I know I need to get a license, but I don’t know where to go test, it what info I need to learn. Where’s is the best place to find what I need to find?
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Get a flash card app for your phone and use it to learn the actual questions and answers. DMS occasionally hosts testing sessions.
Dallas Maker Space does not have any Amateur Radio training classes or examinations at this location.
However, there are several Amateur Radio Clubs in the area that routinely have training classes and monthly examinations. The Plano Amateur Radio Klub has examinations for every license class every third Monday prior to their monthly meetings. Check out: https://k5prk.net/ve-testing/
The McKinney Amateur Radio Club also has license testing every month at the Heard Museum. Check out: https://www.hamradio.com/locations.cfm?storeid=20
Other locations throughout the Dallas/Fort Worth area area listed at: http://dfwlist.org/l.htm
My suggestion is to purchase a Technician Class training guide at the Ham Radio Outlet store which is located across the street from Fry’s Electronics in Plano. Just ask any of the sales people that you want to study for your Technician Class license. All of their sales people are Ham Radio operators and will not lead you astray.
Locate the nearest Ham Radio Club in your area and join. You don’t need a license to join the clubs, they will help every step of the way.
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Haven’t seen this mentioned in the thread. What bands/frequencies is your radio?
The entry level tech license does not give you access to all bands.
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Its nothing too special. I have a Baofeng BF-F9 V2+. We used it for racing so we could talk to the driver and whatnot, and now I have it floating around and wanted to learn more about how to use it for real.
Thanks for the good info! I appreciate the help. I’ll get my hands on the study material and then look at finding a local club to go bother some.
I’d be lying if i said i remembered. Maybe 462.XXX or something? It was a while ago.
http://hamexam.org
http://www.arrl.org/studying-for-a-technician-license
Get the ARRL book - I’d give you mine but they just implemented a new question pool so it would hinder more than help.
http://kb5a.org is the Metrocrest Amateur Radio Society (Carrollton / Farmers Branch) - we meet once per month on the 2nd Tuesday of each month at 7PM. Testing sessions are held at 6PM prior to each meeting.
There are lots of other clubs in the area as well.
It’s a great hobby!
Something to keep in mind when you take the entry tech test. If you pass you can take the next level test for the general at no extra cost. Opens access to more bands and fun stuff.
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I second that it doesn’t hurt to try general at the same session, if you did well on the technician test. I was somewhat prepared for technician, and passed both it and general in the same test session. I see Facebook posts from at least a couple people per week that also managed to pass both. And if you try and fail, no record goes to the FCC of the attempt. All they ever see is what test you passed and when.
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I wish i could tell you that ive been diligently studying, but that would be 90% lie…
May I suggest you make contact with any Amateur Radio Club and become a member. During their meetings they will tell folks who is having training sessions for whatever license class. Several months ago the Plano Amateur Radio Club sponsored a free General Class training session, it was held over 2 consecutive weekends. Sorry you missed it but there are others in the area from time to time.