My 2007 General Class license course ended almost two weeks ago.
This year, I had nine people in the class, although one of them was already licensed, and was attending in order to help and support his wife who was working on getting her ticket. The youngest were two guys in their early 30s. Rounding out the class were a couple who had just been recently charged with being responsible for emergency communications for a Civil Air Patrol group, two retired gentlemen, and one guy about my age.
What’s interesting to me is that each class seems to have its own personality. This group were questioners. Sometimes it was hard to get in a word edgewise! Usually there are one or two in the group, but this time nearly everyone in the class asked a lot of questions.
Another thing about this class is that I’m sure that most of them will get their General Class tickets. Indeed, before class had ended, four of them had done so. Two of them did shortly after. The others are just waiting for a convenient testing session.
Next year, I’m going to have to work a little harder to prepare for class. I’m currently in the process of turning the new General Class question pool (it takes effect in July) into a “No-Nonsense Study Guide,” and I see that they’ve added several topics. There are, for example, questions on amplifiers and digital circuits that were not part of the previous question pool. Once I’m done churning out the study guide, look for a new General Class course outline.
Jay Nottingham says
I think it’s great that you had a General Class. In this part of my world, most of our “old hams” are not conducive in their thoughts of helping out the newcomers. Of course, they want the newcomers to get their “Technician” license, but just drop you off and let you hang. Some want to bitch about the “no code” rules, but none are interested in getting any instructions, or “Elmering” to the newcomers. At present time, it has to be done by each individual, by digging it out of the test manuals, etc. It’d be so much better to attend a few nights classes to get the general knowledge that covers the skills required to be a good ham. Same way with “Field Day” They have it, but a stranger walks in, and they totally ignor him/her. Never offereing any assistance on what they are doing, or ???Thanks for letting me blow off steam.
Dan KB6NU says
Unfortunately, what you describe is pretty common. Don’t let those guys get you down. Perhaps you could form your own club with the express purchase of Elmering new hams. You never know who might come out of the woodwork to help you out………73, Dan KB6NU
Ronny, KC5EES says
I really like the format of your Technician “No-nonsense Study Guide”. I look forward to seeing how you approach the General Class information. Teaching high school kids about mixers and IF stuff is pretty challenging. I need all the help I can get. ;)
Thanks for being a reliable source of interesting information about a variety of subjects.
Ronny, KC5EES
Austin, TX
Jay Levine says
Dan – I am hoping to take my general test before the new question pool takes effect. I loved your study guide for technician. Do you have one for the current general?
Thanks
Jay
Lyle, KC7IPY says
I recently stumbled upon your Tech “No-nonsense Study Guide†while looking materials to help my friend get her license. Wow, great job! I’ve been wanting to upgrade my no-code tech to a General. I look forward to using your General “No-nonsense Study Guide” to pass the test!