K7VZ
06-16-2010, 12:31 PM
How to get your Amateur Radio (Ham) License
This is not the all-inclusive way to get it. This is not the only way to get it. This is just my opinion for a very simple, straight-forward way of getting your license and actually learning a few things along the way.
Total cost less than $50 in 3-4 weeks. Radio and radio accessories not included.
1. Read this ARRL FAQ (http://www.arrl.org/FandES/ead/classes.html). It has good info to get you started.
2. Buy the The ARRL Ham Radio License Manual. (http://www.arrl.org/catalog/?category=Licensing+and+Upgrading%21+Manuals%2C+so ftware+and+more...&words=) $25 plus shipping if you buy it from the ARRL. Ham Radio Outlet (http://hamradio.com/) also sells the book at their 43rd Ave. and Peoria store. Or send me a PM. I am able to get the books for a 25% discount and free shipping. $18.71
3. Read the book. Spend 2-3 days on each chapter. 1-2 weeks and you’ve read through the entire book.
4. Start reading through the exam questions in the back of the book. You can also download the exam pool here (http://www.arrl.org/arrlvec/pools.html). The exam pool is public. These are the real questions you will see on the test.
5. Run through the exam simulators online until you can get 90% or better consistently. Here are a few, but there are many more sites with simulators.
Practice Tests
http://www.eham.net/exams/
http://www.qrz.com/p/testing.pl
6. Find a testing date and time (http://www.arrl.org/exam_sessions/search)that work for you. Test cost is $15.
7. Of course, if you get stuck or have questions along the way, ask any of us here.
This is not the all-inclusive way to get it. This is not the only way to get it. This is just my opinion for a very simple, straight-forward way of getting your license and actually learning a few things along the way.
Total cost less than $50 in 3-4 weeks. Radio and radio accessories not included.
1. Read this ARRL FAQ (http://www.arrl.org/FandES/ead/classes.html). It has good info to get you started.
2. Buy the The ARRL Ham Radio License Manual. (http://www.arrl.org/catalog/?category=Licensing+and+Upgrading%21+Manuals%2C+so ftware+and+more...&words=) $25 plus shipping if you buy it from the ARRL. Ham Radio Outlet (http://hamradio.com/) also sells the book at their 43rd Ave. and Peoria store. Or send me a PM. I am able to get the books for a 25% discount and free shipping. $18.71
3. Read the book. Spend 2-3 days on each chapter. 1-2 weeks and you’ve read through the entire book.
4. Start reading through the exam questions in the back of the book. You can also download the exam pool here (http://www.arrl.org/arrlvec/pools.html). The exam pool is public. These are the real questions you will see on the test.
5. Run through the exam simulators online until you can get 90% or better consistently. Here are a few, but there are many more sites with simulators.
Practice Tests
http://www.eham.net/exams/
http://www.qrz.com/p/testing.pl
6. Find a testing date and time (http://www.arrl.org/exam_sessions/search)that work for you. Test cost is $15.
7. Of course, if you get stuck or have questions along the way, ask any of us here.