Your First Radio

1. Your First Radio By Joe Seibert, AL1F

2. Four Main Types of Radios • - Base station • -Portable • -HT (handy talkie) • -Repeater What bands can it work? MF- 160, 80, 75 40 meters (often referred to as HF!) HF-30, 20, 17, 15, 12 10 and 6 meters VHF- 2 meters / 1.25 meters UHF – 70 centimeters Microwave- 33 centimeters, 23 centimeters What transmission modes does it offer? • FM (wide and narrow) • AM • SSB (upper and lower) • RTTY (usually computer oriented) • FSK (digital), includes PSK31, PSK56, Packet • SSTV • OSCAR satellite

3. Inside the box…. • Transmitter- Uses a microphone to convert sounds to RF signals. • Receiver- converts RF signals into sounds which heard through a speaker or headphones. • Transmitter + Receiver= Transceiver • Often interfaced with a computer modem for input/output when working digital modes

4. Common operating mistakes… • BE CAREFUL NOT TO PLACE MICROPHONE TO CLOSE TO SPEAKER. This will cause audio feedback!!!! • Microphone gain set to high or shouting into the microphone. It may cause the signal to become distorted and unreadable. • Always stop and listen BEFORE you transmit. Make sure a QSO is not in progress and the frequency you’ve selected. • Tuning up on frequency.

5. How do I select an operating frequency? • Most new Technician licensee’s start off a single or dual band HT (handy talky). The most popular bands are the 2 meters (144-48 MHz) or 70 centimeter bands (420 – 450 MHz). • The radio will have a keypad as well as a variable frequency oscillator (VFO) knob or up and down pushbuttons. The knob, push buttons or keypad can be used to select the operating frequency.

6. Additionally, most modern radios have memory settings that enable you to store the frequency, frequency offset, CTCS/DTCS tones (for repeaters) and power settings in the memory for quick access. • Most mobile radios have controls on the front of the radio and the microphone. You can use the up and down buttons on the microphone to change the frequency or scroll through the memory channels.

7. Other common buttons… • -”STEP”- sets the tuning rate when changing frequencies. • “Shift”- Adjusts the offset between the transmit and receive frequency. • On 2 meters (144-48 MHz) the standard offset is 600 KHz • On 70 centimeters (420-450 MHz) the standard offset is 5 MHz. • “FUNCTION”- Also called the “F” key. Selects the alternate action for some control buttons.

8. Still more controls… -RIT- Receiver incremental tuning. Used when operating single side-band mode. Allows you to fine tune the receiver without moving the transmit frequency. -SPLIT- Used mostly on HF radios to transmit on one frequency and receive on another frequency farther away. • -SQUELCH- Is used to quiet the noise when no signal is being received. • Noise Blanker- Used to eliminate or reduce ignition noise when operating mobile. Not found on HT’s or FM radios, used mostly on HF SSB.

9. Batteries • When operating an HT, it’s always a good idea to have a spare, charged battery. • The three main types of batteries: • Lithium-ion- largest capacity, works well in cold weather • Nickel metal hydride- Second best capacity. Some memory tolerance • Nickel cadium- Least amount of capacity. Inherent memory problems

10. Caring for your batteries • Inspect for physical damage before attaching to your HT • Store in a cool & dry location • Maintenance recharge every 6 months • A fourth type of battery was used several years ago, it was called a carbon-zinc battery and was not designed to be recharged.

11. Fully charged/ battery life • Although most fully charged AA alkaline batteries test at 1.5 Volts DC, a fully charged nickel-cadium battery is 1.2 Volts DC. Don’t try to overcharge the batteries! • The best was way to get the most amount of energy from a battery is to draw current from it at the slowest rate possible. • Increase battery life by keeping the volume low • Increase battery life by setting to lowest power output needed

12. Recharging Your Battery • Use a regulated power supply to protect equipment from voltage fluctuations • Most HT’s come with slow charger unit (6-8 hours) Fast charging units (2-2.5 hours) are available as options. • If commercial power is not available connect your battery to a car’s battery (cigarette lighter adapter) and run the car’s engine.

13. Amplifiers.. The myth unveiled… • Amplifiers are used to increase the output power of your radio. For example, most HF base stations have an output of 100 watts. Amplifiers are available to boost the output power up to the legal limit, 1500 watts. • Many hams operate QRP, low power. QRP is considered 1 – 5 watts. I have worked over 400 QRP stations from Europe, Japan, Australia and all over the lower 48. More power does not mean more contacts!

14. Let’s Review! • What is used to convert the sounds from our voice to radio signals?

15. Answer- A microphone. • What does a microphone connect to in a basic amateur radio station? • A. The receiver • B. The transmitter • C. The SWR bridge • D. The balun

16. Answer- B. The transmitter • What is used to convert radio signals into sounds we can hear? • A. Transmitter • B. Receiver • C. Microphone • D.Antenna

17. Answer: B. The receiver • Which piece of electrical equipment converts electrical signals into sound waves? • A. Frequency coordinator • B. Frequency discriminator • C. Speaker • D. Microphone

18. Answer: C. The speaker • What two devices are combined into one unit in a transceiver? • A. receiver, transmitter • B. Receiver, transformer • C. Receiver, transistor • D. Transmitter, deceiver

19. Answer: A. receiver & transmitter • What could you use in a noisy area, instead of a speaker, to help you copy signals? • A. A video display • B. A low pass filter • C. A set of headphones • D. A boom microphone

20. Answer: C. A set of headphones • What is the term used to describe what happens when a microphone and a speaker are placed to close together? • A. Excessive wind noise • B. Audio feedback • C. Inverted signal patterns • D. Poor electrical grounding

21. Answer: B. Audio feedback • What will happen if a transmitter is operated with the microphone gain set to high? • A. The output power will be to high • B. It may cause the signal to become distorted and unreadable • C. The frequency will vary • D. The SWR will increase

22. Answer: B. It may cause the signal to become distorted and unreadable • What is one way on which to select a frequency on which to operate? • A. Use the keypad or VFO knob to enter the correct frequency • B. Turn on the CTCSS encoder • C. Adjust the power supply ripple frequency • D. All of these answers are correct

23. Answer: A. Use the keypad or VFO to enter the frequency • What is a way to enable quick access to a favorite frequency on your HT? • A. Enable the CTCSS tones • B. Store the frequency in a memory channel • C. Disable the CTCSS tones • D. Use the scan mode to select the desired frequency.

24. Answer: B. Store the frequency in a memory channel • What kind of information may a VHF/UHF transceiver store in it’s memory? • A. Transmit and receive frequency • B. CTCSS tone frequency • C. Transmit power level • D. All of these answers are correct

25. Answer: D. All of these answers are correct • What is the purpose of the buttons labeled “up” and “down” on many microphones? • A. To allow easy frequency or memory selection • B. To raise or lower the internal antenna • C. To set the battery charge rate • D. To upload or download messages

26. Answer: A. To allow easy frequency or memory selection • What is the purpose of the “step” function found on many transceivers? • A. It adjusts the transmitter power output level • B. It adjusts the modulation level • C. It sets the earphone volume • D. It sets the tuning rate when changing frequencies

27. Answer: D. It sets the tuning rate when changing frequencies • What is the purpose of the “shift” control? • A. It adjusts the transmitter power level • B. Changes the bands • C. Adjusts the offset between transmit and receive frequencies • D. Changes the modes

28. Answer: C. It adjust the frequency offset between transmit and receive frequencies • What is the purpose of the “Function” or “F” key found on many radios? • A. It turns the power on and off • B. It selects an autopatch access code • C. It selects an alternate action for some of the control buttons • D. It control access to the memory scrambler

29. Answer: C. It selects an alternate action for some of the control buttons • What is the purpose of the squelch control? • A. It is used to select the highest level of volume desired • B. It is used to set the transmitter power level • C. It is used to adjust the antenna polarization • D. It is used to quiet the noise when no signal is being received

30. Answer: D. It used to quiet the noise when no signal is being received. • What does RIT mean? • A. Receiver input tone • B. Receiver Incremental tuning • C. Rectifier Inverter Test • D. Remote Input transmitter

31. Answer: B. Receiver Incremental Tuning • What might you do to improve the situation if the station you’re listening to is hard to copy because of noise? • A. Increase you’re transmitter power • B. Decrease the squelch setting • C. Turn on the noise blanker • D. Use the RIT control

32. Answer: C. Turn on the noise blanker • What is a good thing to have when operating a handheld transceiver when away from home? • A. A selection of spare parts • B. A programming cable to load new channels • C. One or more fully charged spare battery backs • D. A dummy load

33. Aswer: C. More fully charged spare battery packs • Which type of battery offers the longest life when used with a handheld radio, assuming each battery is the same physical size? • A. Lead-acid • B. Alkaline • C. Nickel-cadmium • D. Lithiom-ion

34. Answer: D. Lithium-ion • What is required to keep rechargeable batteries in good condition and ready for emergencies? • A. They must be inspected for damage and replaced if necessary • B. They should be stored in a cool and dry location. • C. The must be given a maintenance charge at least every 6 months. • D. All of these answers are correct

35. Answer: D. All of these answers are correct • What type of battery is not designed to be recharged? • A. Nickel-cadimum • B. Carbon-zinc • C. Lead-acid • D. Lithium-ion

36. Answer: B. Carbon-zinc • What is the nominal voltage per cell of a fully charged nickel-cadimum battery? • A. 1.0 volts • B. 1.2 volts • C. 1.5 volts • D. 2.2 volts

37. Answer: B. 1.2 volts • What is the best way to get the most amount of energy from a battery? • A. Draw current from the battery as rapidly as possible • B. Draw current from the battery at the slowest rate needed • C. Reverse the leads when the battery reaches the ½ charge level • D. Charge the battery as frequently as possible

38. Answer: B. Draw the current from the battery at the slowest rate needed • What is one way to recharge a 12 volt battery is the commercial power is out? • A. You cannot recharge a battery pack unless the power is back on • B. Add water to the battery • C. Connect the battery to a car’s battery and run the engine • D. Take your battery to the utility company for a recharge

39. Answer: C. Connect the battery to a car’s battery and then run the car’s engine • What is a good reason for using a regulated power supply for communications equipment? • A. To protect the equipment from voltage regulations • B. A regulated power supply has FCC approval • C.A fuse or circuit breaker regulates the power • D. Regulated power supplies are less expensive

40. Answer: A. To protect the equipment from voltage fluctuations • What device is used to increase the output of a 10 watt radio to 100 watts? • A. Amplifier • B. Power supply • C. Antenna • D. Attenuator

41. Answer: A. Amplifier • That’s all folks! Remember to go to eham.net and take the practice quiz each day!