Simon Twigger, AA9PW, wrote this fine
Java applet to help those wishing to study for and practice
taking written ham radio exams in the U.S.. Up-to-date
practice exams for all three license
classes are presented and
include scoring and instant feedback. Be sure to visit
Simon's site and let him know that you appreciate this
utility. His web address is:
http://www.aa9pw.com/
Ham radio exams
in the U.S. are "multiple choice" and are administered by
volunteer examiners who send the results in
for processing. Once you have prepared to take an exam, you should find a
local exam session. The ARRL offers an easy way to locate
exam sessions:
http://www.arrl.org/arrlvec/examsearch.phtml
The most popular
license for entry level hams is the Technician Class
license. This exam is only 35 questions. Morse Code is no
longer a requirement for this license class. With this
license, you will have access to all ham radio frequencies
above 30 MHz - opening the door to packet radio, satellite
operation, FM voice, and repeater operation to name a few.
Once you have
mastered the Technician Class, you may be interested in the
privileges offered to General Class ham radio
operators. The hams are able to use all ham radio "bands"
and modes, including the HF frequencies. The high frequency
(HF) bands are especially attractive to those who would like
to talk around the world. A General Class license exam
includes more advanced questions and the ability to copy
Morse Code at 5 words per minute (wpm).
The highest license class is
the Extra Class. This license requires another written exam
with more advanced questions than the General class. With
the Extra Class ham radio license, operators gain a bit more
spectrum than General Class hams. However, Extra Class
licensees do not gain any additional ham radio bands,
transmitting power capabilities or modes than a General
Class ham.
I encourage you to explore
the possibility of getting a ham radio license. It is not a
difficult thing to accomplish (I was first licensed at the
age of 12) and the hobby really does offer a lot of
possibilities.
You'll
also want to check out my
links on ham radio
licensing.
NØHR.com:
Ham Radio Links: Antennas, electronics, lightning and grounding protection, software, DXing, towers and more.
