FCC Technician Class

to be used with Element 2 Question Pool

2010-2014

Presented by

Jeff Smith W4ZH

Course Philosophy (Atleast do the following

#2,3,4 & 5)

1. Introduce the concepts of electricity

and radio communications
2. Do your own memory work
3. 6 - 12 hours of study will be required
4.. Use of On-Line practice exam:
5. http://www.qrz.com/p/testing.pl
6. What is not covered: Material that is not on
the exam

Materials
Highly recommended
Ham Radio License
Manual & FCC Rules
& Regulations
Both are available
from the
American Radio Rela
y League
[ARRL.org]

Materials

Available from
http://www.w5yi.org/
1-800-669-9594, or
Ham Radio Outlet 1-800
444-7927
WWW.ARRL.ORG
WWW.QRZ.com
4

Elmers

An Elmer is an
experienced amateur
radio operator who
helps you get started in
amateur radio, study for
your license exams or
upgrades, or offers any
similar encouragement.
Thats US! Scott, AL &
Jeff
If you dont have an
Elmer to mentor you,
ask for one.
5

HAM Radio????
HAM Radio is a slang term meaning
Amateur Radio
Jeff Smiths Great Grandfather
coined the Term HAM Radio to
describe Hobbyist AMateur Radio
in 1922
Jeffs Grandfather is Herbert Hoover
W3ZH (Just kidding!)
6

The 10 Sub-Elements
(6) Rules

(4) Electrical Components

(3) Operating Procedures

(4) Station Equipment

(3) Propagation

(4) Modulation Modes

(2) Amateur Radio Practice

(2) Antennas & Feed lines

(4) Electrical Principles

(3) RF Safety

There are 396 questions in the pool. There are 35

questions on the test. We will use 57 real test
questions during today's course.
7

Introduction to Amateur Radio

The EntryLevel
Technician
License
(Element 2 Exam)

Only 3 Classes of Amateur Radio

Licenses

In order of
privileges
Technician
General
Extra

Entry Level License

Technician
Written Exam (Element 2)
There is no Morse Code requirement
Provides all operating privileges
above 50 MHz, including the popular
2-meter band; all modes including
exotic data and satellite modes
10

Whats this about Morse Code?

NONE!
Feb 23, 2007
FCC has eliminated
Morse Code!
Right: Scott Teerlinck MLI and
J.Smith PNS teaching one of the
TSA MARS Hands On Radio
Class in MLI (Very Cold)

11

Why Amateur Radio?

73s

(means Best Wishes)

How the FCC

Defines the
Amateur Radio
Service

Sec. 97.1 Basis and purpose

FCC RULES Part 97

More on FCC Part 97 Rules at www.fcc.gov

The rules and regulations in this part are designed to

provide an amateur radio service having a fundamental
purpose as expressed in the following principles:
(a) Recognition and enhancement of the value of the
amateur service to the public as a voluntary non-commercial
communication service, particularly with respect to
providing emergency communications.
(b) Continuation and extension of the amateurs proven
ability to contribute to the advancement of the radio art.
13

(c) Encouragement and improvement of the amateur service

through rules which provide for advancing skills in both the
communication and technical phases of the art.
(d) Expansion of the existing reservoir within the amateur
radio service of trained operators, technicians and electronics
experts.
(e) Continuation and extension of the amateurs unique
ability to enhance international goodwill.

14

For whom is the Amateur Radio Service

untended?

A. Persons who have messages to broadcast to

the public
B. Persons who need communications for the
activities of their immediate family members,
relatives and friends
C. Persons who need two-way communications
for personal reasons
D. Persons who are interested in radio
technique solely with a personal aim and witout
pecuniary interest
15

Rules
Cant we all
just get along?

Courtesy and Common Sense

With only a few exceptions that may seem
silly, the rules are basically common sense
No music (except from NASA)
No payment, unless you are teaching in a
school
No profanity or obscenity, no exceptions!
In a life or property threatening
emergency, just about anything goes.
17

Control Operator
Control Operator: An amateur operator
designated by the licensee of a station
to be responsible for the transmissions
from that station to assure compliance
with the FCC rules.
Generally, that means YOU
You can allow another licensed amateur
to use your station equipment and call
sign
18

Third Party Communications

Third Party Communications: A message
from the control operator (1st party) of
an amateur station to another amateur
station control operator (2nd party) on
behalf of another person (3rd party)
Be sure there is a 3rd party agreement
between the US and the other stations
country before handling 3rd party
traffic.
19

Maximum Transmitter Power

In HF Technician Bands, 200 watts
Peak Envelope Power (PEP)
In most other bands, 1500 watts
PEP except for some restrictions on
Technician class.
In all cases, use the minimum
power required to make a reliable
contact.
20

Station Identification
FCC rules require amateur stations to
identify every 10 minutes and at the
end of transmissions
Do not make unidentified
transmissions, (with some exceptions,
like for Radio Controlled toys.)
Note: More about station identification will be covered
under Operating Procedures

21

About Your Call sign

Amateur call signs in the US begin with
the letters A, K, N or W
Each call sign contains a one-digit
number, zero through nine (0 9)
The arrangement of letters indicates
license class, with shorter calls going to
higher license classes (W3ABC is legit!)
Licenses are good for 10 years
There is a 2 year grace period for renewal
22

ITU International Telecommunications

Union Region 2 is North America!!!

23

Technician class - Band Privileges

All amateur bands 50 MHz and
above
All available modes
No power restrictions
NO PRIVILEGES ON FREQUENCIES
BELOW 50 MHz!

24

ARRL CALL DISTRICT MAP

25

Technician with Morse Code

NEWINGTON, CT, Feb 23, 2007 -- A new
Amateur Radio Service regime now is in
place. The requirement to demonstrate
Morse code proficiency to gain HF
privileges officially disappeared from the
FCC's Part 97 rules today at 12:01 AM
Eastern Time. At the same time, some
200,000 Technician licensees without
Morse code exam credit acquired HF
privileges equivalent to those available to
Novice licensees.
26

Former Novice-class Band Privileges

Band
80 m
40 m
15 m
10 m
1.25 m
23 cm

Freq. I n MHz
3.675 - 3.725
7.100 - 7.150
21.100 - 21.200
28.100 - 28.300
28.300 - 28.500
222.0 - 225.0
1270 - 1295

Mode
cw
cw
cw
cw
ssb
all modes
all modes

Power
200 W
200 W
200 W
200 W
200 W
25 W
5W

27

Amateur Radio Frequency Bands

28

The Relationship of Frequency and

Wavelength
The distance a radio wave travels in one cycle is called
wavelength.

V+

One Cycle

0V
time

VOne Wavelength

29

Wavelength Formula
To convert from frequency to
wavelength also this tells you what
Band you are on: 300
Wavelength/Band freq (MHz)
=
Wavelength and Frequency are
Inversely Proportional. As one goes
up, the other must go down.
30

On what amateur bands will you

find these frequencies?
3.975
21.25
145.21
7,233
28.350

MHz
_______ meter band
80/75
MHz15
_______ meter band
MHz 2
_______ meter band
kHz 40
_______ meter band
MHz10
_______ meter band

31

What is an amateur station control point?

A. The location of the stations
transmitting antenna
B. The location of the station transmitting
apparatus
C. The location in which the control
operation function is performed
D. The mailing address of the station
licensee
32

How soon may you operate a transmitter on

Amateur radio service frequency after you pa
the examination required for you first amateu
amate
radio license?

A. Immediately
B. 30 days after the test date
C. As soon as your name and call sign appea
in the FCCs ULS database
D. You must wait until you receive your licens
in the mail from the FCC
33

Which of the following types of

transmissions
Are prohibited?
A. Transmissions that contain obscene or
indecent words or language
B. Transmissions to establish one-way
communications
C. Transmission to establish model aircraft
control
D. Transmissions for third party
communications
34

What are the frequency limits of the VHF

spectrum?
A. 30 - 300 kHz
B. 30 - 300 MHz
C. 300 - 3000 kHz
D. 300 - 3000 MHz

35

Which of the following is an acceptable

language for use for station identification
when operating in a phone sub-band?
A. Any language recognized by the United
Nations
B. Any language recognized by the ITU
C. The English language
D. English, French or Spanish

36

What amount of transmitter power

should be used on the uplink frequency
of an amateur satellite or space station?
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. No more than 1 watt
37

What is the maximum power allowed when

transmitting telecommand signals to radio
controlled models?
A. 500 milliwatts
B. 1 watt
C. 25 watts
D. 15-- watts

38

Operating Procedures
Work the
neighborhood
on the
repeater.
Work the
world on HF
Right is a
ProtoType TSA
Go Kit by J. Smith
PNS for
HF/VHF/UHF
Voice and HF
Email & will
deliver 100 watts

Repeaters
Repeater: An amateur station that
simultaneously retransmits the
transmission of another amateur
station on a different channel or
channels
Why? A powerful repeater transmitter
located at altitude greatly increases the
effective range of weaker hand held
and mobile radios.
40

Repeaters

In order to use a repeater, you mu

m
first know the repeaters transmit
frequency and offset. The offset is
the difference in the repeaters
transmit and receive frequencies.

Most modern radios will calculate

the offset for you.
41

A Repeater in Action
Input Freq
144.61 MHz

Output Freq
145.21 MHz
Offset
- 600 kHz

60 miles
42

Repeaters
Squelch: A squelch circuit keeps the
radio speaker turned off until sufficient
RF energy is present at the receiver. This
keeps the radio quiet until a signal is
received. In a repeater, the squelch also
turns on the transmitter.
In some areas, there is such a level of RF
noise the squelch circuit is constantly
opening the audio. What do we do?
43

Repeaters
PL Tones: Developed by Motorola, Privacy
Lock (PL) tones, or Continuous Tone Coded
Squelch System (CTCSS) tones are subaudible tones sent by your radio to the
repeater along with your regular
transmission.
On a PL equipped repeater, there must be
enough signal strength to open the squelch,
the PL tone must be present and on the
correct frequency, before the repeater will
retransmit a signal.
44

Repeaters
At the end of each transmission
through a repeater, you will hear a
roger beep or courtesy tone (a
short beep, or series of beeps).
Do not begin your transmission until
after you hear the courtesy beep.
Do not confuse the roger beep with
the PL tone.
45

Repeater Operations
Listen! If nobody is there, then the repeater is
not in use. Give your call sign once.
If the repeater is busy, wait for a break and give
your call sign ONCE.
DO NOT KER-CHUNK THE REPEATER
Observe rotation, if there is one.
When calling another station, always give the
other stations call sign first, then yours.
ID every 10 minutes and at the end of the
conversation (QSO), you need not ID after every
exchange.
46

Autopatch

Amateurs can use the repeaters

autopatch to connect to the public
telephone network via radio.
47

Autopatch
You can make phone calls from your radio
All repeaters are required to have a 3
minute transmit time-out feature. This
applies to the autopatch as well.
Do not abuse the autopatch.
Use judgment calling 911.
Use of autopatch may be subject to
payment of dues to the repeater owner or
club.
48

The World of High Frequency

(HF)
These are the
traditional world wide bands
people usually associate with
ham radio.

49

HF/Single Sideband (SSB) Operations

When trying to find a clear frequency, LISTEN
FIRST, then ask, Is this frequency in use?
<call sign>.
If the frequency is clear, then call CQ 3 x 3 Call CQ three times followed by your call sign
phonetically three times, listen, repeat.
When calling another station, always give the
other stations call sign first, then yours.
ID every 10 minutes and at the end of the QSO,
you need not ID after every exchange.
Give stations you contact honest signal reports.
50

The RST Reporting System

The RST system is a quick way amateurs
use to describe a received signal.
Readability
1 = Poor 5 = Good
Signal Strength
1 = Poor 9 = Good
Tone (CW only)
1 = Poor 9 = Good
Note: Do not use the RST system on repeaters.

51

Q-signals
Q-signals are a kind of short-hand
hams use to communicate quickly,
especially via Morse Code.
Most Q-signals can be used as a
question or a statement:
Can you QSY to 7.250? (change/move)
I will QSY to 7.250 (change/move)
52

Q-signals
QRM

(man made interference)

Do you hear any QRM?

There is QRM on the Freq

53

Q-Signals
The use of Q-signals began in the days
of the telegraph, where operators
developed a way to exchange
commonly transmitted information
(location, output power, etc.) more
efficiently.
Some common Q-signals are on the
next slide
54

Q-Signals
QRM - Is my transmission being interfered with?/Something is
causing interference
QRN - Are you troubled by static/noise?/I am troubled by
static/noise.
QRO - Shall I increase transmitter power?/I am running high
power.
QRP - Shall I decrease transmitter power?/I am running low power.
QRQ - Shall I send faster?/Please send faster.
QRS - Shall I send slower?/Please send slower
QRT - Shall I stop sending?/I am going off the air.
QRZ - Who is calling me?
QSB - Are my signals fading?/Your signal is fading.
QSL - Can you acknowledge receipt?/I received the message.
QSO - Can you communicate with ____ direct?/I will communicate
with ________ directly.
QSY - Shall I change frequency?/I am changing frequency to
_______.
QTH - What is your location?/My location is _______.
55

QSL Cards

A QSL card is a written confirmation of contact

between two amateur radio stations.
56

ITU Phonetic Alphabet

A Alpha

H Hotel

O Oscar

V Victor

B Bravo

I India

P Papa

W Whiskey

C Charlie

J J uliet

Q Quebec

X X-ray

D Delta

K Kilo

R Romeo

Y Yankee

E Echo

L Lima

S Sierra

Z Zulu

F Foxtrot

M Mike

T Tango

G Golf

N November

U Uniform
57

ITU Phonetic Alphabet

Used for accurate copy when band
conditions are noisy or crowded.
Always use the proper words, they
were carefully selected so no two
sound alike.
Avoid being cute.
Generally not needed on repeaters.
58

Some No-Nos
Dont use CB slang or 10-codes!!!!
Dont interrupt conversations (QSOs) in
progress.
Dont tune up on the air, use a dummy load.
Avoid subject matter that could be
offensive.
Dont forget your manners be polite.
Dont whine and complain.
Dont forget that the whole world can hear
you!
59

What is the term used to describe an

amateur station that is transmitting and
receiving on the same frequency?
A. Full duplex communication
B. Diplex communication
C. Simplex communication
D. Half duplex communication

60

What is the FCC Part 97 definition of a

space station?
A. Any multi-stage satellite
B. An Earth satellite that carries one or
more amateur operators
C. An amateur station located less than
25
km above the Earths surface
D. An amateur station located more than
50 km above the Earths surface
61

Which of the following meets the FCC

definition of harmful interference?
A. Radio transmissions that annoy users of a
repeater
B. Unwanted radio transmissions that cause
costly harm to radio station apparatus
C. That which seriously degrades, obstructs or
repeatly interrupts a radio communication
service operating in accorddance with Radio
Regulations

62

What is the term for an FCC-issued

primary station/operator license grant?
A. Five years
B. Life
C. Ten years
D. Twenty years

63

What is the most common repeater

freguency offset in the 2 meter band?
A. plus 500 khz
B. Plus or minus 600 khz
C. Minus 500 khz
D. Only plus 600 khz

64

What is an appropriate way to call

another station on a repeater if you know
the other stations call sign?
A. Say break, break then say the
stations call sign
B. Say the stations call sign then identify
your call sign
C. Say CQ three times then the other
stations call sign
D. Wait for the station to call CQ then
answer it
65

INTERMISSION

66

Propagation
How radio waves get
there
and back.
Right is Jeff Cram KI4VZQ
testing the TSA Network Satellite

HF Propagation
It is the unpredictable nature of HF
propagation that makes the HF bands
so much fun.
Long distance communication (DX) is
accomplished by the reflection of radio
waves by the ionosphere, the upper
layers of the atmosphere ionized by
ultraviolet radiation from the sun.
68

Ionospheric Protection

The ionosphere and magnetosphere protect us from

harmful radiation from the sun.
69

How the Ionosphere is Formed

70

The Ionosphere

F2 Layer (Reflecting)
F1 Layer (Reflecting)
E Layer (Reflecting)
D Layer (Absorbing)

71

Layers of the Ionosphere

D Layer, Absorbing, Disappears at night
E Layer, Reflecting, Disappears at night
F1 and F2 Layers, Reflecting, combine
into a single F layer at night.
The reflective layers are responsible for
sky wave propagation.

72

Line of Sight Propagation

Worldwide
communications
by line of sight is
not possible due
to the curvature
of the Earth

73

Sky wave Propagation

Over the horizon

communication is
possible by skywave propagation
bouncing signals
off the ionosphere

74

Sunspots

Sunspots peak during 11-year cycles.

The higher the sunspot count, the more
the atmosphere is ionized.
Thus, higher sunspot counts support a
higher Maximum Usable Frequency (MUF).
75

VHF/UHF Propagation
Generally line of sight
Can be blocked by and/or reflected off
mountains and large buildings even the
Moon!
Temperature inversions in the troposphere
can cause ducting, and a path will open
briefly for 500 - 600 miles.
VHF/UHF will penetrate the Ionosphere,
making these frequencies ideal for satellite,
and Earth-Moon-Earth (EME) operations.
76

VHF/UHF Propagation
VHF/UHF signals
travel only in straight
lines. We call this
line of sight
propagation

Direct communications are not

possible because of the mountain
77

What is the cause or irregular fading of

signals from distant stations during times
of generally good reception?
A. Absorption of signals by the D layer of the ionosphere
B. Absorption of signals by the E layer of the ionosphere
C. Random combining of signals arriving via different path
lengths
D. Intermodulation distortion in local receiver

78

What part of the atmosphere enables the

propagation of radio signals around the
world?
A. The stratosphere
B. The troposphere
C. The ionosphere
D. The magnetosphere

79

How does the wavelength of a radio wave

relate to its frequency?
A. The wavelength gets longer as its frequency
increases
B. The wavelength gets shorter as the frequency
increases
C. There is no relationship between wavelength
and frequency
D. The wavelength depends on the bandwidth of
the signal

80

What property of radio waves is often

used to identify the different frequency
bands?
A. The approximate wavelength
B. The magnet intensity of waves
C. The times it takes the waves to travel
one mile
D. The voltage standing wave ratio of
waves
81

What is the formula for converting

frequency to wavelength in meters?
A. Wavelength in meters equals
frequency in hertz multiplied by 300
B. Wavelength in meters equals
frequency in hertz divided by 300
C. Wavelength in meters equals
frequency in megahertz divided by 300
D. Wavelength in meters equals 300
divided by frequency in megahertz
82

Amateur Radio Practice

Doing
things
right.

Right: KC9OKC
Scott Teerlinck,
Moline, IL

Safety
Amateur Radio is a relatively safe hobby.
There are only a few ways to get hurt or
killed being a ham radio operator:
1. Electrocute yourself.
2. Fall off a tower, or the inverse, have
someone/something fall on you from
a tower.
3. Slowly cook yourself with RF energy.
84

It Just Kills Me...

People have been killed by as little as 30
Volts.
As little as 1/10 (100 milliamps) of an amp can be
fatal.
AC is more dangerous than DC, as it
interferes with heart rhythm.
The path electric current takes across the
body is important. Therefore, always keep
one hand in your pocket when working
near dangerous voltages.
85

Ground Everything

86

High Voltage Safety

Ground all the equipment cases.
Make sure your power outlets are
grounded.
Do not defeat safety interlocks on
equipment that contain lethal
voltages.
Remember, capacitors can store a
charge for a really long time. Care
should be taken to discharge them.
87

Antenna Safety
Dont put antennas. where they
could fall across power lines
Dont climb towers without a
safety belt.
Dont do tower work without a
ground crew.
If youre working under the tower,
wear a hard hat.
88

Lightning
Ground antennas when not in use.
Ground the tower structure itself.
Ground rods should be copper or
copper clad steel and 8 ft. long.
Disconnect AC power mains during
storms, or use line conditioners or
surge suppressors.
GET OFF THE AIR DURING SEVERE
STORMS!!
89

117 Volt AC Outlet

Ground
Hot

Neutral

For safety and fire

protection, each
outlet in your home
should be wired
exactly this way.
Match the colored
wires to the colored
screws on the
outlet.
90

Multimeter (Analog)
These meters will measure
Voltage, Resistance and
Current.
The handiest piece of test
equipment any ham could
own.

91

Digital Multimeter

These modern multimeters are

easier to use and harder to brea
than older analog meters.
The higher input impedance
makes them more accurate.

Many include extra features like

diode and transistor test functio
92

S - Meter

The S - meter gives

a relative signal strengt
reading of a received
signal.

No manufacturer claims
their S - meters are
calibrated.

93

SWR Meter
Measures transmitter
output power and
reflected power from
the antenna system

94

Reflectometer
The reflectometer
is a fancy SWR
meter showing
forward power,
reflected power
and SWR all at
once.
They require no
set
up or calibration
95
to

Dummy Load
Use a dummy load to
tune your transmitter.
This is good practice
as it reduces QRM and
gives the transmitter
a perfect 50 ohm load.
Note: Dummy loads
get hot.
96

Low-Pass Filter

A low-pass filter
goes between your
transmitter and
antenna. It removes
harmonic radiation
from your signals.
Your neighbors TV
sets will thank you.
97

What is considered to be a proper grounding

method for a tower?
A. A single four-foot ground rod, driven into the
ground no more than 12 inches from the base
B. A ferrite-core RF choke connected between
the tower and ground
C. Separate eight-foot long ground rods for
each tower leg, bonded to the tower and each
other
D. A connection between the tower base and a
cold water pipe
98

What reading on an SWR meter indicates a

perfect impedance match between the antenna
and the feedline?
A. 2 to 1
B. 1 to 3
C. 1 to 1
D. 10 to 1

99

Where must a filter be installed to reduce

harmonic emissions?
A. Between the transmitter and the antenna
B. Between the receiver and the transmitter
C. At the station power supply
D. At the microphone

100

What is connected to the green wire in a threewire electrical AC plug?

A. Neutral
B. Hot
C. Safety ground
D. The white wire

101

Which of the following might damage a

multimeter?
A. Measuring a voltage too small for the
chosen scale
B. Leaving the meter in the milliamps position
overnight
C. Attempting to measure voltage when using
the resistance setting
D. Not allowing it to warm up properly
102

Electrical Principles
A battery,
a bulb and
some
wire
and a little
math.

Right is W4ZH Jeff

Smith Go Kit
Prototype in a
Car/Truck

Units of Measurement
Hertz
Volts
Amps
Ohms
Farads
Henries
Watts

Frequency (cycles per second)

Electromotive Force
Electrical Current
Resistance (to current flow)
Capacitance
Inductors
Power (the work being done)
104

Ohms Law
Ohms Law is applicable to all
electrical circuits.
Ohms Law is a mathematical
expression of the relationship
between Voltage (EMF), Current
(the flow of electrons in a circuit),
and Resistance (to current flow).
Expressed as E = I x R
105

Voltage and Current?

+

E
-

It is possible to have voltage without

current, as in
the case of a battery by itself. In order to
have current, there must be an electrical
path (circuit) from the positive to the
negative terminal of the voltage source. 106

Ohms Law
Electromotive Force = VOLTS

The flow of
electrons
AMPERES

E
I R

Resistance
to current flow
OHMS
107

Ohms Law
+

E/R = I

12 volts
-

4
ohms
3
ohms
2
ohms

As we substitute the values shown, what

happens to the current flow in the circuit?

12/4 = 3

12/3 = 4

12/2 = 6
108

Power
Energy Expended, in WATTS

The flow of
electrons
AMPERES

P
I E

Electromotive
Force
VOLTS
109

Volts, Amps and Watts

+

12 volts

4 ohms
-

3
The current in this circuit = _________
Amps
The power in this circuit = 36
_________ Watts

110

System of Metric Units

giga

109

1,000,000,000

mega

106

1,000,000

kilo

103

1,000

100

basic unit
milli

10-3

0.001

micro

10-6

0.0000001

pico

10-12

0.000000000001
111

Which is a commonly accepted value for the

lowest voltage that can cause a dangerous
electric shock?
A. 12 volts
B. 30 volts
C. 120 volts
D. 300 volts

112

If an ammeter calibrated in amperes is used to

measure a 3000-milliampere current, what
reading would it show?
A. 0.003 amperes
B. 0.3 amperes
C. 3 amperes
D. 3,000,000 amperes

113

Which of the following is a good electrical

conductor?
A.Glass
B.Wood
C.Copper
D.Rubber

114

Which instrument would you use to measure

electric potential or electromotive force?
A. An ammeter
B. A voltmeter
C. A wavemeter
D. An ohmmeter

115

Electrical power is measured in which of the

following units?
A.Volts
B.Watts
C.Ohms
D.Amperes

116

Circuit Components
The stuff radios are
made of.

Right: Scorpion Antenna goes

with the Go Kit

Resistors
+

12
volts

3 Amps
-

4 ohms

As we have seen, resistors limit the flow of curre

118

Adding Resistors
In Series circuits:
Rt = R1 + R2 + R3
In Parallel circuits:
R1 x
Rt =
R2
R1+R2
119

Resistors

120

Resistors

121

Resistor Summary
Resistors oppose (resist) the flow
of current.
Resistors add in series, Product
over the Sum in parallel.
Resistors vary in size and material
according to heat dissipation.
The Unit of Measure is the Ohm.
122

DC and AC

Direct
Current

Alternating
Current
123

A Word about Magnets

Remember:

1. Like charges repel and

opposite charges attrac

2. We can induce a current

curren
in a conductor passing
through a magnetic
field.
124

Inductors

125

Inductors
Anytime current flows
through a conductor,
a magnetic field is
created around that
conductor.

126

Inductors

If we form the conductor

into a coil shape, we can
greatly intensify the
strength of the magnetic
field.
We can store electrical
energy in this magnetic
field.
127

Inductors

When we close the switch

current flows through the
inductor, building a
magnetic field.

When we open the switch

the field collapses, inducin
a current in the inductor.
128

Inductors
The value of an inductor can be varied by:
Coil Spacing
Coil Diameter
Number of Turns
Core Material
The Unit of Measure is the Henry.
129

Adding Inductors
In Series circuits:
Lt = L1 + L2 + L3
In Parallel circuits:
L1 x
Lt =
L2
L1 +
L2

130

Inductor Summary
Inductors store electrical energy in
their magnetic fields.
Inductors are additive in series,
product over the sum in parallel.
Inductors tend to pass DC currents
and block AC currents.
The unit of measurement for
inductors is the Henry.
131

Capacitors

132

Capacitors

A capacitor is made by
separating two conductive
plates by an insulator or
dielectric.

Capacitors store electrical

energy in an electrostatic
field.
Capacitors tend to block
DC and pass AC
133

Capacitors
Remember: Like
charges
repel. Current will flow
only until one plate is
full of negatively
charged
electrons the other
has
almost none. This
creates
a difference of
134

WARNING!
WARNING
CAPACITORS CAN HOLD
A CHARGE
FOR QUITE SOME TIME.
They would be very happy to bite you.
135

Intermission

136

Capacitors
The Value of a capacitor can be varied by:
Increasing/decreasing the plate area
Increasing/decreasing the plate spacing
Type of dielectric material
The Unit of Measure is the Farad.
137

Adding Capacitors
Capacitors add in parallel
Ct = C1 + C2 + C3
In Series

Ct = C1 x
C2
C1 +
Note:C2
this is backwards from
resistors and inductors.
138

Capacitor Summary
Capacitors store electrical energy
in their electrostatic fields.
Capacitors are additive in parallel,
product over the sum in series.
Capacitors tend to pass AC
currents and block DC currents.
The unit of measurement for
Capacitors is the Farad.
139

The Fuse

Fuse

140

The Fuse
A fuse will self destruct when current flow exceeds
the fuse rating. This results in an open condition,
and current flow will then cease, saving
equipment from overheating and possible fire
damage.

141

What electrical component is used to protect

other circuit components from current
overloads?
A. Fuse
B. Capacitor
C. Shield
D. Inductor

142

What does an antenna tuner do?

A. It matches the antenna system impedance
to the transceiver's output impedance
B. It helps a receiver automatically tune in
weak stations
C. It allows an antenna to be used on both
transmit and receive
D. It automatically selects the proper antenna
for the frequency band being used
143

What type of component is often used as

an adjustable volume control?
A. Fixed resistor
B. Power resistor
C. Potentiometer
D. Transformer

144

What is the approximate amount of change,

measured in decibels (dB), of a power
increase from 5 watts to 10 watts?
A. 2 dB
B. 3 dB
C. 5 dB
D. 10 dB

145

What electrical component stores energy in an

electric field?
A. Resistor
B. Capacitor
C. Inductor
D. Diode

146

Practical Circuits
Putting it all
together.

Filters
We have learned:
Capacitors tend to pass AC and high
frequencies
Inductors tend to pass DC and low frequencies

We can now build circuits that

Block transmission of harmonic radiation
Block reception of amateur frequencies
Pass only a desired group of frequencies

Note the output of each type of filter.

148

What instrument other than an SWR meter

could you use to determine if a feedline and
antenna are properly matched?
A. Voltmeter
B. Ohmmeter
C. Iambic pentameter
D. Directional wattmeter

149

Why is coaxial cable used more often than

any other feedline for amateur radio antenna
systems?
A. It is easy to use and requires few special
installation considerations
B. It has less loss than any other type of
feedline
C. It can handle more power than any other
type of feedline
D. It is less expensive than any other types of
feedline
150

If figure T5 represents a transceiver in which

block 1 is the transmitter portion and block 3 is
the receiver portion, what is the function of
block 2?
A. A balanced modulator
B. A transmit-receive switch
C. A power amplifier
D. A high-pass filter

151

What type of filter should be connected to a

TV receiver as the first step in trying to prevent
RF overload from a nearby 2 meter transmitter?
A. Low-pass filter
B. High-pass filter
C. Band-pass filter
D. Band-reject filter

152

What is the function of a product detector?

A. Detect phase modulated signals
B. Demodulate FM signals
C. Detect CW and SSB signals
D. Combine speech and RF signals

153

Signals and Emissions

AM/FM, SSB,
CW
Alphabet
Soup!

Right: W4ZH J. Smith in

New Orleans testing HF
Voice and HF Email

FCC Emission Types

CW
Data
Phone
Test

MCW
RTTY
Image
Pulse
SS (Spread
Spectrum)

155

CW

In CW the
telegraph key
simply turns
the radio
transmitter
on and off to
form the
Morse
code
characters

156

CW and MCW
CW (continuous wave) is the on-off
keying of a radio signal generally
used for Morse code
MCW is the tone modulation of a
carrier wave made to sound like
Morse code, as in the automatic
identifiers used on some repeaters.
157

Phone
Phone is any voice transmission
This includes
AM (amplitude modulation)
SSB (single side band, similar to AM)
FM (frequency modulation)

158

Amplitude Modulation
An unmodulated RF
carrier wave

A carrier wave AM
modulated with a
simple audio tone
159

AM and SSB
An unmodulated RF
carrier requires narrow
bandwidth
Modulation of the
carrier
creates sidebands.
This
requires more
bandwidth.

160

AM and SSB
The carrier contains no
audio information.
The sidebands contain
duplicate audio
information

By filtering out the carrier and one sideband

sideban
we save spectrum and concentrate our RF
energy into a narrower bandwidth. SSB is
therefore more efficient.
161

SSB
MIXER

OSCILLATOR

INTERMEDIATE
FREQUENCY
AMPLIFIER

BEAT
FREQUENCY
OSCILLATOR

AUDIO
AMPLIFIER

Figure T6

What type of receiver is shown in Figure T6?

A. Direct conversion
B. Super-regenerative
C. Single-conversion superheterodyne
D. Dual-conversion superheterodyne
162

AM

vs.

Sounds really nice

Inexpensive
Simpler
equipment

SSB
More efficient.
Further range based
on same output
power.
Narrower bandwidth,
more room on
crowded bands.
All modern HF radios
support SSB (not all
support AM)
163

AM and SSB
When SSB is not modulated (when
you are not talking) the transmitter
output power drops to almost
nothing.
When either AM or SSB is overmodulated the signal may cause
splatter, and interfere with other
stations.
164

Frequency Modulation

Unmodulated carrier, full powe

at all times
Waveform of modulating
signal
Modulated carrier with
frequency deviation and
constant amplitude
165

Frequency Modulation
FM transmitters operate at full
power at all times, even when you
are not talking.
When an FM transmitter overmodulates, the transmitted signal
becomes so wide (bandwidth) it may
interfere with adjacent channels.
This is called over-deviation.
166

Image
Image transmissions include all
modes that will produce a picture,
either video or paper copy (like a
FAX) at the receiver.
These modes include:
SSTV (slow scan television)
ATV (amateur television)
FAX (facsimile)
167

Image

A sample amateur SSTV transmission.

168

Image
Amateurs like to
receive weather
images direct from
the satellites.

The equipment is
inexpensive and yo
dont even need a
license!
169

Data and RTTY

RTTY (radio teletype) was the forerunner
of all modern digital mode transmission.
Today, amateurs use many kinds of
intelligent on air networking modes.
Collectively, the FCC refers to these
intelligent modes as Data.
Both Data and RTTY require an interface
between the Data or RTTY device and the
transceiver.
170

Data

vs.

Error correcting
Store and forward
networking
Addressable
Packet oriented
Will interface with
the Internet
Requires TNC to
interface with radio

RTTY
No error correction
Direct contact
No addressing
Continuous data
stream
No way!!
Requires modem
to interface with
radio
171

A Packet Network
With only a few watts, you can connect
to an on-air network. Your data packets
will be forwarded to hams all over the
country.
Packet type protocols include:
Packet and APRS,
COVER,
PACTOR I, II & III (This is what TSA uses for HF Email)
G-TOR
172

A Packet Network

173

A Packet Network
A digipeater is a
packet-radio station
capable of recognizing
and selectively repeating
packet frames.

All the stations on a

packet network share
the same frequency.

By the use of digipeaters,

a packet can be reliably
sent error free over great
distances.
174

TNCs

The Terminal Node Controller (TNC)

interfaces your computer to your
transceiver.
175

TNCs (like the old dial up modems we used to get on the Internet)

176

Test, SS and Pulse

Test emissions are simply
unmodulated carrier.
SS (Spread Spectrum) are
experimental frequency hopping
modes.
Pulse emissions are used for
telemetry.
177

What method of call sign identification is

required for a station transmitting phone
signals?
A. Send the call sign followed by the indicator RPT
B. Send the call sign using CW or phone emission
C. Send the call sign followed by the indicator R
D. Send the call sign using only phone emission

178

Which of the following would be connected

between a transceiver and computer in a packet
radio station?
A. Transmatch
B. Mixer
C. Terminal node controller
D. Antenna

179

What happens when the deviation of an

FM transmitter is increased?
A. Its signal occupies more bandwidth
B. Its output power increases
C. Its output power and bandwidth increases
D. Asymmetric modulation occurs

180

Which type of modulation is most commonly

used for VHF and UHF voice repeaters?
A. AM
B. SSB
C. PSK
D. FM

181

What can you do if you are told your

FM handheld or mobile transceiver is
over deviating?
A. Talk louder into the microphone
B. Let the transceiver cool off
C. Change to a higher power level
D. Talk farther away from the microphone

182

Antennas

Antennas and Feed lines

Antenna systems are resonant - that is, they
respond best to a certain frequency.
For best operation, the transmitter, feed line
and antenna must all be tuned to resonance
- or something that looks like resonance.
The transmitting antenna induces a radio
wave into the air. The radio wave travels to
the receiving antenna, and induces a
current in that antenna.
184

The 1/2 Wave Dipole

Length of dipole in feet

=

468
f (MHz)
185

The 1/2 Wave Dipole

186

The 1/4 Wave Vertical

Length of vertical in
feet =

234
f (MHz)
187

The 1/4 Wave Vertical

A side view of the radiation pattern of a 1/4 wav

wa
vertical. From above the pattern is round like a
doughnut. A perfect ground would be a car roof
188

The Yagi (Type of Beam Antenna)

The yagi is the hams favorite
directional antenna.
They usually consist of one driven
element, and several parasitic (undriven) elements.
Reflector (longer than driver)
Driven Element (1/2 wave dipole)
One or more Directors (shorter than the
driven element)
189

The director
acts like a
lens
Directo
r

Boom

Feedline

Reflector

The reflector
acts like a
mirror

Driver

The Yagi

Gain

190

The Yagi
The yagi antenna focuses RF
energy in one direction, giving
the appearance ofgetting free
power.
This free power is
called Antenna Gain.

191

The Yagi (Beam Antenna)

A 3 element HF Yagi

A VHF
Yagi
192

Feed lines
Feed line connects your radio to the
antenna.
Feed lines are either balanced (neither
side grounded) like ladder-line or
unbalanced (one side grounded) like
coaxial cable.
Either type can be used in your station.
Coax is more popular and easier to work
with.
193

Coax

vs.

Can be buried or
run near metal
objects.
Less RFI since
outer shield is
usually grounded.
Weatherproof
Easy to handle
and connect

Ladder Line
Very low signal
loss
Can tolerate high
SWR
Can tolerate high
current

194

Coax
All coaxial cable
will feature a
center conductor
surrounded by a
dielectric insulator
and one or more
layers of shielding
and an insulating
cover.
195

The Balun
The balun converts from
BALanced feed line to
UNbalanced feed lines.
Many antenna systems work
better with a balun between
the feed point and the coax
196

SWR
SWR (standing wave ratio) is a
mathematical expression of the power
going to an antenna and the power being
reflected back.
The idea is to get as close to 1:1 as
possible.
Most hams are happy with SWR of 1.5:1.
The best way to get a good SWR is to cut
the antenna to resonance.
197

The Antenna Tuner

Antenna Tuners do not really tune antennas.

They provide an impedance match between
the transmitter and antenna system.
198

What is the approximate length, in inches, of a

6 meter 1/2-wavelength wire dipole antenna?
A. 6
B. 50
C. 112
D. 236

199

What is the approximate length, in inches, of

a quarter-wavelength vertical antenna for 146
MHz?
A. 112
B. 50
C. 19
D. 12

200

How would you change a dipole antenna to

make it resonant on a higher frequency?
A. Lengthen it
B. Insert coils in series with radiating wires
C. Shorten it
D. Add capacity hats to the ends of the
radiating wires

201

Which of the following describes a simple

dipole mounted so the conductor is parallel to
the Earth's surface?
A. A ground wave antenna
B. A horizontally polarized antenna
C. A rhombic antenna
D. A vertically polarized antenna

202

What type of antennas are the quad, Yagi,

and dish?
A. Non-resonant antennas
B. Loop antennas
C. Directional antennas
D. Isotropic antennas

203

What is a disadvantage of the "rubber duck"

antenna supplied with most handheld radio
transceivers?
A. It does not transmit or receive as effectively
as a full-sized antenna
B. It transmits a circularly polarized signal
C. If the rubber end cap is lost it will unravel
very quickly
D. All of these choices are correct
204

What, in general terms, is standing wave ratio

(SWR)?
A. A measure of how well a load is matched to
a transmission line
B. The ratio of high to low impedance in a
feedline
C. The transmitter efficiency ratio
D. An indication of the quality of your stations
ground connection
205

RF Safety
Cant touch this.

Intermission

207

2 Types of Radiation
Ionizing
Gamma and X-ray
Can cause ionization of atomic structure
Not good for your DNA

Non-ionizing
Radio waves
Can cause heating of biological tissue
If sufficient energy is present, can cause
burns
208

RF Heating
Radio waves can heat body tissue.
Works exactly like your microwave oven.
The area most likely to be injured is the eye
as it lacks sufficient blood flow for cooling.
The eye can form cataracts from repeated
exposure to high levels of RF energy.
NEVER touch an antenna or other RF
source. You could be severely burned.

209

Controlled and Uncontrolled

Environments
Controlled Environments
The amateur operators household and property
Persons here are aware of RF risks, and have
control of the transmitting equipment.

Uncontrolled Environments
Your neighbors household and property
Persons here are generally not aware of RF risks
and have NO control over the transmitter.

210

Exposure Averaging Times

Controlled Environments
The exposure averaging time is

6 Minutes
Uncontrolled Environments
The exposure averaging time is

30 Minutes
211

3 Methods of RF Checking
Measure the RF fields
requires costly equipment that you dont
have

Calculate the RF fields

requires complex software that you dont
have

Use the charts published by the FCC

The charts are free
Fairly simple to use
212

RF Safety for Dummies

Install your antenna away from
people, especially your neighbors.
The higher the better.
Make sure your antenna is not near
or could fall on a power line.
Keep your hands and other body
parts away from the antenna and
feed lines.
213

Who is Exempt?
The RF safety regulations
do not apply to:
Mobile equipment
Hand-held radios
Any station that
produces less than 50
watts PEP

214

What is the minimum safe distance from a power line

to allow when installing an antenna?
A. Half the width of your property
B. The height of the power line above ground
C. 1/2 wavelength at the operating frequency
D. So that if the antenna falls unexpectedly, no part of
it can come closer than 10 feet to the power wires

215

What is the maximum power level that an

amateur radio station may use at VHF
frequencies before an RF exposure evaluation
is required?
A. 1500 watts PEP transmitter output
B. 1 watt forward power
C. 50 watts PEP at the antenna
D. 50 watts PEP reflected power

216

What could happen if a person accidentally

touched your antenna while you were
transmitting?
A. Touching the antenna could cause
television interference
B. They might receive a painful RF burn
C. They might develop radiation poisoning
D. All of these choices are correct

217

Why is duty cycle one of the factors used to

determine safe RF radiation exposure levels?
A.It affects the average exposure of people
to radiation
B. It affects the peak exposure of people to
radiation
C. It takes into account the antenna feedline loss
D. It takes into account the thermal effects of
the final amplifier
218

Which of the following actions might amateur

operators take to prevent exposure to RF
radiation in excess of FCC-supplied limits?
A. Relocate antennas
B. Relocate the transmitter
C. Increase the duty cycle
D. All of these choices are correct

219

What to Expect at the Exam Session

There will be a fee ($15) to take as many
tests as you like, as long as you are
passing them. To retest, just pay another
$15
All the elements will be offered.
Bring photo identification and your Social
Security card. Children will need to show a
birth certificate.
The tests are not timed.
Bring a #2 pencil.
220

What to Expect at the Exam Session

You can bring a calculator.
Do not write in the test booklet.
You can ask for scratch paper to doodle on.
You can retest any time, but usually NOT
more than once at the same session.
The Element 2 - Technician Class Exam
consists of 35 multiple choice questions,
(you can miss 9) and you must answer
75% or better to pass.
221

Who passes
the exams?

Those who:
Prepare by studying
30 min to one hour
a day. Take their
time on the exam.
Ask for help from an
Elmer.
Keep trying, Never ever give up!!!!!!
222

Your new Call Sign

You can get on the air as soon as you know
your new call sign. ie: in the FCC Database!!
Visit the Universal Licensing System on
www.ftc.gov or do a Name Search on
www.qrz.com , 6 - 8 days after you pass your
exam.
Your license will arrive in the mail in a few
weeks.

223

Welcome to the World of

Amateur Radio
What to do with that new call
sign

Now that I am a Amateur Radio

Operator, What Do I Do?
Support Amateur Radio locally. Be involved
in local clubs and associations.
Get involved in community service through
your local ARES group, or the American
Red Cross.
Join the American Radio Relay League
(ARRL)
More importantly, get on the air and
say something!
225

ARES
ARES is the local
community emergency
services organization
where hams can serve
as only amateur radio
canproviding
communications for
emergencies and
special events.
226

Why join the ARRL?

Since 1914 the American Radio
Relay League has represented the
interests of Radio Amateurs
before the FCC and Congress.
While there is room for policy
debate, those who do not support
the ARRL have virtually no voice
in matters concerning ham radio.
Also, the QST magazine is an
excellent educational tool, full of
interesting articles and fun
projects.
227

Where do I go from here?

Stamp Collecting
Meteorology
Geography
Computers
Radio Astronomy
Emergency
Services
Support your local Amateur Radio
organization!

228

This Completes the Course

and begins a worldwide journey
that will last you a lifetime.
Enjoy your new hobby!
73s de W4ZH Jeff Smith
Pensacola, FL
229