Ham Radio Technician Class Licensing Course

1
Ham Radio Technician Class Licensing Course

• Presented by the Twin State Radio Club

2
Introductions
3
Course Outline
Today - Welcome to amateur radio - Licensing
regulations - Radio electronics fundamentals -
Operating station equipment. - Communicating with
other hams. - Operating regulations. - Radio
safety.
Next Class - Test preparation and review (2
hours). - Test (1 hour)
4
Lets 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.

5
Steps to Obtaining Your Ticket

• Study the material in the Ham Radio License
  Manual.
• Review the questions in the back of the book
• Take interactive practice exams.
• http//www.eham.net/exams/
• http//www.qrz.com/xtest2.html
• http//aa9pw.com/radio/
• Pass a proctored 35-question multiple choice
  test.
• Questions pulled directly from the question pool.
• Need to answer 26 questions correctly.
• No Morse code is required.

6
What Makes Ham Radio Different?

• There are many unlicensed radio services
  available.
• Ham radio is authorized
• Less restrictions.
• More frequencies (channels or bands to utilize).
• More power (to improve range and quality).
• More ways to communicate.
• Its free to operate your radio.

7
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 reach. They
  easily 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
  regulation that is why you are here.

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Technician License CourseChapter 5Licensing
Regulations
9
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.
• Use Part 97 for short

10
Some Definitions

• Amateur Service no pecuniary interest (private
  and personal, non commercial).
• Amateur Operator the person holding
  authorization (license) to operate an Amateur
  Radio station.
• Amateur Station equipment capable of
  transmitting on frequencies authorized for
  Amateur Service.

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The Amateur License

• No age limit or citizenship restrictions.
• One exception foreign representatives.
• License actually contains two parts.
• Operator License.
• Station License (the Call Sign).
• Three levels of operator privileges Technician,
  General, Amateur Extra.

12
License Term and Renewal

• The license is free and good for 10 years.
• Renewable within 90 days of the expiration date.

13
What can you do with a Technician Class License?

• Frequency Privileges
• Band versus frequency.

14
Amateur Radio - Internationally

• International Telecommunication 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.

15
Call Signs

• US call signs begin with K, N, W, and A.
• US call sign districts 0-9

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Technician License CourseChapter 2 Radio and
Electronics Fundamentals
Equipment Definitions Hour-1
17
Basic Station Organization

• Station Equipment
• Receiver
• Transmitter
• Antenna
• Power Supply
• Accessory Station Equipment
• Repeaters

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The Transceiver

• You will notice that many of the controls of the
  transmitter and receiver are the same.
• Most modern transmitters and receivers are
  combined in one unit called a transceiver.
• Saves space
• Cost less
• Many common electronic circuits are shared in the
  transceiver.

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Antenna

• The antenna exposes your station to the world.
• Facilitates the radiation of your signal into
  space (electromagnetic radiation).
• Intercepts someone elses signal.
• Most times the transmitting and receiving antenna
  are the same antenna.
• Connected to your station by a connecting wire
  called a feed line.

20
Power Supply

• Most modern radios operate on 12 volts direct
  current (dc).
• A power supply converts household current to the
  type of current and the correct voltage to
  operate your station.
• Could be internal, might be external.
• You are probably familiar with common wall-wart
  power supplies.

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Special Stations You Will Use (Repeaters)

• Repeaters are automated stations located at high
  places that receive and then retransmit your
  signal simultaneously.
• Dramatically improves range.
• The basic components of a repeater are the same
  as your station receiver, transmitter, antenna
  and power supply.

22
Repeaters

• But, repeaters are transmitting and receiving at
  the same time using the same antenna.
• This requires a very high quality and specialized
  filter to prevent the transmitted signal from
  overpowering the receiver.
• This specialized filter is called a duplexer.

23
Repeater
24
Technician License CourseChapter 2 Radio and
Electronics Fundamentals
Basic Electricity Hour-2
25
Basic Characteristics of Electricity

• There are three characteristics to electricity
• Voltage
• Current
• Resistance
• All three must be present for electrons to flow.

26
Ohms Law

• E is voltage
• Units - volts
• I is current
• Units - amperes
• R is resistance
• Units - ohms
• R E/I
• I E/R
• E I x R

27
Power Formula

• Power is defined as the amount of current that is
  being pushed through a conductor or device to do
  work.
• P E x I
• E P/I
• I P/E

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Two Basic Kinds of Current

• When current flows in only one direction, it is
  called direct current (dc).
• Batteries are a common source of dc.
• Most electronic devices are powered by dc.
• When current flows alternatively in one direction
  then in the opposite direction, it is called
  alternating current (ac).
• Your household current is ac.

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Putting It All Together in a Circuit Diagram
30
Metric Units
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Technician License CourseChapter 2 Radio and
Electronics Fundamentals
Signals and Waves Hour-3
32
Radio Waves are AC

• You have already learned that in an alternating
  current (ac) the electrons flow in one direction
  one moment and then the opposite direction the
  next moment.
• Radio waves (electromagnetic radiation) are ac
  waves.
• Radio waves are used to carry the information you
  want to convey to someone else.

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Wave Vocabulary

• Before we study radio waves, we need to learn
  some wave vocabulary.
• Amplitude
• Frequency
• Period
• Wavelength
• Harmonics

34
Wavelength

• The distance a radio wave travels during one
  cycle.
• One complete change between magnetic and electric
  fields.

35
Radio Frequency (RF) Spectrum
36
Another Use for Frequency and Wavelength

• For the station antenna to efficiently send the
  radio wave out into space, the antenna must be
  designed for the specific operating frequency.
• The antenna length needs to closely match the
  wavelength of the frequency to be used.
• Any mismatch between antenna length and frequency
  wavelength will result in radio frequency energy
  being reflected back to the transmitter, not
  going (being emitted) into space.

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Adding Information - Modulation

• Now that we know where we are in the RF spectrum
  and are sending a radio wave into space.
• When we imprint some information on the radio
  wave, we modulate the wave.
• Turn the wave on and off
• Voice AM and FM
• Data
• Different modulation techniques are called modes.

38
Technician License CourseChapter 2 Radio and
Electronics Fundamentals
Antennas, Feed lines, and Propagation
39
The Antenna (Some Vocabulary)

• Polarization The direction of the electric field
  relative to the surface of the earth.
• Same as the physical direction
• Vertical
• Horizontal
• Circular

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The Antenna (Some Vocabulary)

• Omni-directional radiates in all directions.
• Directional beam focuses radiation in specific
  directions.
• Gain apparent increase in power in a particular
  direction because energy is focused in that
  direction.
• Measured in decibels (dB)

41
Antenna Impedance

• Antennas have a characteristic impedance.
• Expressed in ohms common value 50 ohms.
• Depends on
• Antenna design
• Height above the ground
• Distance from surrounding obstacles
• Frequency of operation
• A million other factors

42
Feed Line types

• The purpose of the feed line is to get energy
  from your station to the antenna.
• Basic feed line types.
• Coaxial cable (coax).
• Open-wire or ladder line.
• Each has a characteristic impedance, each has its
  unique application.

43
Test and Matching Equipment

• Proper impedance matching is important enough to
  deserve some simple test equipment as you develop
  your station repertoire.
• Basic test equipment SWR meter.
• Matching equipment Antenna tuner.

44
Standing Wave Ratio (SWR)

• If the antenna and feed line impedances are not
  perfectly matched, some RF energy is not radiated
  into space and is returned (reflected) back to
  the source.
• Something has to happen to this reflected energy
  generally converted into heat or unwanted radio
  energy (bad).

45
SWR Meter

• The SWR meter is inserted in the feed line and
  indicates the mismatch that exists at that point.
• You make adjustments to the antenna to minimize
  the reflected energy (minimum SWR).

46
Radio Wave PropagationGetting from Point A to
Point B

• Radio waves propagate by many mechanisms.
• The science of wave propagation has many facets.
• We will discuss three basic ways
• Line of sight
• Ground wave
• Sky-wave

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VHF and UHF Propagation

• VHF UHF propagation is principally line of
  sight.
• Range is slightly better than visual line of
  sight.
• UHF signals may work better inside buildings
  because of the shorter wavelength.
• Buildings may block line of sight, but
  reflections may help get past obstructions.
• Reflections from a transmitter that is moving
  cause multi-path which results in rapid fading of
  signal known as picket fencing.

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Ground Wave

• Some radio frequency ranges (lower HF
  frequencies) will hug the earths surface as they
  travel
• These waves will travel beyond the range of
  line-of-sight
• A few hundred miles

49
Ionosphere

• Radiation from the Sun momentarily will strip
  electrons away from the parent atom in the upper
  reaches of the atmosphere.
• Creates ions
• The region where ionization occurs is called the
  ionosphere.

50
The Ionosphere An RF Mirror

• The ionized layers of the atmosphere actually act
  as an RF mirror that reflect certain frequencies
  back to earth.
• Sky-wave propagation is responsible for most
  long-range, over the horizon communication.
• Reflection depends on frequency and angle of
  incidence.

51
Technician License CourseChapter 3Operating
Station Equipment
Transmitters, Receivers and Transceivers
52
Generalized Transceiver Categories

• Single Band VHF or UHF FM
• Dual Band VHF/UHF FM
• Multi-mode VHF/UHF
• Multi-band HF and VHF/UHF
• Hand-held (HT)

53
Single Band Transceiver

• Probably the most common starter rig.
• Operates from 12 volts dc, requires external
  power supply.
• Requires an external antenna.
• Can be operated mobile or as a base station.
• Limited to frequency modulation (FM) and either 2
  meters or 70 cm bands.
• Up to approximately 50 watts output.

54
Hand-held (HT) Transceiver

• Small hand-held FM units.
• Can be single band or dual band.
• Limited power (usually 5 watts or less).
• Includes power (battery) and antenna in one
  package.
• An attractive first starter rig but make sure
  it is what you want.

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Rig Vocabulary

• We will now go through some jargon and vocabulary
  specific to the functions and controls of a
  transmitter and receiver.
• This is a way to discuss how to operate a
  transceiver.
• These controls, though separate, are combined in
  a transceiver.

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Transmitter Controls and Functions

• Main tuning dial (both TX and RX)
• Controls the frequency selection via the Variable
  Frequency Oscillator (VFO).
• Could be an actual dial or key pad or programmed
  channels.
• Variable frequency step size (tuning rate,
  resolution).
• Could have more than one VFO (control more that
  one frequency at a time).

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Transmitter Controls and Functions

• Transmitter on/off
• Push-to-Talk (PTT)
• Voice-Operated Transmission (VOX)
• VOX Gain
• VOX Delay
• Anti-VOX
• Key jack

58
Receiver Controls and Functions

• Squelch
• Turns off audio to speaker when signal is not
  present.
• Used in FM primarily
• Open allows very weak signals to pass through
  (along with noise).
• Tight allows only the strongest signals to pass
  through.
• Advance the squelch control until the noise just
  disappears.

59
Receiver Controls and Functions

• Reception and Transmission Meter.
• In transmit, indicates output power or ALC or
  other functions as selected by switch setting.
• In receive - indicates signal strength.
• In S units S1 through S9 S9 is strongest.
• Also have dB over S9 to cover very strong signals.

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Technician License CourseChapter 3Operating
Station Equipment
Repeater Operation and Data Modes
61
What is a Repeater?

• Specialized transmitter/receiver interconnected
  by computer controller.
• Generally located at a high place.
• Receives your signal and simultaneously
  retransmits your signal on a different frequency.
• Dramatically extends line-of-sight range.
• If both users can see the repeater site.

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63
A Little Vocabulary First

• Simplex
• Transmitting and receiving on the same frequency.
• Each user takes turns to transmit.
• Is the preferred method if it works.

64
A Little Vocabulary First

• Duplex
• Transmitting on one frequency while
  simultaneously listening on a different
  frequency.
• Repeaters use duplex.
• Output frequency the frequency the repeater
  transmits on and you listen to.
• Input frequency the frequency the repeater
  listens to and you transmit on.

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Things to Know to Use a Repeater

• Output frequency.
• Frequency split.
• and therefore the input frequency.
• Repeater access tones (if any).

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Repeater Output Frequency

• Repeaters are frequently identified by their
  output frequency.
• Meet you on the 443.50 machine.
• Here the specific frequency is used.
• Lets go to 94.
• Here an abbreviation for a standard repeater
  channel is used meaning 146.94 MHz.
• How about the NARL repeater?
• Here the repeater is referenced by the sponsoring
  club name.

67
Repeater Frequency Split

• The split, shifts, or offset frequencies are
  standardized to help facilitate repeater use.
• There are and shifts depending on the plan.
• Different bands have different standardized
  amounts of shift.

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Repeater Access Tones

• Access tones are usually published along with
  repeater frequencies.
• Could also be announced when the repeater
  identifies.
• PL is 123.0
• Tones are generally programmed into the radio
  along with frequency and offset.

69
Repeater Controller

• Computer that controls the repeater operation.
• Station identification (Morse code or synthesized
  voice).
• Same ID requirements as you have.
• Time-out protection.
• Sometimes called the alligator.
• Protects against continuous transmission in the
  event of a stuck PTT or long winded hams.
• Courtesy tone repeater time-out timer reset.

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Data Modes

• Connecting computers via ham radio.
• Some systems use radio to connect to Internet
  gateways.
• The bulk of the work is done by specialized
  modems or computer software/sound card.
• Terminal Node Controller (TNC).
• Multiple Protocol Controller (MPC).

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Technician License CourseChapter 3Operating
Station Equipment
Practical Antennas
72
The Dipole

• Most basic antenna.
• Two conductive, equal length parts.
• Feed line connected in the middle.
• Total length is ½ wavelength (1/2 ? ).
• Length (in feet) 468 / Frequency (in MHz).

73
The Dipole
74
The Ground-Plane

• Simply a dipole that is oriented perpendicular
  (vertical to the Earths surface).
• One half of the dipole is replaced by the
  ground-plane.
• Earth
• Car roof or trunk lid or other metal surface.
• Radial wires.
• Length (in feet) 234 / Frequency (in MHz).

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The Ground-Plane
76
Loop Antennas Dipole Variations

• Quad
• Delta
• Horizontal

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Directional (Beam) Antennas

• Beam antennas focus or direct RF energy in a
  desired direction.
• Gain
• An apparent increase in power in the desired
  direction (both transmit and receive).
• Yagi (rod-like elements TV antennas).
• Quad (square wire loop elements).

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Directional (Beam) Antennas
79
Directional (Beam) Antennas

• All beam antennas have parts called elements.
• Driven element connected to the radio by the feed
  line.
• Reflector element is on the back side.
• Director element is on the front side toward the
  desired direction.

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Coax Feed Lines

• RG-58
• RG-8
• RG-213
• RG-174
• Hardline

81
Coax Connectors

• SO-239/PL259
• BNC
• N
• SMA

82
Technician License CourseChapter 3Operating
Station Equipment

• Power Supplies and Batteries
• Handheld Transceivers
• RF Interference (RFI)

83
Power Supplies

• Most modern radio equipment runs from 12 volts
  dc.
• Household current is 120 volts ac.
• Power supplies convert 120 volts ac to 12 volts
  dc.
• 13.8 volts dc is the common voltage you will see.
• This is the charging voltage for motorized
  vehicles.

84
Handheld Transceivers

• Single, dual and multi-band versions (with
  increasing cost and complexity).
• Some have expanded receiver coverage (wide-band
  receive).
• Very portable and self-contained.
• Internal microphone and speaker.
• Rubber duck antenna.
• Battery powered.

85
RFI Mitigation

• Filters
• Filters attenuate (reduce) interfering signals
  but do not totally eliminate them.
• High-pass generally on the receive side.
• Low-pass generally on the transmit side.
• Band-pass used within most radio equipment.

86
Noise Sources

• Electrical arcs (motors, thermostats, electric
  fences, neon signs).
• Power lines.
• Motor vehicle ignitions.
• Motor vehicle alternators.
• Switching power supplies.
• Computers, networks, and TV sets.

87
Dealing with RFI

• Take interference complaints seriously.
• Make sure that youre really not the cause
  (demonstrate that you dont interfere within your
  own home).
• Offer to help eliminate the RFI, even if you are
  not at fault.
• Consult ARRL RFI Resources for help and
  assistance.

88
What the Rules Say

• RFI from and to unlicensed devices is the
  responsibility of the users of such devices
• Bottom line If your station is operating
  properly, you are protected against interference
  complaints
• BUT Be a good neighbor because they may
  (probably) not be familiar with Part 15 rules and
  regulations

89
Technician License CourseChapter 4Communicating
with other hams
Making Contact
90
Radio Manners

• Ham radio is self-regulated.
• ARRL Official Observers.
• Logging
• QSLs
• Awards Program

91
Band Plans

• A band plan is a way of organizing the use of
  radio frequencies.
• Formal and legal plan.
• Informal gentleman's agreement.

92
Repeater/Digital/Internet

• Echolink
• IRLP
• WinLink
• D-Star

93
Technician License CourseChapter 4Communicating
with other hams
Nets and Emergency Communications
94
Nets

• Net is short for Network.
• Evolved over the years of radio to share and
  exchange information in an organized and
  efficient way with accuracy.
• Social Nets.
• Traffic Nets.
• Emergency and Public Service Nets.

95
Emergency and Public Service Nets

• Public Service Nets training for emergency
  nets.
• Training for ham operators as well as supported
  emergency managers.
• Emergency Nets.

96
Net Structure

• Net Control Station (NCS).
• Traffic cop that controls the flow of
  information.
• Check-in and check-out procedures.
• Communications discipline vital.
• Learn and follow procedures.
• Speak only when directed, and only to whom
  directed.
• Follow through with your commitments.

97
EMCOMM Organizations

• Radio Amateur Civil Emergency Service (RACES).
• Supports civil emergencies.
• National in scope.
• Amateur Radio Emergency Service (ARES).
• Local and regional in scope.
• Supports non-governmental agencies.

98
Making and Answering Distress Calls

• Rule number one speak in plain language!
• Mayday (voice) SOS (Morse code) are flags
• Identify
• Give location
• State the situation
• Describe assistance required
• Provide other important information

99
Tactical Communications

• Tactical Call Signs.
• Facilitate communications.
• Location or function specific.
• Transcends operator changes.
• FCC ID rules still apply.

100
Technician License CourseChapter 4Communicating
with other hams
Special Modes and Techniques
101
Awards

• DXCC
• Contacting 100 different countries and/or
  entities.
• WAS
• Contacting 50 states.
• VUCC
• Contacting 100 grid squares on VHF/UHF.

102
Contests

• Field Day
• Sweep Stakes
• QSO Parties
• CQ DX Contest
• Contest Corral

103
Amateur Satellites

• OSCAR
• Orbiting Satellites Carrying Amateur Radio.
• Modes
• FM
• Analog (SSB and CW)
• Digital
• International Space Station.

104
Digital Techniques

• Radio Teletype (RTTY).
• Single letters sent as they are typed.
• AMTOR and PACTOR.
• Small grouping of letters sent with error
  correction.
• Packet and Packet Networks.
• Groups (packets) of collected data sent with
  error correction and automatic forwarding.
• PSK31.
• Different modulation technique.

105
APRS

• Automatic Position Reporting System (APRS).
• Packet based Global Positioning System (GPS)
  position reporting.
• Uses a packet-like digipeater system to create an
  APRS network (also Internet connected).

106
Other Special Modes

• Video
• Slow Scan TV (SSTV).
• Sending snap-shot pictures.
• Amateur TV (ATV).
• Similar to commercial TV imagery.

107
Other Special Modes

• Meteor Scatter.
• Reflecting radio signals off of the ionized trail
  left by meteors.
• Moonbounce.
• Reflecting radio signals off the surface of the
  moon.

108
Technician License CourseChapter 6Operating
Regulations
109
Most Important Information

• Control operator responsibilities.
• The FCCs primary concern is that transmissions
  are made only under the control of a licensed
  operator.
• Control operator the licensed amateur
  responsible for making sure transmissions comply
  with FCC rules.

110
Control Operator

• Must have a valid FCC issued Amateur Radio
  license.
• Station must operate within the authorization of
  the control operators license.
• Control operator must be present at the control
  point of the station (the on-off switch) or
  remotely connected by a control link.

111
Guest Operations

• Non-licensed people can use a ham radio but only
  when a control operator is present.
• The control operator is solely responsible for
  station operation.
• Licensed guests can use the ham radio.
• In this case, both the control operator and the
  guest ham are responsible for station operation.

112
Station Identification (ID)

• Normal ID.
• Say your call sign every ten minutes during and
  at the end of the contact (QSO).
• Use of Tactical Call Signs.
• Does not substitute for proper station ID.
• Ham Guests.

113
Prohibited Transmissions

• Unidentified transmissions .
• (not giving your call sign)
• False or deceptive signals.
• (using someone elses call sign)
• False distress or emergency signals.
• (fake calls for help)
• Obscene or indecent speech.
• (up to interpretation)
• Music.

114
No Business Communications

• You can not make a profit through the use of
  transmissions made via ham radio.
• The exception is teachers using ham radio in
  their classrooms.

115
No Encrypted Transmissions

• Encryption involves encoding information for
  transmission that must be decoded upon reception
  to interpret the information.
• This is okay if
• Coding is open source.
• Intention is not to hide the message or deceive.

116
No Broadcasting

• Broadcasting is sending one-way transmissions
  with no expectation of getting a response.
• News
• Music
• Exceptions
• Code practice.
• Ham radio related bulletins.
• Re-transmission of shuttle communications.

117
Technician License CourseChapter 7Electrical
and RF Safety
118
Electrical Injuries

• Shocks.
• Burns.
• Even small currents can cause problems.

119
Lightning Safety

• Antennas are not struck any more frequently than
  trees or tall structures.
• Ground all antennas.
• Use lightning arrestors.
• Disconnect antenna cables and power cords during
  storms.
• Disconnect telephone lines from computer modems.

120
RF Exposure

• Exposure to high levels of RF can cause problems.
• If equipment is operated properly, RF exposure is
  minimal and not dangerous.
• Problem is RF energy can heat body tissues.
• Heating depends on the RF intensity and frequency.

121
RF Intensity

• Power Density
• Actual transmitter power.
• Higher power, higher risk.
• Antenna gain and proximity.
• Beam antennas focus available energy.
• Being physically close or standing in the beam
  direction increases risk.
• Mode duty cycle.
• The more time the power output is at high level,
  the higher the risk.

122
Antenna Proximity

• Controlled Environment.
• You know where people are standing in relation to
  your antenna and you can do something about it.
• More power is allowed because you can make
  adjustments if needed.
• Uncontrolled Environment.
• You have no idea, or have no control of people
  near your antenna.
• Less power is allowed because you have to assume
  the worse case scenario.

123
RF Exposure and Frequency
124
This concludes of today's workNext class is
final review and the test

• Your Mentors during independent study
• Bill Brown, KB1MOV 603-643-6639, kb1mov_at_arrl.org