Revision 4 : 10 August 2009

Amateur Radio Licence Examination

Irish Radio Transmitters Society PO Box 462 Dublin 9 www.irts.ie

IRTS has developed an Amateur Radio Licence Course Guide, which is a CD-based guide to topics covered by the HAREC syllabus. To order a copy of the Course CD, send the registration fee of €5, along with your name and address to: Sean Nolan 12 Little Meadow Pottery Road Dun Laoghaire Co. Dublin

Amateur Radio Licence Examination Introduction Since May of 2005, the Irish Radio Transmitters’Society (IRTS) has been responsible for setting, organising and correcting the Amateur Radio Licence Examination. Examination papers are approved by the Commission for Communications Regulation (ComReg) and the results are forwarded by IRTS to ComReg for transmission to the candidates concerned.

Syllabus The syllabus for the examination complies with the standard outlined in Electronic Communications Committee (ECC) Recommendation T/R 61-02, Harmonised Amateur Radio Examination Certificate (HAREC). A copy of the HAREC syllabus is attached at Appendix A.

Examination The examination comprises a multiple choice question paper with 60 questions and the time allowed is 2 hours. Four possible answers are shown for each question, only one of which is correct. Candidates must decide which of the options is correct and place a tick in the appropriate box on the answer sheet. There may be other possible answers to some questions; however, the choice of the correct answer from the options given is required. The examination is designed to ensure that candidates are competent in areas specified in the HAREC syllabus. The pass mark is 60% and a pass is required in each of the three main sections of the paper A, B and C. Negative marking is not used in the examination. The three main sections of the paper are: Section A - Elementary Theory of Radiocommunications (35 Questions) • Electrical and Electronic Principles including Components and Circuits • Transmitters and Receivers • Feeders and Antennas • Propagation • Measurements Section B - National and International Rules and Operating Procedures (15 Questions) • Licensing Conditions • Operating Rules and Procedures Section C - Safety and Electromagnetic Compatibility (10 Questions) • Electromagnetic Compatibility and Transmitter Interference • Safety A sample examination paper is attached at Appendix B

Licensing Conditions The regulations governing the issue of Radio Amateur Licences are the Wireless Telegraphy (Amateur Station Licence) Regulations, 2009 (S.I. No 192 of 2009). These regulations are incorporated into the Amateur Station Licence Guidelines (Document No. Comreg 09/45). Copies of regulations and guidelines for Radio Amateurs are available at: www.comreg.ie >>Radio Spectrum >>Licensing >>Licence Types >>[Select] Radio Amateurs

Appendix A EXAMINATION SYLLABUS AND REQUIREMENTS FOR A HAREC INTRODUCTION This syllabus has been produced for the guidance of the administrations so that they may prepare their national amateur radio examinations for the CEPT Harmonised Amateur Radio Examination Certificate (HAREC). The purpose of the examination is to set a reasonable level of knowledge required for candidate radio amateurs wishing to obtain a license for operating amateur stations. The scope of the examination is limited to subjects relevant to tests and experiments with, and operation of amateur stations conducted by radio amateurs. These include circuits and their diagrams; questions may relate to circuits using both integrated circuits and discreet components. a) Where quantities are referred to, candidates should know the units in which these quantities are expressed, as well as the generally used multiples and sub-multiples of these units. b) Candidates must be familiar with the compound of the symbols. c) Candidates must know the following mathematical concepts and operations: − adding, subtracting, multiplying and dividing − fractions − powers of ten, exponentials, logarithms − squaring − square roots − inverse values − interpretation of linear and non-linear graphs − binary number system d) Candidates must be familiar with the formulae used in this syllabus and be able to transpose them.

Edition of 12 February 2004

Page 1

EXAMINATION SYLLABUS FOR A HARMONISED AMATEUR RADIO EXAMINATION CERTIFICATE (HAREC) a)

TECHNICAL CONTENT

1. 1.1 1.2 1.3 1.4 1.5 1.6 1.7 1.8 1.9 1.10

ELECTRICAL, ELECTRO-MAGNETIC AND RADIO THEORY Conductivity Sources of electricity Electric field Magnetic field Electromagnetic field Sinusoidal signals Non-sinusoidal signals, noise Modulated signals Power and energy Digital signal processing (DSP)

2. 2.1 2.2 2.3 2.4 2.5 2.6 2.7 2.8

COMPONENTS Resistor Capacitor Coil Transformers application and use Diode Transistor Heat dissipation Miscellaneous

3. 3.1 3.2 3.3 3.4 3.5 3.6 3.7 3.8

CIRCUITS Combination of components Filter Power supply Amplifier Detector Oscillator Phase Locked Loop [PLL] Discrete Time Signals and Systems (DSP-systems)

4. 4.1 4.2 4.3 4.4

RECEIVERS Types Block diagrams Operation and function of the following stages Receiver characteristics

5. 5.1 5.2 5.3 5.4

TRANSMITTERS Types Block diagrams Operation and function of the following stages Transmitter characteristics

6. 6.1 6.2 6.3

ANTENNAS AND TRANSMISSION LINES Antenna types Antenna characteristics Transmission lines

7.

PROPAGATION

8. 8.1 8.2

MEASUREMENTS Making measurements Measuring instruments

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9. 9.1 9.2 9.3

INTERFERENCE AND IMMUNITY Interference in electronic equipment Cause of interference in electronic equipment Measures against interference

10.

SAFETY

b)

NATIONAL AND INTERNATIONAL OPERATING RULES AND PROCEDURES

1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7.

Phonetic Alphabet Q-Code Operational Abbreviations International Distress Signs, Emergency traffic and natural disaster communication Call signs IARU band plans Social responsibility and operating procedures

c)

NATIONAL AND INTERNATIONAL REGULATIONS SATELLITE SERVICE

1. 2. 3.

ITU Radio Regulations CEPT Regulations National Laws, Regulations and Licence conditions

RELEVANT TO THE

AMATEUR SERVICE

AND

AMATEUR

DETAILED EXAMINATION SYLLABUS a)

TECHNICAL CONTENT CHAPTER 1

1.

ELECTRICAL, ELECTRO-MAGNETIC AND RADIO THEORY

1.1

Conductivity - Conductor, semiconductor and insulator - Current, voltage and resistance - The units ampere, volt and ohm - Ohm's Law E = I ⋅ R - Kirchhoff's Laws - Electric power P = E ⋅ I - The unit watt - Electric energy W = P ⋅ t - The capacity of a battery [ampere-hour]

[

]

[

]

[

]

1.2

Sources of electricity - Voltage source, source voltage [EMF], short circuit current, internal resistance and terminal voltage - Series and parallel connection of voltage sources

1.3

Electric field - Electric field strength - The unit volt/metre - Shielding of electric fields

1.4

Magnetic field - Magnetic field surrounding live conductor - Shielding of magnetic fields

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1.5

Electromagnetic field - Radio waves as electromagnetic waves - Propagation velocity and its relation with frequency and wavelength v = f ⋅ λ - Polarisation

[

1.6

1.7

Sinusoidal signals - The graphic representation in time



-

Instantaneous value, amplitude [Emax], effective [RMS] value and average value U eff =

-

Period and duration of period Frequency The unit hertz Phase difference



1.9

]

Modulated signals - CW - Amplitude modulation - Phase modulation, frequency modulation and single-sideband modulation



∆F   f mod 

-

Frequency deviation and modulation index  m =

-

Carrier, sidebands and bandwidth Waveforms of CW, AM, SSB and FM signals (graphical presentation) Spectrum of CW, AM and SSB signals (graphical presentation) Digital modulations: FSK, 2-PSK, 4-PSK, QAM Digital modulation: bit rate, symbol rate (Baud rate) and bandwidth CRC and retransmissions (e.g. packet radio), forward error correction (e.g. Amtor FEC)



Power and energy



 u2 ; u = U eff ; i = I eff  R 

-

The power of sinusoidal signals  P = i ⋅ R; P =

-

Power ratios corresponding to the following dB values: 0 dB, 3 dB, 6 dB, 10 dB and 20 dB [both positive and negative] The input/output power ratio in dB of series-connected amplifiers and/or attenuators Matching [maximum power transfer]

-

The relation between power input and output and efficiency  η = P uit ⋅ 100 % 



2



1.10

U max   2 

Non-sinusoidal signals - Audio signals - Square wave - The graphic representation in time - D.C. voltage component, fundamental wave and higher harmonics - Noise PN = kTB (receiver thermal noise, band noise, noise density, noise power in receiver bandwidth).

[

1.8

]

P in



Peak Envelope Power [p.e.p.]

Digital Signal Processing (DSP) - sampling and quantization - minimum sampling rate (Nyquist frequency) - convolution (time domain / frequency domain, graphical presentation) - anti-aliasing filtering, reconstruction filtering - ADC / DAC

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CHAPTER 2 2.

COMPONENTS

2.1

Resistor - The unit ohm - Resistance - Current/voltage characteristic - Power dissipation

2.2

Capacitor - Capacitance - The unit farad - The relation between capacitance, dimensions and dielectric. (Qualitative treatment only)



1  2πf ⋅ C 

-

The reactance  X c =

-

Phase relation between voltage and current



2.3

Coil - Self-inductance - The unit henry - The effect of number of turns, diameter, length and core material on inductance. (Qualitative treatment only) - The reactance [ X L = 2πf ⋅ L ] - Phase relation between current and voltage - Q-factor

2.4

Transformers application and use

[

]

-

Ideal transformer Pprim = Psec

-

The relation between turn ratio and:

-

voltage ratio 

-

current ratio 

-

impedance ratio. (Qualitative treatment only) Transformers

 usec n  = sec   u prim n prim 

 isec n prim  =  nsec   i prim

2.5

Diode - Use and application of diodes: - Rectifier diode, zener diode, LED [light-emitting diode], voltage-variable and capacitor [varicap] - Reverse voltage and leakage current

2.6

Transistor - PNP- and NPN-transistor - Amplification factor - Field effect vs. bipolar transistor (voltage vs. current driven) - The transistor in the: - common emitter [source] circuit - common base [gate] circuit - common collector [drain] circuit - input and output impedances of the above circuits

2.7

Miscellaneous - Simple thermionic device [valve] - Voltages and impedances in high power valve stages, impedance transformation - Simple integrated circuits (include opamps)

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CHAPTER 3 3.

CIRCUITS

3.1

Combination of components - Series and parallel circuits of resistors, coils, capacitors, transformers and diodes - Current and voltage in these circuits - Behaviour of real (non ideal) resistor, capacitor and inductors at high frequencies

3.2

Filter - Series-tuned and parallel-tuned circuit: - Impedance - Frequency characteristic

  1 f =  2πf LC   - Resonance frequency Rp  f  2πf ⋅ L ;Q = ; Q = res  Q = Rs B  2πf ⋅ L - Quality factor of a tuned circuit  -

Bandwidth Band-pass filter Low-pass, high-pass, band-pass and band-stop filters composed of passive elements Frequency response Pi filter and T filter Quartz crystal Effects due to real (=non-ideal) components digital filters (see sections 1.10 and 3.8)

3.3

Power supply - Circuits for half-wave and full-wave rectification and the Bridge rectifier - Smoothing circuits - Stabilisation circuits in low voltage supplies - Switching mode power supplies, isolation and EMC

3.4

Amplifier - Lf and hf amplifiers - Gain - Amplitude/frequency characteristic and bandwidth (broadband vs. tuned stages) - Class A, A/B, B and C biasing - Harmonic and intermodulation distortion, overdriving amplifier stages

3.5

Detector - AM detectors (envelope detectors) - Diode detector - Product detectors and beat oscillators - FM detectors

3.6

Oscillator - Feedback (intentional and unintentional oscillations) - Factors affecting frequency and frequency stability conditions necessary for oscillation - LC oscillator - Crystal oscillator, overtone oscillator - Voltage controlled oscillator (VCO) - Phase noise

3.7

Phase Locked Loop [PLL] - Control loop with phase comparator circuit - Frequency synthesis with a programmable divider in the feedback loop

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3.8

Digital signal processing (DSP systems) - FIR and IIR filter topologies - Fourier Transformation (DFT; FFT, graphical presentation) - Direct Digital Synthesis

CHAPTER 4 4.

RECEIVERS

4.1

Types - Single and double superheterodyne receiver - Direct conversion receivers

4.2

Block diagrams - CW receiver [A1A] - AM receiver [A3E] - SSB receiver for suppressed carrier telephony [J3E] - FM receiver [F3E]

4.3

Operation and function of the following stages (Block diagram treatment only) - HF amplifier [with tuned or fixed band pass] - Oscillator [fixed and variable] - Mixer - Intermediate frequency amplifier - Limiter - Detector, including product detector - Audio amplifier - Automatic gain control - S meter - Squelch

4.4

Receiver characteristics (simple description treatment) - Adjacent-channel - Selectivity - Sensitivity, receiver noise, noise figure - Stability - Image frequency - Desensitization / Blocking - Intermodulation; cross modulation - Reciprocal mixing [phase noise]

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CHAPTER 5 5.

TRANSMITTERS

5.1

Types - Transmitter with or without frequency translation

5.2

Block diagrams - CW transmitter [A1A] - SSB transmitter with suppressed carrier telephony [J3E] - FM transmitter with the audio signal modulating the VCO of the PLL [F3E]

5.3

Operation and functions of the following stages (Block diagram treatment only) - Mixer - Oscillator - Buffer - Driver - Frequency multiplier -- Power amplifier - Output matching - Output filter - Frequency modulator - SSB modulator - Phase modulator - Crystal filter

5.4

Transmitter characteristics (simple description) - Frequency stability - RF-bandwidth - Sidebands - Audio-frequency range - Non-linearity [harmonic and intermodulation distortion] - Output impedance - Output power - Efficiency - Frequency deviation - Modulation index - CW key clicks and chirps - SSB overmodulation and splatter (agreed) - Spurious RF radiations (agreed) - Cabinet radiations - Phase noise

Edition of 12 February 2004

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CHAPTER 6 6.

ANTENNAS AND TRANSMISSION LINES

6.1

Antenna types - Centre fed half-wave antenna - End fed half-wave antenna - Folded dipole - Quarter-wave vertical antenna [ground plane] - Antenna with parasitic elements [Yagi] - Aperture antennas (Parabolic reflector, horn) - Trap dipole

6.2

Antenna characteristics - Distribution of the current and voltage - Impedance at the feed point - Capacitive or inductive impedance of a non-resonant antenna - Polarisation - Antenna directivity, efficiency and gain - Capture area - Radiated power [ERP, EIRP] - Front-to-back ratio - Horizontal and vertical radiation patterns

6.3

Transmission lines Parallel conductor line - Coaxial cable - Waveguide - Characteristic impedance [Z0] - Velocity factor - Standing-wave ratio - Losses - Balun - Antenna tuning units (pi and T configurations only)

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CHAPTER 7 7.

PROPAGATION - Signal attenuation,, signal to noise ratio - Line of sight propagation (free space propagation, inverse square law) - Ionospheric layers - Critical frequency - Influence of the sun on the ionosphere - Maximum Usable Frequency - Ground wave and sky wave, angle of radiation and skip distance - Multipath in ionospheric propagation - Fading - Troposphere (Ducting, scattering) - The influence of the height of antennas on the distance that can be covered [radio horizon] - Temperature inversion - Sporadic E-reflection - Auroral scattering - Meteor scatter - Reflections from the moon - Atmospheric noise [distant thunderstorms] - Galactic noise - Ground (thermal) noise - Propagation prediction basics (link budget) - dominant noise source, (band noise vs. receiver noise) - minimum signal to noise ratio - minimum received signal power - path loss - antenna gains, transmission line losses - minimum transmitter power

CHAPTER 8 8.

MEASUREMENTS

8.1

Making measurements - Measurement of: - DC and AC voltages and currents - Measuring errors: - Influence of frequency - Influence of waveform - Influence of internal resistance of meters - Resistance - DC and RF power [average power, Peak Envelope Power] - Voltage standing-wave ratio - Waveform of the envelope of an RF signal - Frequency - Resonant frequency

8.2

Measuring instruments - Making measurements using: - Multi range meter (digital and analog) - Rf-power meter - Reflectometer bridge (SWR meter) - Signal generator - Frequency counter - Oscilloscope - Spectrum Analyzer

Edition of 12 February 2004

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CHAPTER 9 9.

INTERFERENCE AND IMMUNITY

9.1

Interference in electronic equipment - Blocking - Interference with the desired signal - Intermodulation - Detection in audio circuits

9.2

Cause of interference in electronic equipment - Field strength of the transmitter - Spurious radiation of the transmitter [parasitic radiation, harmonics] - Undesired influence on the equipment: - via the antenna input [aerial voltage, input selectivity] - via other connected lines - by direct radiation

9.3

Measures against interference - Measures to prevent and eliminate interference effects: - Filtering - Decoupling - Shielding

CHAPTER 10 10.

SAFETY - The human body - Mains power supply - High voltages - Lightning

Edition of 12 February 2004

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b)

NATIONAL AND INTERNATIONAL OPERATING RULES AND PROCEDURES

CHAPTER 1 1.

PHONETIC ALPHABET A B C D E F G H I

= = = = = = = = =

Alpha Bravo Charlie Delta Echo Foxtrot Golf Hotel India

J = K= L = M= N= O= P = Q= R =

Juliett Kilo Lima Mike November Oscar Papa Quebec Romeo

S = T = U= V= W= X= Y= Z =

Sierra Tango Uniform Victor Whiskey X-ray Yankee Zulu

CHAPTER 2 2.

Q-CODE Code

Question

Answer

QRK

What is the readability of my signals?

The readability of your signals is ...

QRM Are you being interfered with?

I am being interfered with

QRN

Are you troubled by static?

I am troubled by static

QRO

Shall I increase transmitter power?

Increase transmitter power

QRP

Shall I decrease transmitter power?

Decrease transmitter power

QRT

Shall I stop sending?

Stop sending

QRZ

Who is calling me?

You are being called by ...

QRV

Are you ready?

I am ready

QSB

Are my signals fading?

Your signals are fading.

QSL

Can you acknowledge receipt?

I am acknowledging receipt.

QSO

Can you communicate with ... direct?

I can communicate ... direct

QSY

Shall I change to transmission on another frequency?

Change transmission to another frequency

QRX

When will you call again?

I will call you again at ... hours on ... kHz (or MHz)

QTH

What is your position in latitude and longitude (or according to any other indication)?

My position is ... latitude, ... longitude (or according to any other indication)

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CHAPTER 3 3.

OPERATIONAL ABBREVIATIONS AS USED IN THE AMATEUR SERVICE BK CQ CW DE K MSG PSE RST R RX TX UR

Signal used to interrupt a transmission in progress General call to all stations Continuous wave From, used to separate the call sign of the station called from that of the calling station Invitation to transmit Message Please Readability, signal-strength, tone-report Received Receiver Transmitter Your

CHAPTER 4 4.

INTERNATIONAL DISTRESS SIGNS, EMERGENCY TRAFFIC AND NATURAL DISASTER COMMUNICATION Distress signs: - radiotelegraph ...---... [SOS] - radiotelephone "MAYDAY" - International use of the amateur station in the event of national disasters - Frequency bands allocated to the amateur service and amateur satellite service

CHAPTER 5 5.

CALL SIGNS -

Identification of the amateur station Use of the call signs Composition of call signs National prefixes

CHAPTER 6 6.

IARU BAND PLANS -

IARU band plans Purposes

CHAPTER 7 7.1

SOCIAL RESPONSiBILITY OF RADIO AMATEUR OPERATION

7.2

OPERATING PROCEDURES

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c)

NATIONAL AND INTERNATIONAL REGULATIONS SATELLITE SERVICE

RELEVANT TO THE

AMATEUR SERVICE

AND

AMATEUR

CHAPTER 1 1.

ITU RADIO REGULATIONS -

Definition Amateur Service and Amateur Satellite Service Definition Amateur station Article 25 Radio Regulations Status Amateur Service and Amateur Satellite Service ITU Radio Regions

CHAPTER 2 2.

CEPT REGULATIONS -

Recommendation T/R 61-01 Temporary use of amateur stations in CEPT countries Temporary use of amateur stations in NON-CEPT countries which participate in the T/R 61-01 system

CHAPTER 3 3.

NATIONAL LAWS, REGULATIONS AND LICENCE CONDITIONS -

National laws Regulations and licence conditions Demonstrate knowledge of maintaining a log - log keeping - purpose - recorded data

Morse Code Examination (required for a CEPT Class 1 licence only) The examinee is required to demonstrate his or her ability to send and transcribe in Morse code, plain texts, figure groups, punctuation and other signs: -

at a speed not less than 5 words per minute for a duration of at least 3 minutes with a maximum of 4 errors in reception with a maximum of 1 uncorrected and 4 corrected errors in transmission using a non-automatic Morse key

Edition of 12 February 2004

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Appendix B Sample Paper

Amateur Radio Licence Examination 60 Questions –Duration Two Hours Read the following notes BEFORE you answer any questions: 1. FOUR possible answers are shown for each question –‘A’, ‘B’, ‘C’and ‘D’. Only ONE is correct. Decide which one is correct and mark your answer by ticking the appropriate box on the answer sheet. 2. There may be other possible answers to the questions, however the choice of the correct answer from the options given is required. 3. You may only tick ONE BOX to indicate ‘A’, ‘B’, ‘C’or ‘D’as your answer. 4. If you make a mistake or change your mind having ticked one of the boxes, then clearly shade out the box you initially ticked, and tick the box indicating the answer you wish to give: This box is ticked (i.e. this is my answer): [

] or [ ] or [ x ]

This box is shaded (i.e. I have changed my mind, this is not my answer): [ ] 5. Remember it is vitally important that your answer sheet shows unambiguously which ONE answer you have selected and/ or if you have cancelled an answer (by shading out a box). If there is any ambiguity –e.g. if it is not clear which ONE box has been ticked –then the answer will be disallowed. 6. Any calculations or rough work can be done on the question sheet or on the “Calculations & Comments”page at the end of the paper. You may need a calculator to answer some of the questions –you may use a non-programmable calculator during the examination. 7. You should attempt all questions; note that ‘negative marking’is not used in this examination. If you find a question difficult, leave it and return to it later. 8. The paper, with your answers, must be handed in at the end of the examination. The paper cannot be removed from the examination centre, even if you decide not to proceed with the examination. 9. The pass mark is 60% and a pass is required in each of the three main sections of the paper A, B and C. 10. If you have any comments on the examination or the questions, please include them in the ‘Calculations & Comments’section at the end of the paper.

Put your details here: Name (PRINT): Candidate Number: Examination Venue: Examination Date: Your Signature:

Sample paper

Page 1

Section A Elementary Theory of Radiocommunications Electrical and Electronic Principles including Components and Circuits (10 Questions)

(B)

4. In the circuit below, ignoring component losses:

(D)

1. Which of the following sets of materials are all electrical insulators? A[

] Ceramic, Brass, Iron

B[

] Copper, Glass, Mica

C [ ] Silver, Gold, Iron D[

] Glass, Mica, Ceramic

(A)

2. What will happen to the current flowing in a circuit when the resistance is increased? A[

] It will decrease

B[

] It will increase

A[

] Current at the resonant frequency and below that frequency will be unaffected

B[

] Current at the resonant frequency will be impeded

C [ ] Nothing D[

] It rises slightly, and then returns to its previous value

C [ ] Current at the resonant frequency will readily pass through

(D)

D[

3. The current flowing through the 27Ω resistor in the circuit below is:

27Ω

] Current at the resonant frequency and above that frequency will be unaffected

33Ω (B)

120Ω

5. A low-pass filter includes an inductor with a value of 3.4µH. Following some tests, it is decided to increase the inductance to 5.1µH. This can be achieved by:

6V

A[

] Adding a 1.7µH inductor in parallel with the existing inductor

B[

] Adding a 1.7µH inductor in series with the existing inductor

Figure 2

A[

] 27mA

C [ ] Adding a 8.5µH inductor in parallel with the existing inductor

B[

] 33mA

D[

C [ ] 60mA D[

] Adding a 8.5µH inductor in series with the existing inductor

] 100mA

Sample paper

Page 2

Section A Elementary Theory of Radiocommunications (B)

(C)

6. In the circuit below, the output waveform at

8. A voltage regulator is being used to deliver a 5V supply from a 12V source, as illustrated in the circuit below. The required current at 5V is 500mA, while the minimum input voltage of the regulator is 6.9V.

resistor R would look like:

What would be the most appropriate value of resistor RX to ensure that the circuit performs as required, while minimising heat dissipation in the voltage regulator?

A[

] 3.9

B[

] 10

C [ ] 1k D[ A[

] Waveform A

B[

] Waveform B

] 2.2k

C [ ] Waveform C D[

] Waveform D

(C)

9. A common-base amplifier, using a bipolar junction transistor, can be expected to have: A[

] High input impedance and high output impedance

B[

] High input impedance and low output impedance

(D)

7. Which amplifier type is the most efficient? A[

] Class A

B[

] Class AB

C [ ] Class B D[

] Class C

Sample paper

C [ ] Low input impedance and high output impedance D[

] Low input impedance and low output impedance

Page 3

Section A Elementary Theory of Radiocommunications (C)

(A)

10. Each of the capacitors in the circuit below

13. The sensitivity of a receiver arises from:

has a value of 5nF. What value would be measured between points X and Y?

A[

] The bandwidth of the RF preamplifier

B[

] The stability of the oscillator

C [ ] Its ability to receive weak signals D[

] Its ability to reject strong signals

(A)

14. The driver stage of a transmitter is located: A[

] Before the power amplifier ] Between the oscillator and the buffer

A[

] 3.33nF

B[

B[

] 5nF

C [ ] With the frequency multiplier D[

C [ ] 7.5nF D[

] After the output low-pass filter circuit

] 15nF

(B)

Transmitters and Receivers (8 Questions) (A)

15. Below is a block diagram of a transmitter. The purpose of the Morse Key is to:

11. Morse code is usually transmitted by radio as: A[

] An interrupted carrier

B[

] A modulated carrier

C [ ] A continuous carrier D[

Oscillator

Buffer

Amplifier

] A series of clicks

Morse Key

(D)

12. SSB transmissions:

Figure 10

A[

] Occupy about twice the bandwidth of AM transmissions

A[

B[

] Contain more information than AM transmissions

] Turn the DC power to the amplifier on and off

B[

] Allow the oscillator signal to pass only when the key is pressed

C [ ] Occupy the same bandwidth as CW transmissions D[

] Occupy about half the bandwidth of AM transmissions

Sample paper

C [ ] Change the frequency of the transmitted signal when the key is pressed D[

] Add a 800Hz audio tone to the signal when the key is pressed

Page 4

Section A Elementary Theory of Radiocommunications (D)

(D)

16. Which of the following is most likely to

20. If an antenna feed line must pass near grounded metal objects, the following type should be used:

cause distortion in an FM transmitter? A[

] Being off frequency

B[

] Low supply voltage

A[

] 300 Ω twin lead

C [ ] Incorrect repeater shift

B[

] 600 Ω open wire

D[

C [ ] 75 Ω twin lead

] Frequency deviation is set too high

D[

] coaxial cable

(B)

17. The ability of a receiver to separate signals close in frequency is called its:

(C)

21. It is important to know the characteristic

A[

] Sensitivity

impedance of a transmission line because:

B[

] Selectivity

A[

] A higher impedance line will always be more efficient than a lower impedance line

B[

] A lower impedance line will always be more efficient than a higher impedance line

C [ ] Bandwidth D[

] Noise figure

(A)

C [ ] Optimum transfer of power between the transmission line and the antenna always occurs when the line impedance matches the antenna impedance

18. The frequency of an SSB signal may be varied using: A[

] A heterodyne mixer

B[

] A frequency multiplier

D[

C [ ] An additional buffer stage D[

] A harmonic amplifier

Feeders and Antennas (7 Questions) (C)

19. Co-axial cable is:

] Optimum transfer of power between the transmission line and the antenna always occurs when the line impedance is 50

(D)

22. The impedance of an electrical quarter-

A[

] Two parallel wires

wavelength transmission line shorted at the end will be:

B[

] A balanced transmission line

A[

] Zero

C [ ] An unbalanced transmission line

B[

] Very low

D[

C [ ] Equal to the impedance of the transmission line

] Power supply cable

D[

Sample paper

] Very high

Page 5

Section A Elementary Theory of Radiocommunications (C)

(A)

23. A half-wave dipole antenna with 20 metres of

25. In the diagram below, item X corresponds to the:

wire each side of a centre insulator will be resonant at approximately: A[

] 3600 kHz

B[

] 7050 kHz

C [ ] 10150 kHz D[

] 14200 kHz

(A)

24. The circuit diagram below represents: A[

] Boom

B[

] Driven element

C [ ] Director D[

] Reflector

Propagation (6 Questions) (C)

26. Solar cycles (sun spot cycles) have an average length of: A[

] 1 year

B[

] 6 years

C [ ] 11 years D[

] 17 years

(B)

27. High Frequency long distance communication is achieved due to: A[

] A 1:1 balun

A[

] Ground reflection

B[

] An isolation transformer

B[

] Ionospheric reflection

C [ ] A resonant filter

C [ ] Inverted reflection

D[

D[

] A 4:1 balun

Sample paper

] Tropospheric reflection

Page 6

Section A Elementary Theory of Radiocommunications (D)

Measurements (4 Questions)

28. The skip distance of a radio wave is determined primarily by the: A[

] Type of antenna

B[

] Transmitter output power

(D)

32. Which of the following voltmeter sensitivities will have the least effect on the circuit being measured?

C [ ] Antenna polarisation

A[

] 100Ω/V

D[

B[

] 1Ω/V

C[

] 10,000Ω/V

D[

] 1MΩ/V

] Height of ionosphere and angle of radiation

(A)

29. Two amateur radio stations that are four kilometres apart and separated by a low hill blocking their line-of-sight path are communicating on the 160 metre band. What type of propagation is probably being used? A[

] Ground wave

B[

] Tropospheric ducting

(C)

33. The two-tone test oscillator for the alignment of a single sideband transmitter must deliver: A[

] Two harmonically related audio frequency tones

B[

] Two harmonically related radio frequency tones

C [ ] Ionospheric propagation D[

C [ ] Two non-harmonically related audio frequency tones

] Sporadic E

D[ (A)

] Two non-harmonically related radio frequency tones

30. The highest frequency above which an emission directed vertically upwards is not returned to ground is called: A[

] The critical frequency

B[

] The maximum usable frequency

(B)

34. To provide a result, a typical SWR meter will measure:

C [ ] The optimum traffic frequency D[

] The standard frequency

A[

] Forward and reverse impedances

B[

] Forward and reverse voltages

C [ ] Antenna impedance D[

] Transmission line impedance

(A)

31. The D layer could be expected to be more heavily ionised:

(D)

35. The correct instrument for measuring the

A[

] At midday in the Summer months

supply current to an amplifier is a(n):

B[

] At midday in the Winter months

A[

] Ohmmeter

C [ ] At sunrise in the Summer months

B[

] Wattmeter

D[

C [ ] Voltmeter

] At sunrise in the Winter months

D[

Sample paper

] Ammeter

Page 7

Section B National and International Rules and Operating Procedures Licensing Conditions (7 Questions)

(C)

(C)

40. A licensed Irish amateur radio station may be operated by:

36. A CEPT Class 1 amateur radio licence entitles the holder to:

A[

] The licensee only

A[

] Broadcast on amateur radio frequencies

B[

] The licensee or any person using the radio equipment installed at the licensee’s station address

B[

] Broadcast to the general public, subject to the frequency and power limits specified in the licence

C[

C[

] Establish communications only with other radio amateurs

] The licensee or any person operating under the direct supervision of the licensee

D[

D[

] Establish communications with anyone, subject to the frequency and power limits specified in the licence

] Any person, provided they use only the frequencies and modes specified in the licence

(C)

(B)

37. The authorised frequency range in the

41. In working to ensure the level of non-ionising radiation from an amateur radio station is within the guideline limits, choosing from the options below, the principal focus would be on:

“40 metre band”is: A[

] 7.000 to 7.100 MHz

B[

] 7.000 to 7.200 MHz

C [ ] 7.000 to 7.268 MHz D[

] 7.000 to 7.300 MHz

A[

] The class of operation used in the output stages of the final amplifier

B[

] Filtering at the output stages

C [ ] The design and location of the antenna

(B)

D[

38. Which one of these frequencies is not on the

] Minimising parasitic oscillations

list of frequencies which radio amateurs are authorised to use? A[

] 3.750 MHz

(A)

B[

] 14.400 MHz

42. The station logbook must include:

C [ ] 24.900 MHz

A[

] Power level used

D[

B[

] Details of the antenna used

C[

] Location of stations contacted

D[

] Signal reports sent and received

] 70.200 MHz

(D)

39. The maximum power permitted when operating MOBILE on 70.200 MHz is: A[

] 200W (23 dBW)

B[

] 100W (20 dBW)

C [ ] 50W (17 dBW) D[

] 25W (14 dBW)

Sample paper

Page 8

Section B National and International Rules and Operating Procedures Operating Rules and Procedures (8 Questions)

(C)

47. Which of these prefixes / countries, listed

(D)

below, is INCORRECT?

43. Which of these call signs complies with ITU

A[

] EI = Ireland

B[

] OE = Austria

regulations for normal amateur radio call signs? A[

] EART

B[

] HA3MK6

C [ ] S58 D[

] 2E4XYZ

C [ ] CZ = Czech Republic D[

] MM = Scotland

(D)

48. The IARU Region 1 Band Plan gives priority for intercontinental operation in the segment:

(B)

A[

] 3600 to 3625 kHz

44. In the Q Code, QRZ? means:

B[

] 3675 to 3700 kHz

A[

] Are you operating on low power?

C [ ] 3725 to 3750 kHz

B[

] Who is calling me?

D[

] 3775 to 3800 kHz

C [ ] Are my signals fading? D[

] Can you change to another frequency?

(A)

49. The Morse Code message “CQ CQ DE EI3XYZ K”indicates that:

(C)

A[

] EI3XYZ has put out a general call for a contact

might have the prefix:

B[

] Someone is calling EI3XYZ

A[

] DM

C [ ] EI3XYZ is giving a signal report

B[

] KD

D[

45. The call sign of a radio amateur in Denmark

C [ ] OZ D[

] EI3XYZ is making a test transmission and should not be answered

] DE

(B)

(A)

46. Under the IARU Region 1 Band Plan, which

50. The call sign NK3GR in the phonetic

modes may be used in the frequency range 14.000 –14.060 MHz:

alphabet would be correctly spoken as: A[

] November-Kilo-Three-Golf-Romeo

A[

] All modes

B[

B[

] CW

] November-Kilowatt-Three-GeorgeRadio

C [ ] CW and digimodes

C [ ] Nancy-Kilowatt-Three-Golf-Romeo

D[

D[

] SSB (however, no contests)

Sample paper

] November-Kilo-Three-GeorgeRomeo

Page 9

Section C Safety and Electromagnetic Compatibility Electromagnetic Compatibility and Transmitter Interference (7 Questions)

(C)

54. The third harmonic of 7MHz is:

(A)

51. The inclusion of a 1:1 balun between the elements of an antenna and the coaxial feeder is often recommended in order to: A[

] Prevent the outer braid of the coaxial feeder from radiating

B[

] Resonate the antenna

C[

] Improve impedance matching

D[

] Eliminate sub-harmonics of the transmitted signal

A[

] 10 MHz

B[

] 14 MHz

C [ ] 21 MHz D[

] 28 MHz

(D)

55. The potential for second-channel interference (or image interference) arises in a superhet radio receiver when a strong signal is received that equals:

(B)

52. The circuit diagram below shows a:

A[

] The intermediate frequency

B[

] The frequency to which the radio is tuned plus the intermediate frequency

C [ ] The frequency to which the radio is tuned minus the intermediate frequency D[

] The frequency to which the radio is tuned plus twice the intermediate frequency

(C)

56. A band-pass filter: Figure 13

A[

] Wave trap

B[

] Low pass filter

] Passes signals at all frequencies

B[

] Attenuates signals at all frequencies

C [ ] Passes signals between two frequencies

C [ ] High pass filter D[

A[

D[

] Increases the receiver bandwidth

] Band stop filter (B)

57. A neighbour’s hi-fi system is suffering radio

(C)

53. Parasitic oscillations are most likely found in which of the following? A[

] High voltage rectifiers

B[

] Audio buffer amplifier

frequency break-through. A remedy for this might be to: A[

] Place a capacitor in series with the transmitter output

B[

] Put ferrite rings on the loudspeaker cable

C [ ] The multiplier stage D[

] The antenna

C [ ] Place a ferrite ring on the transmitter output cable D[

Sample paper

] Use open wire feeder for the transmitter Page 10

Section C Safety and Electromagnetic Compatibility Safety (3 Questions) (B)

58. The mains plug for a power supply which has a maximum power consumption of 500 watts should have a fuse rated at ________ to provide the highest possible level of protection: A[

] 1 amp

B[

] 3 amps

C [ ] 5 amps D[

] 13 amps

(A)

59. The smoothing capacitors in a High Voltage supply for a valve power amplifier should have: A[

] A large value resistor to discharge the capacitor when switched off

B[

] Forced air-cooling

C [ ] A heat sink D[

] RF decoupling

(D)

60. The human eye is most affected by radio frequency radiation at which frequency? A[

] 7 MHz

B[

] 70 MHz

C [ ] 14 MHz D[

] 1270 MHz

Sample paper

Page 11

Calculations & Comments Use the space below for your calculations or comments This page does not count for the examination results

Sample paper

Page 12

Sample Paper Answers Question Number

Answer

Question Number

Answer

1

D

31

A

2

A

32

D

3

D

33

C

4

B

34

B

5

B

35

D

6

C

36

C

7

D

37

B

8

B

38

B

9

C

39

D

10

A

40

C

11

A

41

C

12

D

42

A

13

C

43

D

14

A

44

B

15

B

45

C

16

D

46

B

17

B

47

C

18

A

48

D

19

C

49

A

20

D

50

A

21

C

51

A

22

D

52

B

23

A

53

C

24

A

54

C

25

C

55

D

26

C

56

C

27

B

57

B

28

D

58

B

29

A

59

A

30

A

60

D

Sample paper

Page 13