My old physics teacher at school always used to say:
"go back to basics lad!" - the same applies with ham radio exams
David
-----Original Message-----
From: For blind ham radio operators [mailto:[log in to unmask]]
On Behalf Of Scott Howell
Sent: Tuesday, December 27, 2011 1:42 AM
To: [log in to unmask]
Subject: Re: Question on time constants
Hi Carolyn,
I agree that some memorization is necessary, but I'm not so sure one can =
just memorize the answers for all the possible questions dealing with =
theory. I remember trying this when I took my Tech license back in the =
early 90's and I remember I really struggled with it. So, I have always =
felt that I should understand enough to be able to work the problem =
regardless. In other words, it would be easier for me to understand at =
least how to work the math than it would be to memorize all the answers. = I
really find math to be a challenge, but I find it even a greater = challenge
to just accept something without exploring the "why." I am = sure you are
right that I will likely not use much of the theory, but = not for a lack of
wanting to build and blow stuff up. grin. I am a = tinkerer by nature or
well I used to be, but I don't have the time like = I used too. grin.
Thanks,
73
Scott/N3BYY
On Dec 26, 2011, at 7:57 PM, Carolyn Johnson wrote:
> Hi,
>=20
> I know it's terrible, but I took my extra years ago, and all I =
basically did=20
> was remember the answers. A lot of what you learn you aren't going to
> =
use.=20
> Some of it you will. If you spend a lot of time learning a lot of =
theory, it=20
> really won't help any better with passing. As long as you somewhat=20
> understand what the materials are talking about. You'll take years at
> =
that=20
> rate. This is just my thoughts on it. You decide for yourself how you
> =
want=20
> to handle your particular situation.
>=20
> Carolyn Kj4vt
>=20
>=20
> --------------------------------------------------
> From: "Scott Howell" <[log in to unmask]>
> Sent: Monday, December 26, 2011 7:00 PM
> To: <[log in to unmask]>
> Subject: Question on time constants
>=20
>> Hi folks,
>>=20
>> I am studying away and hope I can call on you good folks now and then
>>=
as =3D
>> I try to understand the electronic theory. Ok, so I'll admit that =
math =3D
>> is not my strong point and I'm sure some believe that Hams should =
know =3D
>> this stuff really well and I do agree, but nevertheless I'm not going
>> =
to =3D
>> just memorize stuff. I don't think that will help me much because I =
do =3D
>> need to understand the "how" and I tend to do better.
>> So, here is my question.
>> I'm listening to the Handiham Extra Class lecture and this gent Tony
>> =
is =3D
>> talking about measuring time constance. I get the general idea, but
>> =3D=
>> where I'm a little confused is with capacitance and resistance as it
>> =
=3D
>> relates to series and parallel circuits.
>> Of course I should recall from my studies as a Tech and General, but
>> =
=3D
>> that was a pile of years back and I did not put into practice what I
>> =
=3D
>> learned. SHould find some breadboard and stuff to play with which =3D
>> probably would help a great deal.
>> In any case, if you have two capacitors in series equals half the =
value =3D
>> of one capacitor. SO, if I have this correct and you have two 100 =
micro =3D
>> farad caps you would actually have just 100 micro farad caps. In =
other =3D
>> words you add both together and then divide?
>> For parallel do you just add the two and do not divide?
>> What about resistors in series? I gather the resistors are doubled, =
so =3D
>> two one hundred KOhm resistors becomes 200KOhm?
>> Now of course if anyone has any references that I should review that
>> =
=3D
>> would be beneficial to my understanding/recollection, please let me
>> =3D=
>> know. I unfortunately lost a lot of my notes when I moved and I had
>> =3D=
>> taken copious notes on the electrical theory and I wish I still had
>> =3D=
>> those.
>> If any of this made no sense at all just let me know because I =
probably =3D
>> did not do a good job of explaining things.
>>=20
>> 73
>> Scott/N3BYY=20
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