EXTRA CLASS

[KA7RRA]

I have a new goal for 2003!!! Next year at this time Iam going to go for my Extra Class ticket!!!

After buying the Extra class book and looking at,and realizing I only need 75% to pass and I can, I think, miss up to 17 questions I don't think getting a extra class ticket is going to be that hard

SO sometime next year after I pass my extra class by reading the book, I well be a expert ham radio operater and be able to solve every bodys ham radio promblems and give tec advice..


Where can I get a Dick Bash Extra Class book???
Dave KA7RRA

[N5LRZ]

You can also use the ARRL License Manual. They even have the question pool for a free download on the ARRL web site. Make sure your printer has lots of paper.

The book will give you the added advantage of an explanation of the theory behind the question.

A few tips....

Let the question lead you to the answer. Look in the question for a lead, a tip, to something in the wording of the proper answer.

Study at a constant pace. Set a study pattern you can handle given your family responsibilities and stick to it. It may take you longer but at least you will eventually get there.

Take the practice tests every now and then to see how you are progressing. As you start to get 80% or higher consistantly (5% extra margin for nervous test jitters) then go attempt the test. You may fail but if nothing else you will get the first attempt at the test jitters out of the way.

Most importantly, RELAX! Before the test find a quiet place to relax for a few minutes. This will help your concentration.

One other thing. Check to see you brought all the needed paperwork needed. If you have all the required paperwork your new license can be processed faster.

Good luck

[wb6bcn]

</span><table border="0" align="center" width="95%" cellpadding="3" cellspacing="1"><tr><td>Quote </td></tr><tr><td id="QUOTE">SO sometime next year after I pass my extra class by reading the book, I well be a expert ham radio operater and be able to solve every bodys ham radio promblems and give tec advice.. [/QUOTE]<span id='postcolor'>
I wish that were the case. I have been a ham nearly 35 years, currently hold the title of Extra class. Held a First Radio Telephone License from 1972 to 1995 when they made it a General Radio Telephone License. From 1974 to 1986 held the positions of full time or on call Chief Engineer for several radio stations. From 1979 to present I have been employeed as a telemetry/carrier/microwave technician.
In no way do I feel qualified to &quot;solve every bodys ham radio problems&quot;. There are just too many areas of ham radio for anyone to be an expert in all areas. I do have certain fields I feel confident, and could be called expert, but not the entire enchalada.

Anyhow, GOOD LUCK on passing the Extra exam.

[N7WSB]

</span><table border="0" align="center" width="95%" cellpadding="3" cellspacing="1"><tr><td>Quote (KA7RRA @ Oct. 22 2002,11:25)</td></tr><tr><td id="QUOTE">SO sometime next year after I pass my extra class by reading the book, I well be a expert ham radio operator and be able to solve every bodys ham radio promblems and give tech advice..[/QUOTE]<span id='postcolor'>
You never know I guess, but in my case it seems like the older I get the more I learn the more I find out how much I don&#39;t know. Its like I have a brother in law who has a masters in electrical engineering - he&#39;s designing .18 micron (some viruses are half a micron wide) rf circuts for a famous chip company - there are lots of things I have taught him actually about the very nature of rf (especially in practice), but there are so many fundamental things he has taught me about rf as well. He&#39;ll make a great ham some day .

just so you know btw - I studied the extra class book for about 2 weeks or so - read through all the questions 3 times and only missed 2 questions in the actual exam. I don&#39;t test well, so I think if anyone puts their mind to it they can pass the exam easily.

[K3UD]

I don&#39;t know how long you have been a ham, but it is amazing what technical knowledge an active ham can pick up over the years. I had absolutely no interest in ever getting the Extra, having been an Advanced since 1969 and was not really a DXer. When I became a member of QRZ.com back earlier in the year I found that they had practice exams for each class and took the Extra exam to see where I stood with it. Scored a 96 on the first try. I then found out that Murray State University (KY) ARS was having a VE session and I signed up for it. Scored a 98 on the exam, missing one question concerning a Q calculation where I moved a decimal point to the wrong power.

With the practice exams and the study guides you should have no trouble. The guides will be important if you do not have a lot of active ham experience as the same questions are asked in diffferent ways on different exams which forces you to know the theory behind subject matter in the question.

The questions on the practice exams will most likely not be the same as what the VE session will have. Of course you can download all the Q+A&#39;s and memorize them. Some people might be able to do it but if you know the theory, you do not have to rely on specific question memorization. #

Will you be an expert after you get the Extra? If you are one now, you will still be, if not, you will not automatically become one. As with any hobby, it takes hands on experience and continual learning to become an &quot;expert&quot; in the hobby.

Good luck with the exam

73
George
K3UD

I don&#39;t think so&#33;

[W2TXB]

Another suggestion that I offer my students:

When you are taking the written multiple choice test, cover the answer choices with a sheet (or two) of paper such that only the question is visible. Develop your own answer for the question and then look at the choices to see which one matches your answer.

Also, at least one or two of the choices will usually be &quot;dummy&quot; answers... so far out in left field that there is no way they could be correct.

Use the books, study from the question pool, and look up the answer to each question; that may help you to remember the best answers.

I did the Extra a number of years ago and, although I rarely use the additional frequencies, I am glad I did it.
Good luck on the Extra exam&#33;

Consider taking the GROL exam. About half the questions come from the Advanced &amp; Extra exams. When you pass, you&#39;re licensed for life.

add the radar endorsement, you&#39;re topped out in the FCC license arena.

ad5mb, aka kd5kfl, aka pg-gb-071185

[NG5E]

</span><table border="0" align="center" width="95%" cellpadding="3" cellspacing="1"><tr><td>Quote </td></tr><tr><td id="QUOTE">Consider taking the GROL exam. About half the questions come from the Advanced &amp; Extra exams. When you pass, you&#39;re licensed for life.
[/QUOTE]<span id='postcolor'>

Great idea, and exactly what I am doing right now. After finally passing my Extra I find myself wanting more. On the agenda:

GROL
Radar Endorsement
GMDSS Maintainer

When I pass those I may take some of the radiotelegraph elements just for jollies (if they are still around by then).

And to those who haven&#39;t... GO FOR THE EXTRA&#33; The additional frequencies wont hurt you a bit, especially if you enjoy DXing. Trust me, if I can pass it then anyone can&#33;

73, Dave NG5E

[K3SAM]

</span><table border="0" align="center" width="95%" cellpadding="3" cellspacing="1"><tr><td>Quote </td></tr><tr><td id="QUOTE">ad5mb, aka kd5kfl, aka pg-gb-071185[/QUOTE]<span id='postcolor'>

Yes, the GROL &quot;was&quot; great, until they dropped the requirements for most services. #IMO, a big mistake but saved the owner/ops of commercial AM/FM/TV stations a bundle and reduced our pay scale. #While your at it, take the Certified Electronic Tech Test, just as tough as the second and first class commercial was.

73, Sam
K3SAM, aka PG-3-11355, aka P1-3-16495, aka PA291 (CET)