Ham, Amateure Lic.

The best way I have found to prepare for the tests for a HAM license is to use the internet study guides at this link:
http://www.hamradiolicenseexam.com/study.jsp

I subscribed to all 3 levels of study there and I think it's worth the money it costs to do that for an OTR driver like me. We have a lot of free time waiting on things to happen, and I use that time for studying, all I have to do is go there and log into my account and click the STUDY tab to start working. The program keeps up with my progress and uses the exact same questions that are on the test I'll be taking for the licenses. You can also just memorize test answers in the test question pool there for free, but I really want to understand the answers, not just memorize. I suspect you have a similar desire for understanding.
I can work on my studies anytime I have some free time to do this, and just about everyday I study for at least 30 mins. I really like this method a lot for studying while trucking, and I don't think I'll be needing an "Elmer" to get my licenses as a result of this way of doing it. The computer is my "Elmer", and it isn't full of crap that ol' "Elmer", who took a test by memorizing the answers to the questions about 10-30 yrs ago, thinks is the true gospel of radio now!

When I get ready to take the tests I will make sure I am close to a test session site,(actually I intend to use one within driving distance from home), and I'll schedule some hometime to take it. when you are ready to take the test, just go to the link here and find a location you can get to on the date they are testing:
http://www.arrl.org/find-an-amateur-radio-license-exam-session

I don't see why you would even have to be home to take the tests! I am going to do it this way just to meet a few Extra class ops in my home area, as I suspect I'll need to ask some questions off the air about etiquette and actual radio procedure before I start using the HAM waves, as I am just a ratchetjaw trucker right now!

Hope this has helped, and looking forward to making contact with you on the HAM waves in the future!

 

If anyone is in or near one of these towns you can take your Ham test for free. And if ever in Baltimore, MD stop in and take your test here. And we'll get a chance to meet. I have also posted Free Study Stuff. But you could aways go to www.qrz.com for their practice test. It's a way to start. Just remember you must take Technician class first. License classes in order are Technician, General (which gives you about 90% of the bands), Extra.

Tip: If you study for the Tech class. Study for the General also. Why? Because about 40% of the info is the same. And you can take 1, 2, or all 3 for the same fee.

Good Luck to you! And the youngest Ham that we know of was 4 years of age. At our club this summer we had a 12 year old pass Extra. Missing only 2 questions.

http://larcmdorg.doore.net/vec/index.php?pg=Exams10

http://www.shenware.com/dlamateurradio.html

http://larcmdorg.doore.net/vec/index.php?pg=Exams10

 

Most of the radio stuff is the same. And the very best way to learn is to listen first. Then toss your call sign out. Wait and for a reply. 2 meters/ 70 cm is a very good place to begin. It's more like CB relaxed. Like saying WA4GCH. You hear more laughter, jokes and general talking too. HF is more formal. Saying Whiskey Alpha 4 Golf Charlie Hotel. Mostly making contacts just to say hello and contesting. But it's always you orderly wait your turn in rotation.
Good Luck to you SP!

These are the VEC's anyone could work for you. Depending on your location when you're ready.

W5YI VEC Test Locations
http://www.w5yi.org/exam_locations_ama.php

Larc VEC Twst Locations
http://larcmdorg.doore.net/vec/index.php?pg=Exams10

ARRL VEC Test Locations
http://www.arrl.org/find-an-amateur-radio-license-exam-session

 

let me put my two cents worth into this. If you read and study every night before you hit the sack. It took me a couple months to study for my tech. when I took the test I pass with 100% right, and no elmer. The same was true when I took my general.
So crack the book every night before you go to sleep and everytime you get a chance. is my only advice.

Radio wise I would suggest an FY 857 also. because it goes anywhere you want to talk or are allowed to talk. I run FT8900r, (2)FT1500m,& FT757. I'm happy with them I also own (2)DR135ta, Dx70t, D700a & Dr235 Plus a couple Icom and Kenwood HT's
Find what you like best and buy that brand. I bought one of the first FT8900 and I'm still happy with it today. Every radio I have bought I have done the research on and bought what I liked. I have sold 5 radios I have bought and they were all great. I have only bought name brands.

 

Look at a Yaesu FT-857D. It's 100 watts, about the size of a Cobra 29. And it covers just about everything anyone can need. It's more than enough to work the world from your truck, car or home. One super rig and the lowest priced all band, all mode radio out.

 

Are you active on 223.500 ?

 

Icom also has an all-bander mobile too. My choice would be that one or the FT-857D. There are some hams here in Lima Ohio area that are building a nice screwdriver HF antenna and have made a mirror mount for trucks that just clamps around your bracket. I would either use that or an SGC 9 ft whip and one of their automatic antenna tuners. A bit pricey, but a good setup.

 

I can be. if I know someone is out there. I run APRS kg4jrr-14 and have it on when I travel most anywhere. being retired should tell you a I don't travel to much. Thou I have a coast to coast trip coming up Florida to Oregon when we close on the house. and that is dependent on the bank and everyone knows banks these days.

 

The 2 meter repeaters are linked thru the PLL tones from NM to CA, kind of neat....

KC5ZQG