cockpitbob
NES Member
The Cape Ann Amateur Radio club in Gloucester is giving its Tech-in-a-Day class in about a week: Saturday April 27th. Three years ago a bunch of NESers got their tickets that day. Show up at 8:30 with $20 and leave at about 5:00 a little tired, but with your ham license. See link and this flier for more details. They usually have coffee, sodas and snacks free. Bring your own lunch or go out to a local place for lunch. They'll have a list of recommended places close by.
No need to pre-study, but it doesn't hurt.
Basically the drill is:
* First half hour is introduction and orientation.
* Then three 1 hour segments of 45min silent study and 15min to clear your head.
* Then lunch.
* Then 3 more 1 hour study sessions.
* Then the test.
If you pass the Technician test it cost nothing to try the General licenst test. If you pass that try the Extra class licenst test.
When my 11yo son and I did it there were about 25 people in the class. My son passed and everyone older than him (except one ditzy blonde) passed. Several also passed the General test. One guy passed all 3 that evening.
If you barely failed the Technician test but want try to again FCC rules require $15, but give it a try. The questions are different each try and the first try might have hit all your weak spots.
The philosphy is: Don't worry about the theory. If you stick with ham radio the theory will come in time. Just learn the correct test answers and learn enough of the rules and procedures to stay out of trouble.
The license is good for 10 years and there is no re-test if you renew within a wide grace period after 10 years.
No need to pre-study, but it doesn't hurt.
Basically the drill is:
* First half hour is introduction and orientation.
* Then three 1 hour segments of 45min silent study and 15min to clear your head.
* Then lunch.
* Then 3 more 1 hour study sessions.
* Then the test.
If you pass the Technician test it cost nothing to try the General licenst test. If you pass that try the Extra class licenst test.
When my 11yo son and I did it there were about 25 people in the class. My son passed and everyone older than him (except one ditzy blonde) passed. Several also passed the General test. One guy passed all 3 that evening.
If you barely failed the Technician test but want try to again FCC rules require $15, but give it a try. The questions are different each try and the first try might have hit all your weak spots.
The philosphy is: Don't worry about the theory. If you stick with ham radio the theory will come in time. Just learn the correct test answers and learn enough of the rules and procedures to stay out of trouble.
The license is good for 10 years and there is no re-test if you renew within a wide grace period after 10 years.
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