Radio Merit Badge Workbook
This is the answer sheet and Instructor notes for the official workbook.. Please have an empty
answer sheet in front of you as a guide.
Each scout must have their own answer sheet.
Have each scout fill in their name and unit/troop number on each page.
There are 11 pages
Have each scout fill in YOUR name and telephone # on the first page
The last page is a QSO log.
Each scout must get five QSO
HAM’s are positioned around camp to help with these.
The HAMS must initial the QSO log.
Start of questions
1. Explain what radio is. Then discuss the following:
Radio is a way to communicate electronically from one place to
another without wires.
a. The differences between broadcast radio
One-way to the public.
and hobby radio.
For fun or general interest, but not for profit.
b. The differences between broadcasting
Could be commercial (music, news, sports) or not commercial (school
radio stations, Voice of America)
and two-way communications.
Both send (transmit) and receive messages. This includes FRS,
Amateur, CB, fire, police, etc.
c. Radio call signs and how they are used in broadcast radio and amateur radio
Call signs identify the station and are required by law.
Broadcast: KSWB, WGN
K west of Mississippi
W east of Mississippi
Amateur: KF4AVG, KQ4UK, WT4S, WA4WPD, W4MY, WN4Z
Call assigned by districts
Call signs can tell you where a station is in the world.
d. The phonetic alphabet and how it is used to communicate clearly.
Phonetics: Words used for letters to make spelling more clear.
Alfa, Bravo, Charlie, Delta, Echo, Foxtrot, Golf, Hotel, India, Juliett,
Kilo, Lima, Mike, November, Oscar, Papa, Quebec, Romeo, Sierra,
Tango, Uniform, Victor, Whiskey, X-ray, Yankee, Zulu, One, Two,
Three(tree), Four, Five(fife), Six, Seven, Eight, Nine(niner), Zero.
2. Do the following:
a. Sketch a diagram showing how radio waves travel locally and around the world.
Line-of-sight where the antennas can "see" each other. (You to #1 in
this picture).
If a hill is in the way, a repeater on top a mountain or building can
relay the signal over it. (You to #2).
High frequency (HF) radio bounces off the ionosphere long distances
(You to #3) (Skip).
Signals can also be relayed by satellite or even moon bounce or
meteor trails.
Explain how the broadcast radio stations, WWV and WWVH can be used to help determine what you will
hear when you listen to a shortwave radio?
WWV in Colorado (male voice) and WWVH in Hawaii (female voice)
broadcast the time on several frequencies (2.5, 5, 10, 15 & 20MHz).
By listening for these stations on their regular frequencies you can tell
how good signals from those states are on the different radio bands.
Time is given in Coordinated Universal Time (UTC), also known as
Greenwich Mean Time (GMT) or Zulu (Z), which is fives hours later
than Eastern Standard Time. This avoids confusion in having to know
the local time zone and if Daylight Savings time is in effect.
b. Explain the difference between a DX
Distant (not local, some folks assume it means out of the country).
Any station received via atmospheric skip can be considered DX.
and a local station.
Closer, therefore more common. Received via line of sight.
Discuss what the Federal Communication Commission (FCC) does
FCC: Federal Communications Commission,
- Sets rules in US
- Enforces same rules.
- Rules define
Kind of equipment
Frequencies
Content.
and how it is different from the International Telecommunication Union.
ITU: International Telecommunications Union
- Part of the United Nations
- Sets band plans internationally
- Set international standards
- Assigns call sign lists.
3. Do the following:
a. Draw a chart of the electromagnetic spectrum covering 100 kilohertz (kHz) to 1000 megahertz (MHz).
b. Label the MF, HF, VHF, UHF, and microwave portions of the spectrum on your diagram.
c. Locate on your chart at least eight radio services such as AM and FM commercial broadcast, citizens
band (CB), television, amateur radio (at least four amateur radio bands), and public service (police and fire).
Radio
100kHz
1MHz
10MHz
100MHz
1000MHz
Notes
MF
HF
HF
VHF
300KHz to 3MHz
3MHz to 30MHz
3MHz to 30MHz
30MHz to 300MHz
UHF
300MHz to 1000MHz
Microwave
greater than 1000MHz
4. Explain how radio waves carry information.
A detailed explanation of what happens inside a radio is too
complicated for most Scouts. The definition of these words
should suffice.
Include in your explanation: transceiver,
Transceiver: Transmitter and receiver in one box
transmitter,
Transmitter: Sends radio signals after converting the audio and or
pictures to radio frequencies
AM Amplitude Modulation
FM Frequency Modulation
amplifier,
Amplifier: Makes signals or sounds more powerful.
Amplifiers are inside of most transceivers, although you might add a
larger one for more power if needed.
and antenna.
Antenna: Sends radio signals out from the transmitter and receives
them for the receiver. Can vary from small whips found on a car to
long single wires to large multipart beams. Size can vary from a few
inches to 100's of feet long.
Suggested End of Part ONE. If you have time keep going.
Start of Part Two
5. Do the following:
a. Explain the differences between a block diagram
Block diagram: Shows parts of radio station.
and a schematic diagram.
Schematic diagram: Shows in detail how an electrical circuit works. It
uses schematic symbols (see "d" below) to show the path of a circuit
the way a map uses map symbols to show the path of travel on a
hiking trail, or road.
b. Draw a block diagram for a radio station that includes a transceiver, amplifier, microphone, antenna, and
feed line.
c. Explain the differences between an open circuit,
No current flows - There is no electrical contact - For example, when
a light switch is off
a closed circuit,
Current flows correctly - For example, when a light switch is on
and a short circuit.
Current flows directly to the other side of the circuit - For example, a
broken lamp cord where the insulation on the wires is broken so the
two wires can touch each other - This is dangerous and can cause a
fire. This will hopefully blow the fuse before it causes too much
trouble, if the fuse is the right size.
d. Draw eight schematic symbols. (See the graph paper below.)
Explain what three of the represented parts do.
Draw on flip chart. Instructors choice. Must have at least
EIGHT, draw more, give them a choice
Fuse
Contains a thin wire which is made to break which protects the rest of the circuit from damage if
there is too much current, like from a short circuit.
Battery
Stores electric energy.
Resistor
Resists the flow of electric current, reducing its flow.
Variable resistor
Like a regular resistor, but adjustable. For example, the volume knob on your stereo.
Earth ground
A connection between the equipment (radio) and the earth, usually through a copper pipe driven
into the soil.
Chassis ground
A connection of the negative side of the electronic circuit to the chassis, or steel frame, of the
equipment.
Capacitor
Gets and stores an electric charge. Lets alternating current (AC - like in your house) flow but
stops direct current (DC - like from a battery).
Variable capacitor
Same as a regular capacitor, but adjustable.
NPN transistor
Amplifies a current.
PNP transistor
Amplifies a current.
Coil
Also called a choke, it works the opposite of a capacitor. It lets DC flow but stops AC.
Tube
A vacuum tube made of glass with wire filaments inside. Amplifies a current. It has been replaced
by transistors in most home equipment, but is still found in some high power radio transmitters.
Antenna
Sends radio frequency signals into the air.
SPST switch
Single-pole single-throw switch. Has two positions, on and off. Like most light switches
DPDT switch
Double-pole double-throw switch. A double-throw switch has three positions. It can switch one
input to one of two outputs - sort of like the switch you put on your television to switch between
watching TV and playing your video game. The double-pole means it can switch a pair of inputs
to either of two pairs of outputs.
Find three electrical components to match to three of these symbols.
Let them go through the parts, they need to show you three. Initial their
worksheet when done.
6. Explain the safety precautions for working with radio gear,
Working on radios can be dangerous not only because they use
electricity but also because radio frequencies themselves can cause
burns if you touch an antenna when someone is transmitting. Some
general safety rules follow but these are not a complete safety guide
and are given only to assist in passing this merit badge requirement.
PLEASE DON'T DO ANY WORK ON ELECTRONIC EQUIPMENT
YOURSELF until you have learned from someone more experienced.
Also, remember it is illegal to work on radio transmitters without a
license.
* Electrical shock can hurt or kill you - make sure the power is
disconnected before working.
Unplug and disconnect.
* Even with the power off, some parts inside the radio can hold a
dangerous charge. If you don't know for sure what you are doing, get
help.
* Radio Frequency (RF) can burn you badly - keep antennas out
of reach of people and animals.
* RF radiation can be unhealthy - don't use a radio when it is not
completely assembled. The case keeps the RF radiation in.
Metal boxes are used in the transmitter to keep the RF in.
* Make sure the antennas can't touch any power lines or you
could be electricuted when using the radio.
* Be careful working on towers and roofs so you don't fall or hurt
someone on the ground.
Hard hats, safety belts.
including the concept of grounding for direct current circuits,
The low voltage side of a circuit. The negative side of a battery.
power outlets,
Early developers of electrical systems theorized that the earth was an
electrically neutral body, i.e. an equal number of negative and positive charges
are distributed throughout the earth at any given time. Being electrically
neutral, earth is considered to be at zero potential and establishes a
convenient reference frame for voltage measurements. Noting that voltmeters
read only the difference in potential between two points, absolute
measurements can be made by using earth as a reference.
A true earth ground, as defined by the National Electrical Code, physically
consists of a conductive pipe or rod driven into the earth to a minimum depth
of 8 feet.
and antenna systems
.
* Lightning can hit your antenna and travel down your lines to
the radio. Make sure your antenna and radio are grounded to a good
earth ground.
7. Visit a radio installation (an amateur radio station, broadcast station, or public communications center, for
example) approved
in advance by your counselor.
We have one here.
Discuss what types of equipment you saw in use, how it was used,
Transceiver
Used for HF contacts
Microphone
Used to input voice into transceiver
Antenna
Used to radiate radio wave
HT
Miniature transceiver with low power, built in microphone and antenna.
Used for VHF/UHF.
what types of licenses are required to operate and maintain the equipment,
FCC issued Amateur Radio License
and the purpose of the station.
A hobby station used for fun
8. Find out about three career opportunities in radio.
Start a dialog with the class,. Have them come up with the following. Tell them to fill out each of the
question 8 points as they come up.
On Air Personality
Disc Jockey
News reporter
Traffic reporter
Usually Journalism majors.
Requires good language skills
Start out in low population markets and work up.
Engineer
Tower Technician
Electrical / Electronic Degree is a start/
Varies by specialization.
Local codes may require PE.
Usually requires a sponsorship or apprenticeship
On the job training for lower levels.
BS wanted
Requires travel and work in hostile environments.
Pick one
See above
and find out the education, training, and experience required for this profession.
See above
Discuss this with your counselor, and explain why this profession might interest you.
See above
9. Do ONE of the following: (a OR b OR c )
a. AMATEUR RADIO
1. Tell why the FCC has an amateur radio service.
According to FCC, Amateur radio exists for:
1. Volunteer service (community service and disasters). A
Scout does a good turn daily - here's another way.
2. Experimentation. If you want you can build your own radio
equipment, and many hams build their own antennas. Some
hams have come up with new inventions.
3. Communication skills. And, because only one person can
talk at a time, you learn how to listen, too.
4. Self-training. You can learn by doing.
5. International goodwill. A great way to talk to people in far
away lands.
Describe some of the activities that amateur radio operators can do on the air, once they have earned an
amateur radio license.
* Jamboree On The Air (JOTA) is the third weekend every October
when Scouts all over the world talk to each other on ham radio.
* DX - Lots of hams like to talk to other hams around the world and
collect postcards called QSL cards to prove they did it. It's a great
way to have fun and learn about geography.
* Contests are held many weekends when you try to contact as
many people from a certain place or in a certain way.
* Service at parades & special events. Ham radio operators are
often the best people to help with communication at large community
events, from small carnivals all the way to the Tournament of Roses
Parade.
* Disasters - Hams are often called on to help during fires, floods,
earthquakes, and other disasters. At these times, telephone lines and
cell phone sites are often damaged or overloaded, and ham radio is
the only reliable communication.
* Skywarn - Part of the National Weather Service, uses amateur
radio to report severe weather conditions.
* Packet radio - Some hams hook their computers to their radios so
they can send electronic messages, sort of like wireless e-mail.
* Camping communications are easy even in the backcountry
when you need to get help or just let the folks back home know how
things are going.
* Nets - Where hams of a like interest can exchange information,
pass traffic and get furthur training.
2. Using proper call signs, Q signals, and abbreviations, carry on a 10 minute real or simulated radio contact
using voice, Morse Code, or digital mode. (Licensed amateur radio operators may substitute five QSL cards
as evidence of contacts with amateur radio operators from at least three different call districts.) Properly log
the real or simulated ham radio contact and record the signal report.
Interactive in class. Make each student talk.
3. Explain at least five Q signals or amateur radio terms you hear while listening.
QRM
Man-made interference
QRP
Low Power (< five watts)
QRT
Quitting - off the air
QSL
Acknowledge receipt (card)
QSY Change frequency
QRN
QRS
QSB
QSO
QTH
Log
DX
OM
Rig
HI
Morse code (means Continuous Wave)
Calling any station ("seek you")
Young lady (female ham)
Room the radio is in
Best regards, love and kisses
Record of QSOs
Distant (foreign stations)
Old man (male ham)
Radio
Laugh in Morse code
CW
CQ
YL
Shack
73, 88
Natural noise or interference
Slow down Morse code speed
Signal is fading
Conversation ("cue-so")
Location (think H for Home)
4. Explain some of the differences between the Technician,
The Technician Class license is the entry level license. There
is just one 35 question multiple choice test on theory, rules, and
procedures. There is no Morse code requirement. This license
gives full VHF & UHF use so you can communicate around town
and use repeaters, but you cannot use some of the HF bands
which are used for world-wide contacts. This merit badge covers
part of what is on the license test. Books are available with all
the possible questions and answers.
General,
The General Class license is the middle level license. There is
just one 35 question multiple choice test on theory, rules, and
procedures. This test is more advanced that the required
Technician test. This license gives full VHF & UHF and some HF
use. You can communicate around town and use repeaters. You
can also use some of the HF bands which are used for worldwide contacts. This merit badge covers part of what is on the
license test. Books are available with all the possible questions
and answers.
and Extra Class license requirements and privileges.
The Extra Class license is the highest level license. There is
just one 50 question multiple choice test on theory, rules, and
procedures. This test is more advanced that the required
General test. This license gives full VHF, UHF and HF use. You
can communicate around town and use repeaters. You can also
use all of the HF bands which are used for world-wide contacts.
This merit badge covers part of what is on the license test.
Books are available with all the possible questions and answers.
Explain who administers amateur radio exams.
The tests are given by volunteer examiners. (Your merit badge
counselor or the ARRL can help you find a test.)
5. Explain how you would make an emergency call on voice or Morse code.
Speak clearly and give complete information, just like when you make
a 911 telephone call. Remember to give the correct location of the
emergency because the person you are helping on the radio may be
in another state or even in another country!
"MAYDAY" is the international word for requesting help by radio.
However, it is probably easier and less confusing to just say
"EMERGENCY."
Just because you have a radio doesn't mean someone will be able
to hear you. You might have to climb higher up a hill. (This is
especially true for FRS radios and cell phones, which don't have has
much power as ham radios.)
In Morse code you would send SOS (di-di-dit-dah-dah-dah-di-didit) and give the same information. (The code should be sent slow
enough for the other person to understand you.)
6. Explain the differences between handheld transceivers
Handheld radios (HT): Small, light, portable, but not much power.
Some can fit in your pocket. With repeaters they can be quite useful,
and they can go on your hike easily.
and home "base" transceivers.
Base radios: More power, easier to use, more features.
Explain the uses of mobile amateur radio transceivers
Mobile radios: More power. That HT antenna doesn't work well inside
car. Able to be used anywhere a car can go.
and amateur radio repeaters.
Repeaters: Located on high points (Mountains, tall buildings) to
automatically relay signals. Some have connections to the telephone
system.
Which kind of radio is best? It depends on what you want to do.
You aren't going to go backpacking with a base radio, but that base
radio will let you talk farther away when you are at home.
b. BROADCAST RADIO
1. Prepare a program schedule for radio station "KBSA" of exactly one-half hour, including music, news,
commercials, and
proper station identification. Record your program on audiotape or in a digital audio format using proper
techniques.
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Radio p. 8 Merit Badge Workbook Scout's Name: ________________________
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2. Listen to and properly log 15 broadcast stations.
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Determine the program format and target audience for five of these stations.
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3. Explain at least eight terms used in commercial broadcasting, such as segue,
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cut,
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fade,
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continuity,
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remote,
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Emergency Alert System,
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network,
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cue,
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dead air,
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PSA,
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and playlist.
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c. SHORTWAVE LISTENING
1. Listen across several shortwave bands for four one-hour periods - at least one period during daylight
hours and at least
one period at night. Log the stations properly
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and locate them geographically on a globe.
Radio p. 10 Merit Badge Workbook Scout's Name: ________________________
2. For several major foreign stations (BBC in Great Britain or HCJB in Ecuador, for example), list several
frequency bands
used by each.
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3. Compare your daytime and nighttime logs;
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note the frequencies on which your selected stations were loudest during each session.
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Explain the differences in the signal strength from one period to the next.
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Radio p. 11 Merit Badge Workbook Scout's Name: ________________________
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Online Resources (Use any Internet resource with caution and only with your parent’s
or guardian’s permission.)
Boy Scouts of America: ►scouting.org ►Guide to Safe Scouting ►Age-Appropriate Guidelines
►Safe Swim Defense
►Scout ►Tenderfoot ►Second Class ►First Class Rank Videos ►Safety Afloat
Boy Scout Merit Badge Workbooks: usscouts.org -or- meritbadge.org Merit Badge Books:
www.scoutstuff.org
Requirement Resources
1: Radio (in General): http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Radio
1a: Amateur radio: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Amateur_radio Broadcasting:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Broadcasting
Amateur Radio Service: http://wireless.fcc.gov/services/index.htm?job=service_home&id=amateur
1b: Broadcasting (commercial): http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Commercial_broadcasting
Broadcasting (public): http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Public_broadcasting
1c: Call Signs: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Call_sign FCC: http://www.fcc.gov/
Amateur Radio call signs: http://wireless.fcc.gov/services/index.htm?job=call_signs_1&id=amateur
Amateur Radio Call Sign Map: http://www.radioing.com/hamradio/callareas.html
1d: Phonetic Alphabet: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/NATO_phonetic_alphabet
International Phonetic Alphabet (US Navy): http://www.history.navy.mil/faqs/faq101-1.htm
International Phonetic Alphabet (NASA): http://www.grc.nasa.gov/WWW/MAEL/ag/phonetic.htm
2a: Radio Waves in the Atmosphere: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Radio_propagation#Tropospheric_modes
WWV: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/WWV WWVH: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/WWVH
2b: DXing: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/DXing Communication:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/DX_communication
FCC: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/FCC Getting an amateur license: http://www.hello-radio.org/
ITU Website: http://www.itu.int/ ITU Overview: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/ITU
3: Frequency Spectrum: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Radio_frequency
Frequency Chart: http://www.ntia.doc.gov/osmhome/allochrt.html
Radio Communications Sector: http://www.itu.int/ITU-R/
4: Modulation to carry information - great animated graphics: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Modulation
Propagation: http://www.arrl.org/tis/info/propagation.html Transceiver:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Transceiver
Transmitter: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Transmitter Amplifier: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Amplifier
Antenna: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Antenna_(radio)
5: Block Diagram: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Block_diagram Circuit diagrams:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Circuit_diagram
Electronic symbols: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Electronic_symbol
5b: Microphone: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Microphone Feed Line: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Feed_line
5c: Open Circuit: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Open-circuit_voltage
Open vs. Closed Circuit: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Circuit_theory#Open_circuit_vs._closed_circuit
Short Circuit: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Short_circuit
5d: Electrical components: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Electrical_components
6: Electrical Safety: http://www.arrl.org/tis/info/pdf/AntBk.pdf Direct Current:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Direct_current
Grounding: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ground_(electricity)
7: Broadcasting: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Broadcasting
Amateur Radio Station: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Amateur_radio_station
9a: Short-wave Listening: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shortwave_listening
International Broadcasting (Short-wave Listening): http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/International_broadcasting
General Resources
ARRL (Amateur Radio Relay League): http://www.arrl.org/ Jamboree On The Air:
http://www.arrl.org/FandES/ead/jota.html