Amateur Radio Fundamentals

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Amateur RadioFundamentals

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Amateur Radio

• Amateur Radio is a fascinating hobby. It has
  many different things that you can do.
• The best thing is to join a Ham Radio Club so you
  can meet other hams and see some of the different
  aspects of ham radio.
• Over the years you will do different things and
  try out different modes etc.
• Because it has so many aspects it can be
  intimidating. (Find a mentor to help you get
  started)

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Amateur Radio contd

• Another place you can get information are at Ham
  Conventions.
• These will have vendors selling all types of ham
  equipment.
• They will also have presentations on different
  subjects. Go to some of these, I set in a lot of
  them, some Im interested in some Im not but, in
  a few years you might be.

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Amateur Radio contd

• Conventions
• Ham Com Plano first of June (pretty big)
• Rosenburg March
• Orange February
• Dayton biggest in the World May
• They will have vendors, presentations,
  tailgating, etc.

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Licenses

• At present there are 3 amateur licenses
  Technician, General, and Extra
• There are also 2 others that are grandfathered in
  (Novice, Advanced) these are still good but
  you cant get them anymore
• The Technician is the entry level class and has
  privileges on 10M, and above
• General and Extra has privileges on all bands

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Call Signs

• By International agreement each country is
  assigned call sign prefixes
• By the prefix you can determine where the ham is
  located.
• In the US the prefixes are W, K (original), then
  variations WA, WB, KA, etc. then we added N, and
  AA
• Your original call will be the prefix, number,
  and suffix

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Call Signs contd

• Our area (Texas) is in area 5, so all call when
  issued will be XX5YYY. New calls will likely be
  KF5YYY.
• You can request a vanity call sign if you meet
  the requirements and get a new call sign my
  buddy has call sign W5HAL (Hal is his name he
  first had WA1HAL).
• If you hear a call sign that is different than
  above it is probably from a different nation.

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A few years ago when you changed areas you would
have to get a new call sign. (I have had WB4AOY
(Alabama), WB6ZES (California) and now WB5CXC)
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Bands

• HF Bands (bands below 50MHz) 160M, 80M, 60M,
  40M, 30M, 20M, 17M, 15M, 12M, and 10M.
• Other Bands 6M, 2M, 1.25M, 70cm, and above.
• The original amateur bands 80M, 40M, 20M, 15M,
  and 10M overlap with most other countries amateur
  frequency.

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Bands contd

• The HF bands 80 10 are mostly divided into two
  sections lower freq. CW and digital, upper
  freq. is for SSB
• Some of the bands have set freq. power limits
  (60M)
• On HF bands different licenses have different
  restrictions etc.
• Need to down load the frequency chart from ARRL.

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Notice the G, A, E, all have different
frequencies
Notice that Novice and Tech can operate CW on 15M
200 W max.
Notice that Novice and Tech can operate CW and
some Phone on 10M
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American Radio Relay League

• The national amateur radio association is the
  American Radio Relay League (ARRL)
• Membership is 39/ year
• They produce lots of amateur radio publications
• QST is the monthly magazine

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ARRL contd

• The ARRL is divided into Districts and Sections
• We are in the West Gulf Division and the South
  Texas District
• They sponsor a lot of items you probably
  already been exposed to some of it as most of
  the test are done by VEs (volunteer examiners
  by ARRL)

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ARRL contd

• There are also field organizations. Probably the
  most direct one is the ARES, EC (Emergency
  Coordinator County) ours is Mark N5MDT
• They also sponsor Contests, Awards, etc.

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Repeaters

• Tech license can operate 10M (partial), 6M and
  up.
• The most common bands to operate are the 2M and
  70cm (440)
• Both of these bands use repeaters to provide
  increased coverage.
• They transmit and receive on different frequencies

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Repeaters contd

• For the 2M band the separation is 600KHz and for
  the 70cm it is 5 MHz
• Most of the repeaters in our area also use CTCSS
  tones. This tone is used to activate the repeater
  and keep other stations from interfering.
• The 2M band separation is both and depending
  on the portion of the band.

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Repeaters contd

• Most modern radios will have this already set
  into memory, so all you need to know is the
  frequency and the tone.
• The ARRL has a Repeater Directory that list the
  repeater in State, City etc.
• The listing is kind of cryptic
• Conroe 147.020 136.5

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Repeaters contd

• This means the receive frequency (on your radio)
  is 147.020 and your transmit offset is (TX
  147.620) with a tone of 136.5
• You have to set all of these parameters into your
  radio or it will not hit the repeater.
• On 70cm the offset is always

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Repeaters contd

• Most all repeaters are coordinated that means
  some organization is responsible for what
  frequency are used where.
• There are certain rules to apply to keep repeater
  from interfering with each other.
• Our coordinator is the Texas VHF society.
• On the 70cm band we share with other
  organizations (we do not have exclusive use of
  this band).

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Repeaters contd

• Now repeaters can be linked very easily by using
  the Internet and some hardware.
• There are various systems that do this, one of
  the bigger ones is the International Radio
  Linking Project (IRLP)
• Texas has a big system called the Saltgrass Link
  System

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Saltgrass Link System
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Modes

• We are allowed different modes of transmission.
  The common modes are CW, AM, SSB, FM
• Other modes are digital RTTY, PSK, Packet, and
  others. We also do some transmission of
  pictures.
• You usually cant operate all of these modes in
  one single band except maybe the VHF/UHF (more
  spectrum)

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HF Operations

• CW and digital are narrow band signals and are on
  the low end of each band.
• CW (code) uses very little bandwidth and
  sometimes you can hear 5 or more signals all
  together (that is why you have filters)
• Digital modes (also narrow bandwidth) most
  popular is RTTY and PSK many signals can be put
  into one SSB channel

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HF Operations contd

• SSB is Single Side Band convention is 29M and
  up uses Upper side band, and below 20M is Lower
  side band (60M Upper side band only FCC rules)
• FM can only be used on 10M and above (it uses a
  large bandwidth)

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Operating

• You have different types of operating
• Rag Chewing carrying on long conversations with
  one or more hams
• Nets organized for different purposes rag
  chewing, awards, traffic, and emergency to
  mention a few
• Contesting trying to contact as many amateurs
  in the contest

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Nets

• All nets are Directed Nets. They have a Net
  Control that directs and controls the Net.
• They will usually have check-ins people who
  want to participate in the net.
• Some have members and will have a roll call or
  special check-in for the members
• They will always break for Emergency Traffic

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Nets contd

• Traffic Nets pass messages like a telegram
• Awards Nets these are for the purpose of
  getting a specific award (county hunters)
• Emergency Preparedness Nets ARES Net
• Rag Chewing group of guys talking

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Nets contd

• These is probably a net on almost any kind of
  amateur radio activity
• You can go to the ARRL and they have a Net
  Directory that lists Nets (no all Nets are listed
  in this directory). It will give the frequency,
  time, etc.

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Nets contd

• Local Nets
• Monday 800 147.140 Rag Chew / Swap
• Tuesday 800 147.020 ARES Net
• Thursday 700 444.100 Woodlands Club

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Logging

• We use to log (putting QSO information) in a Log
  Book.
• Now days most everyone uses a software Logging
  program.
• They come two different types General Logging
  Contest Logging.
• There are freeware and paid logging software.

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Logging contd

• General Logging is for normal QSO logging, and
  will have built-in awards status.
• Contest Logging is for working contests, there
  are different logs for each contest (rules are
  different etc.)
• Some software programs has built in logging
  programs.

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Logging contd

• General Logging I use N3FJP Amateur Contact Log
  and for the Apple I use Aether Log. These are
  both commercial software and costs 25 40.
• They make uploading your contacts to LoTW and
  eQSl very easy.
• Contest Logging will compute your score, find
  Dupes, etc.

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Contests

• There are all kinds of Contests. They usually
  occur on the weekend or in the evening.
• The object is to contact as many stations as
  possible and get the biggest score.
• They will have Rules for the exchange and who you
  can contact, bands, etc.
• Some contests are for an organization and their
  member most are open to all.

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Contest contd

• You have to read the rules. They will tell who
  you can contact, exchange, times, bands, etc.
• They usually have types of entries to try and
  level the playing field somewhat.
• They will usually have multipliers this might
  be different zones, states, countries, counties,
  etc. depending on the contest.

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Contest contd

• I worked a PSK contest I had 50 QSOs but had a
  score of 1,000 this was due to the multipliers
  each state, country counted as a multiplier -
  I had 20 multipliers (18 states and 2 countries)
• They usually have different power classes (QRP,
  100W, gt 100W)
• They may also have single or multi-operator.

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Contest contd

• Contest contacts are very short usually a call
  sign and the exchange
• CQ CQ Fest de WB5CXC k
• WB5CXC de WWF 599 599 TX TX k
• W5WF de WB5CXC QSL 599 599 TX TX sk
• This is a typical exchange the exchange for
  this contest was Signal Report and State
  (country). This took 30 50 seconds (this was
  a PSK32 contest).

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Getting Awards

• There are all kinds of awards that you can get.
  (sometimes call Wallpaper)
• Organizations have different awards etc.
• Some of the more popular awards are
• WAS worked all states
• WAC worked all continents
• DXCC worked 100 different countries
• There are many different variations of DXCC

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Awards contd

• Most awards have nice certificates that can be
  framed. (some cost money to get)
• Some have endorsements (additional contacts etc.)
  and variations WAS VHF etc.
• Need to read the rules for the award and what
  backup documentation is required.

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QSL Cards

• One of the ways to verify your contacts are by
  QSL cards

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QSL contd

• QSL cards are printed cards that you send to the
  other operator with the QSO information
• Now days this can be done electronically
• There are QSL bureaus to help with the postage
  etc. if you send cards.

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QSL contd

• There are several electronic QSL agencies, LoTW
  and eQSL are the most popular.
• LoTW is part of the ARRL. You have to set up an
  account and each contact has to be digitally
  signed (this is part of LoTW)
• eQSL is www.eQSL.cc this is a free service that
  you can upload your contacts to and it will cross
  check them from the other operator QSL info.

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QSL contd

• If you are trying to get an award read the rules
  to see what form of documentation they will
  accept!
• You can get you own cards printed up do a
  search for QSL cards.
• On eQSL you design your own card. You can also
  print one or have eQSL print it and send it to
  you (small cost).

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Field Day

• Field Day is held the last weekend in June.
• Clubs, individual setup temporary operating
  locations to test for emergency preparedness.
• It goes from Saturday at noon until Sunday at
  noon.
• This is a good opportunity to show the public
  what amateur radio is all about.

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Field Day contd

• This is a great time to get Technicians a chance
  to experience the HF bands etc.
• Field Day is also a contest to see how many
  contacts you can make.
• Set ups go from a single transmitter and minimal
  antenna to multiple transmitters using towers
  with beams (all temporary setup after the start
  of the event).

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Field Day contd

• This is usually a Public event as part of the
  purpose it shows what we can do.
• Usually will have brochures etc.
• They can have special stations setup for visitors
  to talk on.
• Some will operate the whole 24 hrs. and others
  will just operate part of the time.
• But, a good time is had by all

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Radios

• Before purchasing a radio, talk to some of the
  mentors about the different types etc.
• See if you can borrow a 2M hand held radio from
  someone to get on the air.
• This will get you on the air and will give you
  some experience in what kind of radio you might
  need and some of the features that you may
  require.

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Radio contd

• All newer VHF/UHF radio (hand held or mobile)
  will have memory channels. These can be set to
  the repeaters you usually operate.
• When you get your new radio you will have to
  learn how to program it (set the receive
  frequency the offset, tone save to memory)
• It is very handy to get programming software to
  load your radio.

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Technician Class Radios

• The Technician can operate 10M and up.
• Most new Technicians will get on 2M and 70cm
  (440) repeaters.
• This you can do using a Hand Held radio.
• A dual band Hand Held radio can now be purchased
  for 130 and up.
• These will usually put out 5W on 2M and 4W on
  70cm.

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Technician Class Radios contd

• You can also get you a mobile radio.
• These come in different configurations.
• You can get a 2M 50watt mobile radio for 125.
  A 70cm single band radio will be a little more.
• You can also purchase a dual band mobile radios.

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Technician Class Radios contd

• Dual band mobile radios come in several different
  configurations.
• The first configuration is a dual band radio that
  you operate only one band at a time.
• The other type of configuration is dual band with
  dual receivers/transmitters, this radio will
  receive on two channels at the same time left
  side 2M, right side 70cm

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Technician Class Radios contd

• If you travel a lot you should think about
  getting one of the dual band radios. In the
  bigger cities there will be lots of repeaters on
  440. These radio last a long time, I had a 2M
  radio that I bought and used for 15 years and
  then sold it to a new ham and he has been using
  it for 4 years now (operates just like the new
  ones). So your purchase pays off for a long
  time.

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HF Radios

• The most common radios are 100 watt output.
• They will usually cover all the bands 80M 10M,
  some will also cover 160M and some will cover 6M.
• A good entry level HF rig will cost 500 -
  700.
• You can get a good used rig for 300

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HF Radios contd

• There is also low power rigs these are often
  called QRP and operate 5 watts or less.
• You can get some of these in kit form.
• These radios can be a lot cheaper than their big
  brother.

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HF Radios contd

• Some radios will cover most of the bands from
  160M to 70cm.
• On the purchase of your first HF rig you should
  get with a mentor and ask for advice on a
  purchase.
• Some of the things that you should know is what
  type of operating are you gong to do? (If you are
  new you probably dont know yet!!!)

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HF Radios contd

• Buying a used transceiver can be a good choice
  ALWAYS compare prices from the Internet etc.
• You can get used transceivers from other amateurs
  they have several swap nets around Houston
  area.
• You can check out eBay, QRZ and other sites for
  used transcievers

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HF Radios contd

• There are other things you will have to purchase
  before you can get on the air
• Power Supply most transceivers require a 12 VDC
  source
• Antenna you can build your own will need help
  from a mentor
• Antenna tuner you might need this if your
  antenna is not tuned correctly
• SWR meter if your transceiver hasnt got a
  built-in SWR meter

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International Clubs

• There are several International Clubs for amateur
  radio
• You will see some of them on QSL cards, they have
  a short name/initials and numbers
• Most of these clubs sponsor awards and contests
• Almost all the clubs are specialized QRP, CW,
  PSK, Band

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International Club contd

• 10-10 Club this club promotes 10M operations
• They sponsor contest throughout the year
• They have awards for operating only on 10M
• Most of the contest are open to members and
  non-members
• www.ten-ten.org Web site

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