What is Amateur (Ham ) Radio ??

It’s a hobby, a technical hobby with a large number of different activities within it. It contains a certain element of self-training and experimentation, it is non commercial – a hobby !! Why become an amateur To experiment with radio’s To talk to people around the world and make friends Get involved in a niche area such as RAYNET Get a better understanding of electronics/computers Have FUN !!!!!!! The Foundation Licence is the UK entry level which will enable you to start transmitting on the air.

Modes: Voice, SSTV, RTTY, Data, FSTV, Morse Modulation – SSB, FM, AM, CW, FSK, PSK Focus Groups – satellites, moon bounce, clubs, rallies etc. Others - RSGB, Rallies, QSO Bureau, contest, Bands: HF, VHF, UHF, Microwaves

Reproduced from Radio Communications Foundation booklet. The frequency allocation table for the VHF band is shown above. It indicates that we share the spectrum with other users and we must ensure that we do not interfere with their frequencies.

VLF = Very Low Frequency LF = Low FrequencyMF = Medium frequency VHF = Very High FrequencyUHF = Ultra High Frequency SHF = Super High FrequencyEHF = Extra High Frequency

Reproduced from Radio Communications Foundation booklet As the Frequency increases its wavelength shrinks Antenna sizes are proportional to wavelength Therefore higher frequencies have smaller antennas A copy of conversation chart is supplied in the exam

reproduced from Wikipedia Very low frequency or VLF refers to radio frequencies (RF) in the range of 3 khz to 30 khz and wavelengths from 10 to 100 kilometres - submarines HF -The dominant means of long distance communication in this band is skywave(skip) propagation, in which radio waves directed at an angle into the sky reflect back to Earth from layers of ionized atoms in the ionosphere. By this method HF radio waves can travel beyond the horizon, around the curve of the Earth, and can be received at intercontinental distances. However, suitability of this portion of the spectrum for such communication varies greatly with a complex combination of factors

reproduced from Wikipedia Very high frequency (VHF) is the ITU-designated range of radio frequency electromagnetic waves from 30 Mhz to 300 Mhz,

RSGB Publication 2013 The RSGB (Radio Society of Great Britain) acts on behalf of amateurs lobbying for frequencies. Internationally the body which tries to co- ordinate the band plan is IARU (International Amateur Radio Union)

HF:7MHZ = 40m21MHZ = 15m29MHZ = 10m VHF:50MHZ = 6m145MHZ = 2m UHF:430MHZ = 70cms Note – as frequencies rise wavelength decrease.

Revision Questions

HF What does the following stand for: High Frequency VHF Very High Frequency UHF Ultra High Frequency

SSB SSB Modulation: What is ?? Single Side Band FM Frequency modulation AM Amplitude modulation CW Carrier wave

What is the frequency range of: HF HF 3 to 30 mhz VHF 30 – 300 mhz

Thurrock Training Team