DNA Testing - Why Not

[nickgc]

Oops!  I should have explained better that I chose that one as an example of how a non-Latin alphabet set of surnames would appear, and only if you were looking at a project level.

Initially FTDNA will give you links based on the number of STR markers you match with other people, e.g. 12 markers exact, 12 markers with genetic distance of 1, 25 markers, 37 markers, etc.  Each match will have a name and email address.  Some of them have brief trees linked.  All of my top matches have the same common surname as I do, but if it was a name that changed because of a foreign sibling of one of your father's ancestors moving from Russia to England, then you might recognize that as a probable relative.

It really isn't that difficult... and if you have it done contact me at anytime for help.

Nick

[Ruskie]

Oops!  I should have explained better that I chose that one as an example of how a non-Latin alphabet set of surnames would appear, and only if you were looking at a project level.

Phew....

Thanks for making it sound 'fairly' simple.  If/when I get the test done I may very well take up your kind offer of assistance.

[davidft]

A question on Y DNA tests.

I know there are several tests that vary in their degree of sophistication ie

Y-DNA 12 – 12 marker test not much good for genealogical research

Y-DNA 25 – 25 marker test may be of limited use

Y-DNA 37 – 37 marker test and usually recommended as the minimum for genealogical research

Y-DNA67 – 67 marker test. Offers a higher degree of sophistication and shorter timespan in which results may occur (ie matches within a smaller time frame)

Y-DNA111 – 111 marker test, the rolls Royce of tests gives as much accuracy as presently possible.

So my question is how much more statistically useful is a 67 test or a 111 test against a standard 37 test ? (I have looked at the time to most common ancestor table in the FAQs on ftDNA but not really telling me what I want - or if thats possible)

Thanks

[flipflops]

Ruski - Relative Roots http://relativeroots.net/webinars/ are having a webinar on Y- DNA tomorrow. Maybe it would be worth signing up for it? I think it's $5.

You can ask questions during the webinar, and I think there's a fairly extensive Q&A session at the end. I also think they'll give you a discount on Family Tree DNA. Hopefully you'll find he answers you're looking for.

Meanwhile the way I understand it is that the more markers you have tested the more likely it is that you can pin a match down to a more recent generation. I believe the Difference between 67 and 111 markers on a complete match is 1 generation.

AS far as cost goes, it works out cheaper to order the top range straight off, than ordering a lesser test and then upgrading.

[Ruskie]

Ruski - Relative Roots http://relativeroots.net/webinars/ are having a webinar on Y- DNA tomorrow. Maybe it would be worth signing up for it? I think it's $5.

You can ask questions during the webinar, and I think there's a fairly extensive Q&A session at the end. I also think they'll give you a discount on Family Tree DNA. Hopefully you'll find he answers you're looking for.

Meanwhile the way I understand it is that the more markers you have tested the more likely it is that you can pin a match down to a more recent generation. I believe the Difference between 67 and 111 markers on a complete match is 1 generation.

AS far as cost goes, it works out cheaper to order the top range straight off, than ordering a lesser test and then upgrading.

Thanks for the tip. I'll have a look at that. I've never heard of a webinar - you learn something new every day. 

It makes sense to get the test with more markers - those I was looking at yesterday cost many hundreds of dollars .... I am hoping for a windfall ... from somewhere.

[flipflops]

Of course, unless some of your relatives have been tested and are on the database, it doesn't matter what level of test you get

[Redroger]

Ruskie, I believe FTDNA have a sale on right now until 31st December

[Ruskie]

Thanks RR - I will have a look. 

[Nick29]

FTDNA do indeed have a sale on until 31/12/2011.

And, despite what they say on their website, their kits are despatched to Europe via Air Mail, so the kit should arrive within 14 days (maybe a little longer during the Christmas rush).