Good resources for studying for test/learning more about ham radio (Canada) - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / rf-microwave

author: Red Squirrel
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: January 06, 2017, 06:28:49 am
content: Been thinking of getting my ham license, I'm in Canada. What are some good resources to start learning about ham radio, RF, electronics in general and all other material needed to pass the test?I know I can just keep taking the mock exams and try to memorize the questions, but I want to actually understand the concepts, and pass the test that way, vs just through memory. Going to do this as a learning experience. I'm fairly new to electronics itself too so I figure I can learn some basics as I read the material.I'd probably just go for technician class, but I think the way it works you automatically upgrade to advanced if your score is high enough. Then I think there's another level you can take another test for too.I took a mock exam for fun and got 50% so not bad considering I did not really study anything yet. In school that would be a pass!(that's how I survived math. lol)

author: Silveruser
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: January 06, 2017, 07:03:40 am
content: http://www.ic.gc.ca/eic/site/025.nsf/eng/h_00003.htmlGo to the above link click on the link to find an examiner near you. In most cases it will be an amatuer near you attached to a local club. They will likely have classes to prepare you for the test and be able to hook you up with the needed texts.George

author: KD0CAC John
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: January 07, 2017, 03:24:52 pm
content: From my experience here in US , your questions go in 2 different directions .Passing test , to me the way things are setup , multiple choice is intended to push you to just memorize the answers to pass the test , I see it a confusing a person with false answers .The 2nd part is learning electronics , RF is a specialization in its self , with a solid background in basic electronics .From your post , it sounds like you have no knowledge / experience with electronics , so it can be a long trip , hopefully with the right mindset - curious / interests will make it a fun one .Different people learn better in different ways [ no way to tell at this point ] but getting your ticket is a good start - helps to make for the motivation and approach as a hobby .To start , you can sign up with this sitehttps://www.hamradiolicenseexam.com/, for a fee , it will track your progress and tell you your strong points & weak , so steering you in the direction needed to pass .Then looking at publications , here we have the ARRL and there publicationshttps://www.google.com/search?q=arrl+books&oq=arrl+books+&aqs=chrome..69i57j69i65.5118j0j7&sourceid=chrome&es_sm=91&ie=UTF-8I would get the big Handbook & the big Antenna book .The also The Art of Electronicshttps://www.google.com/search?q=arrl+books&oq=arrl+books+&aqs=chrome..69i57j69i65.5118j0j7&sourceid=chrome&es_sm=91&ie=UTF-8There is a long ongoing thread here about books / learning electronicshttps://www.eevblog.com/forum/beginners/electronics-primers-course-material-and-books/again , finding books that align with your learning method is helpfull .Once you start going down that road , it may help to do what I have , find broken stuff [ start free / scrap ] learn to work on , and in time you may have a ham station for the cost of fixing yourself , and then even a repair bench .

author: The_Penguin
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: January 07, 2017, 03:33:07 pm
content: Quote from: Red Squirrel on January 06, 2017, 06:28:49 amThere are some good Canadian resources over athttp://www.rac.ca/

author: Red Squirrel
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: January 10, 2017, 05:19:31 am
content: Thanks, did not even think of checking the RAC site. I might pickup those books.Also it looks like I will need to grow out my mustache more so I can get better reception. That is one epic stache.

author: tggzzz
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: January 10, 2017, 09:11:23 am
content: Quote from: Red Squirrel on January 06, 2017, 06:28:49 amYour local ham club.Any recent ARRL handbook.

author: K2CK
author_rank: Newbie
timestamp: January 25, 2017, 01:37:06 am
content: The ARRL and RAC sites are great places to start. Find the local ham club and stop in a meeting. I help teach an entry level licensing class in the states. There's no substitute than talking to real hams to learn about the hobby. Good luck.Scott K2CK

author: AE0TE
author_rank: Newbie
timestamp: July 09, 2017, 10:07:35 pm
content: For those digging through old posts as I am, KD0CAC has very good suggestions. I went thehttps://www.hamradiolicenseexam.comway when I studied for my Extra exam. Yes its rote memorization with some retention. But, supplemented with actual study and learning is a very good way to go.I am here to find equipment to augment my desire for continued education and hobby enjoyment. Particularly I'm looking for an oscsope and TDR/SWR testers on a pensioners budget. Members get tired of the questions ad nauseium, I get it; I've been reading blogs this one included for a couple months. I want a cheap scope to play with. The last time I studied electronics was decades ago. Now I'm wanting to dive in again. My HP scope is 40 years old, time to upgrade. Anyway, onto more forums.…

author: gibbled
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: July 13, 2017, 01:05:20 am
content: Before sitting the tests in 1990ish I was loaned some books published by the UBC amateur radio folks. What was nice about those was they specifically covered the Canadian rules and regs as well as theory etc. Unfortunately I could find no information on a current similar set of books.

author: vk3yedotcom
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: July 13, 2017, 10:39:06 am
content: These Canadian study guides may be helpfulhttp://wp.rac.ca/study-guides-2/A 'Basic with Honours' gives very generous privileges except the right to build your own transmitting equipment.So if you're into tinkering with transmitter circuits etc you'd want to eventually do Advanced.A few of the articles & videos on my website may also be useful, though they focus more on what you can do with ham radio rather than licence study.