Just out of curiosity? I am thinking about doing the online study guide and testing for my HAM license. Any reason not to do this?

 
I used the ARRL study books for each level, and also bought a code-teaching cassette tape (code still required in the early 1990's. I just squeaked by my code test on the second try. The whole process from Tech to Extra took six months.

I'm about to do the same.

Operator KB6NU has created (and updates) these fantastic study guides. The Technician Guide can be downloaded for free.

https://hamstudy.org/ is good for learning and practicing the tests.

The Reddit Amateur Radio sub is a good place.

Yo!

Online guides are where it’s at.

I got the study book and ham for dummies. Learned the theory and then started taking the tests. It’s not hard but it’s not easy.

Ten years ago I passed the Technician exam after reading the Gordon West book. They were offering the General exam at the same exam venue and I passed that as well, without any additional study. I'm not, by any means, a Techie. The bar for these two licenses isn't very high.

After a year I decided I would pass the Extra exam. There is a website called www.hamtestonline.com I started taking practice exams and read the Gordon West book that prepares you for the Extra license. I passed it.

Aside from a weekly check in with a group of HAM operators in the Church I don't cruise the "highway looking for adventure and whatever comes my way". Listening to others it sounds a lot like CB radio in the 70's. If an emergency occurs communication is vital and I hope I'll be good to go.

Ham, Bacon, Pork Chops, I'm all over it, but I don't know that I'd call myself an "operator".

One plus if you have a local club holding classes you will already have some ham friends if you need help setting up your station, putting up antennas etc.

Technician, studying for General. Second the KB6NU guides, as well as K4IA's "Pass Your Amateur Radio Tech/General/Extra" series (latter isn't free, but cheap on Amazon, hard copy or Kindle.)

Also, ARRL's free exam review site at http://arrlexamreview.appspot.com/. Run through the review, then a few exam simulations.

You can have a bunch of fun with only Technician privileges. Definitely a gateway drug.

I have been licensed since May 1966 and really benefited from the experience. I was very active until a few years ago when we moved into a restrictive area, but when we move back to the country, I'll be back to full activity. So, for now, I just operate 2M/70CM with a dual band vertical in the attic. Go for it!

General here. Yes, by all means take a whack at passing both Tech and General at the same time. My buddy who tested with me scored the trifecta and passed his Extra as well (but years in Navy comms helped!)

One of the tools I used was a free phone app called Ham Test Prep. It's basically a flashcard thing, makes it easy to get some study in anytime you have a few minutes waiting in line, etc.

Whatever you use, make sure the pool questions are current.
My local VEC doesn't even charge for the tests.

This message has been edited. Last edited by: zoom6zoom,

ham here

W4GPS here. VIS study guides as well as online practice tests are great.

Great fun all around. Love the experimentation, kit building, and comraderie. It’s a lot like here but for radio heads.

Advanced class licensed since 1993.

Got my Tech in `07, upgraded to General a few months later. I haven't been active in a while now, but NO, there's absolutely no reason not to go ahead and do it.

Extra here. Go for it, a fun hobby and another tool in the kit.

Extra here, although my interests are turning to astrophotography. Both can get expensive quick if you let it. A little time studying and to take the ham test doesn’t cost much if any. So no reason not dip your toes in it.

Ham here too. Still need to get my general.

Extra class here, been a ham since my teenage years. There are some good apps that help you with the study. Gordan West has good study materials too.

Extra class, here. Achieved it over 15 years ago.

I helped at a VE session this morning. The table for the test examiners was full, so I helped the coordinator with taking the results out to the candidates.

Here is one site I've always recommended for trying out the test - it gives you information on what elements you need to study before going for the exam.

http://aa9pw.com/

Extra here. On line or books, both ways work.