How our cramming system works: John Portune,
W6NBC, discovered and Ross Peterson developed and perfected
a technique based on the fact that short term memory was
a fantastic aid for retaining answers to test questions
for an hour or two. From this Ross devised the famous
“ham cram” (rapid scanning of questions and
answers for just a few hours, then sitting down and taking
the test). His method has consistently achieved pass rates
of 75-95% and higher.
This method does NOT teach you how to
be a radio operator, or even the material which underlies
the test questions. This method focuses on your PASSING
the test. This is Step 1 in becoming a ham radio operator.
Step 2 is to learn how to use a radio.
We sell an inexpensive book to help with Step 2 right
after the exam. Step 3 is to buy a radio, and Step 4 is
to get on the air, and get experience checking into nets
that are used for preparedness and drill. As you progress
in Step 4, you may wish to serve as net control for a
net some evening.
But first things first--get your license.
And that is what this day’s activities are all about.
Because the test focuses on SHORT TERM memory, there is
little purpose in getting the technician test materials
in advance.
*Study tips: *If you want to do some advance
preparation, get hold of a high-school physics book and
read the part about the relationship between wavelength
and frequency and the relationship between current, voltage,
resistance and power.
Or: Wavelength x Frequency = Velocity
For radio waves, we use the velocity of
light, 300 million meters per second. If we measure frequency
in Megahertz (1 million cycles per second), then the formula
becomes meters x megahertz= 300. So if I ask you what
is the wave-length of a 150 Megahertz signal, the answer
is 2m. If you need to convert meters to feet, multiply
by 3 and add 10%. A half-wave antenna has one-half wavelength
elements. A conventional dipole has two 1/4 wavelength
elements.
Current (rate of flow) = amperes (amps)
= I
Voltage (pressure) = volts = EMF = E (for electromotive
force)
Resistance = ohms = R I=E/R
Power = watts = P P=I x E
*Important news on Upgrading to GENERAL*:
If you now hold a Technician license and you would like
GENERAL privileges you need to pass the General Element
of the test. You will not be required to learn Morse code
any more to get a general license. If you now hold a Technician
license but haven’t passed General yet, come to any
session with a *copy and the original* of your license
and take our GENERAL cram ($40, includes class, study
guide, and testing). It’s essential you first refresh
your high school physics material on waves and the relationship
between wave-length, frequency and voltage, plus current,
resistance, capacitance and inductance, and power (the
electricity chapter, DC and AC).
