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To
get your first license:
I got my first ticket
(license) in 1984, two General amateurs gave me my Novice test with
5 wpm Morse code. Then it took me about three years to complete the
levels of Tech, General (with code 13 wpm), Advanced & Extra (with
20 wpm code). - - It's all easier now - -
Now there are only three license classes Tech, General & Extra, and
you do not have to learn 43 Morse Code characters anymore. The
current three license class may be a little harder since they
contain some of the Novice & Advance theory mixed in, but they are
still multiple choice exams and now administered by VEs (Volunteer
Examiners), who are groups of hams who officially administer the
tests.
Most VE testing groups are associated with a Radio Clubs. In Memphis
possibly look at current newsletters from Delta Amateur RC for
testing times and info (look > 'Clubs' menu). You will
need a photo-ID or two without a photo, and will need to submit your
Soc. Sec. #. You will also need to get a Federal Registration Number
'FRN' before taking your test. Goto the FCC.gov website and look for
'Access Now' & Click 'FRN' to apply for your FRN #.
April 19, 2022 there will be a new $35 FCC fee for new license,
http://www.arrl.org/news/new-amateur-radio-license-applications-fee-to-become-effective-april-19-2022
, sounds like this may also apply to new vanity calls and renewals.
Believe it notes that this fee is waved if you test before you turn
18 years old. There is also a $?? fee charged by
the local VE group.
To study: search & a buy study manuals or find a paid or free
website like
https://hamexam.org/view_pool/15-Technician . Classes are given
if you choose that route.
Note: Question Pools are only good for four years. The Technician
Pool & corresponding test questions will change on July 1, 2022 and
be current till June 30, 2026 - So don't buy study-material that
won't apply the appropriate question pool. The General Pool is 7-1-19
to 6-30-23 & the Extra Pool is 7-1-20 to 6-30-24.
All in all: It's
just a multiple choice test. A lot of knowledge from the multiple
choice tests is forgotten pretty soon. It's more beneficial to
actually know the material & pick the answers via your knowledge.
Mainly retaining & understanding your operating part of the
frequency spectrum so you know & understand where you are listening
and transmitting. Also know the layers of the atmosphere that cause
signals to bounce back down. Basic frequency formulas (like 234 or
468) for cutting wire antennas to proper length. Basic electric
stuff like the V(over) CR pie, inductors & resistors add when
stacked & are half side by side - capacitors are the opposite. Red &
black are hot with deadly voltage, green (like grass = ground). One
of these bits of knowledge might answer 7-9 in the question pool &
your test will be about 1/10 of the pool. Make notes like these as
you study don't be a clueless ham who learned to pick out the
answers that looked right.
Operating (IMO): It's a privilege to have a portion of the limited
frequency spectrum for the Amateur Service & this should be
appreciated and operated appropriately. Use courteous language,
nothing vulgar, threatening or demeaning. The FCC has a notice that
Amateur and Personal Radio Services Licensees and Operators
May Not Use Radio Equipment to Commit or Facilitate Criminal Acts.
Use common values like being fair, taking turns transmitting, don't
jump in & hog - take over someone's current conversation. Be honest, be a person of your word
& don't value one person
over another. Be down to earth, don't brag about expensive equipment
or possessions. Don't quick key or be a know-it-all (even if you do) -
allow others a chance to participate, answer and learn.
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