Amateur Radio
(Ham Radio)
Technician License
(Element 2)
Instructor
Dennis Harding (B3)
KD7PSV
Sep 2005
Copy Write Dennis Harding
Agenda for Today
•
Introductions to Amateur Radio
– Objectives
 Course Outline
 Frequently asked questions about Amateur Radio
 License, Different licenses, and requirements
•
Radio Spectrum and Licensing (FCC Rules)
– Objectives
 Some Fundamentals about Waves
 Radio Spectrum and How and Why it is regulated
– Band Plans
– Emission types





•
•
Principles of Amateur Radio
Licensing Procedure and Call Sign Allocation
Point of communication
Station Logs
Do’s and Don’t
Review – group test
Assignments for next week
Sep 2005
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What we are going to cover.
• Topics

–
–
–
–
–
–
Radio Spectrum, Licensing and Methods (09/22) T1,T2,T7A/B
Radio Phenomena
(09/29) T2,T3,
Station Licensee and Control Op Duties (10/06) T4,T5
Good Operating Practices, Special Ops (10/13) T6,T9
Basic Electronics
(10/20) T7
Good Engineering Practices
(10/27) T8
Electrical, Antennas and RF Safety
(11/03) T0
• Review/Test
– Review/Practice
– Test
(11/10)
(11/17)
• Home Study
– Reading Assignments
– Home Work
– Morse Code
Sep 2005
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Frequently Asked Questions
•
–
–
–
–
•
–
–
–
•
•
Recognized as a valuable asset during
disasters and emergency.
Advancement of the radio art.
Enhance international good will.
Produces Trained Radio Operators and
Technicians
•
Anybody*
No Age Limit – You have to be able to take
the test.
–
–
Lots of reasons




Emergency Communications
It Fun
New Friends
You want to know more about electronics
•
Basic math
You don’t need to be a rocket scientist
Do I need to be at every class?
–
–
–
Sep 2005
Maybe
Not required for Technician
Required for General, Extra and HF privileges
on HF
FCC is reviewing Morse Code Requirement.
Most likely be eliminated next year.
What about the math and theory
–
–
Why should you get an Amateur License?
HT: $50 to $500
Mobile Stations $300 - $1000
Base Stations $300 - $60K+
It’s not the radio, it is the accessories.
Do I have to learn Morse Code?
–
–
–
•
Short Range local communication only
Not monitored for emergencies
What does it cost to set up a shack?
–
–
–
–
Who can get an Amateur License?
–
–
Why not just get and FRS radio?
–
–
Non-commercial / Not for profit
Self Training
Self Policing
Voluntary
Why is there Amateur Radio
–
•
•
What is Amateur Radio?
No
Questions and Answers on the test are public
domain
Read the book and study.
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License Requirements
Element Number
License Class
1 (CW)
Technician
2
3
X
Technician with
Morse Code
X
X
General
X
X
X
Amateur Extra
X
X
X
Sep 2005
4
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X
Examination Topic Distribution Over License Classes
Written Examination
Topics
Element 2 –
Technician Class
Pool
Commission’s Rules
Exam
Element 3 –
General Class
Pool
Exam
Element 4 –
Extra Class
Pool
Exam
112
9
66
6
117
7
Operating Procedures
55
5
66
6
65
5
Radio Wave Propagation
33
3
33
3
37
3
Amateur Radio Practices
44
4
55
5
79
5
Electrical Principles
33
3
22
2
140
9
Circuit Components
22
2
11
1
87
5
Practical Circuits
22
2
11
1
109
7
Signals and Emissions
20
2
22
2
73
4
Antennas and Feed Lines
22
2
44
4
94
5
RF Safety
31
3
55
5
0
0
394
35
385
35
801
50
Total Questions
Sep 2005
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Question Pool and Question
Numbering
•
Question Pool
–
–
ARRL maintains a pool of questions which are used on the test
Each Question is numbered using the following format: <c><s><g><nn> where




–
•
c = License (T – Technician, G – General, E Extra)
s = Sub-element
g = group
nn = question number
Example – T2B04
Technician Sub-elements
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
10.
Sep 2005
FCC Rules – 5 Questions
Methods of Communication – 2 Questions
Propagation – 2 Questions
Station Licensee Duties – 3 Questions
Control Operator Duties – 3 Questions
Good Operating Practices – 3 Questions
Basic Communication Electronics – 3 Questions
Good Engineering Practice – 6 Questions
Special Operations – 2 Questions
Electrical, Antenna Structure and RF Safety
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Exam Preparation and
Administration
• Test Location – Bothell Stake Center
• Test Date and Time – Nov 17th, Start at
6:30pm – end at 9:00pm
• Study the test questions
– Question pool is available to the public
– Answers are also available
Sep 2005
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Certificate of Successful
Completion (CSCE)
Sep 2005
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Federal Communications
Commissions Rules
Amateur Radio
Sep 2005
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T1 - FCC Rules
[5 Exam Questions -- 5 Groups]
–
–
–
–
–
T1A
Definition/purpose of Amateur Radio Service, Amateur-Satellite
Service in places where the FCC regulates these services and elsewhere; Part 97
and FCC regulation of the amateur services; Penalties for unlicensed operation
and for violating FCC rules; Prohibited transmissions.
T1B
International aspect of Amateur Radio; International and domestic
spectrum allocation; Spectrum sharing; International communications; reciprocal
operation.
T1C
All about license grants; Station and operator license grant structure
including responsibilities, basic differences; Privileges of the various operator
license classes; License grant term; Modifying and renewing license grant; Grace
period.
T1D
Qualifying for a license; General eligibility; Purpose of examination;
Examination elements; Upgrading operator license class; Element credit;
Provision for physical disabilities.
T1E
Amateur station call sign systems including Sequential, Vanity and
Special Event; ITU Regions; Call sign formats.
Sep 2005
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T2 – Methods of Communication
[2 Exam Questions -- 2 Groups]
–
–
Sep 2005
T2A
How Radio Works; Electromagnetic spectrum;
Magnetic/Electric Fields; Nature of Radio Waves;
Wavelength; Frequency; Velocity; AC Sine wave/Hertz;
Audio and Radio frequency.
T2B
Frequency privileges granted to Technician
class operators; Amateur service bands; Emission types
and designators; Modulation principles; AM/FM/Single
sideband/upper-lower, international Morse code (CW),
RTTY, packet radio and data emission types; Full quieting.
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FCC Part 97
• Title 47 governs all telecommunicatons in
the US. There are 301 parts (Part 0-300)
• Part 97 applies to Amateur Radio
• Copy available at:
http://www.arrl.org/FandES/field/regulation
s/rules-reg.html
Sep 2005
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Five Fundamental Purposes of Ham Radio
•
•
•
•
•
1. Recognition and enhancement of the value of the
amateur service to the public as a voluntary
noncommercial communication service, particularly with
respect to providing emergency communications
2. Continuation and extension of the amateur’s proven
ability to contribute to the advancement of the radio art.
3. Encouragement and improvement of the amateur
service through rules which provide for advancing skills
in both the communications and technical phases of the
art.
4. Expansion of the existing reservoir within the amateur
radio service of trained operators, technicians, and
electronics experts.
5. Continuation and extension of the amateur’s unique
Sep 2005
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ability to enhance international
goodwill.
International Telegraph Union
(ITU) Regions
Sep 2005
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Some Definitions
• US Ruling Body - FCC rules
are defined in Part 97
• Amateur Service – a radio
communication service, carried
out by authorized individual
without pecuniary interest.
• Amateur Operator – A
person granted a license for
amateur service
• Points of Communication –
Kind of radio station you can
communicate with: any amateur
station
• Unidentified Communications
– communications from an
unidentified source
• Amateur Station – A station
licensed for Amateur Service
• Amateur Space Station –
An amateur station over 50KM
high
• Interference – unwanted
signals
Sep 2005
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Susan J. Helms, KC7NHZ
Flight Engineer - ISS
Sep 2005
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Some Fundamentals
Common Terms
Sep 2005
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Basic Definitions
• Current Types - Direct Current (dc)/Alternating Current (ac)
– Batteries / House current
•
•
•
•
Units for Current – ampere (amp/ A)
Units for Potential – Volts (V)
Units for Power – Watts (W)
Characteristics of a AC wave assuming a frequency of 2
Hertz:
Cycle
Amplitude
Sep 2005
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1Copy
second
Sep 2005
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Lower Frequency – Longer Wavelength
Wave Terms
• Frequency (f) – Rate at which source disturbance
oscillates through one complete cycle (Hertz – Hz sec –1)
• Wavelength (λ) – Distance between two identical points
on adjacent waves or distance traveled by wave in one
cycle. (Length cm, mm, m)
• Velocity (v) – EM waves travel at speed of light, (v  c =
3 x 108 m/s*)
λ = v/f
λ(m)  300/f(MHz)
Y
+a
L
*
v
Sep 2005
-a
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λ
Propagation Velocity (v)
• Speed of light in
free space (c): 3 
108 m/s
• In dielectric and
plasma the velocity
of propagation is
lower: air =
2.999565096x108 m/s
Sep 2005
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v
c
r
air  1.00029
Wave Terms –
Cont.
• Amplitude (a) – Maximum displacement of wave from
constant reference value.
• Period (T) – Time to complete one cycle (time, sec)
T = 1/f
Y
+a
t
-a
Sep 2005
T
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Phase (Ф)
•
•
Identical Waves shifted
either ahead or behind due
to distance separations or
time delay.
Pick one as a reference and
determine phase difference
or phase shift between the
two.
advanced
Phase is measured in either degrees or radians.
radians = (2p/360o) x
degrees
degrees = (360o/2p) x
radians
Positive phase
shift
wave is advanced
o
radian
Negative phase shift57.3 per
wave
is retarded
Sep 2005
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Callsign Groups
All US Callsigns start with A, K, N or W
Group A
1x2, 2x1
W1AW, KU7M
Group B
2x2
KK7LK
Group C
1x3
N7WLO
Group D
2x3
KB7PJM
Sep 2005
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Call Districts
Sep 2005
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Do you need to keep a Log?
• Technically no.
• It’s good to keep a log
• Free logging software “n1mm”
Sep 2005
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Band Plans
Technician
Technician + Morse Code
General Class
Extra Class
Sep 2005
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Sep 2005
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2300 2310
2390
2450
1240
1300
902
928
420
430
5 MHz repeater frequency separation (Split)
450
Available North of Line A
222
219-220 MHz used for point-to-point digital links
225
144
600 kHz repeater frequency separation (Split)
148
50
Sep 2005
54
 No Code Technicians
Have
All Privileges
On The Above Bands 
Copy
Write
Dennis Harding
28 28.100
CW &
Data
21
28.300
28.500
29.0
29.7
CW &
SSB
21.100
21.200
21.450
CW Only
7
7.100
7.150
7.300
CW Only
3.5
3.675
3.725
4.0
CW
Only
Technician + HF CW
Legend
Notes
Technician + HF Voice
(SSB)
Bolded information appears in question pool
Technician Licensees may use up to 1500 watts PEP
Technician + HF Licensees may use up to 1500 watts PEP and 200 watts PEP on the HF bands
Sep 2005
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Emission Privileges
(modulation)
• Without Morse Code
– Single Side Band (SSB)
– Amplitude Modulation (AM)
– Frequency Modulation
(FM)
– Slow Scan Television
(SSTV)
– Amateur TV
– Digital
 RTTY
 PSK31
 PACTOR (I, II,III)
Sep 2005
• With Morse Code
–
–
–
–
Carrier Wave (CW)
Single Side Band (SSB)
Amplitude Modulation (AM)
Frequency Modulation
(FM)
– Slow Scan Television
(SSTV)
– Amateur TV
– Digital
 RTTY
 PSK31
 PACTOR (I,II,III)
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Amplitude Modulation
An unmodulated RF
carrier wave
A carrier wave AM
modulated with a
simple audio tone
Sep 2005
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Amplitude Modulation
An unmodulated RF
carrier requires narrow
bandwidth
Modulation of the carrier
creates sidebands. This
requires more bandwidth.
Transmitter power is
spread across this
bandwidth
Sep 2005
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AM and SSB
The carrier contains no
audio information.
The sidebands contain
duplicate audio information
By filtering out the carrier and one sideband,
we save spectrum and concentrate our RF
energy into a narrower bandwidth. SSB is
therefore more efficient.
Sep 2005
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Frequency Modulation
Unmodulated carrier, full
power at all times
Waveform of
modulating signal
Modulated carrier with
frequency deviation and
constant amplitude
Sep 2005
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Frequency Modulation
• FM transmitters operate at full power at
all times, even when you are not talking
• When an FM transmitter over-modulates,
the transmitted signal becomes so wide
(bandwidth) it may interfere with adjacent
channels. This is called over-deviation
Sep 2005
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PSK31 Digital Mode
Provides VERY EFFICIENT keyboard to keyboard chat
capability. PSK31 is not error-corrected.
Sep 2005
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What amateur do’s and don’t?
• What we can do
• What we cannot do
– Operate an amateur station
– Remote Control of Model
Craft
– Operate stations in other
countries (reciprocal
operating agreements)*
Sep 2005
– Broadcast to the general
public
– Use encrypted messages
– Broadcast music*
– Get Paid for Services*
– Malicious Interference
– Send False or Deceptive
Signals
– Transmit unidentified
communications*
– Use obscene language
– Use for business*
– Communicate with nonamateur stations*
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Frequency Sharing
• A band of frequencies allocated to different services, of
the same category, have equal rights to access.
• Goal - Minimize Interference
• Categories: Primary and Secondary
– Primary stations are protected from interference
– Secondary stations must not cause harmful interference
• Restriction Areas
– Military Bases
– 70cm Band
 No transmission at 420-430MHz above line “A” (50 mi from Canada
Sep 2005
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FCC Line A
Sep 2005
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Group Test
Sep 2005
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T1A01
–
–
–
–
Sep 2005
A.
B.
C.
D.
Who makes and enforces the rules for the
amateur service in the United States?
The Congress of the United States
The Federal Communications Commission (FCC)
The Volunteer Examiner Coordinators (VECs)
The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI)
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T1A01
– A.
Who makes and enforces the rules for the
amateur service in the United States?
The Congress of the United States
• B. The Federal Communications Commission (FCC)
– C.
– D.
Sep 2005
The Volunteer Examiner Coordinators (VECs)
The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI)
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T1A02
What are two of the five fundamental purposes
for the amateur service in the United States?
–
–
–
–
A.
To protect historical radio data, and help the public understand
radio history
B.
To help foreign countries improve communication and technical
skills, and encourage visits from foreign hams
C.
To modernize radio schematic drawings, and increase the pool
of electrical drafting people
D.
To increase the number of trained radio operators and
electronics experts, and improve international goodwill
Sep 2005
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T1A02
What are two of the five fundamental purposes
for the amateur service in the United States?
–
–
–
A.
To protect historical radio data, and help the public understand
radio history
B.
To help foreign countries improve communication and technical
skills, and encourage visits from foreign hams
C.
To modernize radio schematic drawings, and increase the pool
of electrical drafting people
• D. To increase the number of trained radio operators and
electronics experts, and improve international goodwill
Sep 2005
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T1A06When is the transmission of codes or ciphers
allowed to hide the meaning of a message transmitted by
an amateur station?
–
–
–
–
Sep 2005
A.
Only during contests
B.
Only during nationally declared emergencies
C.
Codes and ciphers may not be used to obscure the
meaning of a message, although there are special exceptions
D.
Only when frequencies above 1280 MHz are used
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T1A06
When is the transmission of codes or
ciphers allowed to hide the meaning of a message
transmitted by an amateur station?
– A.
– B.
Only during contests
Only during nationally declared emergencies
• C. Codes and ciphers may not be used to obscure the
meaning of a message, although there are special
exceptions
– D.
Sep 2005
Only when frequencies above 1280 MHz are used
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T1A11When may an amateur station transmit unidentified
communications?
–
–
–
–
Sep 2005
A.
Only during brief tests not meant as messages
B.
Only when they do not interfere with others
C.
Only when sent from a space station or to control a
model craft
D.
Only during two-way or third-party communications
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T1A11
– A.
– B.
When may an amateur station transmit
unidentified communications?
Only during brief tests not meant as messages
Only when they do not interfere with others
• C. Only when sent from a space station or to control a
model craft
– D.
Sep 2005
Only during two-way or third-party communications
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T1B01What are the frequency limits of the 6-meter band in
ITU Region 2?
–
–
–
–
Sep 2005
A.
B.
C.
D.
52.0 - 54.5 MHz
50.0 - 54.0 MHz
50.1 - 52.1 MHz
50.0 - 56.0 MHz
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T1B01
–
A.
• B.
–
–
Sep 2005
What are the frequency limits of the 6-meter
band in ITU Region 2?
52.0 - 54.5 MHz
50.0 - 54.0 MHz
C.
D.
50.1 - 52.1 MHz
50.0 - 56.0 MHz
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T1B06What are the frequency limits of the 23-centimeter
band in ITU Region 2?
–
–
–
–
Sep 2005
A.
B.
C.
D.
1260 - 1270 MHz
1240 - 1300 MHz
1270 - 1295 MHz
1240 - 1246 MHz
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T1B06
–
A.
• B.
–
–
Sep 2005
What are the frequency limits of the 23centimeter band in ITU Region 2?
1260 - 1270 MHz
1240 - 1300 MHz
C.
D.
1270 - 1295 MHz
1240 - 1246 MHz
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T1C03
How soon after you pass the examination
elements required for your first Amateur Radio license may
you transmit?
–
–
–
–
Sep 2005
A.
Immediately
B.
30 days after the test date
C.
As soon as the FCC grants you a license and the data
appears in the FCC's ULS data base
D.
As soon as you receive your license from the FCC
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T1C03
How soon after you pass the examination
elements required for your first Amateur Radio license
may you transmit?
–
–
A.
B.
Immediately
30 days after the test date
• C.
As soon as the FCC grants you a license and
the data appears in the FCC's ULS data base
–
Sep 2005
D.
As soon as you receive your license from the FCC
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T1D01
Who can become an amateur licensee in the
US?
– A.
Anyone except a representative of a foreign
government
– B.
Only a citizen of the United States
– C.
Anyone except an employee of the US government
– D.
Anyone
Sep 2005
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T1D01
Who can become an amateur licensee in
the US?
• A. Anyone except a representative of a foreign
government
– B.
– C.
– D.
Sep 2005
Only a citizen of the United States
Anyone except an employee of the US government
Anyone
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T1E02What letters must be used for the first letter in US
amateur call signs?
–
–
–
–
A.
B.
C.
D.
Sep 2005
K, N, U and W
A, K, N and W
A, B, C and D
A, N, V and W
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T1E02What letters must be used for the first letter in
US amateur call signs?
– A.
K, N, U and W
• B. A, K, N and W
– C.
– D.
Sep 2005
A, B, C and D
A, N, V and W
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What bands are these
frequencies?
•
80/75 meter band
3.975 MHz _______
•
15
21.25 MHz _______
meter band
•
2
145.21 MHz _______
meter band
•
40
7,233 kHz _______
meter band
•
10
28.350 MHz _______
meter band
Sep 2005
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How is the wavelength of a radio wave
related to its frequency?
Sep 2005
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Next Week
• Radio Phenomena
– Propagation
– Useful Tools
• Home work
– Read Chapters 1-3 of “Now You Are Talking!”
– Review Questions in sections T1,T2 and
T7A/B
– Practice Exam 1
Sep 2005
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Backup Slides
Sep 2005
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Current Amateur License Classes
and Exam Requirements
License Class
Exam
Element
Type of examination
Technician
Class
2
35-Question, multiple choice written
examination. Minimum passing score is
26 questions answered correctly (74%)
General Class
3
35-question, multiple choice written
examination. Minimum passing score is
26 questions answered correctly (74%).
Also requires passing Element 1 Morse
Code.
Extra Class
4
50-question, multiple choice written
examination. Minimum passing score is
37 questions answered correctly (74%)
Morse Code*
1
Demonstrate the ability to receive Morse
code at a 5 word per minute rate.
Sep 2005
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Wavelength vs Frequency
• The distance a radio wave travels in one cycle is
called wavelength
V+
One Cycle
0V
time
VOne Wavelength
Sep 2005
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Frequency to Wavelength
Conversion
• To convert from frequency to
wavelength in meters:
300
Wavelength = freq (MHz)
Frequency and wavelength are inversely proportional –
as one increases, the other decreases
Longer (wavelength) – Lower (frequency)
Sep 2005
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Sep 2005
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Sep 2005
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ITU Regions
Sep 2005
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Frequency
Band
Power
Rate
30-300 GHz
EHF
No spec
3-30 GHz
SHF
No spec
300-3000 MHz
UHF
.001-1.5 kW
56 kbaud
And up
Space Waves
Short Range (LOS))
30-300 MHz
VHF
.001-1.5 kW
19600 baud
56000 baud
3-30 MHz
HF
.001-1.5 kW
300 baud
1200 baud
Sky
Wave
Long
Range
300-3000 kHz
MF
.001-1.5 kW
75 baud
300 baud
30-300 kHz
LF
1.5 kW
75 baud
3-30 kHz
VLF
Ground Waves
Very Long Range
Sep 2005
3-30 Hz
ELF
50 baud
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1-2
Sep 2005
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Sep 2005
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28 28.100
21
28.300
CW &
Data
28.500
CW &
21.100SSB
29.0
21.200
29.7
21.450
CW Only
7
7.100
7.150
7.300
CW Only
3.5
3.675
3.725
4.0
CW
Only
Technician + HF CW
Legend
Technician + HF Voice
(SSB)
Notes
Bolded information appears in question pool
Technician Licensees may use up to 1500 watts PEP
Technician + HF Licensees may use up to 1500 watts PEP and 200 watts PEP on the HF bands
Sep 2005
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