TZUTC: -0500   
   MSGID: 1551.fidonet-ham@1:19/33 21287db7   
   REPLY: 1:396/45.0 cc285cd0   
   PID: Synchronet 3.17c-Win32  Apr 25 2019 MSC 1800   
   TID: SBBSecho 3.07-Win32 r3.111 Apr 25 2019 MSC 1800   
   Marc,   
      
   ML>If I had a license...   
      
     It's not as difficult as it once was to become a ham. You no longer   
   need to know Morse Code, and all you need to do is pass a 35 question   
   multiple choice exam on rules, regulations, frequencies, propagation,   
   and basic electronic theory. The questions are taken from a pool in the   
   public domain that you can download from www.ncvec.org -- however, the   
   method I highly recommend is HamTestOnline (hamradiolicenseexam.com).   
      
     A 6 month subscription gets you both the questions and the concepts   
   (I think it's $24.95 for the Technician course). This way, you learn   
   something, and are not just memorizing answers. It is all web browser   
   based...you can do it on dial-up, DSL, or broadband...with nothing to   
   download or install.   
      
     You study in the privacy of your home at your own pace...although I   
   don't recommend more than 2 hours a day total, or you'll burn out. When   
   you get to 80% studying, start taking practice tests. When you start   
   scoring 85% or better consistently, then you're ready for the exam.   
      
     But, after adequate study and practice tests, if you still fail the   
   exam, send them proof of the failure (the examiners can give you a CSCE   
   with NONE as "what license was earned")...and they will cancel your   
   subscription, and refund your money.   
      
     So, you either get your license, or your money back...you can't lose!!   
   I studied 2 hours a day for a month...going from Technician to General   
   in 14 days, and General to Amateur Extra 13 days later. It was THE BEST   
   MONEY I EVER SPENT in ham radio. And, all you need to get on the air is   
   the Technician Class license.   
      
     Now, while I'm an Amateur Extra Class licensee, I had to become such   
   to be an exam team leader, to give and grade all the tests. But, when   
   I'm on the air, I operate EXCLUSIVELY in the Technician Class bands, as   
   I enjoy them!! And, with operating "internet radio" (much to the angst   
   of the "purists", but I can't have antennas and RF gear where I'm at), I   
   can still be on the air daily, and talk to folks all over the place.   
      
   Daryl, WX4QZ   
      
   ===   
    þ OLX 1.53 þ Ham Radio QRP: When you care enough to give the least.   
   --- SBBSecho 3.07-Win32   
    * Origin: FIDONet: The Thunderbolt BBS - tbolt.synchro.net (1:19/33)   
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