Lon,you're so right! I've been "practicing" for
this whole week,every morning and evening,2-3 times and I'm getting better w/every session.
Only takes about 10 min.s per session and my memory darn sure isn't what it used to be,but it's still working
I'm gonna keep going at it and test the 20th of May at the Dayton Hamvention.Unless of course
something catastrophic prevents it!!!
I've been procrastinating since I was 13(now 42)
and it's time to get off the pot
I'll keep y'all updated on my progress,AND,thanks for all the advice everyone.
I just wanted to say Lon is right w/this one.
It works;just stop,sit down and give it a fair
shake(time).STOP PROCRASTINATING AS I HAVE BEEN.
Thanks to all.Slim CDX285 |
Slim1
Member
Username: Slim1
Post Number: 95
Registered: 4-2002
| | Posted on Tuesday, May 03, 2005 - 5:44 pm: |
|
Well,it's been a week now and all is going great. I'm up consistantly at 88%-90% now!Mind you,I'm only practicing for the "technician" test
for now.I'll try and upgrade to general this summer before all the overtime hits at work this fall. Going much better than I thought it would.I'm gonna go put my name on the list at Dayton Hamventions website for reserved testing times. Thanks for the encouragement Lon and don't
stop your persistance/recruitment of future hams!
Slim CDX285 |
Tech808
Moderator
Username: Tech808
Post Number: 5676
Registered: 8-2002
| | Posted on Wednesday, May 04, 2005 - 10:05 am: |
|
Slim1,
Good Deal, keep doing the practice tests and let us know when you take and pass the Tech Test.
Glad to be of help and GOOD LUCK at Dayton.
You will also have the chance to meet Tech291/Dennis and Troublemaker / Randy as I think they will also be testing at Dayton.
Now we need to get you to join the CEF Radio Club so you will be able to join in the Sunday CB & 6 meter nets after you pass your test.
Lon
Tech808
CEF808
N9OSN |
Red_devil
Member
Username: Red_devil
Post Number: 89
Registered: 10-2004
| | Posted on Saturday, May 07, 2005 - 10:56 pm: |
|
Passed Element 2 today , missed Element 3 by only a few questions . I figured that I would try it since I was already there. Thanks to ARRL Element 2 study guide and the QRZ on-line tests . I am working with Code Quick and hope to get my General and Morse Code tests done in the near future.
Red Devil - 392
CEF 447
Waiting on the Amateur Call Sign
|
Slim1
Member
Username: Slim1
Post Number: 97
Registered: 4-2002
| | Posted on Monday, May 09, 2005 - 8:31 pm: |
|
That's great red devil.I'm right behind ya man.
I am now consistently getting 95% or better on the
practice test at QRZ.COM and at AA9PW's site also.
Getting kinda anxious.I put my name in at the
Dayton Hamvention "pre-registration" site but they
haven't updated the info for over a month now.My
name still isn't showing up and am getting concerned that I may have to go back Sat or Sun to
test. Well,at least it's only a 25 min/mile drive from my place to the Hamvention anyway.
Saddle up boys and start practicing;it works!
Slim |
Red_devil
Member
Username: Red_devil
Post Number: 90
Registered: 10-2004
| | Posted on Wednesday, May 11, 2005 - 10:02 am: |
|
Slim1,
Good Luck on the tech exam! I have Code Quick running in the background as I type this. I will hopefully get my tech plus during the next test session. So far I have been VERY pleased with my results using Code Quick.
CEF447
Red Devil - 392
KE5EUN |
Tech808
Moderator
Username: Tech808
Post Number: 5719
Registered: 8-2002
| | Posted on Wednesday, May 11, 2005 - 6:56 pm: |
|
Red_Devil,
David
Congratulations of your New License.
I have issued you CEF HAM #87
Lon
Tech808
CEF808
N9OSN
|
Red_devil
Member
Username: Red_devil
Post Number: 91
Registered: 10-2004
| | Posted on Wednesday, May 11, 2005 - 10:58 pm: |
|
Lon,
Thank YOU Sir!! I would not have done it without all of the help of the CEF. I will update my profile accordingly. Now all I need is a radio. It was easy to study and come up with the $14 for the test. Now I've got to sweet talk the XYL into a few radios.
Thanx again Devil Dog!
CEF447/CEF HAM 87
Red Devil - 392
KE5EUN
I've GOT to lose some of these call signs  |
Slim1
Member
Username: Slim1
Post Number: 98
Registered: 4-2002
| | Posted on Saturday, May 14, 2005 - 6:19 pm: |
|
Well,I'm confident that I'm ready.I'm cosistently getting 97%-100% now.Only 5 days left and the fun begins! I'm #29 on Fridays testing
list,so they finally updated their list.I had
better not be late to the test session room or I'll lose my seat/chance for the test
Thanks and 73 to all.
Slim |
Red_devil
Intermediate Member
Username: Red_devil
Post Number: 105
Registered: 10-2004
| | Posted on Saturday, July 09, 2005 - 2:18 pm: |
|
CEF,
I have re-opened this string to sing the praises of the ARRL study guides, the QRZ.com practice exams, and CodeQuick. Only two months after achieving my Technician license I have made it to General. I will not discuss how much I had to spare on the Morse Code, but I did meet the “Standard”. I will continue to practice to improve my proficiency.
If anyone wants to get there YOU CAN! Four months ago if you asked me if I would have a license, let alone get to General, I’d have told you that you were losing your mind. Thanks to the CEF for the encouragement and to the above study aids.
Now if I could afford a HF rig..... I'll get there.
Now get off the couch! If I can get there, you can too.
Dave – CEF447 |
Jms656
Junior Member
Username: Jms656
Post Number: 22
Registered: 5-2005
| | Posted on Saturday, July 09, 2005 - 6:49 pm: |
|
Nice thing about the code test, is it is like wheel of fortune. If you can copy some of the words and letters, you can fill in the blanks for the rest. Sometimes it is a pretty common phrase that you have to copy. |
Red_devil
Intermediate Member
Username: Red_devil
Post Number: 106
Registered: 10-2004
| | Posted on Saturday, July 09, 2005 - 10:02 pm: |
|
JMS656,
I agree. I really had to pay attention on those model numbers and call signs. The rest was pretty easy. I almost forgot that they usually give the call signs again at the end. I had missed a character or two in the beginning and it nagged me through the entire test. I did pass, but I should have practiced more to make SURE that I was confident. About half way through I reverted back to the random character technique that allowed me to edit later. For me, working each character was best, although some like to predict the rest of the word and “coast” for a second. You’ve gotta pick the technique that suits you.
TNX 4 the comment
Dave - CEF 447
|
Slugo4449
Junior Member
Username: Slugo4449
Post Number: 37
Registered: 7-2004
| | Posted on Sunday, July 10, 2005 - 4:31 pm: |
|
The code was a chore but not impossible for me. When I took the test, I did fairly well with the questions and answers, but it was a bit funny. I always would transpose "W's" and "G's". On my test they asked what state the transmitter was and for the life of me I couldn't figure it out. I had coppied IOGA. I kept thinking what state was that? When the VE's checked the test, I passed with 35 characters in a row but at the same time all three VE's said "IT'S IOWA! NOT IOGA!"
Congratulations to all who have taken the time and passed. It is not impossible to do. And what a rush when you do get it!
Just always remember when you take the test, consider the "pucker factor". Give yourself a wide margin when getting ready, your nerves may throw you off. |
Tripledeuce
New member
Username: Tripledeuce
Post Number: 7
Registered: 12-2004
| | Posted on Wednesday, August 17, 2005 - 2:43 am: |
|
There is anough GREAT site to use for studing for ANY of the ham test eather online or download the java software for free. I used this software for 3 day and pass my General test with a 97%.
www.aa9pw.com
Hey Lon do you know if the HR2600 can be coverted to do 10 11 12 meter with out loseing the splits for the repeters.
73'
Glenn
ki4gxk
SIMPER FI |
Tech808
Moderator
Username: Tech808
Post Number: 6703
Registered: 8-2002
| | Posted on Wednesday, August 17, 2005 - 11:03 am: |
|
Glenn,
Yes it can but ONLY by doing the Chip Switch Modification.
The stock UC-1251 CPU is Non-Modifiable.
Lon
Tech808
CEF808
N9OSN
SEMPER FI! |
Skilletlicker
Intermediate Member
Username: Skilletlicker
Post Number: 282
Registered: 5-2002
| | Posted on Thursday, August 18, 2005 - 3:08 pm: |
|
i guess it is what ever floats your boat:me i wanted to know what was behind the questions .
so i studied the book along with the practice test ,and it came out all right ,i made 100 on the test,so i am satisfied with the results
skilletlicker |
Mrhappy
Intermediate Member
Username: Mrhappy
Post Number: 175
Registered: 2-2002
| | Posted on Thursday, August 18, 2005 - 3:25 pm: |
|
These are the two I liked the best eham.net and qrz.com |
Dale
Intermediate Member
Username: Dale
Post Number: 223
Registered: 12-2002
| | Posted on Thursday, August 18, 2005 - 5:20 pm: |
|
im gonna have to get some books 2 read im averagingabout 24correct questions out of 30
but qrz has helped i just need a little more
knowledge.questions about fixing radios get
me.im no cb tech so when i see those questions
they look like thier written in german or
something so il have to get some books
DALE/CEF426 |
Jms656
Junior Member
Username: Jms656
Post Number: 37
Registered: 5-2005
| | Posted on Thursday, August 18, 2005 - 9:59 pm: |
|
There is a site called hamtestonline.com. It cost a few bucks, ($49.00) but as you take the test it goes back to questions you missed. Through repatition, you eventually learn the correct answer. Unlike qrz, it gives a pretty decent explination of the correct answer. (There is a discount for ARRL members) it is free to some stuff. |
Slugo4449
Member
Username: Slugo4449
Post Number: 56
Registered: 7-2004
| | Posted on Tuesday, August 23, 2005 - 12:37 am: |
|
Dale:
You can miss 9 questions out of 35 and still pass. It only cost 14 bucks! Some of the clubs here have what is called a "Ham Cram". They start about 8:00AM on a Saturday and then study only the questions and answers over and over again. Then at about 4:00PM they give you the test. I have helped blind people take the Tech test by just reading the Questions and Answers to them and then they take the test with the rest of the group. They have about a 75% pass rate.
Marty
KG6QKJ |
Dale
Intermediate Member
Username: Dale
Post Number: 228
Registered: 12-2002
| | Posted on Tuesday, August 23, 2005 - 3:18 pm: |
|
sounds interesting
DALE/CEF426
|
