Hi Ivan,
         I just up-graded to extra using the qrz.com web sight and the
tests they have there.  I just kept taking them until I was able to pass
and then to get almost all right every time.  It worked great.  I don't
think I needed much else.  Give it a try.
         People on the list seem to think that Kenwood is still the best at
being blind friendly.
73, Carl
At 11:14 AM 12/09/2002, you wrote:
>Hi all,
>    I've wanted to get into ham radio for a while now, and it's finally
>going to happen.  I apologize if some of the questions in this email are
>answered elsewhere - I'm doing my best at searching the BlindHams
>archives and other sites (ARRL, HandyHam) and trying to average together
>all the information.
>
>    I'd like to study for and obtain my Technition license (which I
>understand is currently the most "beginner" license one can obtain).  I
>plan to learn code and obtain a general license in the future, but would
>like to get started with technition.
>
>    Here are the questions I have thus fvar...:
>
>    1. I've downloaded the technition question pool (l2-2000) but would
>like to have some other study materials as well.  I've seen multiple
>mentions of the "now you're talking" book (HandyHam offers this by mail) -
>Is there any way of obtaining this book in electronic format without the
>wait for postal mail, or does anyone have better alternative study
>materials they'd recommend so I can get started sooner?
>
>    2. I know nothing about what might be the best radio for me to purchase
>- I'd like to get something that I can grow into once I've passed my
>general exam (I assume purchasing such a radio without any licenses is not
>a problem as long as I don't transmit on frequencies I'm not licensed
>for).  I'd also like to use what ever radio I purchase to
>ocationally communicate with folks on CB, FRS, and GMRS frequencies (is
>this a problem).  Are Kenwood radios still the best as far as
>accessibility for the totally blind?  I've read that some Icom models are
>pretty good in that department too.  What kind of "accessible out of the
>box" comercial rigs are available?
>
>    3. What is the most accessible and complete chart out there explaining
>the available bands and frequencies (I don't yet know the differences
>between the bands)?  I'm fasenated by the wealth of listening and
>talking/coding one can do, and want to get a more complete picture.
>
>    I apreciate any info any of you can offer, thanks in advance for your
>time.
>
>    Also, I know there are a decent amount of frequently asked questions
>(FAQ) documents out there - is there one covering these sorts of questions
>and other BlindHams topics?
>
>Thanks,
>Ivan Fetch.