HAM Technician License Class/Test

[Brentbba]

I'm sure Venture Crew 440 won't mind me passing this information along to non scout/scouters (adults).

They've arranged a class and test session with Gordon West for the Technician License July 19 & 20 in Buena Park. This info came out in the Boy Scout Orange County District Scoutweek email.

I've attached a flyer about the class. They need 60 to make the class viable and there are only 29 (including me) currently signed up. Cost is $35 for the two day class plus the test fee. I know you can just buy his book, study and ace the test on your own and many on MUD have done just that, but personally, I've been too damn lazy to do it on my own. I've read his book once...over too long a period to make taking the test reasonable w/o going thru the book again. I figure a concentrated class and the test as part of it is what it's going to take for me.

 

[SOCALFJ]

'bout time Brent!

 

[Brentbba]

'bout time Brent!

Hell - I've had West's book for over a year. Probably finished reading it over 6 months ago. I've had VE study guide Powerpoints from my old scoutmaster, who's a VE and shared them with me for well over a year also!

Just been too damn lazy!!!

This class won't go if they don't get another 31 signed up tho!

 

[Brentbba]

One bump - if you sigh up put 774 as the unit and Orange County for the district.
West charges a whooping couple hundred for classes he puts on himself! What a rip off that is! $35 is ok plus probably around $15 for the test fee. I hope this goes so I can just get it done. I need a deadline and structure or I just won't do it.

 

[Cruiserdrew]

One bump - if you sigh up put 774 as the unit and Orange County for the district.
West charges a whooping couple hundred for classes he puts on himself! What a rip off that is! $35 is ok plus probably around $15 for the test fee. I hope this goes so I can just get it done. I need a deadline and structure or I just won't do it.

Brett==Glad you are doing this.

Regarding how much Gordon West charges; Remember this is his business, so how much would you charge for 2 days of your time? It sounds like a bargin to me.

For comparison UCDavis puts on a 2 day class with the test at the end taught by the local tadio guys and they charge $100.

 

[Brentbba]

Brett==Glad you are doing this.

Regarding how much Gordon West charges; Remember this is his business, so how much would you charge for 2 days of your time? It sounds like a bargin to me.

For comparison UCDavis puts on a 2 day class with the test at the end taught by the local tadio guys and they charge $100.

I know this is where he makes his money. I've heard in the ham community there's almost a love/hate feeling about him tho somewhat like feelings about shock jocks as a comparison.

This class is an absolute bargin for what he normally charges, but two days to cover all this? I know the class will spend some 'on radio' time and I'm sure there will be lots of self promotion from West about his materials, general class license classes etc to go along with the content.

I just hope they get the 60 folks signed up. The Venture Crew is doing everything they can. They had flyers out at our local district roundtable meeting last night. Hopefully there will be a last minute rush of sign ups prior to the Thursday drop dead cancellation date.

 

[e9999]

seems like there are places/clubs where classes are held for free, no?

but anyways, one does not need a class to pass this thing...

 

[Brentbba]

seems like there are places/clubs where classes are held for free, no?

but anyways, one does not need a class to pass this thing...

Stating the obvious. Usually some of this $$ goes to the troop/crew that's sponsoring it, thus my interest.

 

[boydmick]

Brent,

I hope you get the #s to fill the class. I took Gordon's class a couple of months ago and as he says. . .

"Everyone will pass the test, some will just take longer than others."

Gordon does a good job covering the material. He uses humor and repetition to get the info across. About 1/3 of our class passed with 100%; and, yes, everyone passed.

 

[bluto]

...

but anyways, one does not need a class to pass this thing...

Youre right about that. I just memorized to pass the test (just missed one LOL) and got some minute idea of what its all about. But if it was convenient for me to attend a Ham class I would.

A newcomer to amateur radio would benefit more from an actual HAM person than reading online or a book. You get immediate feedback to your question rather than googling/hunting for the answer.

Good luck Brent!

 

[Brentbba]

Got an email this morning - class is on! Instructor change, so that means Gordon West will not be teaching the class himself and it'll be a smaller class, but it's on. Probably another VE in the area or someone associated with West - no big deal. I need the concentrated cram session right before the test to get 'er done! God willing I'll have my license by the end of Sunday!!! Anal me - I'll reread West's book this week and review the powerpoints my VE/ex scoutmaster sent me a year ago before the class!

 

[SOCALFJ]

I just went to the balboa island and took my test for $15.00 and was out of there in 20 mins.

 

[Brentbba]

Probably could to the same. I just finished the 10 powerpoint presentations study info. I'll do the class because I'm ANAL.

 

[gon2srf]

I just went to the balboa island and took my test for $15.00 and was out of there in 20 mins.

Can you elaborate. Balboa Island? When, where, who organized it?

Thanks Dave.

 

[Brentbba]

Dave, per West's book go to W5YI : Resources for Amateur & Commercial Radio for test sites and days. I think you can also check ARRl's site. Only one close listed there was 7.23 up in Irvine. I haven't personally gone to the w5yi site.

Just finished two practice exams at QRZ Ham Radio - missed one on each. Not bad for one day's review. Site has a section of practice exam linked on the left side of the site page.