1. Release 1.0 – September 2006 1 Operating Your Handheld Away From Home Having a handheld with you while camping or hiking can be loads of fun. Your handheld is also extremely valuable for emergencies. However, when operating a hand-held transceiver away from home, it is always a good idea to have one or more fully charged spare battery packs.

2. Release 1.0 – September 2006 2 Emergency Operations Kits Many hams assemble basic supplies they need for communications in an emergency. Some items that would probably be very useful to include in an emergency response kit are: An external antenna and several feet of connecting cable – This will greatly increase the range of your handheld. A cable and clips for connecting your transceiver to an external battery – This will allow you to remove a mobile transceiver and hook it up to batteries in an emergency center. A listing of repeater frequencies and nets in your area – Having a radio to communicate is no good if you don’t know who is available to communicate!

3. Release 1.0 – September 2006 3 Boosting Your Handheld’s Signal Sometimes your handheld may be the only radio available in the field. You can make the signal from your hand-held radio stronger when operating in the field by using an external antenna instead of the rubber-duck antenna. External antennas are easy to build and great to throw into a backpack or emergency kit. Imagine being able to check into the local nets from your tent!

4. Release 1.0 – September 2006 4 Dealing With Crowd Noise Many times hams are called to provide assistance at public events such as fairs, sporting events, and marathons where conditions are noisy. A good thing to have with your handheld when operating from a location that includes lots of crowd noise is a combination headset and microphone.

5. Release 1.0 – September 2006 5 Locating Interference or Jamming Noise sources can appear on the ham bands from a variety of sources. These may be accidental or they may be the product of intentional jamming. One method used to locate sources of noise interference or jamming is radio direction finding. This is done by two or more mobile or portable stations equipped with direction finding antennas. Hams working together can often isolate the source of the interference by a process called “triangulation.”

6. Release 1.0 – September 2006 6 Fox Hunts – Find the Hidden Transmitter Some hams enjoy “fox hunts.” The object of a fox hunt is to locate a hidden transmitter that transmits a signal from time to time. Fox hunting may be done almost anywhere. The most useful item for a hidden transmitter hunt is a good directional antenna to help you determine the direction of the signal coming from the “fox.”

7. Release 1.0 – September 2006 7 Contesting A popular operating activity that involves contacting as many stations as possible during a specified period of time is called “contesting.” Contesting takes many forms and may be done at home or from remote locations. One contest many hams participate in is the ARRL Field Day, held each year in June.

8. Release 1.0 – September 2006 8 Grid Locator One type of contesting requires a station to contact as many “grids” as possible. Using a map projection called the Maidenhead grid, the earth is divided into Maidenhead squares or simply grid squares. These grids are based on latitude and longitude. A “grid locator” is a letter-number designator assigned to a geographic location or grid. Some stations you talk to may ask for your grid locator information.

9. Release 1.0 – September 2006 9 Special Event Stations A special event station is a temporary station that operates in conjunction with an activity of special significance. Special event stations may be operated in conjunction with fairs or festivals, or from unique sites such as lighthouses, museum ships or historical sites.

10. Release 1.0 – September 2006 10 Radio Controlled (RC) Models Many hams combine their interest in radio with an interest in operating radio controlled (RC) aircraft, ships or cars by using amateur radio to control their craft. Amateur frequencies authorized for this purpose are often less crowded than frequencies available to the public. The maximum power allowed when transmitting telecommand signals to radio controlled models via amateur radio is 1 watt. (See §97.215(c))

11. Release 1.0 – September 2006 11 Station ID Requirements for RC Models To comply with the station identification requirement when sending commands to a radio control model using amateur frequencies, the FCC says you must affix a label indicating your call sign and address to the transmitter. (See §97.215(a))

12. Release 1.0 – September 2006 12 Check-Up Time! Now let’s try the questions from this group. You should make a note of any that you miss for later review.

13. Release 1.0 – September 2006 13 T7A01 What is a good thing to have when operating a hand-held transceiver 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 packs D. A dummy load

14. Release 1.0 – September 2006 14 T7A01 Answer - C Go with the obvious answer here. When the batteries are low you don't want to have to stop operating. Pop in a freshly charged pack and you won't have to!

15. Release 1.0 – September 2006 15 T7A02 Which of these items would probably not be very useful to include in an emergency response kit? A. An external antenna and several feet of connecting cable B. A 1500 watt output linear amplifier C. A cable and clips for connecting your transceiver to an external battery D. A listing of repeater frequencies and nets in your area

16. Release 1.0 – September 2006 16 T7A02 Answer - B Note that the question asks which item would probably NOT be useful to include. A 1500 watt linear might be nice to have, if you need to communicate over a long distance, but if you carry that, you'd better bring along a generator and a supply of fuel as well. The other items listed would be much more helpful!

17. Release 1.0 – September 2006 17 T7A03 How can you make the signal from a hand-held radio stronger when operating in the field? A. Switch to VFO mode B. Use an external antenna instead of the rubber-duck antenna C. Stand so there is a metal building between you and other stations D. Speak as loudly as you can

18. Release 1.0 – September 2006 18 T7A03 Answer - B "Rubber-duck" antennas, those short antennas that come with your handheld, are OK for work close to the repeater, but when you need to transmit farther, there is no substitute for a good external antenna.

19. Release 1.0 – September 2006 19 T7A04 What would be a good thing to have when operating from a location that includes lots of crowd noise? A. A portable bullhorn B. An encrypted radio C. A combination headset and microphone D. A pulse noise blanker

20. Release 1.0 – September 2006 20 T7A04 Answer - C If there is a lot of noise around your location, a good headset will help you hear received signals, and having the microphone near your mouth will probably help you to stand out against the background noise when you transmit.

21. Release 1.0 – September 2006 21 T7A05 What is a method used to locate sources of noise interference or jamming? A. Echolocation B. Doppler radar C. Radio direction finding D. Phase locking

22. Release 1.0 – September 2006 22 T7A05 Answer - C Radio direction finding is a technique that uses special antennas to determine the direction of a transmitted signal. When two stations at different locations are able to determine the direction from their location, they can usually locate the originating station by triangulation.

23. Release 1.0 – September 2006 23 T7A06 Which of these items would be the most useful for a hidden transmitter hunt? A. Binoculars and a compass B. A directional antenna C. A calibrated noise bridge D. Calibrated SWR meter

24. Release 1.0 – September 2006 24 T7A06 Answer - B A directional antenna is needed so you can determine the direction from which the signal is being broadcast. By sweeping an area with this antenna and listening for the strongest reading, you can determine the direction from which the signal is coming.

25. Release 1.0 – September 2006 25 T7A07 What is a popular operating activity that involves contacting as many stations as possible during a specified period of time? A. Contesting B. Net operations C. Public service events D. Simulated emergency exercises

26. Release 1.0 – September 2006 26 T7A07 Answer - A Contests are very popular with many amateurs. There are many kinds of contests. Sometimes the focus is the mode such as CW or SSB. Other contests look for contacts with hams from a certain state or region, or operating a particular type of station. However, they all share the same basic idea - work as many other amateurs as you can during the contest period.

27. Release 1.0 – September 2006 27 T7A09 What is a grid locator? A. A letter-number designator assigned to a geographic location B. Your azimuth and elevation C. Your UTC location D. The 4 digits that follow your ZIP code

28. Release 1.0 – September 2006 28 T7A09 Answer - A The grid locator system is a letter number designator that represents a small grid on the map. By giving your grid locator, you are giving the other station a very good idea of your location.

29. Release 1.0 – September 2006 29 T7A10 What is a special event station? A. A station that sends out birthday greetings B. A station that operates only on holidays C. A temporary station that operates in conjunction with an activity of special significance D. A station that broadcasts special events

30. Release 1.0 – September 2006 30 T7A10 Answer - C There are all kinds of special event stations. These stations often operate in conjunction with a special celebration or event. In addition, the operators often provide fancy QSL cards or certificates to those stations that work the special event station. Special event stations are listed every month in QST and CQ magazines.

31. Release 1.0 – September 2006 31 T7A11 What is the maximum power allowed when transmitting telecommand signals to radio controlled models? A. 500 milliwatts B. 1 watt C. 25 watts D. 1500 watts

32. Release 1.0 – September 2006 32 T7A11 Answer - B §97.215(c) An amateur station transmitting signals to control a model craft may be operated as follows: *** (c) The transmitter power must not exceed 1 W. Some amateurs use ham radio to control radio controlled model aircraft, boats or cars. You don't need to use amateur frequencies to do this, but where lots of models are being operated, it helps to have a clear channel on amateur radio. If you use ham radio for RC models, 1 watt is the most power you can use to communicate with your craft.

33. Release 1.0 – September 2006 33 T7A12 What is the station identification requirement when sending commands to a radio control model using amateur frequencies? A. Voice identification must be transmitted every 10 minutes B. Morse code ID must be sent once per hour C. A label indicating the licensee's call sign and address must be affixed to the transmitter D. There is no station identification requirement for this service

34. Release 1.0 – September 2006 34 T7A12 Answer - C §97.215(a) An amateur station transmitting signals to control a model craft may be operated as follows: (a) The station identification procedure is not required for transmissions directed only to the model craft, provided that a label indicating the station call sign and the station licensee's name and address is affixed to the station transmitter.

35. Release 1.0 – September 2006 35 Group T7B Group T7B covers satellite operations and theory, including Doppler shift, satellite sub bands, low earth orbit (LEO), orbit calculation, split frequency operation, operating protocols, amateur satellites (AMSAT), and International Space Station (ISS) communications.

36. Release 1.0 – September 2006 36 Amateur Satellites One of the most interesting aspects of amateur radio is operating through amateur satellites. A group of dedicated hams have managed to get a number of amateur satellites launched into orbit. Amateur satellites are like the world’s highest repeaters. Using amateur radio satellite you can talk to amateur radio operators in other countries. So what class of license is required to use amateur satellites? Any amateur whose license allows them to transmit on the satellite uplink frequency can access an amateur satellite.

37. Release 1.0 – September 2006 37 AMSAT The group that coordinates the building and/or launch of the largest number of amateur radio satellites is called AMSAT (short for “amateur satellite”). AMSAT is a nonprofit corporation that coordinates the design and building of these birds, finding a space for them on a rocket, and raising the large sums of money needed to get them built and launched into orbit.

38. Release 1.0 – September 2006 38 Working the Satellite – Finding the Bird The first thing you need to determine whether you can access an amateur satellite is a good satellite tracking program. There are a number of good programs out there, including many that are free. You’ll need to plug in orbital coordinates for all the satellites you want to track, and the software will tell you when the satellite will be over your location, as well as the direction it will be traveling.

39. Release 1.0 – September 2006 39 Working the Satellite – How Much Power? How much power should you use to transmit when using an amateur satellite? As with any other communications, the FCC says you must use only the minimum amount of power needed to complete the contact.

40. Release 1.0 – September 2006 40 Working the Satellite – Dealing With Doppler Shift “Doppler shift” is a change in signal frequency caused by motion through space. You may have noticed that the pitch of a motor in a moving car appears to be higher as it comes toward you and just a bit lower as it moves away from you. As the car approaches, the sound waves from the motor appear to be “sped up” by the speed of the car, raising the frequency. As the car goes by, the sound waves appear to be slowed down in the same way. This is also due to Doppler shift. The same thing happens to radio frequencies as a satellite moves in orbit at a speed of over 17,000 miles per hour. This causes the frequency of the satellite’s transmitter to shift slightly as it moves over your location.

41. Release 1.0 – September 2006 41 Satellite Beacons A satellite beacon is a signal coming from the satellite that contains information about the satellite. If you can hear the beacon on your station, you can probably work the satellite.

42. Release 1.0 – September 2006 42 Satellite Sub-bands A satellite sub-band is a portion of an amateur band where satellite operations are permitted. If you want to work amateur satellites, you’ll need to know where the sub-bands are. For example, the satellite sub-band on 70-CM is 435 to 438 MHz.

43. Release 1.0 – September 2006 43 Amateur Satellites – Low Earth Orbit Most commercial satellites are in geosynchronous orbit, meaning that their orbit keeps them at the same spot over the surface of the earth all the time. These satellites are in orbit at about 22,241 miles over the earth. On the other hand, amateur satellites are in low earth orbit (LEO), usually less than a couple of hundred miles high. Because of the LEO, the orbits are usually around ninety minutes and the time you have to use a satellite on each pass is usually only a few minutes.

44. Release 1.0 – September 2006 44 Working Astronaut Hams Almost every International Space Station (ISS) crew has at least one astronaut onboard who is a licensed amateur. Many of these astronaut hams spend a lot of their spare time on amateur radio. Any amateur with a Technician or higher class license may make contact with an astronaut on the International Space Station using amateur radio frequencies.

45. Release 1.0 – September 2006 45 Check-Up Time! Now let’s try the questions from this group. You should make a note of any that you miss for later review.

46. Release 1.0 – September 2006 46 T7B01 What class of license is required to use amateur satellites? A. Only Extra class licensees can use amateur radio satellites B. General or higher class licensees who have a satellite operator certification C. Only persons who are AMSAT members and who have paid their dues D. Any amateur whose license allows them to transmit on the satellite uplink frequency

47. Release 1.0 – September 2006 47 T7B01 Answer - D If you can lawfully transmit on the uplink frequency (the frequency used to transmit to the satellite), you can use that satellite. As a Technician licensee, that means you can use most amateur satellites currently in orbit.

48. Release 1.0 – September 2006 48 T7B02 How much power should you use to transmit when using an amateur satellite? A. The maximum power of your transmitter B. The minimum amount of power needed to complete the contact C. No more than half the rating of your linear amplifier D. Never more than 1 watt

49. Release 1.0 – September 2006 49 T7B02 Answer - B Under FCC rules, you should ALWAYS use the minimum power necessary to complete a contact.

50. Release 1.0 – September 2006 50 T7B03 What is something you can do when using an amateur radio satellite? A. Listen to the Space Shuttle B. Get global positioning information C. Make autopatch calls D. Talk to amateur radio operators in other countries

51. Release 1.0 – September 2006 51 T7B03 Answer - D Amateur satellites are like orbiting repeaters. Because they are so high, the distance you can cover using them makes satellite communications between countries very realistic.

52. Release 1.0 – September 2006 52 T7B04 Who may make contact with an astronaut on the International Space Station using amateur radio frequencies? A. Only members of amateur radio clubs at NASA facilities B. Any amateur with a Technician or higher class license C. Only the astronaut's family members who are hams D. You cannot talk to the ISS on amateur radio frequencies

53. Release 1.0 – September 2006 53 T7B04 Answer - B One of the neat things about amateur radio is that almost every ISS crew has at least one amateur aboard, and some have taken a great interest in making contacts with hams on the ground. An ISS two way contact is a really big deal!

54. Release 1.0 – September 2006 54 T7B05 What is a satellite beacon? A. The primary transmit antenna on the satellite B. An indicator light that that shows where to point your antenna C. A reflective surface on the satellite D. A signal that contains information about a satellite

55. Release 1.0 – September 2006 55 T7B05 Answer - D The beacon is a signal transmitted from the satellite that gives the listener information about that satellite. However, the most important thing about the beacon is that if you can hear it, chances are you can work through the satellite.

56. Release 1.0 – September 2006 56 T7B06 What should you use to determine when you can access an amateur satellite? A. A GPS receiver B. A field strength meter C. A telescope D. A satellite tracking program

57. Release 1.0 – September 2006 57 T7B06 Answer - D Satellite tracking programs will tell you when a satellite will be overhead and what the path of the satellite will be. This will allow you to track the satellite with your antenna.

58. Release 1.0 – September 2006 58 T7B07 What is Doppler shift? A. A change in the satellite orbit B. A mode where the satellite receives signals on one band and transmits on another C. A change in signal frequency caused by motion through space D. A special digital communications mode for some satellites

59. Release 1.0 – September 2006 59 T7B07 Answer - C Doppler shift is the apparent change in frequency of a signal due to the speed of an object as it moves toward or away from an observer. You have probably heard the effect of Doppler shift in a sound wave as a car or train went by where you were standing. As it approached, the sound had a higher pitch (frequency) and as it moved away from you, the pitch (frequency) appeared to be lower. The same effect can be observed with radio frequencies coming from a moving satellite.

60. Release 1.0 – September 2006 60 T7B08 What is the name of the group that coordinates the building and/or launch of the largest number of amateur radio satellites? A. NSA B. USOC C. AMSAT D. FCC

61. Release 1.0 – September 2006 61 T7B08 Answer - C AMSAT (short for amateur satellite) is the official name of the Radio Amateur Satellite Corporation. This organization coordinates all activities related to design, building and launch of amateur satellites. Getting one of these birds into orbit is a complicated and expensive process, but this group takes the lead in making it happen.

62. Release 1.0 – September 2006 62 T7B09 What is a satellite sub-band? A. A special frequency for talking to submarines B. A frequency range limited to Extra Class licensees C. A portion of a band where satellite operations are permitted D. An obsolete term that has no meaning

63. Release 1.0 – September 2006 63 T7B09 Answer - C Sub-bands are portions of bands set aside for specific kinds of operation. Sometimes this division of the bands is done by the FCC through its rules, and at other times it is done by a "gentlemen's agreement." Satellites need clear frequencies to work most effectively, and the satellite sub- bands give them those frequencies.

64. Release 1.0 – September 2006 64 T7B10 What is the satellite sub-band on 70-CM? A. 420 to 450 MHz B. 435 to 438 MHz C. 440 to 450 MHz D. 432 to 433 MHz

65. Release 1.0 – September 2006 65 T7B10 Answer - B Ah, yes.. more stuff to memorize. 435 to 438 MHz is the satellite sub-band for the 70 cm band.

66. Release 1.0 – September 2006 66 T7B11 What do the initials LEO tell you about an amateur satellite? A. The satellite battery is in Low Energy Operation mode B. The satellite is performing a Lunar Ejection Orbit maneuver C. The satellite is in a Low Earth Orbit D. The satellite uses Light Emitting Optics

67. Release 1.0 – September 2006 67 T7B11 Answer - C LEO stands for "low earth orbit." Because amateur satellites (so far) are in low earth orbit, the time they are available for use on each pass or orbit is only a few minutes.

68. Release 1.0 – September 2006 68 Seven Down, Three to Go! This concludes Study Guide # 7. Once you are satisfied that you can answer 80% of the questions in this Sub-element, you are ready to move on to Study Guide # 8.