HAM Radio Class? (1 Viewer)

[slimbuddha]

When I took the test, I had borrowed Mike's book, but didn't have a chance to read any more than the first chapter. The questions/answer pool is available online, so I just reviewed the questions. Many of them are common sense and can be guessed. I spent about 2hrs reviewing the pool, and passed swimmingly.

That being said, when I finally get a radio, and before I broadcast my first transmission., i am going to have to read through one of the books.

I am thinking of getting a hand held first.

 

[Ruadhrigh]

do they assign the call signs after the test?

how 'bout the vanities?

I don't have anything cool in mind, nothing like Pappy's. Any suggestions

 

[Beowulf]

Call signs are assigned by the FCC when the approved application is entered into the national database. Basically, you will get the next ID in "sequence." As you prepare for the exam you will learn more about how the call signs are allocated.

Vanity call signs can be requested by licensed amateurs but you have to select one that is available and one that meets the assignment scheme. There is a small fee paid to the FCC for a vanity call sign.

-Mike-

 

[alia176]

. Any suggestions

KE5DRK????

 

[Beowulf]

Any suggestions

KE5DRK????

This could get interesting.


-Mike-

 

[alia176]

This could get interesting.


-Mike-

Or maybe KE5LSR??

 

[Ruadhrigh]

I wonder if KE5TEQ is taken

 

[pappy]

KE5DRK????

Taken.

Or maybe KE5LSR??

Taken.

I wonder if KE5TEQ is taken

Taken.

KF5TEQ is available.

 

[alia176]

How about KE5YAK?

 

[OGBeno]

So Evan and Rory--did you guys sit next to each other and cheat?



I assume you guys are now licensed...

Congrats.
-o-

 

[alia176]

Rory called me with the good news - we have two new geeks among us!!

 

[pappy]

Yipee! More pocket protectors.

 

[Beowulf]

Congratulations to both Rory and Evan!

-Mike-

 

[Ruadhrigh]

Thanks guys, I hope the pocket protector fits

 

[OGBeno]

Well I got my mount and antenna ordered as well--K400NMO mount and Comet SBB1 antenna from universal radio online.

With the Yaesu FT2800 all total was about $250. Not bad.

Now, just to take care of the license part. Luckily, most of my initial conversations will be via simplex....

This is good stuff....the club is indeed becoming geek-i-fied.

-o-

 

[pappy]

How about KE5YAK?

Nope. Belongs to a woman.

 

[alia176]

Nope. Belongs to a woman.

KE5FZJ80?? Maybe too many characters?

 

[pappy]

KE5FZJ?

Nope.

K(f-z)5FZJ
Yep.

 

[Daisy 53]

Congrats to both of you geeks
Daisy

 

[evanz80]

That's all we need is a couple more geeks in the club. Soon, the geeks will outnumber the rest. Rory and I had a great time taking the test, followed by a breakfast burrito at Golden Pride to celebrate.

The test was given in the PC Lab at Manzano Mesa Center, so just a few mouse clicks and hit the button to finish. The grading was done by the computer as soon as you hit stop. There was more time spent waiting around for the uber-geeks (VEs) to do the paperwork than the time it took to take the test. For those of you who haven't tried it yet, there's nothing to get nervous about.