Newer restructering

[KG4ILB]

If your book talks about there being 3 license classes (Technician, General, Extra) then the book has the most recent information. Also, the book should say when the test questions it contains (if it contains any, which I think it does) are valid for. I'm new too, so sorry if my information is not very clear.

[N5LF]

If you are totally new to hamming, first go to the ARRL Web site and find a club (or several) in your area.  Many give license classes and are associated with a Volunteer Examiner program.  ARRL is at

http://www.arrl.org

The restructuring took effect April 15.  If you have an old Novice/Technician book you can use it, since the current Tech questions are a subset of the two tests combined and the rules questions should be the same for the Technician class.  The General Exam is pretty much the same, and the new Extra is a combination of the Advanced and Extra class questions.  This will change in the next rewrites, scheduled over the next three years.  But the above is accurate through the remainder of 2000.

Consider shooting for the General class exam - its 5 words-per-minute CW is just the speed at which you know the characters.  It does help to find someone to get you started on it though.  If you go that route, check

http://www.fists.org
or the CW list on http://www.qth.net

Both groups are dedicated to helping newbies with Morse Code.  The General written is basic electronics, but do all this is AT YOUR pace, don't feel rushed to do it all at once if you're more comfortable doing is a step at a time.  You'll have years ahead to explore all that ham radio has to offer -- and it is substantial.  

Anyway, we wish you all the best and we'd be glad to welcome you aboard!  Hope to work you on the air when you get that ticket.

Good Luck & 73,

Alan N5LF
http://www.qsl.net/n5lf

[WEBQAZ]

Thanks for all the help, well I'm going to go back to studing.

[W5HTW]

The code test is being restructured.  It will be send Farnsworth method, speed of 13-18 WPM, as I recall, with character spacing to equal 5 WPM.  This is a step back up the ladder toward real learning of code.  The test will also be changed to include required copy of 25 characters contiguous correctly, or a "fill in the blanks" -- put the right word or symbol into the blank.  These will require a tiny bit more proficiency in code than under the current rules.  These rules go into effect July 1, 2001, I believe, but it may be earlier.

Ed

[WEBQAZ]

I've been thinking of getting in to the ham hobby since christmas when I bought the Technician no code Plus (3 edition). Now I've heard there was some kind of restructuring, is the info for getting a technician in my book still good for studying for the exam or do I have to go out and buy a new one??

Thanks