getting started

[1oleman]

Had my novice in '61(WN4CGM) Haven't had any contact since!!! What is now requiredand the cost. Realize that I won't be able to "homebrew" like I did in the 60's.Never did get ue to transistor circuits. Thanks, Ed e-mail@ silvereagle71@hotmail.com

[donnie]

If your asking about getting a license, all you have to do is find someplace that gives the test.
Try the ARRL website.
It will give you all the info you need to get back into ham radio.
There are also sites where you can take a mock test for the different classes.
One of the sites I used is this one
http://www.qrz.com/p/testing.pl
The cost is now around $14.
You can ask and may be able to take the Tech and General at the same time.
A lot of people do this.
The nice part is that shortly after taking the test, you can go onto the FCC database and see what your call is going to be.
I got my ticket in Dec of last year and found out what my call would be three days after taking the test.
Two weeks later, I got the license from FCC.
Hope this helps and good luck.

[kroving]

Hi 1oleman
The testing is now done by volunteer examiners. They are usually done by local clubs. Check with your local Radio Shack, they often will at least know some of the local hams and you can contact one of them to find out about testing. I suppose you know that there is no longer ANY code test required for ANY CLASS OF LICENSE. Go for it man!!
Dave
KJ4OR

[donnie]

You could also check the ARRL site for a listing of locations close to you are with where and when the tests are given.

[kd8wdave]

I know this thread is a bit dated, but the new fee for ARRL testing is now $15. You can check www.arrl.org and go to exam area and find out when your state/local clubs are testing. Usually there is a contact number and/or email you can use to enquire.
there are only three elements now, Tech-el 2, Gen-el 3 and Extra-el 4. No more code tests, but you wouldn't know if you visit the main CW portion of the ham bands. Some of us still do the code as preferrable, but over the road, a good 2m rig or dual band, and if you have the mind-set, a good HF portable rig is great also. I use a screw-driver for the HF and have a dual band along with a dedicated Tiny-Trak (APRS position reporting) also on my rig.
The grandkids like to keep track of us when we're traveling.

good luck to any who are going to test
cheers