Take awaysT1

1
Take aways T1

• Amateur Radio Stationcarries on radio
  communications with necessary apparatus.
• Amateur Operator person named in FCC ULS
  database
• Basic purposes voluntary noncommercial service,
  particularly during emergencies
• Two of Five increase numbers of trained
  operators and improve international goodwill

2
Take aways (cont) T1

• FCC makes and enforces rules
• Harmful interference disturbs other
  communications
• Ten years two year grace period. Renew on line
  /no cost. (unless a vanity call)
• ITU Regions assist management of frequency
  allocations U.S. in Region 2

3
Take aways (cont) T1

• Reciprocal operating agreement allows operation
  in foreign countries
• FCC uses Sequential Call Sign System
• Four members for a club station obtained by
  applying through Club Station Call Sign
  Administrator

4
Take aways (cont) T1

• 52.525 MHz 6-meter band
• 146.52 MHz 2-meter band
• 223.50 MHz 1.25-meter band
• 443.350 MHz 70-centimeter
• 1296 MHz 23-centimeter
• Notice that as the frequency goes up, the
  wavelength goes down
• (Sorry, you need to memorize these frequencies)

5
Take aways (cont) T1

• Control an amateur station name in FCC database
  or be an alien with reciprocal agreement to
  operate in U.S.
• U.S. license allows transmissions FCC regulated
  or reciprocal agreements
• U.S. amateurs communicate with foreign countries
  unless prohibited by either governments
• With authorization by FCC communications with
  other radio services may be permitted

6
Take aways (cont) T1

• Communications on regular basis furnished by
  other radio services are not permitted
• Amateur bands as secondary basis my not cause
  harmful interference to primary users by rules
• FCC grants amateur radio license
• FCC issues operator/station licenses in the
  Amateur Radio Service

7
Take aways (cont) T1

• Anyone except a representative of a foreign
  government can become an amateur licensee in the
  U.S.
• No age requirements
• Transmissions after passing the required exam and
  as soon as your license grant appears in the FCC
  ULS database
• Responsibility as a station licensee ensure your
  station is operated in accordance with the FCC
  rules

8
Take aways (cont) T1

• Station licensee mailing address must be current,
  correct name and address, revocation of license
  possible if returned as undeliverable
• Letters A K N W Numbers 0 thru 9 assigned
  by district of applicant
• Any amateur can apply for temporary 1 by 1
  Special Event call sign, use normal ID
  requirements plus your call sign once an hour
• Vanity call signs thru vanity call sign program
  renewal on Internet, fee required
• Technician, General, Extra

9
Take aways (cont) T1

• VE is volunteer examiner VEC Volunteer examiner
  coordinator
• CSCE valid for 365 days
• Normal term for license of 10 years
• Transmitting is not permitted if license not
  valid renewed and appears on the FCC ULS
  database
• Grace period is 2 years with re-examination no
  transmitting permitted during this time frame

10
Take aways T2

• Amateurs never transmit to general public
• Do not transmit music incidental to rebroadcast
  from space shuttle
• NEVER transmit false or deceptive
• Indecent and obscene prohibited

11
Take aways (cont) T2

• Broadcasting Intended for reception of general
  public, direct or relayed
• Calling employer for customers directions on
  autopatch prohibited
• Transmit unidentified communications only when
  sent from space station or to control model craft
• At least 4 persons are required for a club
  license

12
Take aways (cont) T2

• Codes or ciphers hiding meaning of message to
  space station or radio control craft
• Occasional basis equipment for sale or trade
• Compensation only in accordance with Part 97
  rules
• Space station or control of model craft permits
  unidentified communications

13
Take aways (cont) T2

• Transmit your callsign to identify
• No Station ID is considered unidentified
  communications or signals
• ID every ten minutes and at end
• Each station must ID with its own call sign at
  end of communications

14
Take aways (cont) T2

• Longest period of time without ID is ten minutes
• Identify in English when speaking to another
  station not using English
• Special Event Call Sign normal time for ID plus
  your callsign once an hour

15
Take aways (cont) T2

• Self-assigned indicators must not conflict with
  an indicator specified by FCC rules or with a
  prefix assigned to another country
• Correct ID when visiting a station, their call
  sign first followed by your call, if you hold
  higher class license and using a frequency not
  authorized to their class of license
• Earned operating privileges by exam upgrade,
• /AG means Authorized General
• /AE means Authorized Extra

16
Take aways (cont) T2

• Repeater ID standards
• By phone
• Digital voice
• By video
• Slow Scan TV
• By Morse code
• Not to exceed 20wpm
• All of these are correct

17
Take aways (cont) T2

• Control operator
• Operator designated by licensee to be responsible
  for any transmissions from the station in
  compliance with FCC rules
• Responsible for transmissions from an amateur
  station
• Every Amateur station must have a control
  operator
• Only one amateur operator/primary station
  licensee held by one person

18
Take aways (cont) T2

• Control operator of a repeater minimum license
  of Technician Class
• Amateur station must have control operator
  whenever station is transmitting
• Control operator function performed at control
  point of an amateur station

19
Take aways (cont) T2

• Automatically controlled station does not require
  control operator at the control point
• Three types of stations control permitted
• Local
• Remote
• Automatic
• Local when transmitting using a handheld radio
• Remote when not at location, but can still make
  changes to the transmitter
• Automatic control used on repeater control
  operator not present

20
Take aways (cont) T2

• Transmit from another amateurs station, both are
  responsible
• Control operator license determines operating
  privilegeshigher vs lower
• Operate amateur station aboard aircraft with
  approval of pilot in command and not using
  aircraft equipment

21
Take aways (cont) T2

• Class of license of control operator determines
  all operating privileges
• Unlicensed persons, family or not, not permitted
  to be control operator
• Third party communications two amateurs send
  message for someone else
• Conducting business via amateur radio is
  prohibited, even on autopatch

22
Take aways (cont) T2

• FCC can inspect at any time upon request
• Disconnect power and mic cables for added station
  security against unauthorized use (transmissions)
• 365 days for CSCE
• Ten years renewable
• Two year grace period

23
Take aways T3

• Listen first, before transmitting
• Looking for any stationcall CQ
• CQ means Calling any station
• On repeater, callsign instead of CQ
• Calling another station
• Their callsign and then your callsign
• On a repeater and answering a CQ
• ITU phonetic alphabet for identifying your
  station avoid cute phrases

24
Take aways (cont) T3

• Testing transmissions require identification
• Unidentified transmissions are illegal
• Even a brief test
• ID required every ten minutes and at end of every
  transmission
• Special events ID same ten minutes applies in
  addition to once an hour your own callsign

25
Take aways (cont) T3

• Use of minimum power
• Just power necessary to carry out the desired
  communications
• On HF and Repeaters
• Accountability
• Transmitting station is accountable if a repeater
  inadvertently retransmits violations of FCC rules

26
Take aways (cont) T3

• Band plans
• Voluntary guideline, beyond divisions established
  by F.C.C.
• Designed for efficient use of radio spectrum
• Developed by amateur radio operators
• Repeater coordination
• Recognized frequency coordination body
• Sets up band plan in local area
• Reduce interference and promote proper use of
  spectrum

27
Take aways (cont) T3

• Mode restricted sub-bands
• 6-meter CW
• 2-meter CW
• 1-1/4 meter CW and Data

28
Take aways (cont) T3

• Courtesy and respect on the air
• Break into a QSO, by giving your callsign
• Proper repeater practices
• Monitor/listen first keeping transmissions short
• Identify legally
• Use minimum transmitter power necessary
• All of these answers are correct

29
Take aways (cont) T3

• Operate within limits of your license
• No station has exclusive use of a frequency
• Hear a new operator having trouble, offer to help
• Not covered by rules
• General operating standard of good engineering
• Good amateur practices
• (Must be applied to amateur station operation)

30
Take aways (cont) T3

• Avoid use of racial or ethnic slurs
• Offensive
• Reflects poor public image
• Subjects not prohibited
• Political discussions
• Jokes and stories
• Religious preferences
• All of these answers are correct

31
Take aways (cont) T3

• Obscene language is prohibited
• Because its offensive to some
• Because young children may hear
• Language specifically prohibited by Rules
• All of these choices are correct
• No official list of prohibited words

32
Take aways (cont) T3

• Front end overload responsibility is with the
  owner of the TV
• Major cause of phone interference
• Not properly equipped when manufactured
• Cable TV cable break can cause
• TV interference
• Amateur receiver interference
• Front-end overload is result of strong signals
  from nearby source

33
Take aways (cont) T3

• RACES and ARES
• Both provide communications during emergencies
• F.C.C. rules apply to your station when using
  amateur radio at request of
• Public service officials
• At scene of an emergency

34
Take aways (cont) T3

• Splatter or interference reports from nearby
  frequencies
• Check frequency
• Spurious emissions
• Unintentionally interfere
• ID properly
• Move to a different frequency

35
Take aways (cont) T3

• Deliberate interference N E V E R
• No declared communications emergency
• No station has exclusive use of a frequency
• Reduce on air interference
• Test transmitter with a dummy load

36
Take aways T4

• Unit of current amperes
• Electron flow is current
• Current flowing in one direction is DC
• Unit of power Watt
• Unit of frequency Hertz
• Unit of resistance Ohm
• Current that reverses direction is AC

37
Take aways (cont) T4

• Copper is a good conductor
• Glass is a good insulator
• Opposition to current flow . Resistance
• Conductorsgold, silver, copper, aluminum
• Insulatorsair, rubber, plastic, ceramic

38
Take aways (cont) T4

• Car battery 12 volts DC
• DC measured by amplitude
• AC measured by Average Amplitude
• Ammeter measures current
• Volt meter measures voltage
• Sixty hertz means 60 cycles per second

39
Take aways (cont) T4

• Frequency describes number of times AC flows back
  and forth per second
• Wavelength is distance a radio wave travels
  during one complete cycle
• Frequency increases as wavelength gets shorter
• Wavelength in meters equals 300 divided by
  frequency in MHz
• Radio waves travel at speed of light

40
Take aways (cont) T4

• Bands identified by physical length (or
  wavelength)
• 2-meter band 144 to 148 MHz
• 6-meter band 50 to 54 MHz
• 70-centimeter band 420 to 450 MHz
• Sound waves 300 to 3000 Hertz
• Radio waves are Electromagnetic and are 20,000
  cycles per second and higher

41
Take aways (cont) T4

• Receiver converts radio signals to audio
• Transmitter converts sound into radio waves
• Transceiver is two devices in one, receiver and
  transmitter
• Power supply converts AC to DC.
• Amplifier increases power output
• Lithium-ion battery offers longest life in HTs
• Ni-Cad per cell voltage is 1.2 volts
• Carbon-zinc battery cannot be re-charged

42
Take aways (cont) T4

• Keep re-chargeable batteries in good condition
  for emergencies
• Inspect for damage
• Store in cool and dry location
• Given maintenance recharge every 6 months
• All of these answers are correct
• Slowest rate of current drain gives most amount
  of energy

43
Take aways (cont) T4

• Ohms Law
• Power calculations

44
Take aways (cont) T4

• One kilovolt is one thousand volts
• 1500 KHz is 1,500,000 Hertz
• 1.5 amps is 1500 milliamperes
• 500 milliwatts is 0.5 watts
• One microvolt is one one-millionth of a volt

45
Take aways T5

• Microphone transmitter
• Speaker receiver
• Mic/speaker too close feedback
• Noisy area, use headphones
• Regulated power supply voltage fluctuations

46
Take aways (cont) T5

• Reduce spurious emissions at Xmtr
• Prevent RF overload Notch filter
• TransceiverTNCcomputer
• Packet doesnt need a mic
• Computer sound card for data transmissions

47
Take aways (cont) T5

• Too much mic gain will cause distortion and be
  unreadable
• Store in memory PL (tones) Power level
  transmit/receive frequencies
• Keypad/VFO to select frequency
• Favorite frequency store in memory
• Ignition noiseturn on noise blanker

48
Take aways (cont) T5

• Up/Down buttons easy frequency or memory
  selection
• Shift sets offset frequency
• RIT Receiver Incremental Tuning
• Step sets tuning rate
• F selects alternate actions with same buttons

49
Take aways (cont) T5

• Repeaters extend range of mobiles and low-power
  stations
• Courtesy tone indicates transmission is done
• Offsets 0.6 MHz 5.0 MHz 2-meter
  70-centimeter bands
• Input/output frequencies of repeaters receives
  on one, transmits on another
• Transmit and receive same frequency simplex

50
Take aways (cont) T5

• Use of simplex avoids tying up repeater
• Series of repeaters connected linked repeater
  system
• Access to repeater may be limited by owner
• Closed machine is restricted use
• Local frequency coordinators minimize
  interference and make most efficient use of
  frequencies available

51
Take aways (cont) T5

• Fundamental overload very strong signals from
  nearby source
• Doppler is NOT a cause of RFI
• Transmitter signals cause telephone to act like a
  receiver caused by nearby transmitter
• Correct RFI Snap-on ferrite chokes low-pass and
  high-pass filters
• Neighbor reports interference meet standards of
  good amateur practice

52
Take aways (cont) T5

• Neighbor causing interference work with
  neighbor inform rules require stop of
  interference Good standards of amateur practice
• Mobile has high-pitched whine power wiring
  picking up noise from electrical system
• SSB garbled and broken up RF energy causing
  feedback
• Digital systems automatically error correct noise
  and interference
• Using repeater distorted or weak .. Off
  frequency batteries low bad location

53
Take Aways T6

• Connect radio stations to the InternetGateway
• Phone is voice transmission
• SSB a form of AM
• USB normally used for VHF UHF SSB
• SSB advantage over FMless bandwidth
• SSB used for long distance and weak signal
  contacts on VHF/UHF

54
Take Aways (cont) T6

• FM most common on VHF/UHF repeaters
• CW has narrowest bandwidth
• Bandwidth of SSB 2-3 kHz
• Bandwidth of FM5-15 kHz
• Bandwidth of Fast-scan TV on 70-centimeter
• 6 mHz

55
Take Aways (cont) T6

• Echolink uses the Internet
• Echolink allows computer-to-radio linking for
  voice
• Any licensed amateur can use Echolink
• Echolink IRLP have VoIP in common
• Hear a tone and CQ on 2-meter repeater
• Internet linked DX station

56
Take Aways (cont) T6

• VoIP method for data transfer by IRLP
• IRLP links two or more stations using the
  Internet
• Active nodes using VoIP listed in repeater
  directory or on Internet
• Select IRLP node with keypad
• Standard fast color TVNTSC

57
Take Aways (cont) T6

• Packet Radio is digital communications
• 219-220 mHz for Point-to-point digital message
  forwarding
• PSK Phase Shift Keying
• PSK31 low-rate data mode that works well in noisy
  conditions

58
Take Aways (cont) T6

• APRS Automatic Position Reporting System
• A GPS receiver needed for APRS
• Send at speed you can reliably receive
• Copy CW to recognize ID sent in Morse code
• QRM receiving interference
• QSY Change frequency

59
Take Aways T7

• RDF Radio Direction Finding
• Locate interference or jamming
• Directional antenna hidden transmitter hunt
• Spare batteries good to have when away from home
  QTH
• 1500 Watt amplifier not too good an item for
  emergency response kit

60
Take Aways (cont) T7

• Use external antenna instead of rubber-duck out
  in field
• Combo headset/mic in noisy areas
• Max power for RC models 1 watt
• Station ID for RC affixed to the transmitter

61
Take Aways (cont) T7

• Contacting as many stations as possible is
  contesting
• Grid Locator Letter/number assigned to
  geographic area
• Uplink frequency determines class of license for
  satellite use
• Power for contact to satellite is minimum needed
• Satellite communications permits QSO with
  operators in other countries

62
Take Aways (cont) T7

• Satellite beacon contains info on satellite
• 70-CM 435-438 Satellite sub-band
• Doppler shiftchange in frequency due to motion
  thru space
• LEO Low Earth Orbit
• Special event station temporary station with
  activity of special significance

63
Take Aways (cont) T7

• AMSAT Amateur Satellite.
• Group builds/launches satellites
• ISS International Space Station
• Tech or higher can contact ISS

64
Take Aways T8

• Information in FCC declaration contains special
  conditions to be observed
• QSO and emergency call heard stop and
  immediately take the call
• Must avoid frequencies dedicated to emergency
  unless participating in effort
• FCC declaration of emergency legal restriction
  on frequency for emergency communications only.

65
Take Aways (cont) T8

• No exclusive rights to a frequency without an FCC
  declaration of emergency
• Hear an emergency reported assume its real and
  act accordingly
• Initiate emergency call
• Mayday, Mayday, Mayday
• Any station come in please
• Identify your station

66
Take Aways (cont) T8

• Penalties for false emergency call
• License revoked
• Fined large sum of money
• Sent to prison
• Emergency communications has priority at all
  times in the Amateur Radio Service

67
Take Aways (cont) T8

• Priority at all times on all frequencies to
  stations providing emergency communications
• FCC authorized or actual emergency amateurs can
  communicate to stations in other radio services
• Tactical call signs command post, weather
  center.
• More efficient and
• help coordinate public-service communications

68
Take Aways (cont) T8

• Preparations
• Check your emergency response equipment and know
  where it is
• How to run equipment if power failure
• Participate Drills field operations
• Alternate source of power
• Car or truck battery
• Bike generator
• Portable solar panel

69
Take Aways (cont) T8

• In genuine emergency use any means at disposal
  to call for help on any frequency
• Use of non-amateur frequencies or equipment in
  situations of immediate danger to property or
  life
• Including modified amateur equipment to transmit
  on fire department frequencies

70
Take Aways (cont) T8

• RACES Restricted to serving local, state,
  federal government emergency management agencies
• Must register with Civil Defense organization
  before participation
• ARES Supports Red Cross, Salvation Army, and
  National Weather Service
• Must have an amateur radio license before joining
  an ARES group
• When immediate threat to human life or property
  you may transmit SOS or Mayday

71
Take Aways (cont) T8

• Avoid casual conversations during public-service
  event
• Idle chatter may interfere with important traffic
• FCC prohibits use of amateur radio for news
  reporting
• Do not transmit during emergency nets unless Net
  Control permits minimizes disruptions
• Dont transmit personal info concerning victims
  during emergencies
• Emergency traffic has the highest priority

72
Take Aways (cont) T8

• Of primary importance for NCS Clear strong
  signal.
• NCS should stop all net activity when emergency
  traffic breaks in.
• Large scale emergency occurs and no NCS you
  should open net immediately for check-ins.
• Originating persons name must be included with
  emergency messages

73
Take Aways T9

• Vertical antenna perpendicular to earth
• Horizontal antenna parallel to earth
• Beams concentrate signals in one direction
• Quad, Yagi, and Dish are directional antennas
• Rubber duck antenna not as effective as full
  sized
• 10-20 times reduction in signal strength inside
  car with rubber duck versus outside antenna

74
Take Aways (cont) T9

• Mag mount antenna good efficiency in mobile
• Lower angle of radiation 5/8 has more gain than
  1/4 wavelength
• Half-wave dipole shorter when frequency increases
• 146 mHz quarter-wave 19 inches
• Half-wave 6-meter dipole 112 inches
• Dummy load no interferring radiation when
  testing

75
Take Aways (cont) T9

• VHF/UHF signals not reflected by ionsphere not
  good for long distances
• Hear VHF long distance sporadic E reflection in
  ionsphere
• Rapid fluttering from mobiles stations picket
  fencing is term
• You were strong, now weak move a few feet
• Strong overloading receiver sudden bursts of
  tones or fragments of conversations
• Directional antenna to reach distant repeater if
  buildings or obstructions block direct LOS

76
Take Aways (cont) T9

• Coax cable most used feed line due to ease of use
  and few special installation considerations
• Coax is commonly 50 ohms
• SWR load matching to a transmitter
• For efficient transfer of power and reduction of
  loss, low SWR important
• One to one 11 perfect match
• Directional wattmeter used for feedline and
  antenna matching

77
Take Aways (cont) T9

• Loose connections can cause erratic SWR readings
• SWR of 21 where some protection circuits reduce
  power
• Power lost in feed line converts to heat by
  losses in the line
• Losses increase with older coax exposed to
  weather
• Black cover offers protection against untraviolet
  damage
• Moisture is most common cause of failure for coax

78
Take Aways (cont) T9

• Two points blocked by curvature of earth is radio
  horizon
• VHF/UHF signals travel about a third farther than
  visual LOS earth less curved to radio waves
  than light
• UHF signals penetrate urban areas/building
  shorter wavelength
• Cross polarization weakens signals about 100
  times
• Keep HT VHF/UHF antenna vertical

79
Take Aways T0

• Guard against electrical shock
• 3-wire plugs
• Ground-fault
• Common ground
• Emergency disconnecttell everyone where it is.
• Lowest voltage for shock 30 volts
• Lowest current is 100 milliamperes
• Stored charge in large capacitors can cause shock
  with power supply off
• Fuses interrupt power in overload
• 20 amp replacing a 5 amp potential fire
• Green wire of 3-wire is ground

80
Take Aways (cont) T0

• Lightning protection
• Disconnect antenna
• Unplug power from AC
• Stop using equipment move to another room
• Fire prevention most important reason for
  lightning protection
• Recharge 12-volt battery connect to car run
  engine
• Storage battery charge or discharge too quickly
  overheat/explode

81
Take Aways (cont) T0

• 12-volt hazzards
• Contain acid spill .. Cause injury
• Short circuits damage wiring fire
• Explosive gas if not vented
• Antenna location away from people
• Hard hat safety glasses on ground helping
• Use safety belt safety glasses before climbing
  tower

82
Take Aways (cont) T0

• Before climbing a tower
• Arrange helper/observer
• Inspect damage/loose hardware
• No electrical storms nearby
• Guy wires . Install per manufacturer
• Never climb a crank-up tower extended
• Stainless hardware much less likely to corrode
• 8 foot ground rods per tower leg bonded to
  tower

83
Take Aways (cont) T0

• Stay clear of overhead electric wires putting
  up tower
• Safe distance if falls no closer than 10
  feet
• VHF/UHF non-ionizing radiation
• Excessive power absorbed can cause injury to body
• Touch antenna during transmission possible RF
  burn
• Body absorbs more RF energy at some frequencies
  than others . Source must be considered

84
Take Aways (cont) T0

• Factors affecting RF exposure in excess of FCC
  limits
• Frequency and power level
• Distance from antenna
• Radiation pattern of antenna
• Actions to prevent exposure
• Alter antenna patterns
• Relocate antenna
• Change station parameters power or frequency

85
Take Aways (cont) T0

• RF exposure above 30 MHz 50 watts PEP at
  antenna
• Determine FCC RF exposure
• FCC OET Bulletin 65
• Calculations on computer modeling
• Field strength meter
• Milliwatts sq/centimeter measure RF radiation
  exposure
• Duty cycle amount of time transmitter is
  operating
• Change equipment re-evaluate RF safety regs to
  stay in compliance