After thinking about it for way too long, I’ve decided to produce a No-Nonsense Technician-Class License Study Guide audiobook. Here’s the first chapter: “What is amateur radio?”
<<original .mp3 file deleted>>
Doing this has been kind of interesting. Producing this .mp3 file took about four hours, including all the false starts associated with learning Audacity, the free audio editor and recorder. I hope that subsequent sections won’t take quite so long.
At any rate, have a listen and let me know what you think. One thing I already know is that I have to do some work on the opening and ending sequences and figure out how to fade them in and out.
UPDATE 5/4/16
So, after more than a year, I’m finally getting back to this project. Part of the reason that I put this on hold is that I wasn’t very happy with the audio quality. Since then, I’ve purchased a better microphone, and I’m much happier with the results. Here’s the new version of the introduction:
Nice. Non-intimidating intro. Especially useful for folks who have to spend long periods in cars/trucks and/or who prefer to learn by listening.
I’m the sort of person who prefers to learn by reading so that I can skip ahead. I suspect that I’m in the minority. The audio should have a market.
Two suggestions: I hear you on right channel only. Suggest using both channels. Also, there is a bit of (equipment?) noise and echo. If you could reduce (or filter out) ambient noise and deaden your recording location, I think it would improve intelligibility. These might be especially important for those who listen to the course in a moving vehicle.
Ham radio was the original Internet. What was old is new again. Thanks for helping us with the details of amateur radio.
THANK YOU for creating an audio version… keep up the good work (like you always do). How I wish it had been all completed — Technician through Amateur Extra — while I was studying. I enjoy audio while I fall asleep, especially when I’m in study-mode. AND, by the way, your Extra Study Guide contributed to my having passed the exam last month. I’d still like to listen to audio, though.
thoughts…. if you desire to crowdsource the chapters for a free audio book, I will read a chapter… if selected, I will feel honored. I imagine many might feel this way…
Thanks for the kind offer, but let me think about that. There are two issues:
Having said that, I do like the idea, and it would certainly get done faster if I had some help. Right now, I’m working on a print-on-demand version of my latest book, The CW Geek’s Guide to Having Fun with Morse Code. When I’m done with that, I’ll get back to the audiobook. I want to have that done before I have to start working on the General Class study guide update.
This is wonderful! Your guide was very helpful when I passed Technician, but I learn best by listening. Thank you for making these in audio.
I have all 3 of your license study guides. My wife used it to get her Tech license and she and my son both just started on the General. I would love to have the Extra guide on audio book as I spend many hours driving. Any plans to add this?
I do plan to do an audiobook for the Extra Class study guide, but it’s going to be a while before I can finish it. I’m only about 3/4 of the way through the General Class study guide at this point.