Element 2 Study Guide:
from
Bruce Spratling, W8BBS
on
December 13, 2003
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How to Pass the Element 2 Amateur Radio Exam with only 2 Hours of Study.
Free study guide makes it possible!
Some of the study materials for the Technician exam actually explain the material. These are generally over 100 pages long. Other study guides go over each question in the question pool. The new question pool has 507 questions. To print the question pool takes about 55 pages. The questions in the pool are not organized so as to make it easy to study. Terms are used before they are defined, and the material isn't easy to understand without further explanation.
I've written a study guide that is only 12 pages long (not counting the cover, the table of contents, and the 2 practice exams), less than 9000 words. It's in Word format, ready for printing. It answers all the questions in the new question pool (for exams given after July, 2003). The table of contents lists the questions that are answered in each sub-section of the document. I believe a reasonably intelligent person, with no prior background in radio, can spend 10 minutes per page and learn enough to pass the exam.
It's very important to have a printed copy of the graphics. I call my document a "Study Guide and Workbook". In the document I ask the reader to write things on their copy of the graphics. Many of the questions on the exam (particularly on OET 65) are answered in the graphics, if you know where to look.
By condensing everything as much as possible I've "over simplified" some things. For example, I only mention the D and F2 layers on the ionosphere. This was done on so as to minimize the amount of time required to learn the material.
I hope you take a look at it. I'd like to "field test" my study guide, and find out how much it helps people studying for their exam. Everyone is welcome to use it as long as they don't change it in any way or make money with it. I look forward to hearing people's opinions.
73,
Bruce Spratling
W8BBS
This study guide can be downloaded by clicking on the following link:
techstudyguide.doc
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Element 2 Study Guide:
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by N2WEC on December 13, 2003
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All th information is there. However much more is needed on Ohm's Law. Just trying the answers is not enough. This formula will be used by all amateurs at one time or another. It should be understood.
Bill - N2WEC
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Element 2 Study Guide:
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by KB9PZA on December 13, 2003
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http://www.williamson-labs.com/
On Elementary Electricity Turorials
Where a Picture is worth 1024 Words
about electicity..
I do not have anything to do with this webpage.
kb9pza eldon
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RE: Element 2 Study Guide:
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by K0IMJ on December 13, 2003
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<However much more is needed on Ohm's Law. Just trying the answers is not enough. This formula will be used by all amateurs at one time or another. It should be understood.>
I agree that more info is needed to understand certain tech items. But getting the "ticket" allows the operator to have need to use this here-to-for "usless" information. Establish a need and the information will be useful and used. That's just my opinion and by the way it's not worth much Gary KØIMJ www.heartkits.com
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Element 2 Study Guide:
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by W8BBS on December 13, 2003
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I agree that my coverage of Ohm's law is rather minimal. However, there are only 3 questions in the question pool that require the use of Ohm's law (T7A13 thru T7A15). There is only a 14% chance that one will encounter an ohm's law problem on the exam.
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Element 2 Study Guide:
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by K0RGR on December 13, 2003
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Yes, I think if there is anything wrong with our current tests, it is that there are a set number of questions on any topic area. As mentioned previously, it is possible to skip all the 'math' questions and easily pass the test. I think this should be reconsidered, so that a range of questions is possible for each section, instead of trying to guarrantee that every test has a question on each topic. That way, you really need to study all the required topics to be sure that you can pass a test with 6 Ohm's Law questions on it instead of 1 or 2.
I'll review your guide. We have one that a club member of ours created for use in our abbreviated Tech classes. In the past, we've done our classes as 2 hour sessions, once a week for 10 weeks. This summer, we started teaching one aimed mostly at school kids that ran 8-9 hours on two consecutive Saturdays. Our pass rate was about the same as for the old class, and we got lots of kids, so we're getting ready to do it again. I will make your guide available to our students. Thanks
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Element 2 Study Guide:
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by AG4RC on December 14, 2003
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COOL study guide!
Here's my suggestion to study for Element2, 3, 4 written exams:
Step-1 Take (3) on-line practice exams – Make note all three scores (Most likely FAIL all three!)
Step-2 Print the question pool. Read EVERY question, EVERY answer and hi-light the correct answer. Or go to he following web site’s FLASH CARD section – Make sure you read EVERY question ONCE:
http://www.w8mhb.com/exam/
Step-3 Take (3) on-line practice exams – Make note all three scores. (Should barely PASS all three!)
Step-4 Read the printed question pool – Read each question and ONLY correct answer & circle key word / phrase to remember the correct answer. Or go to he following web site’s FLASH CARD section – Make sure you read EVERY question ONCE:
http://www.w8mhb.com/exam/
Step-5 Take (3) on-line practice exams – Make note all three scores. (Should easily PASS all three!)
Continue taking (3) on-line practice exams every night for one week prior to scheduled in-person exam session. GUARANTEE to pass with minimum 80% score!
Once you CONSISTANTLY score 90% or above – You are ready to take the official written exam.
Allow 2 or 3 week total study time. . .
Hints:
While reading question pool / flash cards make note sections requiring mathematical formula. Make note each formula on separate paper (this is your “memory dump”). Bring the “memory dump” with you on exam day and read it thoroughly minutes before exam. A soon as you are given the go-ahead toe begin your written exam, turn the exam over and DUMP everything you can remember on the blank page of the exam – Hence “memory dump” … Then proceed with written exam.
Suggested on-line written practice exam sites:
http://www.w8mhb.com/exam/
http://www.qrz.com/testing.html
http://www.aa9pw.com/radio/index.html
My wife followed this method during the span of approx. 3-weeks and passed Element2 at 10:30 this morning with score of 32/35!
Also – If you print entire question pool(s) – The paper can be used for scrap paper or tossed in recycle bin.
73 – Peter – AG4RC
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Element 2 Study Guide:
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by W8BBS on December 14, 2003
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To my embarrassment I've noticed that the version of
the study guide I sent eHam has spelling erros that
have since been corrected. I'm sure eHam will update
it soon, and in the mean time if you e-mail me I'll
send you the corrected version. I also have it in PDF
format with the graphics included.
thanks,
w8bbs@yahoo.com
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RE: Element 2 Study Guide:
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by KB7YOU on December 14, 2003
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No offense, but what’s the point? Memorizing the test (or brain dumping as someone on this thread called it) does not teach you anything about electronics, communications, operating practices, rules or other things that will make the hobby interesting and a good learning experience
This is an engineering hobby. If you have no aptitude or interest in electronics and radios then you should consider finding something else to occupy your time and buy a couple of those FRS radios to keep in touch with your friends and family – or just use your cellular phone.
If you get your tech license this way you will - at best - be able to use a simple radio to talk short distances simplex or via a repeater. At worst, you will be a hazard to others and a disruptive influence on the bands - like the guy this morning who did not understand that he was not supposed to be transmitting FM signals at 144.140, but did it anyway to ask me what I was doing and why I was not ID'ing while I was doing weak signal work using FSK441 and ID'ing every 30 seconds.
Fact is, some things in life are HARD. This hobby is one of them. If you don't have the time, desire or attention span to handle a book as simple as "Now Your Talking" then you are NOT a ham, no matter what kind of license you hang on your wall. Yes, this is only a hobby. But unlike most other hobbies, you have the ability to do harm to other people so the standards for entry should be high.
Maybe we should all drop the code/no-code debate and lobby for a test that actually confirms that a ham knows how to use a radio properly.
Finally, just to save the flamers some time, I know that technical skill does not equal good operating practice or courtesy. I was on 80 meters last night and I heard the usual. That's another problem and it's a problem that can be dealt with by enforcing the rules, applying some peer pressure and leading by example.
Hope to see you on the air - If you can actually figure out what I'm doing :)
Finally, just to show that there are no hard feelings I've developed a 30 second study guide that will solve all of your ohms law problems. Here it is:
1. Get a standard extension cord.
2. Take off your shoes.
3. Stand in your bath tub.
4. Fill tub with water.
5. Plug extension cord into wall socket.
6. Drop other end of extension cord in tub.
If you survive the tutorial I promise that you will NEVER forget ohms law or the reason why you should know it.
Thats my flame for the year and my last visit to this web site (I might drop in to check on the results of my tutorial)
Chris
KB7YOU
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Element 2 Study Guide:
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by N2KEN on December 14, 2003
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Ah, the "simplistic" Technician exam . . . I've given several review classes and given many exams as a VE. Some students want detail and most students just want the basics. All want to pass the exam . . . However, many people do not study enough! There are a multitude of reasons - I've heard the routine statements like "I didn't have the time to study", or "this stuff is too complicated". Some want the study materials and technical information to diffuse into their skull with absolutely no personal effort - totally passive. I bet we've all heard it all. I also refrain from telling prospective hams that the exam is easy and it only requires a few hours of study. Some degree of apprehension is a good motivator.
Two weeks prior to a review class a list of study materials and practice exam web sites are distributed. Attendees are encouraged to purchase a study guide like the ARRL "Now You’re Talking". Most purchase it, but few read it. The review session we give is a concise 6 hour class that covers only the basics . . . as a review. Our class is much like this guide. We have a good passing rate on the exams, but only a few students are comfortable with the technical information. I always feel somewhat concerned that this new ham can now transmit up to 1,500 watts of RF and doesn't have a clue. But, the Tech exam was passed. I struggle with this compromise that's been established. There are some hams with Generals or higher who still do not understand the basics.
This study guide is an excellent start. It covers the essentials needed to pass the exam. It is not intimidating and it's concise. So, kudos to Bruce, W8BBS for a well-written study guide. Prospective new hams might just read through it, actively learn a few essentials and want to learn more.
Perhaps the FCC (and the ham community) should rethink the level of knowledge and understanding necessary to practice the art and science of radio communications safely and efficiently. Then, I may not need to explain the basics of ERP, resonant frequency or groundwave propagation on the local repeater to those who should already know (an observation, not a complaint).
73, N2KEN
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RE: Element 2 Study Guide:
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by AG4RC on December 14, 2003
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Chris - KB7YOU Wrote:
[begin quote]
Finally, just to show that there are no hard feelings I've developed a 30 second study guide that will solve all of your ohms law problems. Here it is:
1. Get a standard extension cord.
2. Take off your shoes.
3. Stand in your bath tub.
4. Fill tub with water.
5. Plug extension cord into wall socket.
6. Drop other end of extension cord in tub.
If you survive the tutorial I promise that you will NEVER forget ohms law or the reason why you should know it.
[end quote]
Chris - KB7YOU,
Not sure what kind neighborhood you live in but (most) homes out this way are equipped with GFI receptacles in the bathroom "bath tub" area. . .
. . .Perhaps you need to devise a new study guide?
73 - Peter - AG4RC
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Element 2 Study Guide:
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by AG4RC on December 14, 2003
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Forgot to include the following link in my original reply / comment:
http://www.radioelectronicschool.com/raecourse.html
You’ll find most every mathematical formula required to pass Element2, 3, and 4 as well as electricity & electronics theory – And it’s free to download!
Here’s another unique very handy on-line practice exam site:
http://www.hamtestonline.com
73 – Peter – AG4RC
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Element 2 Study Guide:
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by WA2JJH on December 15, 2003
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for those that like to collect FCC tickets.
One can download the sample tests for the Commercal
General phone ticket. Used to be the 1 st and 2 nd class FCC commercial AM/FM/TV ticket.
In the old days anyone that wanted in radio or TV
engineering , had to have one.
The Exam is harder than the EXTRA exam.
Looks good on a resume too!
Like ham radio, the FCC has left the testing to the public sector. TV and electronic schools are the testing centers
Any FCC test can be passed 3 ways.
1)actually knowing the material
2)Knowing the material somewhat, and take the test many times.
3)Like in the old days, these ""SCHOOLS" have old FCC test's they gave. Do not get me wrong...For those that really want to learn, you could. Those that ponied up the bux, knew they would get the ticket if they put in the class time.
At any TV gig I had, I could always tell who was who visa -vi what method they used to get the ticket.
Many did learn on the job well. The others got the worst gigs.
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Element 2 Study Guide:
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by KC8VUC on December 15, 2003
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Have to agree with KB7YOU on this one. Just because you know the answers to the questions doesn't mean that you know how to correctly operate your radio. I've been studying for my element 3 since the day that I got my tech license (Feb 2003), and only now do I feel that I "know" half of what I need to know. I makes me nervous as well to think that there are people out there, maybe even living near me, that are pumping out 1500 Watts RF and have no clue what the effects of doing so the wrong way are. Does this mean that we need to change the test procedures? Probably not. It might mean that a few of the more knowledgeable among us need to step up and start teaching the less knowledgeable.
Just my $.02 worth
Hope to be General by next Feb.
73's all around.
-Kc8vuc (Joe)-
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Element 2 Study Guide:
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by W9YP on December 16, 2003
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I've been an extra class for over 20 years. I have to say that, when I was studying for exams, I didn't understand everything I studied. In fact, let me be more honest - I probably didn't understand half of what I studied. However, I passed all my exams the first time, including my 20wpm code test.
I enjoy operating. I like to ragchew on SSB, participate in CW and RTTY contests, and chase DX. I'm an excellent radio operator. But I don't like to tinker with electrical circuits, build stuff, or fix stuff. Does the fact that I don't like to get involved in electronics engineering, building circuits, and understanding all about how radios work make me less of a ham than the amateur who does enjoy the more technical aspects of ham radio? Of course not.
Of the hundreds of thousands of amateurs in the U.S., how many of those do you think really understands electrical theory or gives a rat's behind about Ohm's law? The vast majority of all licensed hams are operators. They like to do what I like to do - operate their radios. So, that's why I find it so hard to believe what I'm reading.
In order of importance, new hams should be trained on 1) operating procedures, 2) courtesy, 3) FCC rules, and 4) emergency prepardness and procedures. Sure, reading about and understanding the basics of electricity and electronics are good knowledge to have. But, it's certainly not anywhere as important as the four items I listed. I guarantee you, I would much prefer to have 100 hams who are courteous, efficient operators, who follow the rules and help their communities in emergencies than to have one ham who is a radio theory wiz but a jerk operator who doesn't follow the rules.
So, please, let's focus on what's important about the amateur service. Having fun and being a good, concientious public servant.
IMHO, Anthony W9YP
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RE: Element 2 Study Guide:
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by N1RJA on December 17, 2003
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To: Anthony (W9YP),
I couldn't agree more with your post. I am very much like you in the fact that I've been an extra for 10 years, and enjoy the operating side of radio rather than the technical side of it. I at times have struggled with this fact as I watch posting after posting of "real" hams degrade us who are "appliance operators". I am primarily an HF digital operator and derive much satisfaction just having QSOs with whoever is out there. I remember reading from another post some time ago that most of us hams study and learn to the DEGREE NECESSARY to put whatever gear you have on the air within all FCC rules/regs as well as good operating proceedures. It's really all a matter of degrees. I am also familiar with the amateur code and do my best to practice it. It's really that simple. But so many elitist (and insecure?) hams think that you need to be a bona-fide electronics tech to be anywhere near this hobby/service. Not so. I just simply love the "magic of radio" - wireless - it fascinates me. I don't care to "get under the hood" to know and understand all that there is to know about the technical and theoretical side of it. I like you have witnessed enough lids who could probably build a rocket and go to the moon, but are devoid of any decent operating practices. They own freqs, run high power when not necessary, splatter all over the band, tune up on other QSOs and probably have no desire to follow the amateur code whatsoever. I'll take the courteous, efficent, law (and amateur code) abiding ham any day.
OM (Anthony), we ARE real hams! I hope to meet you sometime on the bands. I do RTTY as well.
73,
Rick (N1RJA)
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RE: Element 2 Study Guide:
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by KI4DSF on January 21, 2004
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No offense Chris but what if the person applying for a license is not tremendously interested in electronics or an engineering hobby? Is it alright with you if they just get a license so they can talk on the radio as provided by FCC rules and regulations?
What if a person is happy just to talk with a few friends locally (simplex or repeater) on VHF/UHF, will that be ok with you also or do you think we should all become engineers first?
Last time I checked, the uS of A is still a free country where each individual has some rights and privileges.
Yes, the government has taken control of the airwaves and required citizens to get a license to talk over the air but as long as a citizen complies with the law, what do you care if they don’t have the same zealousness for an “engineering hobby” as you? Well I certainly don’t!
A year ago I began my study with the book called “Now You’re Talking” and while I consider it an excellent book for those who may be interested in all the minutia, I was annoyed by having to hunt down answers mixed among all the filler text, so I just put the book down. Luckily I recently found Mr Spratling’s study guide online. I resumed my study for the element 2 test again and consider Mr Spratling’s study guide an excellent tool and a great time saver. It contained everything necessary to pass the exam.
After reading it several times I then took several of the online practice tests. Immediately I began scoring consistently between 88 & 91% and was finishing the test in 12½ min down to 9½ min. After repeating this type of preparation for a few days, I went in and took the official exam. Admittedly I don’t have an aptitude or interest in electronics but that didn’t stop me. In fact I was the first among all the test takers to finish the test and I scored 100%! Chris, I didn’t try to memorize anything therefore memory dump was not necessary. All I did was simply read Mr Spratling’s study guide several times, took some practice tests and I remembered the material. Thanks to Mr. Spratling and his study guide, I am a licensed Technician. I could care less that you don’t consider me a Ham.
If in the future, should I become interested in electronics or an “engineering hobby” then I will pursue further study and obtain the appropriate knowledge and licenses. That however will be my choice, not a requirement to please you. Thank God we live in a free country.
Charles
P.S. Oh by the way Chris, on the test I took, I didn’t need to use Ohm’s law even though I do know it!
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