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IC-746 Pro and HAM licence
Hiya.....
For about a year, I have been considering buying a new tabletop sw rig. I currently use the R-75, and I was thinking of getting a DSP radio. After reading some receiver comparison reviews of radios like the NRD-545 and getting other advice from people on this ng, I became more and more interested in the IC-746Pro. It seems to be an amazing DSP DX'ing rig. I also know about the reported problems with the transmitter, but I'm not so worried about that. It can be fixed. Up until now, I have not been interested in transmitting as an amateur. Just sw listening. I figure, if I am going to get an IC-746Pro, I might as well look into getting a ham license. It might be fun.... I read a few links about the multiple choice tests for the tech license and I also saw a list of pool. My question is... How much of an ordeal is it to get set up to take the test itself ??? Michael |
"Michael" wrote in message t... I read a few links about the multiple choice tests for the tech license and I also saw a list of pool. My question is... How much of an ordeal is it to get set up to take the test itself ??? The Tech license study will take the average person about 2-4 weeks to get through, depending on how much time you have. It is not a difficult test, even if one isn't really technically inclined. The Tech study manual covers mostly basic material, and you won't need more than middle-school math abilities to do the calculations required in the exam. However, you won't be able to transmit on the SW bands until you upgrade to the General class. That's another whole study guide and test. The General Class study guide covers much of the same stuff the Technician guide does, but in more depth, and there is more about RF exposure and antennas. You also need to pass a 5 words per minute Morse Code receiving exam for the General license. Many people expect the Morse Code exam to be dropped in the near future, but I wouldn't hold my breath waiting for the FCC to approve its demise. Some people have taken both the Technician and General licenses at once. Each of these tests consists of 35 questions, and the test is multiple choice. And the 5 wpm Morse Code test is really pretty easy to pass too. There are good practice exams at the following websites: www.eham.net and www.qrz.com. The best study guides (IMHO) are the ARRL manuals. The Tech study guide is the Now You're Talking! 5th edition, which contains lessons and the current test question and answer pools. The General Class Manual is also available from ARRL, as are Morse Code practice CDs and tapes. Their website is he www.arrl.org/catalog. Good luck! Jackie |
Michael,
Just in case you are not aware of these articles about using the IC-746Pro as a SWL DXing rig, check out these informative piece: http://www.kongsfjord.no Look under "The Dallas Files" and you'll see the IC-746Pro review. http://www.dxing.info/equipment/icom_ic746_mjelde.pdf This one is a follow-up to the above article. 73, Guy Atkins Puyallup, WA USA "Michael" wrote in message t... Hiya..... For about a year, I have been considering buying a new tabletop sw rig. I currently use the R-75, and I was thinking of getting a DSP radio. After reading some receiver comparison reviews of radios like the NRD-545 and getting other advice from people on this ng, I became more and more interested in the IC-746Pro. It seems to be an amazing DSP DX'ing rig. I also know about the reported problems with the transmitter, but I'm not so worried about that. It can be fixed. Up until now, I have not been interested in transmitting as an amateur. Just sw listening. I figure, if I am going to get an IC-746Pro, I might as well look into getting a ham license. It might be fun.... I read a few links about the multiple choice tests for the tech license and I also saw a list of pool. My question is... How much of an ordeal is it to get set up to take the test itself ??? Michael |
Well, in 1952 (this may be out of date) the Tech and General exams
were the same except Tech didn't have any code or privileges, and there was a nifty Novice test with 5wpm code nonrenewable that lasted a year, for you to get your code speed up to the General's 13wpm. If you didn't go on the air over that time in code, you had a tough time meeting the code requirement. If you did, it was easy. Anyway judging from the experience of a typical child and his father following these two paths. Then it all started going downhill and God only knows what it is today. I don't even know what the power limits or bands are. We used to have a nifty KW into a backyard antenna, after years of sultry upgrades, and sending code would dim the lights and shrink TV pictures. You could pass any written test by memorizing the ARRL's License Manual but code was apparently the killer for grownups. -- Ron Hardin On the internet, nobody knows you're a jerk. |
Don't waste your money on the license, it is just a formality. It's like
driving without one. No big deal. Jari Savolainen "Michael" wrote in message t... Hiya..... For about a year, I have been considering buying a new tabletop sw rig. I currently use the R-75, and I was thinking of getting a DSP radio. After reading some receiver comparison reviews of radios like the NRD-545 and getting other advice from people on this ng, I became more and more interested in the IC-746Pro. It seems to be an amazing DSP DX'ing rig. I also know about the reported problems with the transmitter, but I'm not so worried about that. It can be fixed. Up until now, I have not been interested in transmitting as an amateur. Just sw listening. I figure, if I am going to get an IC-746Pro, I might as well look into getting a ham license. It might be fun.... I read a few links about the multiple choice tests for the tech license and I also saw a list of pool. My question is... How much of an ordeal is it to get set up to take the test itself ??? Michael |
On Thu, 09 Sep 2004 10:18:06 +0000, Jari Savolainen wrote:
I read a few links about the multiple choice tests for the tech license and I also saw a list of pool. My question is... How much of an ordeal is it to get set up to take the test itself ??? Michael It's no big deal, go to the ARRL site and they have a section where you can locate local ham clubs. Make a few calls and you'll find a club that tests, usually at hamfests or ham radio classes. You can do it, get the book "Now your talking", study it for a month or so and go for it. |
"Ordeal?"
The ham license is now far less challenging than putting money in a parking meter. You've got the code crybabies and corporate charlatans to thank for that. Smokey "Michael" wrote in message t... Hiya..... For about a year, I have been considering buying a new tabletop sw rig. I currently use the R-75, and I was thinking of getting a DSP radio. After reading some receiver comparison reviews of radios like the NRD-545 and getting other advice from people on this ng, I became more and more interested in the IC-746Pro. It seems to be an amazing DSP DX'ing rig. I also know about the reported problems with the transmitter, but I'm not so worried about that. It can be fixed. Up until now, I have not been interested in transmitting as an amateur. Just sw listening. I figure, if I am going to get an IC-746Pro, I might as well look into getting a ham license. It might be fun.... I read a few links about the multiple choice tests for the tech license and I also saw a list of pool. My question is... How much of an ordeal is it to get set up to take the test itself ??? Michael |
The key to getting a Ham license is determination as is any license.
If you see it as an ordeal -- you'll probably flake out. If you see it as another of life's challenges -- you will pass as has 675,000 others from ages 9 to 90 For an overview -- See URL: http://www.arrl.org/hamradio.html Practice tests and tutorials at URL's: http://www.aa9pw.com/ http://www.arrl.org/arrlvec/pools.html http://www.w8mhb.com/exam/ http://www.geocities.com/w8bbs/2004techstudyguide.pdf http://www.qrz.com/p/testing.pl Good Luck as Amateur Radio is a great service with numerous hobby aspects. One Watt To steal ideas from one person is plagiarism; to steal from many is research. -- Comedian Steven Wright --------------------- "Michael" wrote in message t... Hiya..... I read a few links about the multiple choice tests for the tech license and I also saw a list of pool. My question is... How much of an ordeal is it to get set up to take the test itself ??? Michael |
Ron Hardin wrote:
You could pass any written test by memorizing the ARRL's License Manual but code was apparently the killer for grownups. Not the ARRL manual; it was that guy whose name I can't remember, who published guides made up by paying testees to remember questions and multiple-guess answers just after leaving the testing sessions. -- "The Democrats are all over this. Democratic strategists feel John Kerry's war record means he can beat Bush. They say when it comes down to it, voters will always vote for a war hero over someone who tried to get out of the war. I'll be sure to mention that to Bob Dole when I see him." -- Jay Leno |
clifto wrote: Ron Hardin wrote: You could pass any written test by memorizing the ARRL's License Manual but code was apparently the killer for grownups. Not the ARRL manual; it was that guy whose name I can't remember, who published guides made up by paying testees to remember questions and multiple-guess answers just after leaving the testing sessions. That may have been Dick Bash KL7IHP... as I recall. dxAce -- "The Democrats are all over this. Democratic strategists feel John Kerry's war record means he can beat Bush. They say when it comes down to it, voters will always vote for a war hero over someone who tried to get out of the war. I'll be sure to mention that to Bob Dole when I see him." -- Jay Leno |
clifto wrote:
Ron Hardin wrote: You could pass any written test by memorizing the ARRL's License Manual but code was apparently the killer for grownups. Not the ARRL manual; it was that guy whose name I can't remember, who published guides made up by paying testees to remember questions and multiple-guess answers just after leaving the testing sessions. No, the License Manual I think was from the ARRL. It's what everybody used, and the questions matched, anyway I don't remember any surprises. -- Ron Hardin On the internet, nobody knows you're a jerk. |
"4nradio" wrote in message news:F6P%c.7244$D%.4528@attbi_s51... Michael, Just in case you are not aware of these articles about using the IC-746Pro as a SWL DXing rig, check out these informative piece: http://www.kongsfjord.no Look under "The Dallas Files" and you'll see the IC-746Pro review. Great info. Thanx... I'm probably going to get one. :-) It looks to be a supreme DX'ing rig. Michael |
"Buzzygirl" wrote in message news:HKO%c.135243$9d6.6757@attbi_s54... "Michael" wrote in message t... I read a few links about the multiple choice tests for the tech license and I also saw a list of pool. My question is... How much of an ordeal is it to get set up to take the test itself ??? The Tech license study will take the average person about 2-4 weeks to get through, depending on how much time you have. It is not a difficult test, even if one isn't really technically inclined. The Tech study manual covers mostly basic material, and you won't need more than middle-school math abilities to do the calculations required in the exam. However, you won't be able to transmit on the SW bands until you upgrade to the General class. That's another whole study guide and test. The General Class study guide covers much of the same stuff the Technician guide does, but in more depth, and there is more about RF exposure and antennas. You also need to pass a 5 words per minute Morse Code receiving exam for the General license. Many people expect the Morse Code exam to be dropped in the near future, but I wouldn't hold my breath waiting for the FCC to approve its demise. Some people have taken both the Technician and General licenses at once. Each of these tests consists of 35 questions, and the test is multiple choice. And the 5 wpm Morse Code test is really pretty easy to pass too. There are good practice exams at the following websites: www.eham.net and www.qrz.com. The best study guides (IMHO) are the ARRL manuals. The Tech study guide is the Now You're Talking! 5th edition, which contains lessons and the current test question and answer pools. The General Class Manual is also available from ARRL, as are Morse Code practice CDs and tapes. Their website is he www.arrl.org/catalog. Good luck! Jackie I'm going to pick up a copy of "Now Your Talking" and also see about contacting a local ham club for the test. I'm going to prep for the Tech and General because I really want to have acess to the sw/long range bands too. I already know partial Morse code. I learned using a program called NuMorse a few years ago. It took me about three weeks to be able to decode by ear. The only problem is, I just learned the letters and not numbers or punctuation. I didnt bother when them. I figured that the letters would be good enough :-) Now, I'll have to go back to NuMorse and do all the numbers and then, mix them in with the alphabet in quizz mode. I also never used a key before. I just learned enough to listen to the ham bands and decode by ear and not transmit. I can decode faster then 5 wpm, so I'm sure I can pass the morse test after I mix in the numbers. I just need to learn numbers now too. Shouldn't take me too long. I also had a look at some pool questions. I was able to answer a lot of them already. Still... I need to study up to pass... I was most worried about having to spend time with clubs or groups... I dont have the time for that. After I prep, I just want to show up, take the test and get out... :-) Thanx again for the help !!! Michael |
Michael, You should do just fine on the tests. Good luck and I hope to hear you on the air sometime! 73, Jackie |
Jari Savolainen wrote:
Don't waste your money on the license, it is just a formality. It's like driving without one. No big deal. Jari Savolainen Until you get caught. |
Ron Hardin wrote:
clifto wrote: Ron Hardin wrote: You could pass any written test by memorizing the ARRL's License Manual but code was apparently the killer for grownups. Not the ARRL manual; it was that guy whose name I can't remember, who published guides made up by paying testees to remember questions and multiple-guess answers just after leaving the testing sessions. No, the License Manual I think was from the ARRL. It's what everybody used, and the questions matched, anyway I don't remember any surprises. dxAce correctly recalled Dick Bash. It was the Bash guides that actually matched the real test questions on the exams. The ARRL manuals made up their own questions that were very similar and gave a person adequate practice to handle the test; the difference was that you could memorize the answers to the Bash questions and pass the test without understanding the material. That is, if the answer to the Bash question about resonant frequency was "(c) 1.4 MHz", then the answer to the actual test question would also be (c), 1.4 MHz. It was said at that time that the reason the FCC dumbed the test down by orders of magnitude was directly and mostly related to the Bash guides. That, and the fact that amateur radio was acquiring General Class licensees who couldn't explain how a flashlight worked or tune a transmitter, made the Bash guides a source of a lot of resentment among amateurs. -- "The Democrats are all over this. Democratic strategists feel John Kerry's war record means he can beat Bush. They say when it comes down to it, voters will always vote for a war hero over someone who tried to get out of the war. I'll be sure to mention that to Bob Dole when I see him." -- Jay Leno |
"Buzzygirl" wrote in message
news:HKO%c.135243$9d6.6757@attbi_s54... "Michael" wrote in message t... [SNIP] but in more depth, and there is more about RF exposure and antennas. You also need to pass a 5 words per minute Morse Code receiving exam for the General license. Many people expect the Morse Code exam to be dropped in the near future, but I wouldn't hold my breath waiting for the FCC to approve its demise. Some people have taken both the Technician and General licenses It's funny - that's exactly what many in Australia said 2 years ago, but look at us now, no code requirement at all! Don't be too quick to expect FCC to maintain its ground when everyone else is changing.... Cheers Martin, VK2UMJ |
"Martin" wrote in message
... It's funny - that's exactly what many in Australia said 2 years ago, but look at us now, no code requirement at all! Don't be too quick to expect FCC to maintain its ground when everyone else is changing.... Hm, well, it'd be nice if the FCC were known for quick and efficient decisions. I am not sure which regulatory body makes the rules for Australia's amateur radio ops, but congrats on having such an apparently efficient one yourselves. The FCC here in America seems to be more concerned with pushing through technologies that would ultimately ruin the use of the HF spectrum altogether (BPL) than concern themselves with anything having to do with amateur radio. I have talked with many American hams about this subject, and even if we do not agree on what should be done about the code test, we all agree that the FCC will most likely be exceedingly slow to act on making a decision about the Code test either way. They have no real incentive to do so. Then again, why should American hams expect the FCC to make a quick decision if we can't stop fighting about it amongst ourselves? I am thinking it will be at least 2-3 years before we hear from them about the Code test. If it's earlier, fine by me. I have already passed the damned thing anyway, and couldn't care less if hams that come after me need to pass it or not. Cheers to you Down Under, and 73, Jackie |
They'll drop the code in time. It'll give the old "I had to do it so you
should too" twits something to talk (bitch) about on the radio. "Martin" wrote in message ... It's funny - that's exactly what many in Australia said 2 years ago, but look at us now, no code requirement at all! Don't be too quick to expect FCC to maintain its ground when everyone else is changing.... Cheers Martin, VK2UMJ |
They'll drop the code in time. It'll give the old "I had to do it so you
should too" twits something to talk (bitch) about on the radio. Damn right, and crystal controlled too! By gum, if you don't upgrade in one year, that's it ... NO RADIO FOR YOU! We used to wind our own transformers ... (mumble mumble) Dad gum kids .... (mumble mumble) jw k9rzz |
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