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

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