Ham University description
Ham University - The #1 Windows Program for helping you pass all your FCC Amateur Radio Exams
Actual Morse code lessons are accessed by clicking on Lessons.
You must first put a Lesson Plan together. This is easily accomplished following the directions guided by Morris the Cat - an animated cat who assists by describing each function the mouse pointer indicates.
My favorite method is the Exercise approach done by copying with the keyboard. What you type is shown in the lower panel. At the end of the exercise, you can compare what you typed with the sent message displayed in the upper panel.
Variables that you can manually adjust include speed in words per minute, character speed, message length and word length.
In addition to all this, Ham University offers a Morse game called PENTODE. The object is to build a large number of points in a short period of time. These points are received by connecting two or more tiles (the more the better), each containing
the same character, as a diode (side by side), triode, tetrode or pentode. Personally, I found the game far less exciting than the speed exercise to copy Morse on the keyboard in the shortest possible time.
Conclusion
Ham University is a useful and excellent program for anyone wishing to use a PC to study for an Amateur Radio license, regardless of which level they wish to pursue.
Of course, my recommendation is to use such a program in conjunction with a class. In the absence of such a class, Ham University provides everything you need to go from ground zero all the way to Amateur Extra-in the comfort of your own living room.
I-d be remiss in this review if I neglected to mention something else. Displayed at the top of each page of the instruction booklet is a flag of a foreign country. Next to the flag is the appropriate country name, accompanied by its latitude and longitude, CQ Zone number and call sign prefix. This is a very nice touch, adding to the educational and instructional factor of the Ham University program.
Here are some key features of "Ham University":
· FCC Quiz section lets you focus on troublesome questions
· FCC Exam section lets you take practice tests
· The Lessons section gives you a structured approach to learning Morse code at your own pace
· The Exercise section lets you practice copying real world-like QSOs
· Pentode is the game that is included and helps you increase your speed and have fun at the same time.
· Great for schools and clubs
· The easy way to upgrade your license and get more privileges.
Requirements:
· Sound card - preferably not Soundblaster