Another new HAM

[zuren]

I just passed my Technician level exam last evening! Now I get to go shopping! :ylsmoke:

I thought I would share some thoughts with those who may look to test in the future. Again, these are my opinions:

The ARRL HAM Radio License Manual (Technician Level) = Make sure you get the correct edition! Apparently the question pool changed in mid-2010 so an older version of this book is now worthless. I intended to take the exam earlier this year, then was delayed until Sept. There a lot of the previous version out there. I read it cover to cover then proceeded to fail almost every practice exam I took. I started realizing that the tests were covering terms and other material never mentioned in the book, so the new test questions are different enough to make an older edition worthless. I had to go to the internet to look this material up. Perhaps it will be a good reference book but is a was a waste of $20 otherwise.

I started using the practice tests and study guides at http://www.qrz.com/ as well as downloading the amateur radio exam prep for technician for my iTouch. These two tools were definitely worth it!

Despite the version change, if I had to do it again or if/when I go for my General class, I would not buy any ARRL manuals. Between what you can find free online, for a modest cost at the iTunes store and websites like ExPo or HAM specific forums, you should be able to find all the information you need to pass.

Hope this helps someone!

 

[xtatik]

Despite the version change, if I had to do it again or if/when I go for my General class, I would not buy any ARRL manuals. Between what you can find free online, for a modest cost at the iTunes store and websites like ExPo or HAM specific forums, you should be able to find all the information you need to pass.

Hope this helps someone!

Congrats on getting the Tech Class ticket!

Another resource worth mentioning are the publications from Gordon West. Although his Tech Class book dedicates a cursory amount of its text on the explanation of reasons and principles, it focuses more on helping you at memorizing the tests correct answers. With his Tech Class book, Gordo's motives are to get you the entry level license and to get you entered into the hobby. The ARRL books are designed to actually teach the contextual reasons for the answers. They could be a good reference resource for those who are motivated to advance. This is more the case with their General Class book when studying for Extra. The ARRL's Tech Class book primarily covers the rudimentary and entry level aspects of radio, whereas the General Class actually has the content you'd expect for the hobbies standard license class. It has content that would provide good reference of principle knowledge for someone who spends time in the hobby or who is motivated to advance again to Extra.