I have been studying off and on as time permitted, for about eight weeks now. I used the Dan Romanchick free study guides and the practice tests on Hamtestonline based on the recommendations of fellow mudders. Thank you. I called the VEC who was running a test back in the U.S. near my Dad's house and asked him if it would be possible for me to test for Tech and then General a week later. The VEC said why wait a week if I think that I'm ready we can do it all the same day. I went in and sat for the Tech test. I have to admit that I was a little apprehensive when I handed it in. Once they had all scored and reviewed it they told me that I had passed. I then asked if I could take the General test. The examiners smiled and said go for it. I took the General test and turned that in, even more apprehensively. They graded and reviewed it and then huddled, making me more nervous. They all smiled and said that I had passed. By now the other guys who were sitting for their tests were all smiling. The examiners then asked if I wanted to go for Extra. I told them that I hadn't studied for it, didn't even have the book and didn't want to waste their time. They said that based on how well I had passed each of the previous tests they though that I should go for it. After a little encouragement I sat for the Extra test. While I knew by half way through that there really was too much new material I felt that it was a good decision to take it as I now have a really good idea of what to expect next month when I come back to the States to sit for the Extra. As others have said I'll now be bugging you guys for recommendations on rugged versatile mobile rigs and antennas. Thanks mudders and cheers.