|
I have heard a few different techniques for studying for the General exam and also the Amateur Extra exam, but I was really curious as to the difficulty and necessity of understanding all of the question/answers vs just memorizing the correct answer. I've taken the practice quizzes on QRZ and I even have the books and cards from the ARRL and when it comes right down to it, I plan to soak up as much knowledge and information as possible as I go along, but my real question is if I need to know and fully understand all of the info before I take the exams or is it mostly things I can learn as I go? I know I can memorize the correct answers, but is this in any way encouraged by anyone who has gone through it before? Thanks, Stephen (KJ4RAU) Addition Thank you all for your responses so far. I may take the ARRL books that I do have, combined with the QRZ practice tests and then after getting the upgrade, consider the other books or some publications that go more in depth or into theory. I will take all answers into consideration and thank you again. |
|
When I upgraded to General, I studied the ARRL manual. You do have to memorize a few things, e.g. some of the band plans, frequency boundaries, etc. But for the most part, I studied (and learned!) the whole ARRL General Class License Manual. (For what it's worth, Amazon.com is the only place I've seen the ARRL manuals discounted.) I spent about 10 consecutive evenings doing this--read a section, answer the test questions for that section, note the ones I got wrong. I went through the whole book this way, so I had already seen every question in the test pool (at the back of the book). Once I had finished all the reading, I went through the entire test pool again, still noting which questions I answered wrong. Anything I missed both times, I studied the text again until I really understood it. I took the General test after less than 2 weeks of study (and only one month after passing my Technician exam), got 33/35 and luck didn't have anything to do with it. |
|
Here's my opinion which some folks might disagree with and that's fine. Pass the test how you want to. That's the start of what you're going to do, not the end. If you pass the test and actually get on the air, you'll learn more during your short on air time then you would reading books about theory and the "why" of everything. If memorizing is how you want to pass the test, then start memorizing. If understanding things from A to Z is how you want to pass the test, then start reading the theory on the more technical questions. The hobby is enormous in that there are so many different things to do within amateur radio that no study guide will go into detail on any one area. Once you pass the tests and get the additional privileges, what is important is what you do from that point on. You'll find areas which don't interest you and you'll find areas that fascinate you and you will delve into them in great depth. Will you make mistakes - sure. Will you have fun - hopefully a lot. Will you continue to learn - absolutely. Look at passing the tests more like passing the driver's test. You know enough how to drive a car and the rules of the road, but the more you drive, the more comfortable you are behind the wheel and the better you are at driving, and that's the same with ham radio. Just have fun! As for testing, I liked the free online flash cards at http://www.kb0mga.net/exams/index.php . They reinforce questions you miss by asking them more frequently. Good luck! K2DSL - David |
|
When I upgraded to Extra, I just kept taking the on-line practice exams. I see nothing wrong with memorization to pass the test. I was a VE in Wisconsin and I could not tell the difference between someone who knew the material cold and someone (like me) that memorized the questions/answers. I do have an electronic background by training and experience, but not in radio. So my answer would be take the path of least resistance, pass the test and enjoy the new privileges. Good Luck Rich Eckenrode, WB3AAC |
|
Stephen, The best way is to Understand the questions asked in all of the exams-This is a slower process and requires you to actually learn the material instead of Route Memorization,almost anyone can do this.I lstarted learning about electronic radio theory when I was in Cub/Boyscouts-(Lone Eaglescout-1971)my Elmers W8ABQ ,WB8LJY and W6QFQ all stressed learn the theory and experiment.look for a copy of- Electronics Communications by Robert L. Shrader--McGraw-Hill book co. its out of print but you can get it at Amazon Books,If you study this book and learn it all then youve done something-I studied this book for 2 yrs and passed my 1st radiotelephone,radar endorsement and 2nd class telegraph licenses in 1 sitting at the FCC office i Detroit Mi. back in 1974.The ARRLs Handbook is a Excellent tool also,but does not get to deep into theory as does the Shrader material .Good luck-73 |
|
Buy the ARRL books and read them through a few times and take the practice tests as eHam or QRZ. I prefer the eHam tests because they randomize the questions unlike QRZ where they will always be the same questions in the same order. Also the good thing about the ARRL or gorden west book for that matter is that the question and answer pool is available in print, this is useful if you have someone else traveling with you they can quiz you (Great for on your way to the testing location or while sitting in the lobby) Hope this helps 73 KJ6CLX |
|
Yes no doubt memory retension has a major effect on PASS/FAIL in any form of testing,i have seen good advice here on this subject but one size never fits all.for me it was MFJ STUDY BOOKS that fit best for me,ONE QUESTION,ONE ANSWER.the last thing you need is 3 answers to one question,the wrong answers are distracting and easy to overload your thought process.it takes one word in a question to change the answer,find the key word or words and you will quickly recognize the right answer.i had no elmer so i did on my own,read,reread until it is automatic,you can do it .good luck,JACK/N7YP |
