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Pass the Test => Technician => Topic started by: Sacajawea on March 20, 2015, 01:53:55 PM

Title: My dumb questions
Post by: Sacajawea on March 20, 2015, 01:53:55 PM
OK, that didn't take long. I figure I better put these all in one place. Maybe my questions don't matter; maybe it's just my resistance to certain subject matter... sigh... but this is what stops me (right at the beginning) every time.

The books and other material tell you these things without explaining how it works; I recognize I don't know how it works -- and my brain freaks out until it solves those "mysteries".
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How can a radio wave travel at the speed of light? Wouldn't it travel at the speed of sound, instead? Doesn't it stop being sound at that higher rate of speed? [you were warned about the nature of the questions...]

What makes a signal change direction in an antenna -- and how does it break out of that cycle to the open air?
Title: Re: My dumb questions
Post by: ghrit on March 20, 2015, 02:57:34 PM
Sac, the only dumb question is the unasked one.

Radio waves are simply the same thing as light waves and travel at the same speed.  The only real difference is the energy contained in the photons that make up the waves.  Sound is a mechanical disturbance of the medium and is WAY slower, as well as being unable to travel in vacuum (like space.)  If they weren't different, we could not communicate with satellites in space, since there's no air to carry the sound.

So far as the antenna question goes, you can visualize it (tho' highly inaccurate) as the radio wave in the antenna has no place to go when it gets to the end, so it escapes by jumping off the side.  For now, that's the best visualization I can come up with.  As you go further into the theory, you should be able to get a grip on the reality of radiation off the antenna.
Title: Re: My dumb questions
Post by: AD on March 20, 2015, 03:00:27 PM
SAC

You are way over thinking. 

First question
Radio waves travel at the speed of light.

You are confusing the sound out put from a radio(speaker) which travels at the speed of sound with the electromagnetic portion of the spectrum.

Light, radio waves, xrays, microwaves are all part of the same spectrum
http://www2.lbl.gov/MicroWorlds/ALSTool/EMSpec/EMSpec2.html (http://www2.lbl.gov/MicroWorlds/ALSTool/EMSpec/EMSpec2.html)
(http://www2.lbl.gov/images/MicroWorlds/EMSpec.gif)

All of these move at the speed of light.

The same way you can feel heat from a camp fire(radiant heat) or a stove, electromagnetic waves(radio) will radiate from an antenna when conditions are right: input to the antenna by the radio and the physical/electrical properties of the antenna.  The antenna needs to be the proper configuration(length for instance) for the radio waves to radiate from it like heat from a camp fire.

Clear as mud?
Title: Re: My dumb questions
Post by: AD on March 20, 2015, 04:02:34 PM
Here is a reference site at ARRL

http://www.arrl.org/ham-radio-license-manual (http://www.arrl.org/ham-radio-license-manual)

And

https://hamstudy.org (https://hamstudy.org)
Title: Re: My dumb questions
Post by: Sacajawea on March 20, 2015, 06:35:20 PM
Thanks!!
It's not so much overthinking; it's that faced with a simple scientific statement I feel I have no context to assimilate it into. (It's not true; it's conditioning - long story). I know a lot about light, transmitted vs reflected and the color spectrum.

After a couple meltdowns with that much, I went & looked at the sample questions for that chapter - yeah, the info stuck despite the hysterics - and I could pretty much answer all those. If that's the biggest hurdle - in it's preposterous-ness - I'll be OK. I think I might do better with the online materials info-presentation. But I'll the AARL book another chance.
Title: Re: My dumb questions
Post by: spacecase0 on March 21, 2015, 10:21:28 AM
don't let this mess with your head to much,
but empty space has an impedance as well as your antenna
free space has an impedance that is 376.73031... ohms
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Impedance_of_free_space (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Impedance_of_free_space)
Title: Re: My dumb questions
Post by: AD on March 21, 2015, 10:37:08 AM
I can see her head exploding right about now...... :o
Title: Re: My dumb questions
Post by: ghrit on March 21, 2015, 11:36:04 AM
I can see her head exploding right about now...... :o
Yep.  Time to dump the mains and re-energize the smaller circuits --
Title: Re: My dumb questions
Post by: spacecase0 on March 21, 2015, 03:00:34 PM
I just figured that it is handy to know,
it is how I visualize the power getting out of the antenna,
on a 1/4 wave whip antenna,
the feed point is 50 ohms, the top of the antenna is about infinite ohms,
and somewhere in the middle it matches the impedance of free space,
and that is where it is super easy for the radio waves to escape,
the antenna and space are a perfect match there...

or at least that is the way I see it happening
Title: Re: My dumb questions
Post by: Sacajawea on March 21, 2015, 04:11:35 PM
LOL. That is about what happens in my head, too.  ::)
Title: Re: My dumb questions
Post by: AD on March 21, 2015, 05:10:49 PM
Graphic designer/photographer?
Title: Re: My dumb questions
Post by: Cindy on March 22, 2015, 03:03:35 PM
Thanks!!
It's not so much overthinking; it's that faced with a simple scientific statement I feel I have no context to assimilate it into. (It's not true; it's conditioning - long story). I know a lot about light, transmitted vs reflected and the color spectrum.

After a couple meltdowns with that much, I went & looked at the sample questions for that chapter - yeah, the info stuck despite the hysterics - and I could pretty much answer all those. If that's the biggest hurdle - in it's preposterous-ness - I'll be OK. I think I might do better with the online materials info-presentation. But I'll the AARL book another chance.

You go girl!   It's not that bad, I sat for Tech and General together.  You can do it.

-Cindy
Title: Re: My dumb questions
Post by: W.Lynn on April 02, 2015, 03:44:13 AM
Sac, you're plenty smart enough for this, that's why you want to know these things before you move on. I bet grade school was very frustrating for you, because so many adults either won't explain things, or aren't very good at it.
Title: Re: My dumb questions
Post by: Sacajawea on April 17, 2015, 08:52:08 PM
Thanks W.

AD - FINE artist to you... with an AA in Graphic Design. I do processes & systems & technique really well though. Plenty of mechanical ability, too. Plopping blobs of paint on a canvas never seemed too interesting to me... so most of my images were visual puzzles.

Sorry; life is getting in the way again. Back to the book/website!!
Title: Re: My dumb questions
Post by: AD on April 17, 2015, 09:05:16 PM
You know I am kidding.  We just want you operational asap. 
Title: Re: My dumb questions
Post by: Sacajawea on April 18, 2015, 06:28:29 PM
I know; and thanks - that kind of thing really HELPS.

Another 2 chapters down.

Are there - by chance - any online tests? I'll hit up my local guys about timing for the next test. If there's enough time, I think I might indulge in a second source of learning material.
Title: Re: My dumb questions
Post by: AD on April 18, 2015, 06:59:57 PM
A quick look at this thread should give you all you need.  By the way its a Sticky on this forum
http://www.preparedham.com/forums/index.php?topic=19.
Did you try www.hamtestonline.com ?
Title: Re: My dumb questions
Post by: W.Lynn on April 18, 2015, 08:08:51 PM
Actual test online, no, don't think so.  Practice tests though, yes.  And I really liked the progress viewing & practice tests at   http://www.hamradiolicenseexam.com/ (http://www.hamradiolicenseexam.com/) (ham test online.)  You can use tabbed browsing to look up all the extra information you want, flip book pages, etc. 

One of the big things is leaving it in "study" mode until ready to actually test, then choose test mode and see how you do.  I got the heads-up on that here.
Title: Re: My dumb questions
Post by: dangerdan on April 19, 2015, 07:51:26 AM
Sacajewia

If you have the AARL technician book ,I believe there is a CD in the back with tests .

To find exam dates and places , check out the AARL site .

best to finish the book before practice tests .
  Good luck and keep at it .

73
DD
Title: Re: My dumb questions
Post by: Sacajawea on June 12, 2015, 09:04:31 AM
UPDATE:

yeah, I gotta a lot of irons in the fire right now. So, with the July 1 test change... I'm scheduled to take both tech & general on the 30th of this month.

2 more chapters tech and all of the general... going to go signup for the website now. I'll have to "cram" some of the formulas, etc type stuff... frequency ranges... but I usually don't forget stuff, if I've fully digested things in text first. I figure time is getting real short - there's an opportunity right in front of me - the local guys are very helpful and encouraging - and I'd be an idiot to not get this done NOW. I won't be an expert, if I pass... but I can work on that in between all the other "have tos" on my every-changing list.
Title: Re: My dumb questions
Post by: AD on June 12, 2015, 09:23:29 AM
Hey SAC thanks for the update.  Since I am not at the other place anymore it's good to hear you are moving forward.

Have you started taking practice exams yet?
Title: Re: My dumb questions
Post by: AD on June 12, 2015, 09:26:25 AM
You mean ham test online?

If so make sure you follow my study method I posted in the training section.
Title: Re: My dumb questions
Post by: Sacajawea on June 13, 2015, 09:43:18 AM
Will do, AD.

We are melting in the heat down here and I have family stuff going on for a few days... but I'll get there. I can read fast; remember; and love taking tests. But if I run into anything that I have questions about, I'll be sure to hollar.
Title: Re: My dumb questions
Post by: AD on June 13, 2015, 10:52:53 AM
Heat?  I went from 55 degs in Seattle to 110 degs in PHX in 3 hours.   But it's dry.

Holler if you have questions. 

Title: Re: My dumb questions
Post by: Sacajawea on June 25, 2015, 02:47:56 PM
So... 35 questions on the test. How many right = passing? I'm not finding that info easily.

I'm doing pretty good so far with Hamtest Online - at least I feel I am. Will start running through practice tests soon.
Title: Re: My dumb questions
Post by: AD on June 25, 2015, 03:30:59 PM
You can miss 9. 

https://www.hamradiolicenseexam.com/how-much-math-is-on-the-amateur-radio-exams.htm

What is your score on both the Tech and Gen in the study sections?

Are you following my method for studying?
Title: Re: My dumb questions
Post by: Sacajawea on June 26, 2015, 01:05:19 PM
More or less, following your recommendation. I wanted to see each possible question at least once, so I have. I'm in the 70-80% range... usually 100 or 200 questions... usually because I don't look - I read instead, and scramble some things in my head, about either the question or the answer. If I just "look" and not think, I "know" the answer and then score in the 90% range.

I'm about to start just running through the practice tests, and keeping my session shorter, but repeat it more often. I have a few distractions around here, too... but it's been interesting observing that old ability still there, for literally "writing" information into my brain. (Now, understanding it is coming slower - but it's still growing, as I connect bits of info while simply "recognizing" the "right answers. It's a weird skill & learning style.)
Title: Re: My dumb questions
Post by: AD on June 26, 2015, 02:05:22 PM
Is that 70-80 for both Tech and Gen?

The understand will really come after you start practicing the craft.

Review my "method" on taking the exam.  Alternate between T & G

If you are passing the true random tests you will have no issues with the actual exam. 

Do you have your eyes on a radio(s) yet?
Title: Re: My dumb questions
Post by: Sacajawea on June 27, 2015, 04:11:27 PM
No on the equipment yet. I'm comtemplating an alternate location, but I want to try to contact some of the HAMs around there about logistical issues. Lots of vertical obstructions in the area.   ;D  There might also be some restrictions as it's geographically on the edge of the radio quiet zone, but I KNOW there are HAMs in that county. I'll try to have equipment both places.

Yes, I'm alternating tech & gen tests. So far, getting 80% + on the Gen -- with 75% most frequently missed. Varies more on the Tech; but I'm alternating study question sessions with practice tests. Confidence level is coming up; I'm working on "correct answer recognition" at this point. Seems to be working.

Just like when I go to the range - if I stay too long at it, performance diminishes as I get tired. Frequency, not duration of session, works ever so much better for me. Time just fell right, right now - for me to run sessions throughout the day, most days and the local guys just happened to try to pull together a test session for the 30th. I've been new general questions in the mix, too. Just in case the 30th falls through. Having a solid deadline is good pressure for me.
Title: Re: My dumb questions
Post by: AD on June 27, 2015, 04:47:46 PM
Good.  You will do well.  Is your email that's listed here when you signed up a good one?
Title: Re: My dumb questions
Post by: Sacajawea on June 28, 2015, 11:54:45 AM
Yes it is. I don't check it everyday - but I do check it.

Lot going on around here right now. Most of it in my head. I haven't settled into Ham stuff yet today. I seem to do 0 to 90, once I've made up my mind what I'm doing.
Title: Re: My dumb questions
Post by: dangerdan on June 28, 2015, 12:13:16 PM
Hey Sacajawea .
Pedal  to the metal .

Good luck with both .
You can do it .



DD
Title: Re: My dumb questions
Post by: Sacajawea on June 28, 2015, 12:37:48 PM
I feel pretty good about it. Have told myself, just PASS and don't play perfectionist.

Thanks for the luck!
Title: Re: My dumb questions
Post by: ghrit on June 28, 2015, 02:46:43 PM
I feel pretty good about it. Have told myself, just PASS and don't play perfectionist.

Yep, it's pass or fail, there are no points for style.
Title: Re: My dumb questions
Post by: AD on June 28, 2015, 02:58:59 PM
What radio are you looking at for your first radio?

Need suggestions ?
Title: Re: My dumb questions
Post by: Sacajawea on June 30, 2015, 07:00:09 PM
Passed Tech; Passed General.

I have a radio (handheld) - just have to dig it out of hurricane preps and see what it is. Already recruited for emcomms (it is storm season)... and to help with the multiple marathons they have here. Might have some time to shop/ask questions on equipment - but we leave Monday to go shopping for a 2nd location - so there are a few things to do around here first.

Have local help too. MOST of the hams are on the south OBX: Hatteras, Ocracoke, Avon, etc.
Title: Re: My dumb questions
Post by: AD on June 30, 2015, 07:13:43 PM
Way to go girl!!!! Was it easy because of your preparation? 

I think you have my phone#. If not email me and we can talk.  I am home all weekend.

Now,the spending starts  8)
Title: Re: My dumb questions
Post by: W.Lynn on June 30, 2015, 07:48:43 PM
Congrats Sac!
Title: Re: My dumb questions
Post by: dangerdan on June 30, 2015, 07:51:54 PM
Sacajawea  :



Congrats on passing Tech/General....I knew that you could .
I am so happy for you .

License to learn by doing ...

Did I say sweet potato pie ?


DD