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 American Radio Relay League -ARRL Voluntary services Voluntary services Contributions to electronics and communications Contributions to electronics and communications Fun Fun Federal Communications Commission (FCC)  grants all U.S. HAM licenses Federal Communications Commission (FCC)  grants all U.S. HAM licenses

Tools of Communication Repeaters Repeaters Satellites Satellites The moon The moon Computerized networks Computerized networks

Methods of Communication Voice Voice Morse code Morse code Pictures Pictures

Licenses Technician Technician Basic theory and regulations (written exam) Basic theory and regulations (written exam) Amateur privileges above 50.0 MHz Amateur privileges above 50.0 MHz Tech with Morse Tech with Morse 5 wpm 5 wpm General General Extra Extra

Getting a Tech License Study – look through the question bank Study – look through the question bank Study book Study book ARRL Online Question Bank ARRL Online Question Bank ARRL Online Question Bank ARRL Online Question Bank Testing at Alexandria every 2 nd Saturday of the month Testing at Alexandria every 2 nd Saturday of the month Testing at Alexandria every 2 nd Saturday of the month Testing at Alexandria every 2 nd Saturday of the month Structure of test Structure of test 35 questions – picked randomly 35 questions – picked randomly 74% (That’s a C) = allowed to miss 9 74% (That’s a C) = allowed to miss 9

After the Exam Pass Pass Certificate of Successful Completion of Examination (CSCE) Certificate of Successful Completion of Examination (CSCE) Wait for a call sign (on ARRL/FCC database) Wait for a call sign (on ARRL/FCC database) Fail Fail CSCE – shows what elements you passed CSCE – shows what elements you passed Valid for 365 days Valid for 365 days

Getting a General License Morse Code Morse Code 5 words per minute 5 words per minute Solid copy of 25 characters Solid copy of 25 charactersOR Getting at least 7/10 questions correct Getting at least 7/10 questions correct Online Morse Code Study Programs 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? T1A03 What is the definition of an amateur station? A radio station in the amateur service used for radiocommunications A radio station in the amateur service used for radiocommunications T1A08 What is an amateur space station? T1A08 What is an amateur space station? An amateur station located more than 50 km (30 miles) above the Earth’s surface An amateur station located more than 50 km (30 miles) above the Earth’s surface

Helpful Links Online Question Bank Online Question Bank Online Practice Exams Online Practice Exams Testing Site information Testing Site information ARRL License Database ARRL License Database Amateur Frequency Band Plan Amateur Frequency Band Plan