I’d like a tumbler but I don’t want to support Google’s data mining and collection (spying on us) by completing my course feedback using Google Forms so I’ll report my success with the prep courses here. Google is evil!
I just passed my Technician and General today with 100% on the Technician but I missed a few questions in the General. I never had any doubt that I was going to pass though.
It would be helpful if hamradioprep let students know that the answer selections are reordered on the actual test. I used an alternate practice test service to practice with scrambled A-D test selections.
Thanks for the post and congratulations on your success!
I did some research a while back, some VE groups scramble the answer orders, others don’t seem to. I know there has been some discussion on adding a feature to allow that in the practice tests. Thanks for resurfacing that again.
Let us know when you get your call and maybe update your user name with your call!
That’s very interesting about the scrambling, JimARC.
Scrambled answers vs. non-scrambled responses might make a big difference in the memorization effort and time required for me to pass the more difficult Extra test someday and it even impacts how I “learn” (for practical application) the material too.
I believe that scrambling would be a great feature and would further set HamRadioPrep.com apart from the non-commercial test prep options.
I have a bit of a “photographic memory.” I can recall the answers more easily, when the order has not changed. Even if I’m not taking a test, if I can visualize in my “mind’s eye” a test question or information that I’ve studied from a fixed non-changing page, it often helps me to recall both the information and the correct answer. Even on physics tests in college, if I visualized the very spot on the text book page where the formula was printed, I could more easily recall the formula and use it on the test and even after the test.
Everyone learns differently. I’m obviously a “book learner.” I’m very pleased that, in addition to the videos, the HamRadioPrep-dot-com course contains fully sufficient textual lessons containing visual aids like graphics, tables and illustrations (and the blue text feature). I can use the text sections more effectively by cutting and pasting them from my web browser into a word processor document to create fixed pages for viewing and printing so that the material that I’m studying doesn’t change in position on the screen with scrolling. Then I am better able to recall and use the material later. That’s just how my brain works, but It only works when I’ve studied from a visually non changing “scene” for my brain to absorb.
Though it enables a different learning mechanism for me, I also like the HamRadioPrep-dot-com"games" for drilling.
These are just a few more of my thoughts for you. After a lengthy flight instructor and airline pilot career with many airman ratings and certificates under my belt, I’ve learned how I can best study for these sorts of “knowledge tests”, as the FAA calls them.
@member583 this is good feedback! We are knee deep in a ton of development (as you can probably see) but these practice test improvements are HIGH on the product roadmap.
We are also working on a number of other things like adding videos to the mobile application and syncing mobile/web experience. We have built a category for feature requests that you can use here too: Feature requests - American Radio Club
Congratulations on passing, as a pilot do you have any thoughts on integrating the two? I ask because I am currently getting my private license (I should be able to get it in the next couple weeks if the weather holds) and I was curious if you could use ham radio in anyway with flying?
It’s great to hear that you are getting your Private Pilot certificate, Tristan. I was hooked from my first ride in the kid’s back seat of a C150 while my dad took a cross country dual lesson with his instructor. That was in 6th grade and that’s when I started studying for my Private Pilot!
No–I’ve not run into any situations where ham radio and general aviation are integrated, other than an airplane will take you to many great remote possibilities and I would not be surprised if ham clubs haven’t leverage leveraged GA for this too. I’m just not aware of any specific events.
However, if you ever get into amateur built aircraft, the knowledge you gain as a ham could certainly be very useful to you when you design and install your radio “stack” and antenna systems.
I’d love to hear from you again with a report on your progress too or if you discover any ham/aviation integrated activities or events.
@tristanlikes2fly and @member583, I like to follow aviation related things. I have heard of people making aviation mobile contacts on 2 Meter / 70 CM before, but I also know a crusty old FAA inspector who would probably frown on it, though it may have been something I heard from him, since he is a ham as well (shrug).
If you are not aware, International Flights use an HF radio based system for tracking over the ocean. Atlantic HF Assignments is one site, and if you check the listings some of those are close to ham frequencies. I worked an aviation mobile on HF one time if I recall correctly. Something to shoot for. Enjoy and hope to hear you on the air. DE N4BFR (not Biannual Flight Review)
@member583 and @tristanlikes2fly Airborne ham radio is legit! I have had the opportunity over the decades to work many “aeronautical air mobile” stations flying high in the sky. There are private craft where the pilot might be just using an HT on 2 meters (146.520 can produce some crazy pileups for airplane mobile stations!), or even those trans-Atlantic flights where the pilot-ham dials up the HF aviation radio into the ham bands to while away the time. I also have had the privilege to work air mobile myself. If you remember the old Amateur Electronic Supply stores – AES (bought out a few years ago by Ham Radio Outlet, but based in Milwaukee at the time), the late owner had a Starship that he flew staff around to hamfests and I got them to come to a hamfest one year. With the airport across the street from our hamfest, the AES Starship made a few flights after the hamfest and I had the opportunity to work 2M while up in the air for a little while. Of course, that Starship was equipped with multiple operating positions on various bands (before there were dual-banders … this was like 1993 maybe). We had multiple people working multiple bands while up in the air and it was much like working in a contest station with all the hams below trying to work you! Somewhere in my collection, I have a QSL card or two from working the AES Starship on various flights. In fact, during one of those QSOs, I told the owner that we were having a hamfest coming up and he not only printed our flier in their huge mail-order catalog as a result of that on-air QSO, but he also brought the plane and staff, as well as gear to show at our first-year hamfest. Amazing!
Passed my tech awhile ago and then got busy with life, so paused on my General. Recently came back to study for General and found the new videos! Great - I am as much a visual learner as a reader. Well done folks! Thanks, KO4UAL
I really liked that both the video and textual segments of the prep courses are nearly comprehensive in themselves. A student can spend their time where they feel it counts the most, or whatever might depend on their mood at the time. Myself, I usually rigorously study the text first and then chill-out by watching the video!
Cal, I agree!
When preparing for my tech ticket, I read all the materials and watched the videos in order. After every couple of exercises, I would take a practice test. I found that subjects that I had not covered cued me for the information upcoming - it helped with comprehension on several topics.
Mark KO4UAL
Feels good, doesn’t it!
The revisions to the general study course is great - they’ve added the video component! Enjoy and let us know your call sign!
73 de KO4UAL Mark
@mstricklett wait til you see the new Technician videos we’re launching here along with more bonus content and instructionals. We’re going to take it to the next level!
Hello, I recently passed my Technician and just received my FCC Callsign. My son gifted me an Anytone 878UVII Plus DMR which started this evolution. I know less than nothing about Ham Radio and am using every available thing I can find to get a grip on this amazing communications medium. Once upon a time I was stationed onboard the USS Midway (CV-41) and used the onboard MARS Station to talk with my family while I was deployed in the Indian Ocean. That was a fantastic moment sitting in the MARS Station ogling all the equipment. This “gift” from my boy has re-awakened a spark long forgotten…
KI5VEL-Kevin
I love the USS Midway museum ship, it must have been fascinating to sail on it. There is an event called “Museum Ships on the Air” in June, they may be activating the radio room for that event. You might want to look into it and bring back a few memories.