Welcome! Ham Radio Technician Class Licensing Course Introduction

Introductions State your name and a little about yourself.

Why are you taking this course? What do you know about ham radio? What expectations do you have for yourself and your instructors?

Course Overview Amateur Radio Equipment Radio and Signal Fundamentals Communicating with other Hams Electricity, Components, and Circuits Licensing Regulations Propagation, Antennas, and Feed Lines Operating Regulations Safety

Expectations Class will start and end on time.

Instructors will be prepared to teach. Students are expected to read assigned material before each class session and be prepared to learn. Ham radio is not a spectator sport. Active participation during class discussions is vital to success in obtaining your Technician Class License

Ground Rules Ask on topic questions right away If you did not understand – you are not alone Save off-topic questions for after class Please turn off (or silence) cell phones pagers, etc.

Let’s Get Started •Our goal during this class is for each of you to achieve the Technician Class Amateur Radio License! –The license will authorize you to operate an Amateur Radio (Ham Radio) transmitter.

Say Hello!

This isn't your Grandfather's / Father's ham radio

When all else fails: Amateur Radio!

Why is there ham radio? 1. Providing emergency communication capability

2. Advancement of the art and science of radio 3. Advance communication and technical skills of radio 4. Provide a trained reservoir of operators, technicians, and electronics experts 5. Promote and enhance international goodwill

What do hams do? Communicate Participate Experiment Build Complete in contests Serve their communities Life-long learning

What makes ham radio different? There are many radio services where operators need not be licensed Ham radio is authorized: Less restrictions More frequencies (channels or bands to utilize) More power (to improve range and quality) More ways to communicate It’s free to operate your radio

With more privileges comes more responsibility Because ham radios are much more capable and have the potential of interfering with other radio services Because ham radios have unlimited reacheasily reach around the globe and into space FCC authorization is required to ensure the operator is qualified to operate the ham radio safely, appropriately, and within the rules and regulations – that is why you are here

Class of Licenses Technician – first level – VHF, UHF, some HF

General – Same as Technician plus lots of HF Extra – Same as General but more HF

VHF = Very High Frequency = Generally “line of sight”

UHF = Ultra High Frequency = Strictly “line of sight” HF = High Frequency = Global communication

What can I do With a Technician Class License? VHF / UHF voice communications HF voice on 10 meter band Digital communication on select HF bands Design, build, use amateur radio equipment Learn, learn, learn

What can I do With a General Class License? Everything a Technician Class License can do plus... Expanded HF privileges including voice, digital, video Greatly expanded frequencies or bands

What can I do With a Extra Class License? Everything a General Class License can do plus... More HF frequencies

Licensing Authority Federal Communications Commission Located in Gettysburg, PA

Amateur Radio operations covered by FCC rules published in Part 97 of Title 47 – Code of Federal Regulations Typically called “Part 97”

Some Definitions Amateur Service – non pecuniary interest (private and personal, non commercial)

Amateur Operator – the person holding authorization (license) to operate a amateur radio station

Some Definitions, cont Amateur Station – equipment capable of transmitting on frequencies authorized for Amateur Service

The Amateur License No age limit or citizenship restrictions One exception – representative of foreign country

License actually contains two parts Operator License Station License (the Call Sign)

Three classes of operator privileges: Technician, General, Extra

Examinations Preparation Study the content Question Pool

Taking the exam Proctored exam Multiple choice What the fee pays for

Volunteer Examiners (VEs) Volunteer Examiner Coordinators (VECs)

The Test All questions, and answers are published (but not necessary in the same order) Question pool is 396 questions long Question pool is broken up into 10 sections Test is 35 questions long, must get 26 correct READ READ READ the question!

Test Questions 396 questions in 35 sections SUBELEMENT T1 – FCC Rules, descriptions, definitions - [6 Questions] SUBELEMENT T2 - Operating Procedures – [3 Questions] SUBELEMENT T3 – Radio wave characteristics – [3 Questions] SUBELEMENT T4 - Amateur radio practices – [2 Questions]

SUBELEMENT T5 – Electrical principles, math, Ohm’s Law – [4 Questions] SUBELEMENT T6 – Electrical components – [4 Questions] SUBELEMENT T7 – Station equipment – [4 Questions] SUBELEMENT T8 – Modes, satellite operation, operating – [4 Questions] SUBELEMENT T9 – Antennas, feedlines [2 Questions] SUBELEMENT T0 – AC, antenna installation, RF hazards – [3 Questions]

License Term and Renewal The license is free and good for 10 years Renewable within 90 days of the expiration date

Some personal identification information is required Tax ID (social security number) Current Mailing Address Federal Registration Number (FRN)

Responsibilities of License Prevent unauthorized operation of your station Provide personal information as required – keep a current mailing address on file Make your station available for FCC inspection upon request

For whom is the Amateur Radio Service intended (T1A01)‫‏‬ 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 without pecuniary interest

For whom is the Amateur Radio Service intended (T1A01)‫‏‬ 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 without pecuniary interest

What is the FCC Part 97 definition of an amateur station? (T1A10)‫‏‬

A. A station in an Amateur Radio Service consisting of the apparatus necessary for carrying on radio communications B. A building where Amateur Radio receivers, transmitters, and RF power amplifiers are installed C. Any radio station operated by a nonprofessional

D. Any radio station for hobby use

What is the FCC Part 97 definition of an amateur station? (T1A10)‫‏‬

A. A station in an Amateur Radio Service consisting of the apparatus necessary for carrying on radio communications B. A building where Amateur Radio receivers, transmitters, and RF power amplifiers are installed C. Any radio station operated by a nonprofessional

D. Any radio station for hobby use

FCC THE governing government agency in the United States As a Technician Class Licensee you are a federally licensed to operate Must keep your mailing address up to date with FCC

Must make your station available for inspection

FCC ULS Web Site Register for on-line access to your license information Make changes to your address and other information Renew your license Search for other station information

wireless.fcc.gov/uls

What may result when correspondence from the FCC is returned as undeliverable because the grantee failed to provide the correct mailing address? (T1C07) A. Fine or imprisonment B. Revocation of the station license or suspension of the operator license C. Require the licensee to be re-examined D. A reduction of one rank in operator class

What may result when correspondence from the FCC is returned as undeliverable because the grantee failed to provide the correct mailing address? (T1C07) A. Fine or imprisonment B. Revocation of the station license or suspension of the operator license C. Require the licensee to be re-examined D. A reduction of one rank in operator class

When must the station licensee make the station and its records available for FCC inspection?(T1F13)

A. Any time upon request by an official observer B. Any time upon request by an FCC representative C. 30 days prior to renewal of the station license D. 10 days before the first transmission

When must the station licensee make the station and its records available for FCC inspection?(T1F13)

A. Any time upon request by an official observer B. Any time upon request by an FCC representative C. 30 days prior to renewal of the station license

D. 10 days before the first transmission

BREAK

What can you do with a Technician Class License? Emission Privileges

What can you do with a Technician Class License? Frequency Privileges Band versus frequency

300

BAND (meters) = Frequency (MHz)

Band vs Frequency

1 cycle Wavelength = distance 1 cycle travels

What can you do with a Technician Class License? 300 --------= 2.045 Meters 146.64 MHz

144 MHz = 2.083 Meters 148 MHz = 2.027 Meters

144 - 148 MHz is the “2 Meter Band AKA “2 Meters”

80 Meters 40 Meters 15 Meters 10 Meters

HF 3.525-3.600 MHz: CW 7.025-7.125 MHz: CW 21.025-21.200 MHz: CW 28.000-28.300 MHz: CW, Data 28.300-28.500 MHz: CW, Phone

6 Meters

VHF 50.0-50.1 MHz: CW 50.1-54.0 MHz: CW, Phone, etc

2 Meters

144.0-144.1 MHz: CW 144.1-148.0 MHz: CW, Phone, etc 1.25 Meters 222.00-225.00 MHz: CW, Phone, etc

UHF and UP 70 cm

420.0-450.0 MHz: CW, Phone, etc

33 cm

902.0-928.0 MHz: CW, Phone, etc

23 cm

1240-1300 MHz: CW, Phone, etc

Higher Frequencies: 2300-2310 MHz 2390-2450 MHz 3300-3500 MHz 5650-5925 MHz 10.0-10.5 GHz 24.0-24.25 GHz 47.0-47.2 GHz 119.98-120.02 GHz

Primary and Secondary Allocations Some authorized amateur frequencies are shared Primary Users - have priority to the band, other must accept our interference and must not cause it to us Secondary Users - others have priority, we have to accept interference and must not cause it.

Which amateur band are you using when your station is transmitting on 146.52 Mhz? (T1B04)

A. 2 meter band B. 20 meter band C. 14 meter band D. 6 meter band

Which amateur band are you using when your station is transmitting on 146.52 Mhz? (T1B04)

A. 2 meter band B. 20 meter band C. 14 meter band D. 6 meter band

Which of the bands available to Technician Class operators have mode-restricted subbands? (T1B10) A. The 6 meter, 2 meter, and 70 cm bands B. The 2 meter and 13 cm bands C. The 6 meter, 2 meter, and 1.25 meter bands

D. The 2 meter and 70 cm bands

Which of the bands available to Technician Class operators have mode-restricted subbands? (T1B10) A. The 6 meter, 2 meter, and 70 cm bands B. The 2 meter and 13 cm bands C. The 6 meter, 2 meter, and 1.25 meter bands

D. The 2 meter and 70 cm bands

Amateur Radio - Internationally - International Telecommunications Union (ITU) Regions 1, 2, and 3 - CONUS hams are in Region 2 - Reciprocal Operating Authorizations

- There are times when there are restrictions on certain countries that we can contact

Reciprocal Operating Countries that have bilateral agreements for operating - Most require permits prior to operating - Canada and Mexico are automatic (still must abide by their rules)‫‏‬

Amateur Radio - Internationally Note: Phone and Image modes are permitted between 7.075 and 7.100 MHz for FCC licensed stations in ITU Regions 1 and 3 and by FCC licensed stations in ITU Region 2 West of 130 degrees West longitude or south of 20 degrees North latitude. See Section 97.307(f)(11). Novice and Technician licensees outside ITU Region 2 may use CW only between 7.050 and 7.075 MHz. See Section 97.301(e)n. These exemptions do not apply to stations in the continental US.

What is the ITU? (T1B01) A. An agency of the United States Department of Telecommunications Management B. A United Nations agency for information and communication technology issues

C. An independent frequency coordination agency D. A department of the FCC

What is the ITU? (T1B01) A. An agency of the United States Department of Telecommunications Management B. A United Nations agency for information and communication technology issues

C. An independent frequency coordination agency D. A department of the FCC

North American amateur stations are located in which ITU region? (T1B02)

A. Region 1 B. Region 2

C. Region 3 D. Region 4 coordination agency

North American amateur stations are located in which ITU region? (T1B02)

A. Region 1 B. Region 2

C. Region 3 D. Region 4 coordination agency

What types of international communications are permitted by an FCC-licensed amateur station? (T1C03) A. Communications incidental to the purposes of the amateur service and remarks of a personal character B. Communications incidental to conducting business or remarks of a personal nature C. Only communications incidental to contest exchanges, all other communications are prohibited

D. Any communications that would be permitted on an international broadcast station

What types of international communications are permitted by an FCC-licensed amateur station? (T1C03) A. Communications incidental to the purposes of the amateur service and remarks of a personal character B. Communications incidental to conducting business or remarks of a personal nature C. Only communications incidental to contest exchanges, all other communications are prohibited

D. Any communications that would be permitted on an international broadcast station

When are you allowed to operate your amateur station in a foreign country? (T1C04)

A. When the foreign country authorizes it B. When there is a mutual agreement allowing third party communications

C. When authorization permits amateur communications in a foreign language D. When you are communicating with non-licensed individuals in another country

When are you allowed to operate your amateur station in a foreign country? (T1C04)

A. When the foreign country authorizes it B. When there is a mutual agreement allowing third party communications

C. When authorization permits amateur communications in a foreign language D. When you are communicating with non-licensed individuals in another country

Call Signs US call signs begin with: K, N, W, and A US call sign districts: 0-9

US Amateur Calls only have one number!!!

Call Signs Portable – operating away from primary station location If in the different call sign district add: “portable‫‏‬6”‫‏‬if‫‏‬voice /6 if Morse code or digital Not required just nice to do

If recent up-grade‫‏‬add‫“‏‬Portable‫‏‬AG”‫‏‬or “Portable‫‏‬AE”‫“(‏‬/AG”‫‏‬or‫“‏‬/AE”‫‏‬if‫‏‬CW)‫‏‬

Special Call Signs Club Call Signs Special Event Call Signs Vanity Call Signs Tactical Call Signs Self Assigned Indicator

Club Call Signs Clubs may hold a unique call sign - for events, repeater ID, etc A person in the club is designated the call trustee and is responsible person of record

BARC Call Sign is N6OV

Special Event Signs Special Events includes just about everything Limited time Must be applied for via coordinators example: K4S

Vanity Call Signs Special Call signs may be requested - Shorter call signs - Initials or special meaning - N6HAL - N0BLM - Deceased family member

Vanity Call Signs FCC process to do so - Your license must meet minimum requirement of call sign - Call must be available - Enter into a lottery to receive call - Cost $$ to get and renew - Deceased family member must be close member, documentation may be required

Tactical Call Signs Used in emergency, special events example “water stop 1”, “double rocks” or “hospital”

Very useful and good short hand but you must still meet the 10 minute rule for identification with your call sign!

Self Defined Indicator Identifies location, mode, club affiliation, etc example: WA6ARA / QRP Can be useful ...but must not be one specifically excluded by the FCC or is a prefix of another country.

Identification Your call sign identifies who you are… - you are a licensed operator - you are operating within the law

Identification is required by the FCC - at the end - and at 10 minute intervals

What type of identification is being used when identifying a station on the air as “Race Headquarters”? (T1F01) A. Tactical call B. Self-assigned designator C. SSID D. Broadcast station

What type of identification is being used when identifying a station on the air as “Race Headquarters”? (T1F01) A. Tactical call B. Self-assigned designator C. SSID D. Broadcast station

When is an amateur station required to transmit its assigned call sign? (T1F03) A. At the beginning of each contact, and every 10 minutes thereafter B. At least once during each transmission

C. At least every 15 minutes during and at the end of a contact D. At least every 10 minutes during and at the end of a contact

When is an amateur station required to transmit its assigned call sign? (T1F03) A. At the beginning of each contact, and every 10 minutes thereafter B. At least once during each transmission

C. At least every 15 minutes during and at the end of a contact D. At least every 10 minutes during and at the end of a contact

Which type of call sign has a single letter in both the prefix and suffix? (T1C01)

A. Vanity B. Sequential

C. Special event D. In-memoriam

Which type of call sign has a single letter in both the prefix and suffix? (T1C01)

A. Vanity B. Sequential

C. Special event D. In-memoriam

Which of the following is a valid US amateur radio station call sign? (T1C02)

A. KMA3505 B. W3ABC

C. KDKA D. 11Q1176

Which of the following is a valid US amateur radio station call sign? (T1C02)

A. KMA3505 B. W3ABC

C. KDKA D. 11Q1176

Homework Read Chapter 1 (all), 6.2, 7(all), 8.2 for this week Read Chapter 2 and 3 for next week

Local Ham Radio Activities Bishop Amateur Radio Club Meets second Tuesday of the month @ 7:00pm Salvation Army Facility 621 W. Line St (Towne and Country Ctr) Bishop CA

Local Ham Radio Activities Nightly Net at 8AM nights (2000 hrs local) 146.94 MHz, FM (repeater) Sunday Morning “Owens Valley Net” 3990 KHz (80 Mtrs) 8:30 Hidden Transmitter Hunt (aka “Fox Hunt”) Saturday after BARC Meeting @ 10AM (see details on www.N6OV)