Subject: [airstream] Re: HAM RADIO
Date: Mon, 26 Oct 1998 16:39:03 -0600
From: Doug & Judy Stracener ka5ysy@ix.netcom.com
Reply-To: airstream@h2eau.net

Hi All: Byron has already mentioned the ARRL book, So now you're talking" which is good for study.

Also check out the Gordon West No-Code License manual, also at Radio Shack. I prefer this one because the format is this

The problem the ARRL book has is that is makes you go to the back of the manual to find the answer which is a pain, and additionally, there is too much information inline with the study material. Fine reference material, lousy design for fast study, and too much information in places.

Additionally, having given well over 2,000 examinations as a contact volunteer examiner, I have noticed that the Gordon West materials produce far more first time passes than the ARRL book. On any study material above general, the Gordon West Books do even better for passing.

NOTE THIS: Some stores do not have the current versions of either book. Check the effective dates of the question pool in the book and be sure it is a current one.

For those into wanting a Ham license, and may be going to Dayton for the Rally, the Dayton Hamvention in May 14, 15 and 16 is just before the Rally, so go early and see the worlds largest ham radio gathering.

Check out this site for information: http://www.hamvention.org/index.html

Also check out the other major testing organization nationally: http://www.w5yi.org

This group also does commercial radio license testing and study materials. The really nice thing about W5YI testing is that they file their test sessions online from the examiner teams to the FCC database and can generally have someone licensed in as little as 24 hours after a pass at a test session.

WARNING: If you like Airstreams, you will LOVE ham radio. Nice folks all over the world, and NO echo microphones! Oh yea... we also have about 15 active satellites in orbit to play with ! :)

Doug/KA5YSY
Baton Rouge