130 likes | 260 Views
An Introduction to Earning an Amateur (HAM) Radio License. TJ Excelsior Club TJ Ham Club October 17 th , 2006. Overview of Amateur Radio. American Radio Relay League -ARRL Voluntary services Contributions to electronics and communications Fun
E N D
An Introduction to Earning anAmateur (HAM) Radio License TJ Excelsior Club TJ Ham Club October 17th, 2006
Overview of Amateur Radio • American Radio Relay League -ARRL • Voluntary services • Contributions to electronics and communications • Fun • Federal Communications Commission (FCC) grants all U.S. HAM licenses
Tools of Communication • Repeaters • Satellites • The moon • Computerized networks
Methods of Communication • Voice • Morse code • Pictures
Licenses • Technician • Basic theory and regulations (written exam) • Amateur privileges above 50.0 MHz • Tech with Morse • 5 wpm • General • Extra
Getting a Tech License • Study – look through the question bank • Study book • ARRL Online Question Bank • Testing at Alexandria every 2nd Saturday of the month • Structure of test • 35 questions – picked randomly • 74% (That’s a C) = allowed to miss 9
After the Exam • Pass • Certificate of Successful Completion of Examination (CSCE) • Wait for a call sign (on ARRL/FCC database) • Fail • CSCE – shows what elements you passed • Valid for 365 days
Getting a General License • Morse Code • 5 words per minute • Solid copy of 25 characters OR • Getting at least 7/10 questions correct • Online Morse Code Study Programs
Technician Written Exam T1 - FCC Rules – 5q T2 - Methods of Co – 2q T3 – Radio Phenomena – 2q T4 – Station Licensee Duties – 3q T5 – Control Operator Duties – 3q
Technician Written Exam cont. T6 – Good Operating Practices – 3q T7 – Basic Communications – 3q T8 – Good Engineering Practice – 6q T9 – Special Operations – 2q T0 – Electrical, Antenna, Structure and RF Safety Practices – 6q
Example Questions • T1A03 What is the definition of an amateur station? • A radio station in the amateur service used for radiocommunications • T1A08 What is an amateur space station? • An amateur station located more than 50 km (30 miles) above the Earth’s surface
Helpful Links • Online Question Bank • http://www.arrl.org/arrlvec/pools.html • Online Practice Exams • http://www.eham.net/exams/ • Testing Site information • http://www.mvarc.com/images/VolunteerExam.PDF • ARRL License Database • http://www.arrl.org/fcc/fcclook.php3 • Amateur Frequency Band Plan • http://www.arrl.org/FandES/field/regulations/bands.gif