View Full Version : i passed my general written!!!!!!!!
kg4ukf
08-11-2003, 07:18 PM
hello i went to the lexington ky hamfest yesterday , was going to try to find a tnc to get into packet, but bought a radio shack htx 202 and htx 212 instead!!!!!!!!
i saw a sign that said "amateur radio testing" pointing the way to the building they were giving the test in. i had been studing the general theory book a lot over the last couple weeks, and i have also been studing the code. the testing session started at 1http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/wow.gif0pm, and it was around 9:30 earlier that morning when i saw the testing sign. i keep on studing in the back of my mind if i should just go ahead and take the general test. i made my mind up and took both element 1 and 3. passed part 3 (the written) with flying colors, old saying is. but failed the code test terrorbly. im thinking the cause of the failed code test is due to the fact i had only around a hour or so rest the night before, and i had been awake almost 12 hours with the lack of proper sleep when i did take the test. seems as though the code was running together on me. well, its no big deal, cause next time i think i'll get plenty of rest the night before and i should know the code a lot better. but i am still happy for passing the written.
EI7JK
08-11-2003, 07:25 PM
Congratulations. I don't even remotely understand the American Licence Structure but you have obiviously taken another step up the ladder. Good luck with the code next time. Keep at it.
N8CPA
08-11-2003, 07:48 PM
Congratulations!
But remember there's a 1 year time limit on CSCEs. Get the code as soon as possible so you won't have to retest. Despite WRC03 and petitions flying around, it will probably be a long time before Element 1 is superceded. The sooner you pass it, the sooner I can work you on HF.
Steve
You've got my "congrats!" too ! Now the best advice I can give you is to get a good, inexpensive used HF rig from QRZ.COM's "for sale" forum, or EBay or some other outlet such as a hamfest. You shouldn't have to pay more than a couple of hundred dollars to get something that will work quite well on the conventional hambands, and even be a good standby or backup rig after you get the ultra-modern kilobuck rig!
Now use that rig to listen to W1AW code practice sessions, and other hams using CW ( there are LOTS of them out there, in spite of what you might believe from what you hear on the internet forums). The more effort you put into studying the code, the sooner you will learn it. You will either be able to move on sooner to other things you would rather do, or you might even find it a totally fascinating and enjoyable aspect of the hobby !
Fear of "the code" kept me from ham radio for over 10 years, even after having passed my 1st Class RadioTelephone Commercial license! Get that code element under your belt and start REALLY enjoying ham radio!
73 and hope to hear you on the HF bands soon!
Jim AG3Y
kg4ukf
08-13-2003, 07:38 PM
thanks guys for the congradulations. jim, AG3Y, I got a nice hf/vhf rig but only does about 2 watts (its an icom 746) love to copy beacons down on 10 meters when i catch the band open!!!!!!!! thanks everyone and hope to work ya on hf soon as i pass element 1
73
kg4ukf, chris in manchester ky
Chris, I am a bit surprised about the "only 2 watts" comment, because I see the output on many web pages as "100 watts" .
That looks like a real nice radio, and I envy you, since I am using an Icom 720A that is a lot older than the rig you have !
Be sure to look over the instruction manual carefully and understand how to get as much power out of the rig as it is capable of . QRP is a fascinating mode, but kind of recommended for the hams with a bit of "regular" operating under their belt!
With the current sunspot cycle on the downswing, you are not going to hear much activity above 20 meters after sunset. The best place to catch DX right now, and the place where you will find the most activity is probably going to be on 40 meters. 80 will also be alive with activity, but the static levels are a lot higher on that band in the Summer than they are on 40.
Keep asking questions, and work on your upgrade.
73 for now, and hope to chat with you again.
Jim AG3Y
k3sam
08-16-2003, 02:16 PM
Chris, congratulations ! #The code is only as hard as you make it. #Take a few letters each day and sound out the code in your head when you see ads in the paper and road signs (anything in print). #Don't know if it will work for others but sure helped me.
Jim:
</span><table border="0" align="center" width="95%" cellpadding="3" cellspacing="1"><tr><td>Quote </td></tr><tr><td id="QUOTE">Fear of "the code" kept me from ham radio for over 10 years, even after having passed my 1st Class RadioTelephone Commercial license! #Get that code element under your belt and start REALLY enjoying ham radio!
[/QUOTE]<span id='postcolor'>
The class that I took back in the 70's was taught by a 100 wpm blind instructor, and very good elmer (now SK). #Code was 75% of the class and his approach was made FUN. #I never feared it, but I agree 100% on the Commercial license. #Back then, ALL tests were issued by the FCC and I found the GROL to be the hardest, at least it compares to the CET test.
Keep listening to the code Chris and I'm sure you will get it.
If you feel like building a radio, the Elecraft's K2 series looks really nice. I have been looking at it for some time and now with DSP and 100 watts they look even better. Still like my 756pro, but would like something here that I built myself.
- Sam
KC0JHM
08-17-2003, 06:17 PM
OT:
What books would you recommend for me to study in order to pass element 3? I have an HF rig (kenwood) already just need my general ticket to use it. Thanks!
kg4ukf
08-18-2003, 08:23 AM
for rob, kc0jhm
id suggest gordon west's book on geneal theory. study each question. study each answer to his question, and see why some answers are right and why the others are wrong. learn everything you can about amateur radio practices and skills.
for jim, ag3y
sorry i failed to say my icom 746 is messed up is why it is only doing 2 watts. i think it will do about 10 or 12 watts on 20 meters on a dummy load, best i remember. i checked it on a friends dummy load when i first got the rig back in the spring, but dont quote me on that. ill probley send it back to icom for repair soon, if i can talk myself into doing without my rig for a little while.
theres another test session coming close to me in november, that should give me plenty time to prepare myself better for the code exam. if not, its my own fault.
73
kg4ukf
chris, from manchester ky