GROL+RADAR book & software

I purchased this book recently as I am looking to get my GROL+RADAR license. After 30 years in Information Technology and an electronics hobbyist even longer (I have also been an amateur radio operator for 25 years), I am looking at a career change and the GROL is the ticket into the commercial field of electronics. I have used Gordon West's study guides in the past with great success and this book is no different. So far, I have gotten 3/4 of the way through Element 1 and, just for fun, took two different online practice exams which I passed. So I am definitely retaining the material. I will be updating this review as I progress and ultimately pass the exam. I have only one minor complaint that is not a show stopper. I wish the book came spiral bound instead of perfect bound or was at least offered in a spiral bound option. While perfect bound is more durable and not subject to pages coming loose and falling out, the book does not lie flat on the desk and it makes it a bit difficult for me to cover the answers as I study. Otherwise I think the book is great. Update 1: I took the element 1 and 8 exams today (I want to focus exclusively on element 3 next without worrying about the other elements) and passed both with 100%. Using this book in combination with practice sites on the web is a great way to learn the material. I want to not only know the answers but the reason for the answers and that is where this book comes in. Frankly, if you just want to know the answers and not the theory behind the answer then this book is probably not for you. But if you want to know the formulas and the reasons a particular answer is correct then this is the book to get. I expect to post another update once I pass element 3. Update 2: I took element 3 in November 2014 and passed with a 99 out of 100. The one question I missed I actually got right on my scratch paper but I selected the wrong letter answer on the test sheet. The proctor commented to me that I was one of the best prepared testers she had ever had. I highly recommend this book.

I had to get this book for college and i already have ham radio license, and the general radio telephone operator, GROL, has 600 questions in the pool, so would be hard to memorize, module one, the laws is easy and basic, for me, the radar part is an interest and in the working world makes you open for alot more jobs. The book covers all 3 of those subjects which are Fcc the general radio (GROL), element 1, element 3, and element 8 (Radar). If you are looking at this book, the new books have one for twenty bucks more and it has the practice exam CD in it. It is a very small program and I passed all my testing so far by just going through the book for explanations i didnt understand and then the practice Cd, which you can take any part of the elements and any subpart, and see which areas you are week. It is just how i learn, repetive, and it was priceless for me, passed everything by just doing what i mentioned. Very much recommend, and especially with the CD, practice tests, it is worth it, to me the CD is worth more than the book. Dont hesitate, CD!!

I was frustrated with other material because it just gave the questions and answers which I don't like because some of the questions I don't know anything about. Gordon gives a brief explanation on the answers so while I may not fully understand some of the terms, it helps something to draw on when test taking. Although, some of the terms I wish he'd go in depth a little more. You definitely need a background to fully understand everything. As a navaid/ATG radio guy, I was clueless about the marine radios and terminology. I thought this came with the software and it did not, but that was an overlook by myself. If you search fcc tests online, you will find some free practice tests that are very helpful as well.

I passed the GROL exam elements 1 & 3 on my first attempt today, after nearly 3 months of on and off study. In general, this book by Gordon West has some very good discussions, even if it is at times a bit too detailed and exhaustive. Please note that no practice software is included with this book. Accordingly, I'd strongly recommend studying GROL question and answer databases on the internet as a supplement. Using the Q/A databases, you can quickly spot issues and trends that will help navigate the FCC's dense, 744-count question pool. Good luck to you all !

This manual has the questions and answers for the GROL with RADAR test. It takes your studying to the next level by explaining the answer so you have more anchors to associate why it was answered that way. Accurate, and logical while adding value to your studying time. A must for the professional.

Great book that help someone understand the questions and answers. This is the only book I bought along with using online study material and passed the GROL

Outstanding study guide for the GROL and Radar endorsement. The book is geared toward passing your exam, so if you are looking for something to help you really understand the material then this is not for you. However, with that being said, Gordon West "Gordo" takes you through each question and explains why the correct one is the right one by giving you detailed theory and explanation for EVERY question. The main goal is to help you pass your exam and I highly recommend this guide to anyone looking to pass elements 1,3 and 8. Shipping was fast and packaging was as expected from Amazon. Great value and I will buy more in the Gordon West series.

Great book. This helped me get the license that i needed.