Transcript Australian Amateur Operator’s Certificate of Proficiency Foundation Licence Training 1

Australian Amateur Operator’s
Certificate of Proficiency
Foundation Licence Training
1
WELCOME !
The Canberra Region Amateur Radio
Club welcomes you to our Foundation
Licence Course !
We are here to facilitate you
obtaining your Foundation License.
2
How we are going to Run it….
We will be using the WIA’s “Your Entry
Into Amateur Radio“ manual, and will
proceed in the same order as the manual.
We will be having “Prac” sessions so you
can get some hands on experience to back
up the theory
We will have lots of breaks, but time will
be tight !
3
What about the Exam ?
The Exam will be held on Sunday just
before lunch, and after lunch the practical
assessment will be done.
The exam consists of 25 questions and will
draw upon all parts of the syllabus except
part 8
You need to correctly answer 18 or more
questions to pass the examination paper
4
What about the Assessment ?
The Practical Assessments will be done
after lunch on Sunday.
This will involve a one on one session with
the WIA assessor, with an Invigilator in
attendance to assist.
You need to be assessed as being
Competent in 20 different area’s, but
some things can be done together.
5
Who Are YOU ?
First off, we want to get to know you
before we start, so could you let us
know…
Your Name,
Your experience with radio /
electronics
How you heard about the course
What you expect to achieve
6
Onto the Nitty Gritty
We will be doing Chapters 1 and 2 of
the manual before the 1st break
Chapter 1 is About Electricity,
Frequency and Wavelengths
Chapter 2 will be about Transmitters
and Receivers
7
Chapter 1
Electricity, Frequency
And
Wavelength
8
Electricity
Matter is made up of Atoms that
contain particles called Electrons
The first form of electricity that was
observed was static electricity
Static electricity occurs when friction
causes electrons to be dislodged
from their parent atoms
The art of controlling the movement
of electrons is called electronics.
9
Conductors
All metals are good conductors, though
the most common used in electricity are
COPPER and ALUMINIUM.
Have free electrons - allow electrons to
move from one place to another.
Conductors are usually insulated from
each other or from other objects by plastic
insulation.
Conductor
Electron
Electron
10
Insulators
Materials that have tightly held
electrons – Do not allow current flow
Many things can be used as
insulators they may include;
DRY WOOD
PORCELIAN
GLASS
PAPER just to name a few.
11
Voltage
Voltage is the term given to the
electrical pressure that can produce
an electric current in a circuit.
Voltage is sometimes referred to as
Electromotive Force or EMF.
Voltage is like water pressure.
No force actually pushes
electrons through a circuit.
Rather, like water level, the
difference between the two
levels forces the flow.
12
Current
An electric current is an ordered
movement of electrons from a
negative point to a positive point
When current flows in a conductor
energy is being transferred.
Current flow is measured in Amps
-
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - Conductor
Cell
+
13
Resistance
Resistance is the opposition to
current flow in an electrical circuit
and is measured in OHMS.
When current flows in a resistance,
energy is lost (dissipated) as heat.
Resistance is the only electrical
property that produces heat..
14
Power
The Energy (heat) dissipated by a resistor is called
POWER and is measured in Watts
Power = Volts times Amps
A radio transmitters power output
is measured in Watts.
Equipment/Components are often rated in terms of
their power handling capacity.
When the power rating is exceeded the device may
fail or become dangerous (burst into flames).
15
Incorrect Voltage & Polarity
Electronic circuits can be damaged by
applying an excessive voltage or
voltage of wrong polarity.
16
Types of Current
Direct Current: Current that remains
constant and does not change its
magnitude from a zero reference level.
Voltage from a battery is direct current.
Also called DC.
Alternating Current: Current that is
continually changing in magnitude and
periodically in direction from a zero
reference level. Also called AC.
17
DC & AC

Batteries provide a source of DC
DC- Direct Current, flows in a single
direction

AC - Alternating Current
AC is easier to generate and transform
Mains is 50 Hz AC. Radio uses High Frequency AC
Simple items such as lamps work with AC and DC, but
many electronic components are sensitive to the
direction of current
18
Electrical Units & Symbols
Quantity
Unit
Voltage, V
Volt
Current, I
Amp
Resistance, ROhm

Power, P
Watt
Frequency, f
Hertz
Wavelength, 
Metre
Symbol
V or E
A
W
Hz
m
Note-1: Resistance is the opposition to
current flow
19
Technical Basics
Component Symbols:



Cell
+
-

Battery
20
Technical Basics
Component Symbols:
Resistor
Switch
21
Technical Basics
Component Symbols:
Fuse
Lamp
22
Technical Basics
Component Symbols:
Antenna
Earth
23
Technical Basics
Component Symbols:
Microphone
Loudspeaker
24
A Real Example
A battery provides voltage and that a circuit is
needed to allow current to flow. A battery
provides the source of voltage and power and
that a complete circuit (including a battery) is
needed for current to flow.
25
Electric Circuit
Component Symbols used to represent
an electric circuit:
Switch
+
Battery
Lamp
-
26
Ohms Law
V Volts
I Amps
Relates Voltage, V
V=IxR
R Ohms
Current, I
Resistance, R
I=V/R
R=V/I
27
Calculation of Power
Power:
P Watts
V Volts I Amps
Relates Power, P
P=VxI
Voltage, V Current, I
V=P/I
I=P/V
28
Unit Prefixes
Unit Prefixes:
Factor
Prefix
millionths
micro
thousandths
milli
thousands
kilo
millions
Mega
Examples:
Symbol
or u
m
k
M
4.7 k= 4700 
1500 mA = 1.5 A
0.6 MHz = 600 kHz
29
Technical Basics
Radio
Microwaves
THz
IR
UV
X-rays Gamma rays
Understand the Terminology
for the Radio Spectrum
30
What is Frequency
Rate of Repetition of an event
Measured in number of repetitions
per second (Hertz)
Typically is a measurement of waves
Waves move at a constant speed
Distance between the crests of
adjacent waves is the wavelength
31
Frequency & Wavelength
Frequency & Wavelength are two related terms used to
describe the same quantity (frequency).
The higher the frequency, the shorter the wavelength.
The lower the frequency, the longer the wavelength.
Convert from one to the other using supplied reference
material.
  wavelength
v - velocity
f - frequency
32
Frequency & Wavelength
In air the velocity, v of radio waves is a
constant ( ~3x108 m/s)
So if the frequency increases, the
wavelength decreases, and vice versa,
determined by:
v=fx
v
f

v m/s
f Hertz
 metres
33
Frequency Calculation
For practical purposes, the velocity of a radio
wave is considered to be constant, regardless
of the frequency or the amplitude of the
transmitted wave.
To find the frequency when the wavelength is
known, divide the velocity by the
wavelength.
To find the wavelength when the frequency is
known, divide the velocity by the frequency.
34
Frequency Calculation
35
Technical Basics
Remember ranges for
Radio Frequencies (RF):
HF: 3-30 MHz
VHF: 30-300 MHz
UHF: >300 MHz
36
Technical Basics
Understand:
The terms DC (direct current) and AC
(alternating current).
Unit of frequency. Hertz
The frequency of the mains supply. 50 Hz
The voltage of the mains supply. 240 Volts AC
The range of frequencies for normal hearing –
20 Hz - 15 kHz
The range of voice frequencies used in
radiotelephony – 300 Hz – 3 kHz.
The frequency bands for HF, VHF, UHF etc
The relationship between frequency and
wavelength.
37
Chapter 2
Transmitters
And
Receivers
38
Oscillator Basics
Basic Oscillator – the “generator” of all
radio signals.
An “Oscillator” generates energy on a
specific frequency and can do so on….
Audio Frequencies,
or
Radio Frequencies
39
Oscillator - Sine Wave
Graphic representation of a sine wave
and that sine waves are produced by
oscillators.
40
Transmitters - Oscillator
The frequency generation stage(s)
(e.g. oscillator(s)) in a transmitter
defines the frequency. Incorrect
setting of these stages can result in
operation outside the amateur band
and interference to other users.
41
Technical Basics
Basic Morse Code Transmitter
42
Transmitters
The items in a simple voice
transmitter block diagram are:
Microphone,
audio amplifier stage,
frequency generation stage,
modulator stage,
RF power amplifier stage,
feeder and antenna.
43
Simple Voice Transmitter
The block diagram:
1. Audio Amplifier
2. Modulator
3. Frequency generator (oscillator)
4. RF power amplifier
Microphone
1
Audio Amplifier
2
Modulator
Antenna
4
RF Power
Amplifier
3
Frequency
Generator
(Oscillator)
44
Transmitters - Modulation
The Audio Amplifier prepares the
audio from the microphone for
modulation. Microphone level is
adjusted by the Microphone Gain
control.
The audio signal is modulated onto
the radio frequency “carrier”
(produced by the oscillator) in the
modulator of the transmitter.
45
Modulation Types
Amplitude modulation: Modulation in which the
amplitude of the carrier wave is varied above and
below its normal value in accordance with the
intelligence of the signal being transmitted. Also
called AM.
Single Sideband (SSB) is a more efficient form
of Amplitude Modulation (AM) that does not use
a constant carrier wave.
Frequency modulation: The process of varying
the frequency of a carrier wave, usually with an
audio frequency, in order to convey intelligence.
Also called FM.
46
Transmitters
Modulation is by varying the
amplitude or frequency of the
“carrier”, resulting in AM or FM
modulation modes.
47
Amplitude Modulation
AMPLITUDE MODULATION (AM) - The audio signal varies the
amplitude of a constant frequency RF Carrier
Note if Audio is
too strong,
clipping and
distortion occurs
Audio Input
RF Carrier
Simple AM gives
carrier with lower
and upper
sidebands
AM Signal
48
Frequency Modulation
FREQUENCY MODULATION (FM) - The audio signal varies the
Frequency of a constant amplitude RF Carrier
Audio Input
RF Carrier
FM Signal
Actual amount of
variation is small
& called
Deviation
Signal Amplitude
is constant and
doesn't carry
info. It’s
therefore less
prone to
interference
49
Effect of Mic gain control on
output modulation
Excessive modulation of AM or FM
transmitters will cause distorted
output and interference to adjacent
frequencies and/or nearby
appliances.
ie. TV & Radio Broadcast services.
Ensure microphone gain, where
fitted, is correctly adjusted to avoid
over modulation of AM or FM
transmitters.
50
Receiver Block Diagram
1.
2.
3.
4.
Tuning and RF amplifier
Detection
Audio amplifier
Loudspeaker
Antenna
1
Tuning & RF
Amplifier
2
Detection
3
Audio
Amplifier
4
Loudspeaker
51
RF Amplifier & Tuning
The tuning (frequency control) of
a receiver is carried out in first
stages of the receiver block
diagram.
Antenna
1
Tuning & RF
Amplifier
52
Detector
The purpose of a detector is to
recover the original information
modulating the carrier signal at the
transmitter.
Another name for the detector is a
demodulator.
2
Detector
53
Audio Amplifier
The Audio Amplifier takes a low level
Audio input and makes it louder.
3
Audio Amplifier
54
Loudspeaker
The Loudspeaker converts the Audio
signal back to sound waves that can
be heard.
Antenna
1
Tuning & RF
Amplifier
2
Detection
3
Audio
Amplifier
4
Loudspeaker
55
Receiver Performance
Receiver Sensitivity is the ability of a
receiver to receive very weak signals
Selectivity is the ability of the
receiver to reject unwanted signals
Stability is the ability to maintain the
selected frequency.
56
Receiver Knowledge
Identify the items in a simple
receiver block diagram and recall
their order of interconnection:
antenna, feeder,
radio tuning and RF amplification,
detection/demodulation,
audio amplification and
loudspeaker or headphones.
57
Chapter 3
Antennas
And
Transmission Lines
58
Antenna Topics
Feeder/Transmission Lines
Antenna types
SWR and Matching
59
Feeder Lines
Two basic feeder types:
Coax, Twin Wire
Coax
Twin
Feeder
Inner Conductor is shrouded by
dielectric, with outer (braided) screen.
Two conductors kept at
constant separation by
insulation - no screening
For Radio 50 Coax is used (TV is 75)
Balanced Feeder
60
Feeder Lines
Examples of coaxial cables.
The characteristic impedance is
typically 50 ohms.
61
Coax Connectors
A wide variety of connectors exist.
Common RF Connectors include BNC,
PL259, N-type, SMA etc.
Ensure both the inner conductor and
outer braid are assembled correctly.
Poor condition connectors are a major
cause of bad SWRs etc.
Screening must be continuous through
plugs and sockets.
62
Common RF Connectors
PL259 Connectors
63
Common RF Connectors
BNC Connectors
64
Common RF Connectors
N Type Connectors
65
Feeder Lines
Coaxial cable is most widely used for
RF signals because of its screening
qualities.
The plugs and sockets for RF should
be of the correct type and that the
braid of coaxial cable must be
correctly connected to minimise RF
signals getting into or out of the
cable.
66
Feeder Lines
Balanced Line. A balanced line is composed of two
identical conductors, usually circular wires, separated
by air or an insulating material (dielectric).
Depending on the construction of the balanced line,
the characteristic impedance can range from 300 to
600 ohms.
67
Unbalanced/Balanced
Coax is unbalanced - Inner has voltage, Outer is
earthed.
Coax is widely used as its outer acts as a screen.
Twin feeder is balanced - conductors have equal and
opposite voltages/currents/fields.
In order to connect an unbalanced feeder to a
balanced antenna (eg coax feeding a dipole) a
transformer known as a balun is needed.
BALUN:
BALanced - UNbalanced
Without a Balun rf currents flow on the outside
braid, and the screening properties of coax are lost.
68
Feeder Lines - Revisited
Two basic feeder types:
Coax, Twin Wire
Coax
Twin
Feeder
Inner Conductor is shrouded by
dielectric, with outer (braided) screen.
Two conductors kept at
constant separation by
insulation - no screen
For Radio 50 Coax is used (TV is 75)
Balanced Feeder
69
Antennas
Antennas transform AC signals into propagating radio
waves.
Gain is the directing of power in the wanted direction
Need to know the following types:Dipole
Quarterwave ground plane
Five-eighths ground plane
Yagi
End-fed wire
Antenna size is determined by the operating wavelength, .
Example: a 2m 4 is a third of the size of a 6m/4.
70
Dipole: /2
Simple - but requires a balanced
feed via a balun.
Each leg is /4 long - /2 across in
total.
71
Folded Dipole: /2
Basic – End fed half wave dipole
Centre point is electrical earth allows
Robust Mounting
Usually provided with an internal
coaxial Balun
Drawing to be completed
72
Quarter Wave: /4
Radials simulate a
groundplane and
are also /4 long
Coax Feed
Radials
73
Five-Eighths: 5/8
5/8 - Common
antenna for mobile
use
Better impedance
match and gain than
basic quarterwave
Radials emulate
groundplane like the
quarterwave
74
Yagi
Driven
Element/Dipole is the
active component of
the Yagi.
Front Directors ‘focus’
to give Gain.
Rear Reflector gives
back/front isolation.
Rear
Reflector
Dipole
Directors
Best Signal
Yagis may be
horizontal or vertical.
75
End Fed Antennas
Common at HF where
wavelengths are long.
Needs an ATU to
match it for HF
multiple bands.
Is unbalanced.
Has strong RF voltages
and currents near the
house. These are likely
to couple into TV and
other equipment and
cause EMC problems.
Station
RF Earth
76
Antenna Directionality
Some words
Some pictures of
other gain patterns
Dipole, ground plane
Gain - Circles are at -3dB, 10dB & 20dB
77
Gain/ERP
ERP = Effective Radiated Power
ERP is the power radiated in the
direction of the maximum radiation
ERP is the product of the power
supplied to the antenna, multiplied
by the gain of the antenna.
ERP = Power x Gain (in linear units,
not dB)
78
Antenna Gain
Torch & Reflector analogy
79
ERP Example
Vertical vs Beam
80
Polarisation
Polarisation is the plane of the antennas radiating
electric field.
Common polarisations are Horizontal and
Vertical.
Transmitter and receiving antenna polarisations
need to match for optimum signal strength.
Verticals (/4, 5/8) give vertical polarisation.
Yagis and Dipoles may be either horizontal or
vertical depending on their mounting.
In complex situations polarisation can rotate.
81
Antenna Match - SWR
Antennas must be suited for the frequency of the
transmitted signal. This is a challenge for multiband
operation.
SWR - Standing Wave Ratio is a measure of the mismatch
of the antenna system to the nominal impedance of the
radio.
A high SWR will result in Output Power being reflected back
to the Transceiver - Inefficient and Potentially Damaging.
At HF most antennas are not matched for the wide range of
frequency bands, unless a matching unit is used.
SWR Meters are valuable for checking correct antenna
design, installation and operation - and indicating faults
Dummy Loads permit radio tests without radiating a signal
82
Transmitter output matching
The final power amplifier stage of a
transmitter must be connected to a
correctly matched transmission line
and antenna to avoid possible
damage to the transmitter and/or
cause interference to other radio
communications services.
Antenna Tuner
83
Transmitter output matching
A balun is usually placed at the antenna terminals
so that a coaxial transmission line can be used.
84
Chapter 4
Propagation
85
Propagation Topics
Propagation Mechanisms
HF Propagation
VHF/UHF Propagation
86
Propagation
Mechanisms & Effects
Waves Nominally Travel in Straight Lines
Diffraction - Waves can spread out/around hills and
obstacles. Such as after passing through narrow gaps and
around corners
Reflection - Waves (esp at UHF+) can bounce of buildings
Refraction - VHF+ can be bent by high/low pressure - often
termed lifts or ducting. HF is bent by the Ionosphere
Other mechanisms include Meteor Scatter, (Tropo+Rain
scatter for microwaves), Aurora, and multipath/fading.
87
Strength of Radio Waves
Radio waves decrease in absolute
strength with an inverse square
relationship. (1/R²)
1 metre = the signal
10 metres = 1/100th signal
100 metres = 1/10,000th Signal
1000 metres = 1/1,000,000th Signal
88
Propagation
HF and the Ionosphere
200km
70km
Earth
Ionosphere is layers of Ionised air 70-400km above earth
Layers vary day to night - and with sunspot cycles etc
HF is bent (refracted) by the ionosphere – VHF/UHF and
above passes through
89
Propagation VHF/UHF
VHF/UHF has almost line of sight propagation
A clear path is much more effective to get a good signal
than a 10 or 100 times increase in power.
For example Satellites can be accessed with low power
at great distances if there are no obstructions
Refraction/Diffraction over the Horizon does occur but is
limited. Buildings/Hills will cause shadows and path loss
In towns UHF+ reflects/scatters off buildings better.
Higher antennas are better than high power, and outdoor
antennas perform much better than indoor ones
90
Tropospheric Ducting
91
Knife edge Diffraction
Reflected wave
92
Chapter 5
Transceiver
Controls
93
Basic Transceiver Controls
Power (On/Off)
Volume (AF)
Squelch (Mute)
RF Gain
Mic Gain
Band changing
Frequency Control (VFO)
Mode
Clarifier (RIT)
94
Basic Transceiver Controls
PRACTICAL Session
Team 1 to the “Shack”
Team 2 to the “Garage”
Team 3 to the “Scouters Room”
Team 4 head down near the Kitchen
95
Chapter 9
Operating Procedures
96
Phonetic Alphabet
The NATO Phonetic Alphabet was
introduced in the 1950’s to provide a
standard intelligible and
pronounceable alphabet for all NATO
Military Units.
So instead of using what ever takes
you fancy , we now have a standard
set of words…..
97
NATO Phonetic Alphabet
A - Alpha
K – Kilo
U – Uniform
0 – Zero
B – Bravo
L – Lima
V – Victor
1 – Wun
C - Charlie
M – Mike
W – Whiskey
2 – Two
D – Delta
N – November X – X-ray
3 – Tree
E – Echo
O – Oscar
Y – Yankee
4 – Fower
F – Foxtrot
P – Papa
Z – Zulu
5 – Fife
G – Golf
Q – Quebec
H – Hotel
R – Romeo
. – decimal
7 – Seven
I – India
S – Sierra
. – (full) stop
8 – Ait
J – Juliet
T – Tango
6 – Six
9 – Niner
98
Listen Before Calling
LISTEN: This is the first rule. The strongest reason for
listening before transmitting is to ensure that you won't
interfere with anyone already using the frequency.
The second reason for listening is that it may tell you a
great deal about the condition of the bands. Although a
band may be dead at a particular time, frequent
openings occur which you can take advantage of if you
are listening at the right time.
The third reason for listening is that if you can't hear
'em you are not likely to work 'em. Several short calls
with plenty of listening spells will net you more contacts
than a single long call. If you are running low power you
may find it more fruitful to reply to someone else's CQ
rather than call CQ yourself.
99
Radiotelephony
The call in radiotelephony should
consist of the callsign of the station
called spoken not more than three
times, the words ' THIS IS ', the
callsign of the calling station spoken
not more than three times and the
word ' OVER '.
Example: VK1AB VK1AB VK1AB
THIS IS VK1ATZ VK1ATZ VK1ATZ
OVER
100
Radiotelephony
A reply call in radiotelephony should
consist of the callsign of the calling
station spoken not more than three
times, the words 'THIS IS', the
callsign of the station replying spoken
not more than three times and the
word 'OVER'.
Example: VK0KC VK0KC VK0KC THIS
IS VK1AB VK1AB VK1AB OVER
101
Radiotelephony
A general call to any other amateur
station may be made by substituting
the signal 'CQ' in place of the called
station's callsign.
Example: CQ CQ CQ THIS IS
VK1ATZ VK1ATZ VK1ATZ OVER
102
Q Codes
Commonly used Q codes:
QRA - What is the name of your station?
QRZ - Who is calling me?
QRK 1-5 - intelligibility of signal:
1 Bad, … , 5 Excellent
QRM 1-5 - Man made interference:
1 Nil, … , 5 Extreme
QRN 1-5 - Naturally occurring interference:
1 Nil, … , 5 Extreme
QSY - Change Frequency
QSB - Signal is fading
QSL - Acknowledge receipt (of message sent)
QTH -What is your location
103
Signal Report
Often you will want to know how the
other station is receiving your signal,
this is called a Signal report.
eg. 5/9
The most common report is based on
two numbers representing
READABILITY
SIGNAL STRENGTH
104
Signal Report
In radiotelephony READABILITY is an
interpretation you make by ear. i.e how
well you understand the other station.
The Scale is from one (1) to five (5).
1. Unreadable
2. Barely Readable – occasional words read
3. Readable with considerable difficulty
4. Readable with practically no difficulty
5. Perfectly readable
105
Signal Report
The STRENGTH part of the report must be
read from the Signal Meter on your
Transceiver. (0-9)
This meter is often referred to as the “S”
meter.
106
How to make a contact
Listen before transmitting
Call a Specific station:
Address the called station 3 times followed by
your callsign
VK1XYZ VK1XYZ VK1XYZ this is VK1ABC over
Making a General call – CQ
CQ CQ CQ this is VK1ABC VK1ABC VK1ABC over
Lets Practice
107
Chapter 6
SAFETY
108
Safety Philosophy
At Foundation level, the emphasis is on avoidance of
risk, not the skills for working on live equipment.
Foundation Licensees need to have an appreciation of
The Dangers of High Voltages
The risk of Electrocution
Risk of RF Induction Heating on Metal Rings, Watches
Potential of RF Burns
Hearing Damage from excessive Headphone Use
109
Safety Earthing
Ensure shack equipment is run from a
common mains earth to prevent earth
loops - use filtered mains boards and
ferrite rings correctly.
Modern Gas & Water Pipes can give
high resistance earth.
Beware of House earths above earth
potential.
Do not mix Mains Earth (for safety)
with RF Earths (for Antennas).
110
Electrical Wiring
Items ought to be earthed, and
Radio Shacks ought to be
protected by RCD ‘Earth Trips’.
Only items which have ‘Double
Insulation’ need not be earthed.
Have a single well marked ‘OFF’
switch for all power.
111
Electrical Safety Devices
Fuses & Circuit breakers are to protect the
electric circuits from high current.
They protect wiring NOT appliances.
Faults aren’t always shorts. A fault may
not blow a large fuse, but may overheat a
flex and cause overheating/fires
Avoid trailing mains leads on the shack
floor - Trip Hazards!
112
Safety – Electric Shock
How to help a victim of electric shock:
The first thing you must do is disconnect
the power supply.
DO NOT touch the victim until you are
sure the power supply is turned off.
Be especially careful in wet areas, such as
bathrooms, since water conducts electricity.
113
Safety – Electric Shock
The typical symptoms of an electric shock
include:
Unconsciousness.
Difficulties in breathing or no breathing at all.
A weak, erratic pulse or no pulse at all.
Burns, particularly entrance and exit burns
(where the electricity entered and left the body).
114
Safety – Electric Shock
First aid includes:
Check for a response, breathing and pulse. If
necessary, start resuscitating the victim.
Call 000 for an ambulance. If you are unsure on
resuscitation techniques, the ambulance call taker
will give you easy to follow instructions over the
telephone, so you can increase the patient's
chances of survival until the ambulance arrives.
If the breathing and pulse are steady, attend to
injuries. Cool the burns and cover with dressings
that won't stick. Never put ointments or oils onto
burns. If the victim has fallen from a height, try not
to move them in case of spinal injuries.
Talk calmly and reassuringly to the victim.
115
Qualified Persons
Who are they??
Qualified persons refer to people such as
Electricians, Radio Technicians, Standard
or Advanced Licence holders and the
such…
Remember as a Foundation Licence holder
you are NOT permitted to remove the
covers of any of your equipment, or
modify your equipment this is to be done
by a qualified person.
116
Battery Hazard
Never short circuit a battery
Some batteries have toxic or corrosive chemicals
or produce gases
Never dispose of a battery in a fire
Use protective fuses with batteries
Children should not play with batteries
Batteries should be disposed of correctly
Can also produce electromagnetic radiation
Go flat very quickly if unused
Explode or emit fumes if punctured
117
EMR Safety
Electromagnetic Radiation may be
harmful if concentrated into a narrow
beam of very high power
Electromagnetic radiation may burn
or heat parts of the human body or
organs
Keep distance between you and
electromagnetic radiation
118
Outdoors
Ladders - Take care when erecting
antennas etc.
Lightning - Disconnect your Antennas !
Keep clear of Overhead Power lines, and
snagging or coupling in to telephone lines.
119
Chapter 7
Electromagnetic
Compatibility (EMC)
Electromagnetic
Immunity (EMI)
And
Interference
120
EMC - Introduction
EMC - Electro-Magnetic Compatibility
Consumer Appliances and Radios together in
Perfect Harmony!
EMC has two aspects:-
Avoidance of generating interference.
Immunity of own kit from being interfered with.
The more power you run – the greater the
likelihood of causing interference
The type of mode in use has a great affect on the
interference
121
Station Design For EMC
Station Layout
for Good EMC
122
Earthing / EMC
Good reception especially on HF, as well as EMC
performance, depends on good earthing.
Ensure shack equipment is run from a common
mains earth to prevent earth loops - use filtered
mains boards and ferrite rings correctly.
RF Earths for antennas are often separate consider earth stakes etc.
Modern Gas & Water Pipes can give high resistance
earth.
AM/SSB can be rectified/detected easily, so is most
prone to cause interference - Operate in a
responsible manner!
123
RF Earth Connection
Use a good RF earth connection
in an HF transmitting station
Provides a path to ground to
minimise RF currents entering
the mains earth system
Minimises the possibility of
interference to other electronic
equipment
To Radio
Copper
Earth
Stake
Should consist of the shortest
possible length of thick copper
braid to an earth stake in the
ground
124
Choice of Antenna Type
Dipole / Balanced System
EMC Correct Antenna
System
Antenna sited as far away
and as high as possible
from TV antenna.
Good Quality coax run
under ground where
possible.
Coax earthed at point of
entry to house.
Balun used.
Antenna as high as possible
and far from House
Balun
Coax drops at
90°to antenna
Station
Coax Underground
Bond Coax Outer
to RF Earth
Balanced Antenna System.
125
Choice of Antenna Type
Long Wire / End-Fed Wire System
Poor EMC Antenna
System
Unbalanced Antenna
System.
Strong RF Field
End-Fed Wire
Station
Strong RF fields near the
house.
Strong RF Field
Poor earth system.
RF Earth
Near TV antenna.
Most likely to cause
interference
126
Choice of Antenna Type
Best EMC - Balanced System
Excellent EMC
Antenna System
Antenna balanced
system.
Balanced Antenna as far
as possible from house
Well located.
Well Earthed.
Antenna Position Space away from
TV Antennas, Phone
Lines
Balanced
Twin Feeder
Station
Least likely to cause
interference
127
AM or SSB
Similar
patterning on
screen,
Possibly in
time with
speech,
Distorted
voice like
sounds, can
be intelligible.
AM / SSB Patterning on screen
128
FM Transmission
Wavy, herringbone
patterning on TV
Possible loss of
colour
No effect on sound
But on severe cases
may cause distorted
or loss of sound.
Herringbone patterning on TV
129
Digital TV
Digital TV is
affected quite
differently.
There is no visual
evidence of what is
happening other
than the picture
becoming jerky,
forming blocks as if
it is a jig-saw,
Freezing or
disappearing.
These effects are the same as if
there is a weak signal.
The neighbour is more likely to call
the service engineer believing a fault
on the TV.
130
EMC Precautions
Suppress problems at their source !
Use Lowpass/Band Pass Filters to suppress
Harmonics for TVI at the transmitter end.
Use Dedicated RF Earths - NOT Safety Mains Earths
RF Traps / Baluns on antenna feeders
- Improves the Source
Inline Filters, Ferrite Rings may be needed
- Helps the Victims - TV, HiFi, PC, Home Theatre
etc
Fit filters as close as possible to affected
equipment.
131
Where to place Filters
Typical Filter Locations
132
Chapter 8
Regulations
and
Amateur Radio Licences
133
Nature of Amateur Radio
Amateur radio is intended to
facilitate hobby radio
communications.
Benefits: Amateur Radio is of value
in areas of
Technical Innovation
Emergency Communications
Development of Skills
International Friendship
Recreational Activity
134
Types of licences
Amateur radio activities are
authorised under an amateur licence.
Other forms of licences authorise
types of radio communications such
as Citizens Band (CB), Land mobile,
Point to Point Links and
Broadcasting.
135
Allocation of frequency bands
The Amateur Service operates on
frequency bands allocated for
Amateur use. The Amateur Service
shares some frequency bands with
other services. Services such as the
broadcasting, aeronautical and
maritime services are allocated
frequency bands appropriate to their
purpose.
136
Purpose of the Amateur Service
An Amateur Licence primarily
authorises the operation of an
Amateur station for self training in
radio communications,
intercommunications between
Amateurs and technical
investigations into radio
communications.
137
Licence Conditions
Operation under a Foundation Amateur Licence is
subject to conditions in the:
Radiocommunications Act 1992
Radiocommunications Regulations 1993
Radiocommunications Licence Conditions
(Amateur Licence) Determination No.1 of 1997
Radiocommunications Licence Conditions
(Apparatus Licence) Determination 2003.
Radiocommunications Licence Conditions
(Amateur Licence) Amendment Determination
2005 (N0.1)
138
Communications by
Amateur stations
Except in relation to a distress or
emergency situation, or where
authorised by an Inspector, an Amateur
Licence only authorises
Amateur-to-Amateur communications.
Particular conditions apply to the
transmission of messages on behalf
of a third party or messages to
Amateurs in another country.
139
Distress and Urgency Signals
Distress communications are
signalled by the use of ‘Mayday’ and
these communications have priority
over all other communications.
Persons hearing a ‘Mayday’
communication are responsible for
passing the information on to an
appropriate authority.
140
Distress Signals
The distress call consists of:
1. the distress signal sent three
times;
2. the words 'THIS IS' and
3. the callsign or other identification
of the station in distress, sent three
times.
141
Distress Signals
The distress message consists of:
1. the distress signal MAYDAY
(radiotelephony);
2. the name, or other identification, of
the station in distress;
3. particulars of its position;
4. the nature of the distress and the
kind of assistance required;
5. and any other information which
might be of assistance.
142
Urgency Signals
In cases where the use of the
distress signal is not fully justified,
the 'URGENCY' signal may be used.
In radiotelephony, the urgency signal
consists of the group of words 'PAN
PAN' , each word of the group
pronounced as the French word
'panne'. The urgency signal shall be
repeated three times before the call.
143
Urgency Signals
The urgency signal has priority over
all other transmissions except
distress. All stations hearing an
urgency signal should:
1. ensure that they do not cause
interference to the transmission of
the message that follows;
2. and be prepared to assist if
required.
144
Distress and Urgency Signals
Some urgent situations not
warranting the use of ‘Mayday’ are
signalled by the use of ‘Pan Pan’.
These communications should
receive priority and should be
reported to an appropriate authority.
145
Station Identification
Correct station identification is
required at the beginning of a
transmission, or series of
transmissions, and at least every 10
minutes during a series of
transmissions.
Any transmission, even a test
transmission, must contain station
identification.
146
Amateur Call Signs
Identify from supplied reference
material, the categories of call signs
used in the Australian Amateur
Service.
Identify call sign suffixes applicable
to each licence category, prefixes
and state designators.
147
Amateur Call Signs
Amateur station callsigns consist of
two letters followed by one numeral
and two, three or four letters.
Australian Amateur Callsigns
normally commence with the letters
'VK'.
To commemorate special events, the
use of 'VI' or 'AX' may be authorised
on a temporary basis.
148
Amateur Call Signs
The following numerals identify the State or Territory
in which the amateur station is licensed to operate:
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
0
=
=
=
=
=
=
=
=
=
=
Australian Capital Territory
New South Wales
Victoria
Queensland
South Australia
Western Australia
Tasmania
Northern Territory
External Territories
Antarctica
149
Secret Messages
The transmission of secret coded or
encrypted messages is generally not
permitted.
150
Authorised frequency bands
and emissions
The Foundation Amateur Licence
authorises operation on certain
frequency bands and the use of
certain emission modes.
Recall in what document the bands
and modes are specified.
151
Use of the Licence Condition
Determinations (LCDs)
Identify, using the LCDs applicable to
the Amateur Licence, specific licence
conditions as they apply to the
Foundation Licence.
The candidate will be supplied with
the LCDs.
152
153
Commonly Used Emission
Characteristics
Emission mode symbols for a
particular transmitter Modulation
Purpose of
Transmission
AM
SSB
FM
PM
Morse
A1A
A1B
J2A
J2B
F1B
G1B
Speech
A3E
J3E
F3E
G3E
Data (packet)
A2D
A1D
J2D
FID
F2D
G1D
G2D
RTTY
A2D
J2D
F2D
G2D
Facsimile
A2C
J2C
F2C
G2F
FSTV
C3F
A3F
J3F
F3F
G3F
A2F
J2F
J3F
F2F
F3F
G2F
G3F
SSTV
where:
AM = amplitude modulated
SSB = amplitude modulated and uses a single-sideband, suppressed carrier
FM = angle modulated and uses frequency modulation and
PM = angle modulated and uses phase modulation.
154
Permitted power output
The Foundation Amateur Licence
restricts the transmitter output
power to a maximum of 10 watts.
155
Type of equipment allowed
The Foundation Amateur Licence only
authorises the use of unmodified
commercially manufactured
transmitting equipment.
156
Inspection of Amateur Licences
Inspectors have the right to require
an Amateur to produce his/her
licence.
157
Notification of
change of address
It is required to notify the Australian
Communications and Media Authority
(ACMA) of any change of address.
158
Entertainment not permitted
The transmission of any form of
entertainment is not permitted.
159
Restriction of operation
to avoid interference
The ACMA, in order to avoid
interference, has the right to restrict
the operation of an Amateur station.
160
Harmful interference
A licensee must not operate an Amateur
station if operation causes harmful
interference to other radio services.
161
Equipment must
not be modified
The Foundation Licensee must not make
modifications to any Amateur radio
transmitting equipment.
162
Authorised use of
Amateur stations
A Foundation licensee may authorise
a suitably qualified person to operate
the licensee’s Amateur station.
163
More - Chapter 9
Operating
A
Radio
“On Air”
164
Band Plans
Amateur Radio Operators have access to a wide
variety of modes and frequencies.
To avoid cross-interference with other “Hams” or
other services a band plan is used it regulates by
mutual agreement what modes/ frequencies can
be used in what bands.
The WIA in conjunction with the IARU have a
bandplan available for you to use as a guide.
Refer to to callbook for more information.
165
VHF Repeater
166
UHF Repeater
167
CTCSS
CTCSS – In order to reduce the chance of
interference some repeaters have what is
called Sub-tone access or Continuous Tone
Coded Squelch System.
These tones are so low in frequency you
cannot hear them.
Refer to you radio’s handbook and the
local Radio Clubs repeater information.
168
DTMF
DTMF – Dual Tone Multiple Frequency, this is
identical to the system used in Telephones and
Mobile phones.
DTMF comprises of two audible tones transmitted
at the same time.
DTMF can be used to command repeaters, access
Echolink or IRLP nodes or retrieve information
from a weather station etc…
ALWAYS identify your station before using DTMF
169
Assessment
Terms used in
Written & Practical
Assessments
170
“RECALL”
If a question is to RECALL,
then you need to Recall a
fact and apply it directly to
the question !
171
“Understand”
If a question is to
UNDERSTAND, then you
will need a more detailed
knowledge to answer.
172
“Demonstrate”
If a question is to
DEMONSTRATE, then you
need to display the ability to
carry out a physical task
(normally this is part of the
Practical Assessment)
173
“Identify”
If you are asked to
IDENTIFY, then you need
to identify particular
objects, diagrams, etc.
174
Thanks to Westlakes Amateur Radio Club
for allowing us to use the information from their
training material.
http://www.westlakesarc.org.au
Thanks to Chelmsford Amateur Radio Society
for allowing us to use the information from their
training material.
http://www.g0mwt.org.uk/training
Thanks to Peter Kutas VK2UPK)
for preparing original training material.
Thanks to Fred Swainston TrainSafe Australia
for some content in this training material.
175