How I Passed My General Ham Radio Test

[@Ed_Okin]

I especially appreciate this video because you have nicely summarized the dilemma of every Tech studying for his General. Unless you have a substantial background in radio and electronics, there’s no way to fully understand material in a practical way to take the exam. I’m happy you mentioned the HamStudy app, because that is the primary way I have been studying, along with some additional resources. An operator I know with 50 years as a licensee advised me that at some point you just have to pass the test and you will learn and understand as you move forward in the hobby. Thank you for this excellent video. I plan on watching more content from your page.

[@TheTechPrepper]

Glad you enjoyed the video. I echo the comment your Elmer made. The theory certainly becomes clearer as you practice and progress in the hobby with your new privileges. Enjoy the air waves. 73 de KT1RUN

[@joshuarivera428]

just passed my general today after having my tech license for 2 years. I wanted to upgrade for the HF privileges. Hopefully by the end of the year I will have my extra license. Congrats, Enjoy it!

[@TheTechPrepper]

Congratulations. HF is where the action is. Enjoy!

[@grayman4232]

Thank you I'm pulling the trigger for my general, thanks again.

[@TheTechPrepper]

Fantastic. It’s a game changer. HF is where the action seems to be. Best of luck with your upgrade. 73,KT1RUN

[@ericlevine420]

You and Julian are my go to For man portable solutions. Studying for my test currently. Thanks E

[@KL5GU]

Hi Gaston, I’m studying for my General now. I’m in the same exact boat, messing on 10m but the bands aren’t open for me. Built a dipole. Passing my tests at 55% or so. Thanks for a great video! Hopefully I can get my General too.

[@TheTechPrepper]

Keep at it. I had the exact experience. For what it's worth, everything in the General class ARRL handbook makes perfect sense after getting licensed and being on HF for awhile. You're probably like me and learn by doing. HamStudy.org finally pushed me across the finish line. Give that a try. Don't give up. You're doing great!

[@derektrounce937]

Thanks for the info, been trying myself to get studied up for my general have plenty of friends who just knocked it out and jumped to extra, I'm sure part of it is confidence in your knowledge 😀

[@TheTechPrepper]

Good luck with your upgrade ticket. I'm impressed by the guys who sit in for one exam and also pass the other. 73

[@derektrounce937]

Just an update I received my general on Nov 17

[@TheTechPrepper]

@@derektrounce937 Alright! Nice work! Welcome to the party. 73

[@temporarilyoffline]

Hands on works much better for me than reading a book! That's what I try to do. Congrats on General!

[@TheTechPrepper]

Thanks. I was surprised how a little bit of hands on practice, even on 10m, really helps. It was good to see you on TheSmokinApe's channel the other day. I'm really enjoying your channel. Keep up the good work!

[@temporarilyoffline]

@@TheTechPrepper right back atcha! When are you gonna be a nugget?

[@TheTechPrepper]

@@temporarilyoffline Nugget? I am way out of touch... did I need to check the Urban dictionary?

[@temporarilyoffline]

@@TheTechPrepper Just search my channel for Ham Nuggets and you'll get the idea

[@TheTechPrepper]

Just got the reference. I’m happy to be a nugget. Sounds fun. Sent you an email.

[@TheSmokinApe]

Congrats on passing 👍

[@TheTechPrepper]

Thanks. I should have given myself 7-10 days and set a date much earlier. It's nice to have the upgrade.

[@sldsnk3]

Julian in dangerous, he also motivated me to go for my General as well! Waiting on my TX-500 still but already picked the LightSaver Max and Cha MPAS Lite!

[@TheTechPrepper]

You're right abput Julian being dangerous in a good way. Congrats on your General. That TX-500 is going to be amazing. Great gear choices!

[@ferrysengun1692]

Congrats, very nice documentation. The best 73, HB9FEV

[@TheTechPrepper]

Thanks. Do you have a preferred operating band and mode on HF?

[@ferrysengun1692]

@@TheTechPrepper I work all bands in HF. I make phonie an FT8.

[@dreadedzen9]

Your video motivated me to purchase a UV-5R (through the link you provided), programming cable, and the Gordon West Technician study guide. I've been interested in ham radio for years, but the book I have from the early 70s is old and difficult to understand. With all the current world threats, it's a great time to begin my ham radio adventure. I'm checking out your other prep videos. The EDC and Go Bag videos pointed out some things that I'd forgotten to pack. Thanks and keep up the awesome work, buddy! Stay safe.

[@TheTechPrepper]

Glad to hear you're giving amateur radio a try. Good luck! It's an unbelievable tool once you become proficient. The go-bag video needs an update as that bag has changed completely. I am actually using my backcountry backpack with the same gear I use when camping as my go bag. There are a few extra items in there as well. Take care of yourself!

[@dreadedzen9]

@@TheTechPrepper My camping gear doubles as my go-bag gear. It's all nicely arranged in small Rubbermade tubs or cat litter buckets which have handles/lids and cannot be overfilled. Everything is ready to go and easy to find. I even have my stainless steel French press and a hand coffee grinder because you've gotta have your coffee in an emergency! Love the videos. You're very good a conveying information. Thanks for all you do!

[@hdryden7652]

I watched your video a day and a half ago…hamstudy was a great suggestion. This morning I went from no license to General. Yep 1.5 days.

[@TheTechPrepper]

Congratulations! You'll never regret the effort. Good luck on HF.

[@ChrisKeller]

Congrats on upgrading! Looking forward to your outdoor work; great opportunity to combine bushcraft and portable radio ops!

[@TheTechPrepper]

Thanks, Chris. I'd love to catch you on the air... I can't recall if you've sent me your callsign in the past. Feel free to look me up on QRZ. I'm actually headed out to HRO to pickup the Yaesu FT-891 for the channel. Stay tuned for lots of radio bushcrafting. 73 KT1RUN.

[@ChrisKeller]

@@TheTechPrepper I'll keep an eye out for your call. 73 de K0SWE

[@timevans239]

Thank you for this video. I am studying for my general and yes its difficult. I do have the Gordon West book which is packed with info. I will try ham study and purchase the ARRL book. I have my test in 2 weeks . Yaesu ft818nd is my first radio along with the mp1 super max antenna. Keep up the good work. Really like your videos kg7fxn

[@TheTechPrepper]

No problem, Tim. Just sharing the experiences. I can’t recommend ham study enough. It looks like you’re planning to go portable with your antenna and radio decision. Try to be patient with yourself and the FT-818ND. QRP can be challenging. I find that the easiest way to make contacts is when I’m on a summit. It’s really fun being the station that is being worked and you don’t need much power. Good luck with your General.

[@ky4tgtodd203]

I love HamStudy! That’s what I’m using to get ready for my general exam. I want to own the material and not just memorize it too! 73

[@TheTechPrepper]

We're on the same page. I talk about exactly that. Like you, I want to know and not memorize. kzbin.info/www/bejne/n5O7mWOvprd9rM0

[@kyreeforest4868]

a tip : watch movies on flixzone. I've been using them for watching all kinds of movies these days.

[@israelmohammad5035]

@Kyree Forest Definitely, I have been using flixzone} for months myself :D

[@granitebuilt5836]

Nice job on the upgrade! 👍 Looking forward to seeing the endfed and mast when you make a video.

[@TheTechPrepper]

Thanks! I picked up an MFJ-1984MP EFHW from HRO over the weekend for use as a temporary antenna for the shack. It's poor build quality, but worked surprisingly well on 40m/20m compared to my HF vertical. Stay tuned!

[@disasterduck13]

Thanks for the video

[@TheTechPrepper]

No problem!

[@izacnewton5761]

thanks!

[@TangoOscarMikeN3WS]

Congratulations. The FT-817/818 is a great portable radio. Two antennas I recommend are a linked dipole for 20/40 and a 49:1 for 10-40, it will do 80 but not efficiently. Those and a portable mast and you'll have lots of fun. Cheers.

[@TheTechPrepper]

Thank you for the suggestions. I'll be looking at building or buying a linked dipole after getting some experience with the PackTenna Mini EFHW antenna and the SOTABEAMS Carbon-6 mast. Are you fan of the Windcamp battery for the FT-817/818 (amzn.to/3lRghWS)?

[@bthemedia]

Congrats, and thank you for the advice! 👏👏👏

[@TheTechPrepper]

Thanks! Some practice on 10m HF, a little patience, some disciple and HamStudy.org. ;-)

[@coldandaloof7166]

Long time outlaw CB radio buff I am studying right now for my test on Feb 4th using Ham Radio Prep's free app. Gonna test for both tech and General. The thing that aggravates me the most is all the stupid electrical stuff. I want to talk on a radio not build one! I have no desire to know how many resistors, or capacitors to put in parallel or series or even what the difference is. I expect to forget all that crap as soon as I pass the test and no longer need it.

[@offtime915]

Congratulations! 🎊

[@TheTechPrepper]

Thanks a lot. It was a year in the making, but well worth the wait. Take care!

[@larrytaylor7753]

Congratulations!

[@TheTechPrepper]

Thanks, Larry! it's been 15 years since I've had to really study post college. The ride was fun, but I am glad it's over. Now it's time to enjoy HF portable and share some back country experiences with y'all. I hope you'll stick around on the channel!

[@scorpiodrg]

Good job man l'm still stadyn my arrl book 📚 for my ham license !!

[@TheTechPrepper]

Best of luck with your license. Check out hamstudy.org, too.

[@kingdarkang]

Just found your channel and really like your style

[@TheTechPrepper]

Thanks. The best I can do is talk about my experiences, even if I'm not an expert. It's really fun documenting and sharing my projects and adventures with this community. Welcome to the channel! Video ideas welcome.

[@kingdarkang]

@@TheTechPrepper you did great and I love that your in AZ as well. I took my Tech at the West Valley ham radio club back on October 31

[@TheTechPrepper]

@@kingdarkang We actually have a few AZ locals on this channel. Congrats on your Technician license. Look me up on QRZ (KT1RUN). You may want to check out my videos on APRS as it's really fun on 2m. You can send email, text messages and even track stations with GPS.

[@kingdarkang]

@@TheTechPrepper will do

[@marytryon8314]

I have had my Tech license since August 2022 and live in rural Colorado(Southeastern- near Pueblo) and have not been able to make contact with anyone on the Radioddity GS-5B. I have been studying for my General thinking getting a better radio and antenna will help but I really don't know.

[@TheTechPrepper]

Mary, sorry about the late response. I had the same experience as yourself. Getting into HF will open you up to a much larger community. Don't give up and good luck with your upgrade.

[@dw.7655]

Just watched your video. Very Nice. Looks Like your out in a western state. Congratulations on your up grade. It has been a long time since I got back on the bands, but just ordered a new HF rig and I want to upgrade to General as well. I will check out HamStudy.org. It just might be a long winter up here in NYS. Just want to wish you well, have a safe and Happy Thanksgiving and of course, 73's. Dave

[@TheTechPrepper]

Thanks for the view and comment. Yep, I'm in Arizona. Which HF radio to you go with? I highly recommend HamStudy.org to help with your General upgrade ticket. Good luck with your upgrade, trust me, you will not regret it. I had an incredibly difficult time on 10 meters as a Technician. All of these problems went I away with the new privileges. I'm really enjoying 20m and 40m. Take care of yourself and Happy Thanksgiving.

[@dw.7655]

@@TheTechPrepper Hello again, to answer your question, I purchased an IC-7300. I wanted to get the best bang for the buck, and with the tech features that will make it fun to get back on the air. I'm a tech, have been for a long time, and want to upgrade to General in Spring of 2021. I also, since I am in my early 70's, want to reduce STUFF!!. So I plan on donating a lot of my old Heath SB gear and boat anchors to a radio museum here in New York State, once Covid gets under control. My son is also a Tech, and hopefully he will take an interest in upgrading as well. I hope that I can find a Ham Radio Model Railroad net to jump into as well. Good luck with all your DXings and be safe. I will check out your suggestions for the upgrade. Thanks again. 73's, Dave

[@Chris_at_Home]

A quick question, is a FCC General Operator License the same as a FCC General Ham Operator License? I had my General license for work and worked on everything from NDBs to Ku satellite. The US Navy taught me electronics in 1972 and for all but four years after that I worked in electronics and communications.

[@TheTechPrepper]

That's a very good question and I don't really know the answer. I tried to research this quickly and seems that the "General Radiotelephone Operator License (PG)" is a commercial license. I'm assuming that's the license you have. I don't think this applies to amateur radio, but I could be mistaken. If you were issued an FCC callsign, try and looking it up on the FCC amateur radio license database.

[@Chris_at_Home]

@@TheTechPrepperI want to thank you for this. Yes it is the license I was issued. You would think after taking the test I took they would have a supplemental test to cross over to an Ham license.I wasn’t issued a call sign. AT&T required us to have this license as a condition of employment here in Alaska. The test was a good way for them to qualify people along with a resume. I took the test on a whim years before I worked for them after studying a week and passed. It had power questions converting watts to dB and back, it also had problems for solving impedance and plotting the vector sum. I had already been working in the field and took almost a year off after spending most of the year before working overseas. I was teaching and leading on network install and turn up at a huge mine in Indonesia. I also put in crossband repeater going from 2 meter to HF so the VP who was over the aviation department could talk to their 737s in my free time.

[@TheTechPrepper]

@@Chris_at_Home You would think that taking the commerical license would qualify you for an amateur radio license. It sounds like you should have no problem taking your Tech and General at the same time. That crossband repeater setup sounds pretty slick.

[@Chris_at_Home]

@@TheTechPrepper I had actually done a VHF UHF cross band for an oil platform and their onshore facility. We used to do a lot of DRTs years ago with long duty cycle transmitters. This was how you extended a phone line to a remote site.

[@derektrounce937]

@@Chris_at_Home, if your in Anchorage, matsu,or Fairbanks they all have good ham clubs and plenty of folks to help you out!

[@cpdev1631]

Just got licensed yesterday my call sign is KO4KLK. Taking my general later today.

[@cpdev1631]

Trying to get some younger kids like me into ham.

[@TheTechPrepper]

Congratulations, Chaleb! Hope to catch you on the air and best of luck with your General. You’re going love this hobby. 73 KT1RUN

[@TheTechPrepper]

Keep it up. It’s great to have a new generation of hams join the ranks. Merry Christmas.

[@cpdev1631]

Update I passed!!!!!

[@cpdev1631]

Going for extra in a few

[@nunyabusiness4067]

I have a good collection of Snoopy mugs but have never seen that one. Where did you get it. Great video by the way.

[@TheTechPrepper]

I wish I knew. It’s my favorite mug. I appropriated it from my wife when we got together 16 years ago. Let me know if you find one; it would be nice to have a backup. Glad you enjoyed the video. Take care!

[@nunyabusiness4067]

@@TheTechPrepper Will do. I signed up with them after watching your vid..

[@TheTechPrepper]

Ham Study is a great tool. I’ll be using them again for my Extra upgrade. Good luck!

[@alanseidner3713]

I heard this video and you only say about a book, "How I Passed My General Ham Radio Test" nothing on HOW I PASSED, did I miss something?

[@DutchmanRadio]

Does that dipole have Anderson's? 73!

[@TheTechPrepper]

Yep. I have segments for both 10m and 20m. I found a trick so that they don't pop off under tension. Use two connectors on each side so that you can insert retaining pins. It probably could use an additional tension relief, but I've made plenty of contacts on 10m over the summer. Good eye!

[@edframbes5296]

GREAT! Congrats! de Ed K8EAF

[@TheTechPrepper]

Thank you! 73 de KT1RUN

[@karlatkins5280]

In your your opinion what hand book would you say is better AARL or the Gordon west book?

[@TheTechPrepper]

Apples and oranges. I have both and have used both. To study and pass, I prefer Gordon West's book. For solid theory, the ARRL is the way to go. I'm planning on getting my Extra upgrade in December. For that, I'm going with the ARRL handbook to master the material, the Gordon West to pass the test, and will use HamStudy.org to take practice tests. Good luck!

[@forgodandcountry222]

I live in Seattle I just got my first ham radio baofeng I want to get certified, I quess you can't do on person what is best cheapest online course and test

[@TheTechPrepper]

There’s no need to pay for a class. Check out hamstudy.org. That’s what I used to study for my General. The Baofengs are good starter radios. Good luck!

[@Firencoffee]

Amature Radio Club of Tacoma does drive in testing. Got my Technician license last month.

[@forgodandcountry222]

Hey can you please direct me to beginners guide on KZbin or were ever man im very green in this,but very hungry to learn belong to a preppers group and want to learn

[@TheTechPrepper]

Search for “Dave Casler” on KZbin. He has videos for every license type.

[@forgodandcountry222]

Your a life saver brother thank you ,what kind of rf or farraday cage do you use for your equipment or do you have a suggestion

[@senfo-s5p]

Offtopic and useless question, but this is driving me nuts: Are you even drinking coffee!?

[@TheTechPrepper]

Yes, sir. I typically have a pot during the course of a video. I make most of my videos before 0500.

[@senfo-s5p]

@@TheTechPrepper nice, I watch most of my KZbin videos will consuming my morning cup or two. By the way, thank you for making this video. I've been reading the ARRL book and I have a much more in depth understanding than I ever had before, yet I still feel grossly unprepared for the general test. Some people are passing this with ease and it's making me feel like an idiot, or that I'm simply going about this the wrong way.

[@adlucem9845]

Find a random call sign and a name or make something up and use that. You should NEVER identify yourself over open airwaves. These are times where you can be cancelled, imprisoned, even shot at the whims of the state. You should have absolutely zero association with government to the degree you can help it.

[@TheTechPrepper]

Do what ever you need to do.

[@coiner105]

Based as fuck

[@forgodandcountry222]

Like your shirt boss,trump2020

[@jayst]

They snubbed Kyle Rittenhouse though :/ they don’t really care about the second amendment