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 Copy Write Dennis Harding
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 (11/10)
– Test (11/17)
• Home Study
– Reading Assignments
– Home Work
– Morse Code
Sep 2005 Copy Write Dennis Harding
Frequently Asked Questions
• What is Amateur Radio? • Why not just get and FRS radio?
– Short Range local communication only
– Non-commercial / Not for profit
– Not monitored for emergencies
– Self Training
– Self Policing • What does it cost to set up a shack?
– Voluntary – HT: $50 to $500
• Why is there Amateur Radio – Mobile Stations $300 - $1000
– Base Stations $300 - $60K+
– Recognized as a valuable asset during
disasters and emergency. – It’s not the radio, it is the accessories.
– Advancement of the radio art. • Do I have to learn Morse Code?
– Enhance international good will. – Maybe
– Produces Trained Radio Operators and – Not required for Technician
Technicians – Required for General, Extra and HF privileges
• Who can get an Amateur License? on HF
– Anybody* – FCC is reviewing Morse Code Requirement.
Most likely be eliminated next year.
– No Age Limit – You have to be able to take
the test. • What about the math and theory
• Why should you get an Amateur License? – Basic math
– Lots of reasons – You don’t need to be a rocket scientist
Emergency Communications • Do I need to be at every class?
It Fun – No
New Friends
– Questions and Answers on the test are public
You want to know more about electronics
domain
– Read the book and study.
Sep 2005 Copy Write Dennis Harding
License Requirements
Element Number
License Class 1 (CW) 2 3 4
Technician X
Technician with
X X
Morse Code
General X X X
Amateur Extra X X X X
Sep 2005 Copy Write Dennis Harding
Examination Topic Distribution Over License Classes
Written Examination Element 2 – Element 3 – Element 4 –
Topics Technician Class General Class Extra Class
Pool Exam Pool Exam Pool Exam
Commission’s Rules 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
Total Questions 394 35 385 35 801 50
Sep 2005 Copy Write Dennis Harding
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: where
c = License (T – Technician, G – General, E Extra)
s = Sub-element
g = group
nn = question number
– Example – T2B04
• Technician Sub-elements
1. FCC Rules – 5 Questions
2. Methods of Communication – 2 Questions
3. Propagation – 2 Questions
4. Station Licensee Duties – 3 Questions
5. Control Operator Duties – 3 Questions
6. Good Operating Practices – 3 Questions
7. Basic Communication Electronics – 3 Questions
8. Good Engineering Practice – 6 Questions
9. Special Operations – 2 Questions
10. Electrical, Antenna Structure and RF Safety
Sep 2005 Copy Write Dennis Harding
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 Copy Write Dennis Harding
Certificate of Successful
Completion (CSCE)
Sep 2005 Copy Write Dennis Harding
Federal Communications
Commissions Rules
Amateur Radio
Sep 2005 Copy Write Dennis Harding
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 Copy Write Dennis Harding
T2 – Methods of Communication
[2 Exam Questions -- 2 Groups]
– 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.
Sep 2005 Copy Write Dennis Harding
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 Copy Write Dennis Harding
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 Copy Write Dennis
ability to enhance internationalHarding goodwill.
International Telegraph Union
(ITU) Regions
Sep 2005 Copy Write Dennis Harding
Some Definitions
• US Ruling Body - FCC rules • Points of Communication –
are defined in Part 97 Kind of radio station you can
• Amateur Service – a radio communicate with: any amateur
communication service, carried station
out by authorized individual
without pecuniary interest. • Unidentified Communications
• Amateur Operator – A – communications from an
unidentified source
person granted a license for
amateur service
• Amateur Station – A station
licensed for Amateur Service
• Amateur Space Station –
An amateur station over 50KM
high
• Interference – unwanted
signals
Sep 2005 Copy Write Dennis Harding
Susan J. Helms, KC7NHZ
Flight Engineer - ISS
Sep 2005 Copy Write Dennis Harding
Some Fundamentals
Common Terms
Sep 2005 Copy Write Dennis Harding
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
second
1Copy Write Dennis Harding
Sep 2005 Copy Write Dennis Harding
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 Y
λ(m) 300/f(MHz) +a
L
*
v
-a λ
Sep 2005 Copy Write Dennis Harding
Propagation Velocity (v)
• Speed of light in
c
free space (c): 3 v
108 m/s
• In dielectric and
r
plasma the velocity air 1.00029
of propagation is
lower: air =
2.999565096x108 m/s
Sep 2005 Copy Write Dennis Harding
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 T
Sep 2005 Copy Write Dennis Harding
Phase (Ф)
• Identical Waves shifted
either ahead or behind due
to distance separations or advanced
time delay.
• Pick one as a reference and
determine phase difference
or phase shift between the
two.
Phase is measured in either degrees or radians.
radians = (2p/360o) x
degrees
degrees = (360o/2p) x
radians
Positive phase shift wave is advanced
Negative phase shift57.3 wave is retarded
o per radian
Sep 2005 Copy Write Dennis Harding
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 Copy Write Dennis Harding
Call Districts
Sep 2005 Copy Write Dennis Harding
Do you need to keep a Log?
• Technically no.
• It’s good to keep a log
• Free logging software “n1mm”
Sep 2005 Copy Write Dennis Harding
Band Plans
Technician
Technician + Morse Code
General Class
Extra Class
Sep 2005 Copy Write Dennis Harding
Sep 2005 Copy Write Dennis Harding
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 54
Sep 2005 No Code Technicians Have All Privileges On The Above Bands
Copy Write Dennis Harding
28 28.100 28.300 28.500 29.0 29.7
CW &
Data CW &
SSB
21 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 Technician + HF Voice
Notes (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 Copy Write Dennis Harding
Emission Privileges
(modulation)
• Without Morse Code • With Morse Code
– Single Side Band (SSB) – Carrier Wave (CW)
– Amplitude Modulation (AM) – Single Side Band (SSB)
– Frequency Modulation – Amplitude Modulation (AM)
(FM) – Frequency Modulation
– Slow Scan Television (FM)
(SSTV) – Slow Scan Television
– Amateur TV (SSTV)
– Digital – Amateur TV
RTTY – Digital
PSK31 RTTY
PACTOR (I, II,III) PSK31
PACTOR (I,II,III)
Sep 2005 Copy Write Dennis Harding
Amplitude Modulation
An unmodulated RF
carrier wave
A carrier wave AM
modulated with a
simple audio tone
Sep 2005 Copy Write Dennis Harding
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 Copy Write Dennis Harding
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 Copy Write Dennis Harding
Frequency Modulation
Unmodulated carrier, full
power at all times
Waveform of
modulating signal
Modulated carrier with
frequency deviation and
constant amplitude
Sep 2005 Copy Write Dennis Harding
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 Copy Write Dennis Harding
PSK31 Digital Mode
Provides VERY EFFICIENT keyboard to keyboard chat
capability. PSK31 is not error-corrected.
Sep 2005 Copy Write Dennis Harding
What amateur do’s and don’t?
• What we can do • What we cannot do
– Operate an amateur station – Broadcast to the general
– Remote Control of Model public
Craft – Use encrypted messages
– Operate stations in other – Broadcast music*
countries (reciprocal – Get Paid for Services*
operating agreements)* – Malicious Interference
– Send False or Deceptive
Signals
– Transmit unidentified
communications*
– Use obscene language
– Use for business*
– Communicate with non-
amateur stations*
Sep 2005 Copy Write Dennis Harding
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 Copy Write Dennis Harding
FCC Line A
Sep 2005 Copy Write Dennis Harding
Group Test
Sep 2005 Copy Write Dennis Harding
T1A01 Who makes and enforces the rules for the
amateur service in the United States?
– A. The Congress of the United States
– B. The Federal Communications Commission (FCC)
– C. The Volunteer Examiner Coordinators (VECs)
– D. The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI)
Sep 2005 Copy Write Dennis Harding
T1A01 Who makes and enforces the rules for the
amateur service in the United States?
– A. The Congress of the United States
• B. The Federal Communications Commission (FCC)
– C. The Volunteer Examiner Coordinators (VECs)
– D. The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI)
Sep 2005 Copy Write Dennis Harding
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 Copy Write Dennis Harding
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 Copy Write Dennis Harding
T1A06When is the transmission of codes or ciphers
allowed to hide the meaning of a message transmitted by
an amateur station?
– 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
Sep 2005 Copy Write Dennis Harding
T1A06 When is the transmission of codes or
ciphers allowed to hide the meaning of a message
transmitted by an amateur station?
– 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
Sep 2005 Copy Write Dennis Harding
T1A11When may an amateur station transmit unidentified
communications?
– 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
Sep 2005 Copy Write Dennis Harding
T1A11 When may an amateur station transmit
unidentified communications?
– 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
Sep 2005 Copy Write Dennis Harding
T1B01What are the frequency limits of the 6-meter band in
ITU Region 2?
– A. 52.0 - 54.5 MHz
– B. 50.0 - 54.0 MHz
– C. 50.1 - 52.1 MHz
– D. 50.0 - 56.0 MHz
Sep 2005 Copy Write Dennis Harding
T1B01 What are the frequency limits of the 6-meter
band in ITU Region 2?
– A. 52.0 - 54.5 MHz
• B. 50.0 - 54.0 MHz
– C. 50.1 - 52.1 MHz
– D. 50.0 - 56.0 MHz
Sep 2005 Copy Write Dennis Harding
T1B06What are the frequency limits of the 23-centimeter
band in ITU Region 2?
– A. 1260 - 1270 MHz
– B. 1240 - 1300 MHz
– C. 1270 - 1295 MHz
– D. 1240 - 1246 MHz
Sep 2005 Copy Write Dennis Harding
T1B06 What are the frequency limits of the 23-
centimeter band in ITU Region 2?
– A. 1260 - 1270 MHz
• B. 1240 - 1300 MHz
– C. 1270 - 1295 MHz
– D. 1240 - 1246 MHz
Sep 2005 Copy Write Dennis Harding
T1C03 How soon after you pass the examination
elements required for your first Amateur Radio license may
you transmit?
– 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
Sep 2005 Copy Write Dennis Harding
T1C03 How soon after you pass the examination
elements required for your first Amateur Radio license
may you transmit?
– 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
Sep 2005 Copy Write Dennis Harding
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 Copy Write Dennis Harding
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 Copy Write Dennis Harding
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. A, B, C and D
– D. A, N, V and W
Sep 2005 Copy Write Dennis Harding
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. A, B, C and D
– D. A, N, V and W
Sep 2005 Copy Write Dennis Harding
What bands are these
frequencies?
• 80/75
3.975 MHz _______ meter band
• 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 Copy Write Dennis Harding
How is the wavelength of a radio wave
related to its frequency?
Sep 2005 Copy Write Dennis Harding
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 Copy Write Dennis Harding
Backup Slides
Sep 2005 Copy Write Dennis Harding
Current Amateur License Classes
and Exam Requirements
License Class Exam Type of examination
Element
Technician 2 35-Question, multiple choice written
examination. Minimum passing score is
Class
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 Copy Write Dennis Harding
Wavelength vs Frequency
• The distance a radio wave travels in one cycle is
called wavelength
V+ One Cycle
0V
time
V-
One Wavelength
Sep 2005 Copy Write Dennis Harding
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 Copy Write Dennis Harding
Sep 2005 Copy Write Dennis Harding
Sep 2005 Copy Write Dennis Harding
ITU Regions
Sep 2005 Copy Write Dennis Harding
Frequency Band Power Rate
30-300 GHz EHF No spec
Short Range (LOS))
No spec
Space Waves
3-30 GHz SHF
300-3000 MHz UHF .001-1.5 kW 56 kbaud
And up
30-300 MHz VHF .001-1.5 kW 19600 baud
56000 baud
3-30 MHz HF .001-1.5 kW 300 baud Sky Long
1200 baud Wave Range
Very Long Range
300-3000 kHz MF .001-1.5 kW 75 baud
Ground Waves
300 baud
30-300 kHz LF 1.5 kW 75 baud
3-30 kHz VLF 50 baud
Sep 2005 Copy Write Dennis Harding
3-30 Hz ELF 1-2
Sep 2005 Copy Write Dennis Harding
Sep 2005 Copy Write Dennis Harding
28 28.100 28.300 28.500 29.0 29.7
CW & CW &
21 Data 21.100SSB 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 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 Copy Write Dennis Harding