• 667@lemmy.radio
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    5 months ago

    Here’s your bootstrap. Assuming you’re in the US, HamStudy.org. Spaced repetition studying for the exam, no Morse code requirement anymore.

    FCC exams can now be administered remotely via computer. I’ve taken all three of my exams remotely; my first while sitting on a beach!

    • jecxjo@midwest.social
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      4 months ago

      I studied all the legal questions for all three license levels through brute force using that site. Went through the questions so many times that I could tell you the answer within the first few words.

      Now is that a good thing? Meh, i think most of the learning occurs once you’re on the air. Then again, i do have a EE degree so the radio science part i already knew.

      • 667@lemmy.radio
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        4 months ago

        I agree. The FCC exam is a framework for learning. All my follow-on learning, including antenna building and using an NVNA have come from doing it.

        • jecxjo@midwest.social
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          4 months ago

          That was the big thing I brought up when giving exams. You just need to pass and then you can start learning.

            • jecxjo@midwest.social
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              4 months ago

              I had a guy come in for a test with his wife. She just studied the questions and he went the understanding route. She passed and he didn’t. It was the Tech level, they just wanted something better than CB in their vehicle so there really wasn’t a lot they needed to know, just pass the test and stay on frequency.

    • HakFoo@lemmy.sdf.org
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      2 months ago

      It’s a bit late, but here’s my upvote. Ground the site for a few weeks, and took my Technician and General exams today, holed up in my bathroom.

      • BenDoubleU@lemmy.radio
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        2 months ago

        Nice! I did the exact same thing. Remote exam in my bathroom. Congrats on the tech and general. If you plan on the extra, do it before you forget anything from the general because there’s a lot of carry over from the test.

    • Steve KØSTK@mastodon.radio
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      5 months ago

      @667 @HakFoo Unfortunately our club is fixated on scheduled instructor led classes (death by powerpoint for the most part) and in-person administration of electronic tests.

      They deliberately conceal the fact that self-study and on-demand remote testing are options when people inquire about getting licensed.

      edit: fixed wordwrap

      • 667@lemmy.radio
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        5 months ago

        That’s disappointing to hear. What would be the fallout within your club if you were to just go get licensed on your own? Does your jurisdiction permit licensure outside of clubs?

        • Steve KØSTK@mastodon.radio
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          5 months ago

          @667 In the US licensure is independent of clubs.

          There _is_ gatekeeping going on. It seems to stem from OMs who want to control how folks get into hobby.

          Although they won’t turn away a warm body toting a license…

          Edit: added tag line

          • 667@lemmy.radio
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            5 months ago

            Ahh ok, I’m US licensed also. Was surprised to see your club insists on such a rigid learning experience.

            You’ll know best for your present situation, but I’d encourage you to just go get your license on your own and get on the air. There’s plenty of media channels to learn.

            • Steve KØSTK@mastodon.radio
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              5 months ago

              @667 I’m already licensed … went “from zero to hero” on my own over a span of about 4 months back in 2011.

              It’s just so frustrating seeing the obstacles which are constantly thrown in the way of people who want to become licensed (or upgraded).

              Edit: licensing year