FCC license
 

I got my first class license back in the early 70s. Never really
needed it anywhere except to legally work on CB radios. I cant find it
and dont really remember if ther was an expiration on it or not. I
inquired by letter with the FCC a couple of years ago but never heard
back from them. I there a website that may have this data

Jimmie

FCC license
 

The FCC "First Class Radio Telephone Operator" license was replaced many
years ago by the "General Radiotelephone Operator License."

The General license was issued automatically to anyone sending in a First
'Phone license for renewal at the end of its term, and is valid for the
lifetime of the licensee.

Here is an FCC link about the General...

http://wireless.fcc.gov/commoperators/pg.html

RF

FCC license
 

In
JIMMIE wrote:

I there a website that may have this data


The FCC's ULS data can be accessed at

http://wireless.fcc.gov/uls/index.htm?job=home

--
Bert Hyman St. Paul, MN

FCC license
 

JIMMIE wrote:
I got my first class license back in the early 70s. Never really
needed it anywhere except to legally work on CB radios. I cant find it
and dont really remember if ther was an expiration on it or not. I
inquired by letter with the FCC a couple of years ago but never heard
back from them. I there a website that may have this data

Jimmie

It would be here, but you would be a General these days.

http://wireless2.fcc.gov/UlsApp/UlsS...2460248!NO NE

FCC license
 

"JIMMIE" wrote in message
...
I got my first class license back in the early 70s. Never really
needed it anywhere except to legally work on CB radios. I cant find it
and dont really remember if ther was an expiration on it or not. I
inquired by letter with the FCC a couple of years ago but never heard
back from them. I there a website that may have this data

Jimmie

I had one about the same time. They do expire every 5 years. There is no
longer a First or Second class license. They were converted over to a
nonexpiring General license. That thing is almost useless now. Most of the
old requirements to work on transmitters have been eliminated.
As your First class has expired, you will have to take the test again if you
want the General.

For more information:
http://wireless.fcc.gov/commoperators/pg.html

FCC license
 

I have worked on maybe 5 CBs, a little Marine and did a Avionics project.
Most of my time was spent with cutting edge PLMR and SMR projects for
commercial, business, and Industrial customers. Most of those customers
have gone to the phone companies though.

I was successful with the Fire customers, but the LE bunch always wanted a
piece of the action. Hard to subsidize them when they are THE only action
left.

They may have automatically converted you. I too let it slide but they
converted and renewed it to lifetime anyway. You can look up your name (the
one that you used) in ULS and find out if you have an active license. They
seem to like to keep their database entries. I couldn't even throw mine
away.


Here's the search page to look yours up:
http://wireless2.fcc.gov/UlsApp/UlsSearch/searchFrc.jsp

FCC license
 

Here's the search page to look yours up:
http://wireless2.fcc.gov/UlsApp/UlsSearch/searchFrc.jsp

The search engine isn't too swift though. Last name first.

FCC license
 

I noticed that you need to submit passport type photos and 6 month
endorsement from somebody. Gotta laugh. If you want to do away with a
license, make sure they have to pass muster from someone unqualified.

FCC license
 

I have also noticed that most of the PGs don't even have an FRN #

"JB" wrote in message
news:7k9Bk.535$1a2.501@trnddc04...
I noticed that you need to submit passport type photos and 6 month
endorsement from somebody. Gotta laugh. If you want to do away with a
license, make sure they have to pass muster from someone unqualified.

FCC license
 

On Sat, 20 Sep 2008 16:40:34 GMT, "JB" wrote:

I have also noticed that most of the PGs don't even have an FRN #

What's a PG?
#11th commandment: thou shalt not abrev.

I haven't seen any FRN numbers in any signatures.
Here's mine, if you must: 0003838828
http://wireless2.fcc.gov/UlsApp/UlsSearch/results.jsp?licSearchKey=licSearcKey20088201351478 &curPage=1&reqPage=1&printable
Oh swell. My marine radio operators license is missing...

--
Jeff Liebermann
150 Felker St #D http://www.LearnByDestroying.com
Santa Cruz CA 95060 http://802.11junk.com
Skype: JeffLiebermann AE6KS 831-336-2558

FCC license
 

I have also noticed that most of the PGs don't even have an FRN #

What's a PG?

Its the first two letters in the FCC General RadioTelephone Operator
License number.


Ed K7AAT

FCC license
 

On 21 Sep 2008 03:37:42 GMT, Ed
wrote:

I have also noticed that most of the PGs don't even have an FRN #

What's a PG?

Its the first two letters in the FCC General RadioTelephone Operator
License number.
Ed K7AAT

Thanks. ULS, CORES, FRN numbers, and such started around 1998(?). It
was essentially optional (because the system didn't work) until about
mid 2000, when Congress demanded that all business with government
agencies include an SSI number (social security number). To get an
FRN number, you need to supply an SSI number.

I passed my GROL in Nov 1994, somewhat before FRN numbers were first
issued. Prior to that, I had an FCC 2nd and later 1st RadioTelephone
license with radar endorsement. I didn't want to deal with the ULS
mess so I avoided getting one. I eventually wanted to upgrade from
Technican class to General class[1], and which required an FRN number.
Oh well. Some of my friends and accomplises that obtained GROL
licenses at the same time as me still have not obtained FRN numbers.


[1] I was going to just sign the paperwork for the General class
license as I had passed 5 wpm back in the stone age of ham radio as a
Novice. However, the VE assured me that the price was the same for
the Extra Class license, so I should try taking it anyway. The logic
seemed reasonable except for one problem. I hadn't studied for the
Extra in the slightest. So, I blundered, guessed, snarled, and
muddled my way through the Extra exam, fully expecting to fail
miserably. I had to borrow a calculator. I was amazed when I passed
the Extra by one question. I'm fairly sure I answered all the
technical questions correctly, but missed most of the operating, band
limits, sub-bands, rules, and regs.

--
Jeff Liebermann
150 Felker St #D http://www.LearnByDestroying.com
Santa Cruz CA 95060 http://802.11junk.com
Skype: JeffLiebermann AE6KS 831-336-2558

FCC license
 

"Jeff Liebermann" wrote in message
...

... the VE assured me that the price was the same for
the Extra Class license, so I should try taking it anyway. The logic
seemed reasonable except for one problem. I hadn't studied for the
Extra in the slightest. So, I blundered, guessed, snarled, and
muddled my way through the Extra exam, fully expecting to fail ...

My experience, too. I think if I hadn't known reactance vectors, I would
have failed it. Tip of the hat to ELI the ICEman.

"Sal"
(KD6VKW)

FCC license
 

On Sep 21, 1:43*am, "Sal M. Onella"
wrote:
"Jeff Liebermann" wrote in message

...

... the VE assured me that the price was the same for
the Extra Class license, so I should try taking it anyway. *The logic
seemed reasonable except for one problem. *I hadn't studied for the
Extra in the slightest. *So, I blundered, guessed, snarled, and
muddled my way through the Extra exam, fully expecting to fail ...

My experience, too. *I think if I hadn't known reactance vectors, I would
have failed it. Tip of the hat to ELI the ICEman.

"Sal"
(KD6VKW)
Oh well I am not listed for my commercial license. I just realized it
had expired when I was working on CBs ooops. Work for the gov now and
dont have to have one but I may take the test fot the general anyway.
I dont know what happened to my origonal, after 5 moves anything could
have.

Jimmie

FCC license
 

JIMMIE wrote:
On Sep 21, 1:43 am, "Sal M. Onella"
wrote:
"Jeff Liebermann" wrote in message

...

... the VE assured me that the price was the same for
the Extra Class license, so I should try taking it anyway. The logic
seemed reasonable except for one problem. I hadn't studied for the
Extra in the slightest. So, I blundered, guessed, snarled, and
muddled my way through the Extra exam, fully expecting to fail ...
My experience, too. I think if I hadn't known reactance vectors, I would
have failed it. Tip of the hat to ELI the ICEman.

"Sal"
(KD6VKW)
Oh well I am not listed for my commercial license. I just realized it
had expired when I was working on CBs ooops. Work for the gov now and
dont have to have one but I may take the test fot the general anyway.
I dont know what happened to my origonal, after 5 moves anything could
have.

Jimmie

http://www.w5yi.org/catalog.php?sort=10

FCC license
 

"Jeff Liebermann" wrote in message
...
On 21 Sep 2008 03:37:42 GMT, Ed
wrote:

I have also noticed that most of the PGs don't even have an FRN #

What's a PG?

Its the first two letters in the FCC General RadioTelephone Operator
License number.
Ed K7AAT

Thanks. ULS, CORES, FRN numbers, and such started around 1998(?). It
was essentially optional (because the system didn't work) until about
mid 2000, when Congress demanded that all business with government
agencies include an SSI number (social security number). To get an
FRN number, you need to supply an SSI number.

I passed my GROL in Nov 1994, somewhat before FRN numbers were first
issued. Prior to that, I had an FCC 2nd and later 1st RadioTelephone
license with radar endorsement. I didn't want to deal with the ULS
mess so I avoided getting one. I eventually wanted to upgrade from
Technican class to General class[1], and which required an FRN number.
Oh well. Some of my friends and accomplises that obtained GROL
licenses at the same time as me still have not obtained FRN numbers.


[1] I was going to just sign the paperwork for the General class
license as I had passed 5 wpm back in the stone age of ham radio as a
Novice. However, the VE assured me that the price was the same for
the Extra Class license, so I should try taking it anyway. The logic
seemed reasonable except for one problem. I hadn't studied for the
Extra in the slightest. So, I blundered, guessed, snarled, and
muddled my way through the Extra exam, fully expecting to fail
miserably. I had to borrow a calculator. I was amazed when I passed
the Extra by one question. I'm fairly sure I answered all the
technical questions correctly, but missed most of the operating, band
limits, sub-bands, rules, and regs.


----------

I took the General Radiotelephone Operator's License exam in 1981, just
after it went into effect. However, they were still giving the old 2nd class
exam, which was mostly about tube technology and which shared nothing in
common with the Extra Class amateur exam of the time.

My original license number was PG-3-110. I took the exam for the radar
endorsement a few months later and they changed the license number to
something else, which slips my mind at the moment.

Ed Cregger

FCC license
 

I took the General Radiotelephone Operator's License exam in 1981, just
after it went into effect. However, they were still giving the old 2nd
class
exam, which was mostly about tube technology and which shared nothing in
common with the Extra Class amateur exam of the time.

I did 2nd Phone in the late 70's and there was tube, transistor, RTL and TTL
logic theory, and 'complete the schematic' type questions but less of that
and more general types of engineering and circuit theory, AC/DC theory, RF
and transmission lines and most of it involving Electronic Math. Trig,
Vectors, no Smith charts or Calculus. Very little of it had anything to do
with tubes specifically. The rest was FCC parts. It was said at the time,
that it was more like the Advanced Ham ticket. I got my Advanced a year or
two before, and I agree the technology level was equivalent and it was about
200 questions or so. Later when I did the Extra, (90's) there were
questions well beyond the 2nd Phone but only 25 of them! The code test and
the noise floor equations made me strain. I wish the bandwidth and
modulation questions were on the Technician class test though.

FCC license
 

Jimmie wrote:
"Is there a website that may have this data?"

I got my first class phone ticket in 1949. My house was destroyed
recently my tickets and degrees went with it.

Commercial tickets have been converted to non-expiring "General
Radiotelephone Operator Licenses". The FCC maintains a list of the
commercial licenses it has issued.

When I wrote the FCC requesting a replacement certificate, they
responded saying my request had been "dismissed". Then I wrote to The
W5YI Group which advertises in QST. They said to send them $20 and
within a few days my replacement "General License" arrived from the FCC
in the mail. I highly recommend their service! Their address is:
W5YI Group
P.O. Box 565101 Dallas, TX 75356

I had been issued First Class Radiotelephone License No. P1-9-12391 in
April 1949.

W5YI Group also got me a new copy of my KB5WZI Amateur License which had
also been destroyed. I believe their fee for that was $7.5o. All this is
very reasonable considering the hassle of trying to deal directly with
the FCC.

Fortunately, my university says it encourages the display of degrees and
will glady replace them at no charge.

Best regards, Richard Harrison, KB5WZI

FCC license
 

Richard Harrison wrote:
Jimmie wrote:
"Is there a website that may have this data?"

I got my first class phone ticket in 1949. My house was destroyed
recently my tickets and degrees went with it.

Commercial tickets have been converted to non-expiring "General
Radiotelephone Operator Licenses". The FCC maintains a list of the
commercial licenses it has issued.

When I wrote the FCC requesting a replacement certificate, they
responded saying my request had been "dismissed". Then I wrote to The
W5YI Group which advertises in QST. They said to send them $20 and
within a few days my replacement "General License" arrived from the FCC
in the mail. I highly recommend their service! Their address is:
W5YI Group
P.O. Box 565101 Dallas, TX 75356

I had been issued First Class Radiotelephone License No. P1-9-12391 in
April 1949.

W5YI Group also got me a new copy of my KB5WZI Amateur License which had
also been destroyed. I believe their fee for that was $7.5o. All this is
very reasonable considering the hassle of trying to deal directly with
the FCC.

Fortunately, my university says it encourages the display of degrees and
will glady replace them at no charge.

Best regards, Richard Harrison, KB5WZI




Richard;

You can also go on line to the FCC website and obtain a copy of your
license for nothing. I have.

Dave WD9BDZ

FCC license
 

"JB" wrote in message
news:uSDBk.486$UB3.159@trnddc07...

I took the General Radiotelephone Operator's License exam in 1981, just
after it went into effect. However, they were still giving the old 2nd
class
exam, which was mostly about tube technology and which shared nothing in
common with the Extra Class amateur exam of the time.

I did 2nd Phone in the late 70's and there was tube, transistor, RTL and
TTL
logic theory, and 'complete the schematic' type questions but less of that
and more general types of engineering and circuit theory, AC/DC theory, RF
and transmission lines and most of it involving Electronic Math. Trig,
Vectors, no Smith charts or Calculus. Very little of it had anything to
do
with tubes specifically. The rest was FCC parts. It was said at the
time,
that it was more like the Advanced Ham ticket. I got my Advanced a year
or
two before, and I agree the technology level was equivalent and it was
about
200 questions or so. Later when I did the Extra, (90's) there were
questions well beyond the 2nd Phone but only 25 of them! The code test
and
the noise floor equations made me strain. I wish the bandwidth and
modulation questions were on the Technician class test though.


------------

Yep, the solid state and basic computer theory were there too, but I was
surprised that they used a schematic of an RF tube amp for diagnostics
purposes. I was sure that they were going to use solid state equipment for
diagnosis. I was wrong. As it turned out, tubes are always easier for me to
figure out, so it ended up being a plus for me.

The Advanced Class amateur license test was definitely the pinnacle of
amateur radio technical testing, but I didn't feel it was up to the 2nd
Phone test that I took for the General. In fact, I even found a few mistakes
in the Advanced test.

The Extra Class test (I took it in 1985) did include a question or two that
required some trig, but I figured out the answer in my head before finishing
the equation. It was obvious that the conjugate impedance was going to be
capacitive. There was only one answer with a -j, so it was obvious that that
would be the correct answer.

Ed, NM2K

FCC license
 

The Extra Class test (I took it in 1985) did include a question or two
that
required some trig, but I figured out the answer in my head before
finishing
the equation. It was obvious that the conjugate impedance was going to be
capacitive. There was only one answer with a -j, so it was obvious that
that
would be the correct answer.

Ed, NM2K

I picked up on that too. If you didn't know what was going on there, you
would be left drudging through a math problem.

The thing about Trig was having to memorize all the substitutions in order
to poke the problem into a manageable calculation, or you wind up losing
precision. If that happens, you wont have the clear cut answer for the
multiple guess.

In some ways I miss tube equipment. Now I have to deal with surface mount
technology. Even for a resistor, I risk putting a soldering iron up my nose
while squinting through a loupe. I just dread the idea of replacing a chip
with 100 legs or more. In the 70's you had to know tubes and everything
else too because there was so much transition. Ham Radio magazine was my
best friend, and it was an opportunity to learn the discrete versions of
complex stuff like synthesizers and various issues that had to be overcome.
It's all easier now. If you can figure out what a controller is supposed to
do, all you have to do is make sure the rest of the components can comply.
But there is so much offshore cheap junk now that almost everything is
worthless to fix but cheap to modify. Except for industrial controls and
things like that. But now customers are just trained to throw stuff away on
a bigger scale. I get the idea that We as American citizens are not allowed
to know technology any more.

FCC license
 

JB wrote:

In some ways I miss tube equipment. Now I have to deal with surface mount
technology. Even for a resistor, I risk putting a soldering iron up my nose
while squinting through a loupe. I just dread the idea of replacing a chip
with 100 legs or more.

These things are the best. They are stereo so you get depth perception.
They are cheap and the optics are very good. I can read the numbers
on parts the size of a grain of salt and I'm 59 years old. I have no
SMT dread.

http://www.mageyes.com/

FCC license
 

"Richard Harrison" wrote in message
...
Jimmie wrote:
"Is there a website that may have this data?"

I got my first class phone ticket in 1949. My house was destroyed
recently my tickets and degrees went with it.

Commercial tickets have been converted to non-expiring "General
Radiotelephone Operator Licenses". The FCC maintains a list of the
commercial licenses it has issued.

When I wrote the FCC requesting a replacement certificate, they
responded saying my request had been "dismissed". Then I wrote to The
W5YI Group which advertises in QST. They said to send them $20 and
within a few days my replacement "General License" arrived from the FCC
in the mail. I highly recommend their service! Their address is:
W5YI Group
P.O. Box 565101 Dallas, TX 75356

I had been issued First Class Radiotelephone License No. P1-9-12391 in
April 1949.

W5YI Group also got me a new copy of my KB5WZI Amateur License which had
also been destroyed. I believe their fee for that was $7.5o. All this is
very reasonable considering the hassle of trying to deal directly with
the FCC.

Fortunately, my university says it encourages the display of degrees and
will glady replace them at no charge.

Best regards, Richard Harrison, KB5WZI

One place I worked at stole mine right off the wall before firing me
"because they couldn't throw me in jail for anything". I simply reported
the theft to the FCC and they gave me a new certificate with a new number.
Ever since then, I would only display a copy stamped COPY, but I won't even
do that any more because some one might try to use it. Someone tried that
once and got caught. Stupid is trying to send in a bogus application to the
FCC. Some one tried that once and FCC mailed it back to me asking if I knew
anything about it. Ye haw! It's like going into a doctor's office for an
examination and telling them you need the prescription "for a friend". It's
like pulling a gun on a cashier and saying "I don't want to hurt anyone".

FCC license
 

Jeff Liebermann wrote:
On 21 Sep 2008 03:37:42 GMT, Ed
wrote:

I have also noticed that most of the PGs don't even have an FRN #
What's a PG?

Its the first two letters in the FCC General RadioTelephone Operator
License number.
Ed K7AAT

Thanks. ULS, CORES, FRN numbers, and such started around 1998(?). It
was essentially optional (because the system didn't work) until about
mid 2000, when Congress demanded that all business with government
agencies include an SSI number (social security number). To get an
FRN number, you need to supply an SSI number.

I passed my GROL in Nov 1994, somewhat before FRN numbers were first
issued. Prior to that, I had an FCC 2nd and later 1st RadioTelephone
license with radar endorsement. I didn't want to deal with the ULS
mess so I avoided getting one. I eventually wanted to upgrade from
Technican class to General class[1], and which required an FRN number.
Oh well. Some of my friends and accomplises that obtained GROL
licenses at the same time as me still have not obtained FRN numbers.


[1] I was going to just sign the paperwork for the General class
license as I had passed 5 wpm back in the stone age of ham radio as a
Novice. However, the VE assured me that the price was the same for
the Extra Class license, so I should try taking it anyway. The logic
seemed reasonable except for one problem. I hadn't studied for the
Extra in the slightest. So, I blundered, guessed, snarled, and
muddled my way through the Extra exam, fully expecting to fail
miserably. I had to borrow a calculator. I was amazed when I passed
the Extra by one question. I'm fairly sure I answered all the
technical questions correctly, but missed most of the operating, band
limits, sub-bands, rules, and regs.

You've described a key test taking strategy that applies well beyond the
FCC license exams. No licensing authority requires 100% scores, and they
generally specify the distribution of questions among subjects. (this is
true for pilot exams and the professional engineering exams, as well).
One can reasonably take a strategy of spending your study time to get
perfect score on the parts you know and accepting what you get on the
parts you don't. Overall, I believe that the lower "stress level" going
into the test knowing that even if you screw up the small number of
questions you don't know, you can still "pass", is an overall benefit.

This, is, of course, why you have behind the wheel driving tests, have
to have an examiner check ride, or reference letters and proven
experience for all those licenses. The folks giving the test KNOW that
you can't possibly test everything.

FCC license
 

On Mon, 22 Sep 2008 15:44:26 GMT, "JB" wrote:

One place I worked at stole mine right off the wall before firing me
"because they couldn't throw me in jail for anything". I simply reported
the theft to the FCC and they gave me a new certificate with a new number.

Chuckle. That like that happened to me, twice. I worked for a
communications shop where I was the only one with a license. After I
left, they continued to use my license number or repair logs for
several years. When I worked for a radio manufactory, they made a
rubber stamp with my license number and continued to use it for
several years after I left.

At one point, I let my license expire because I couldn't find it for a
few years after moving. I had to take all 4 elements plus radar
endorsement again from scratch. I passed 1, 3 and 4, but messed up
from overconfidence on element 2. That meant that I had to do all of
it again in a month. This time I studied and passed. To save on gas
and parking in downtown San Francisco, a small group of techs and
engineers went together. We had all studied the latest semiconductor
and radio technology that we worked with every day. However, the test
was exactly the same as the one I had taken about 10 years previously.
Tubes, dynamotors, Marconi antennas, Faraday shields, and other
technology from the stone age. A few of the techs failed the exam
because they had never studied or worked with a tube radio.

Ever since then, I would only display a copy stamped COPY, but I won't even
do that any more because some one might try to use it. Someone tried that
once and got caught. Stupid is trying to send in a bogus application to the
FCC.

In theory, that won't happen with the ULS system and FRN number as
long as your password is secure.

Some one tried that once and FCC mailed it back to me asking if I knew
anything about it. Ye haw! It's like going into a doctor's office for an
examination and telling them you need the prescription "for a friend". It's
like pulling a gun on a cashier and saying "I don't want to hurt anyone".

I haven't had that problem. A friend that runs an avionics shop
casually mentioned that about half of the GROL licenses he sees are
counterfeits. He says they seem to use random license numbers, which
are easy to verify with a ULS web search. Why they bother is beyond
my limited imagination.

Incidentally, identity theft, or rather identity borrowing, is why I
don't post my resume online. I've had to deal with several attempts
at impersonating me or borrowing my history on job applications. None
were financially or professionally detrimental, but the potential is
there.


--
Jeff Liebermann
150 Felker St #D http://www.LearnByDestroying.com
Santa Cruz CA 95060 http://802.11junk.com
Skype: JeffLiebermann AE6KS 831-336-2558

FCC license
 

But now customers are just
trained to throw stuff away on a bigger scale. I get the idea that We
as American citizens are not allowed to know technology any more.


Its not the technology... its the economics. Why in the world would a
consumer want to more in labor charges for a sophisticated electronics
product that cost less to replace than repair?

Ed K7AAT

FCC license
 

On Sep 22, 10:32*am, "JB" wrote:
The Extra Class test (I took it in 1985) did include a question or two
that
required some trig, but I figured out the answer in my head before
finishing
the equation. It was obvious that the conjugate impedance was going to be
capacitive. There was only one answer with a -j, so it was obvious that
that
would be the correct answer.

Ed, NM2K

I picked up on that too. *If you didn't know what was going on there, you
would be left drudging through a math problem.

The thing about Trig was having to memorize all the substitutions in order
to poke the problem into a manageable calculation, or you wind up losing
precision. *If that happens, you wont have the clear cut answer for the
multiple guess.

In some ways I miss tube equipment. *Now I have to deal with surface mount
technology. *Even for a resistor, I risk putting a soldering iron up my nose
while squinting through a loupe. *I just dread the idea of replacing a chip
with 100 legs or more. *In the 70's you had to know tubes and everything
else too because there was so much transition. *Ham Radio magazine was my
best friend, and it was an opportunity to learn the discrete versions of
complex stuff like synthesizers and various issues that had to be overcome.
It's all easier now. *If you can figure out what a controller is supposed to
do, all you have to do is make sure the rest of the components can comply..
But there is so much offshore cheap junk now that almost everything is
worthless to fix but cheap to modify. *Except for industrial controls and
things like that. *But now customers are just trained to throw stuff away on
a bigger scale. *I get the idea that We as American citizens are not allowed
to know technology any more.

I had to take a test for the FAA once that the prep material took you
through all kinds of cr stuff that I studied for two months.
When I finally took the BIG test that my job depended on it was ALL
about decibles. The two hour 50 question test took me twenty minutes
and I never picked up my calculator. About all you had to know was 1db
was 20% 3db doubled or halved and every 10db
was 10 times and you pick the multiple guess answer. I remember the
guy giving the test thought I had given up and turned the
test in after only 20 minutes .He certainly was surprised when he
found I ACED it.The people that failed it all knew what they were
doing
They just got bogged down in the crank and grind of the math.

Jimmie

FCC license
 

On Mon, 22 Sep 2008 09:08:36 -0700, Jim Lux
wrote:

Jeff Liebermann wrote:
On 21 Sep 2008 03:37:42 GMT, Ed
wrote:

I have also noticed that most of the PGs don't even have an FRN #
What's a PG?

Its the first two letters in the FCC General RadioTelephone Operator
License number.
Ed K7AAT

Thanks. ULS, CORES, FRN numbers, and such started around 1998(?). It
was essentially optional (because the system didn't work) until about
mid 2000, when Congress demanded that all business with government
agencies include an SSI number (social security number). To get an
FRN number, you need to supply an SSI number.

I passed my GROL in Nov 1994, somewhat before FRN numbers were first
issued. Prior to that, I had an FCC 2nd and later 1st RadioTelephone
license with radar endorsement. I didn't want to deal with the ULS
mess so I avoided getting one. I eventually wanted to upgrade from
Technican class to General class[1], and which required an FRN number.
Oh well. Some of my friends and accomplises that obtained GROL
licenses at the same time as me still have not obtained FRN numbers.


[1] I was going to just sign the paperwork for the General class
license as I had passed 5 wpm back in the stone age of ham radio as a
Novice. However, the VE assured me that the price was the same for
the Extra Class license, so I should try taking it anyway. The logic
seemed reasonable except for one problem. I hadn't studied for the
Extra in the slightest. So, I blundered, guessed, snarled, and
muddled my way through the Extra exam, fully expecting to fail
miserably. I had to borrow a calculator. I was amazed when I passed
the Extra by one question. I'm fairly sure I answered all the
technical questions correctly, but missed most of the operating, band
limits, sub-bands, rules, and regs.

You've described a key test taking strategy that applies well beyond the
FCC license exams. No licensing authority requires 100% scores, and they
generally specify the distribution of questions among subjects. (this is
true for pilot exams and the professional engineering exams, as well).
One can reasonably take a strategy of spending your study time to get
perfect score on the parts you know and accepting what you get on the
parts you don't. Overall, I believe that the lower "stress level" going
into the test knowing that even if you screw up the small number of
questions you don't know, you can still "pass", is an overall benefit.

This, is, of course, why you have behind the wheel driving tests, have
to have an examiner check ride, or reference letters and proven
experience for all those licenses. The folks giving the test KNOW that
you can't possibly test everything.

That reminds me on how i advised coworkers on test taking strategy for
the PE exam. Don't waste time on areas that you know well, nor in
areas where you are really weak. Study the areas that you kind of
know. That is the best chance to improve your score. It works by
track record.