Random question for today: Considering people who are not amateurs, if you wanted to create increased visibility and participation in amateur radio, what would you do?
Random question for today: Considering people who are not amateurs, if you wanted to create increased visibility and participation in amateur radio, what would you do?
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As a non-amateur who every few months thinks "I should consider getting a license", I've been hoping for an obvious bootstrap point.
The library has some old "here's every exam question" style cram books, but I'm actually looking for a course for understanding, so I don't pass the exam and proceed to have no idea what to do or how to behave. That went so well eith the driver's license exam. :)
Here’s your bootstrap. Assuming you’re in the US, HamStudy.org. Spaced repetition studying for the exam, no Morse code requirement anymore.
FCC exams can now be administered remotely via computer. I’ve taken all three of my exams remotely; my first while sitting on a beach!
I studied all the legal questions for all three license levels through brute force using that site. Went through the questions so many times that I could tell you the answer within the first few words.
Now is that a good thing? Meh, i think most of the learning occurs once you're on the air. Then again, i do have a EE degree so the radio science part i already knew.
I agree. The FCC exam is a framework for learning. All my follow-on learning, including antenna building and using an NVNA have come from doing it.
That was the big thing I brought up when giving exams. You just need to pass and then you can start learning.
I had a guy come in for a test with his wife. She just studied the questions and he went the understanding route. She passed and he didn't. It was the Tech level, they just wanted something better than CB in their vehicle so there really wasn't a lot they needed to know, just pass the test and stay on frequency.
@jecxjo @667 Exactly the same thing here.
I must say however, that I NEVER EVER "learned" something and then was able to "just do it".
Even if learn everything by rote, you how have all the basic principals AND you can participate actively. THIS is when you start to learn! 😉
Everything else was just "on paper".
That said, I have my exam in about a month and I'm very excited. 😁
@667 @HakFoo Unfortunately our club is fixated on scheduled instructor led classes (death by powerpoint for the most part) and in-person administration of electronic tests.
They deliberately conceal the fact that self-study and on-demand remote testing are options when people inquire about getting licensed.
edit: fixed wordwrap
That’s disappointing to hear. What would be the fallout within your club if you were to just go get licensed on your own? Does your jurisdiction permit licensure outside of clubs?
@667 In the US licensure is independent of clubs.
There _is_ gatekeeping going on. It seems to stem from OMs who want to control how folks get into hobby.
Although they won't turn away a warm body toting a license...
Edit: added tag line
Ahh ok, I’m US licensed also. Was surprised to see your club insists on such a rigid learning experience.
You’ll know best for your present situation, but I’d encourage you to just go get your license on your own and get on the air. There’s plenty of media channels to learn.
@667 I'm already licensed ... went "from zero to hero" on my own over a span of about 4 months back in 2011.
It's just so frustrating seeing the obstacles which are constantly thrown in the way of people who want to become licensed (or upgraded).
Edit: licensing year
100%
That’s wild your club makes newbies sit through such a course and refuses any kind of modernizations. OMs for sure.
@667 @k0stk maybe I'm lucky with the clubs around me in FL. They'd be so excited to help a new ham they would probably buy you breakfast, drive you to the test, and give you a radio. My club is growing with 100+ members. The other local group who doesn't like club bureaucracy and paying dues just has a bi-weekly dinner at different restaurants. They are growing in size too.
The answer on how to get your licence depends on which country or locality you live.
If you are comfortable sharing that, we can likely get you a starting point.
@HakFoo @vk6flab The real learning begins (and continues indefinitely) AFTER you get your license. Learn to follow the rules and not hurt anyone
Go through HamStudy.org and start taking practice tests. (I also picked up Gordon Wests books and did a once-through).
One tip is to grab the tech and general at the same sitting.
Got an cheap HT (handheld dual band)? Get on RepeaterBook, program repeaters in, and start listening to local nets. Test in person if you can but online is also avail