Technician License Course Module Twelve Operating Station Equipment Power Supplies and Batteries Handheld Transceivers RF Interference (RFI)

Power Supplies Most modern radio equipment runs off 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

Power Supply Ratings Voltage and Current Continuous duty – how much current can be supplied over the long term Intermittent duty – how much surge current can be supplied over the short term Regulation – how well the power supply can handle rapid current changes

Types of Power Supplies Linear Transformers Heavy (physically) Heavy duty current Expensive Switching Electronics instead of transformers Light weight and small Not as robust Less expensive Examples of the different kinds of supplies would be helpful to illustrate the differences. 4

Inverters and Generators Inverters convert DC into AC Square, triangle, sine-wave inverters Generators create AC Gas powered Various voltage and current ratings Special precautions These are generally emergency or portable power sources. The three kinds of inverters offer different voltage quality (and of course different prices) and are used for different kinds of appliances. The sine-wave inverter provides the highest quality AC but at a price. The sine-wave inverter would be the inverter of choice for powering computer and radio equipment. Give the students some examples of the type of precautions needed when working with gas powered generators. 5

Batteries Create current through a chemical reaction Battery types Made up of individual cells (approximately 1.5 volts per cell) connected in series or parallel Battery types Disposable Rechargeable Storage Power capabilities rated in Ampere-hours Amps X time Examples of the different kinds of batteries will help illustrate this point. Discuss how the different kinds of batteries are used. 6

Battery Charging Some batteries can be recharged, some cannot Use the proper charger for the battery being charged Batteries will wear out over time Best if batteries are maintained fully charged Over-charging will cause heating and could damage the battery Some batteries (lead-acid) will release toxic fumes during charging so require ventilation

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 Spend some time discussing how to get the most performance out of the HT (hold the HT vertical, speak across the mic, not into the mic, etc.) Also make sure that you cover that the rubber duck antenna actually has negative gain when compared to other antennas, that the trade-off for the convenience of a small, flexible antenna is reduced performance. 8

Nice to have handheld accessories Extra battery packs Drop-in, fast charger Extended antenna External microphone and speaker Headset

Radio Frequency Interference (RFI) Un-wanted, un-intentional signals from some electronic device that interferes with radio wave reception You can prevent creating RFI by operating your transmitting equipment properly Point out that RFI can come from virtually any electronic device from overhead power lines, to electric can openers, to computers and TV sets. 10

RFI Mitigation Filters High –generally on the receive side Filters attenuate (reduce) interfering signals – but do not totally eliminate them High –generally on the receive side Low – generally on the transmit side Band-pass – used within most radio equipment Emphasize that filters can only attenuate the offending signal, they can not eliminate the signals. Discuss briefly the different kinds of filters and how they might be used. Have a high pass filter on hand that might be inserted into the feed line of a TV set to mitigate interfering signals and discuss how it might be installed. 11

Types of RFI Direct detection – offending signals get into the electronics circuits to cause interference Overload – strong signal that overwhelms the weaker, wanted signal Harmonics – even multiples of the offending signal that coincided with the wanted signal Discuss briefly with the students these basic types of RFI, and how they might be able to distinguish between them. At the same time, discuss some techniques they might use to mitigate the effects of the interference. Direct detection usually affects consumer electronic devices (telephones and audio equipment). Can be mitigated by proper manufacture, installation, shielding, filters, ferrite bead chokes, etc. Actually very hard to deal with and generally not the fault of the ham radio operator, but try to convince your neighbor of that who just spent hundreds of dollars on their new equipment. Overload – generally is a problem in fringe reception areas of TV signals. Not as much a problem now days with satellite and cable TV. Usually the problem can be mitigated by reducing transmitter power or filtering. Harmonics – generally are a symptom of poor transmitter design or operation. 12

Cable TV Interference Usually the result of broken shielding somewhere in the cable Loose connections Broken connections Corroded connections Usually solved by proper cable maintenance by cable supplier If the subscriber is a legitimate subscriber

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 Discuss with the students other sources of interfering noise and give them techniques on how to seek out the source of the noise. In many cases of the fixed noise, simply turning off the potentially offending appliance will help identify the source. Power line noise mitigation is the responsibility of the power company. Motor vehicle noise is generally short lived unless it is coming from the hams vehicle. Grounding and filtering in many of these cases will mitigate the noise. 14

Dealing with RFI Make sure you operate your equipment properly Eliminate interference in your own home first

Dealing with RFI Take interference complaints seriously Make sure that you’re really not the cause (demonstrate that you don’t 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

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 Discuss with the students that though the law is probably on their side, their neighbors will not understand that and they will hold the ham responsible for the interference. It takes diplomacy to deal with RFI complaints!!!!! 17

VEC Question Pool Module Twelve

T4A03 Which is a good reason to use a regulated power supply for communications equipment? A. It prevents voltage fluctuations from reaching sensitive circuits B. A regulated power supply has FCC approval C. A fuse or circuit breaker regulates the power D. Power consumption is independent of load

T4A03 (A) Which is a good reason to use a regulated power supply for communications equipment? A. It prevents voltage fluctuations from reaching sensitive circuits B. A regulated power supply has FCC approval C. A fuse or circuit breaker regulates the power D. Power consumption is independent of load

T4A04 Where must a filter be installed to reduce harmonic emissions from your station? A. Between the transmitter and the antenna B. Between the receiver and the transmitter C. At the station power supply D. At the microphone

T4A04 (A) Where must a filter be installed to reduce harmonic emissions from your station? A. Between the transmitter and the antenna B. Between the receiver and the transmitter C. At the station power supply D. At the microphone

T4A09 Which of the following could you use to cure distorted audio caused by RF current flowing on the shield of a microphone cable? A. Band-pass filter B. Low-pass filter C. Preamplifier D. Ferrite choke

T4A09 (D) Which of the following could you use to cure distorted audio caused by RF current flowing on the shield of a microphone cable? A. Band-pass filter B. Low-pass filter C. Preamplifier D. Ferrite choke

T4A10 What is the source of a high-pitched whine that varies with engine speed in a mobile transceiver's receive audio? A. The ignition system B. The alternator C. The electric fuel pump D. Anti-lock braking system controllers

T4A10 (B) What is the source of a high-pitched whine that varies with engine speed in a mobile transceiver's receive audio? A. The ignition system B. The alternator C. The electric fuel pump D. Anti-lock braking system controllers

T4A12 What could be happening if another operator reports a variable high-pitched whine on the audio from your mobile transmitter? A. Your microphone is picking up noise from an open window B. You have the volume on your receiver set too high C. You need to adjust your squelch control D. Noise on the vehicle's electrical system is being transmitted along with your speech audio

T4A12 (D) What could be happening if another operator reports a variable high-pitched whine on the audio from your mobile transmitter? A. Your microphone is picking up noise from an open window B. You have the volume on your receiver set too high C. You need to adjust your squelch control D. Noise on the vehicle's electrical system is being transmitted along with your speech audio

T6A10 Which of the following battery types is rechargeable? A. Nickel-metal hydride B. Lithium-ion C. Lead-acid gel-cell D. All of these choices are correct

T6A10 (D) Which of the following battery types is rechargeable? A. Nickel-metal hydride B. Lithium-ion C. Lead-acid gel-cell D. All of these choices are correct

T6A11 Which of the following battery types is not rechargeable? A. Nickel-cadmium B. Carbon-zinc C. Lead-acid D. Lithium-ion

T6A11 (B) Which of the following battery types is not rechargeable? A. Nickel-cadmium B. Carbon-zinc C. Lead-acid D. Lithium-ion

T7B02 What would cause a broadcast AM or FM radio to receive an amateur radio transmission unintentionally? A. The receiver is unable to reject strong signals outside the AM or FM band B. The microphone gain of the transmitter is turned up too high C. The audio amplifier of the transmitter is overloaded D. The deviation of an FM transmitter is set too low

T7B02 (A) What would cause a broadcast AM or FM radio to receive an amateur radio transmission unintentionally? A. The receiver is unable to reject strong signals outside the AM or FM band B. The microphone gain of the transmitter is turned up too high C. The audio amplifier of the transmitter is overloaded D. The deviation of an FM transmitter is set too low

T7B03 Which of the following may be a cause of radio frequency interference? A. Fundamental overload B. Harmonics C. Spurious emissions D. All of these choices are correct

T7B03 (D) Which of the following may be a cause of radio frequency interference? A. Fundamental overload B. Harmonics C. Spurious emissions D. All of these choices are correct

T7B04 Which of the following is a way to reduce or eliminate interference by an amateur transmitter to a nearby telephone? A. Put a filter on the amateur transmitter B. Reduce the microphone gain C. Reduce the SWR on the transmitter transmission line D. Put a RF filter on the telephone

T7B04 (D) Which of the following is a way to reduce or eliminate interference by an amateur transmitter to a nearby telephone? A. Put a filter on the amateur transmitter B. Reduce the microphone gain C. Reduce the SWR on the transmitter transmission line D. Put a RF filter on the telephone

T7B05 How can overload of a non-amateur radio or TV receiver by an amateur signal be reduced or eliminated? A. Block the amateur signal with a filter at the antenna input of the affected receiver B. Block the interfering signal with a filter on the amateur transmitter C. Switch the transmitter from FM to SSB D. Switch the transmitter to a narrow-band mode

T7B05 (A) How can overload of a non-amateur radio or TV receiver by an amateur signal be reduced or eliminated? A. Block the amateur signal with a filter at the antenna input of the affected receiver B. Block the interfering signal with a filter on the amateur transmitter C. Switch the transmitter from FM to SSB D. Switch the transmitter to a narrow-band mode

T7B06 Which of the following actions should you take if a neighbor tells you that your station's transmissions are interfering with their radio or TV reception? A. Make sure that your station is functioning properly and that it does not cause interference to your own radio or television when it is tuned to the same channel B. Immediately turn off your transmitter and contact the nearest FCC office for assistance C. Tell them that your license gives you the right to transmit and nothing can be done to reduce the interference D. Install a harmonic doubler on the output of your transmitter and tune it until the interference is eliminated

T7B06 (A) Which of the following actions should you take if a neighbor tells you that your station's transmissions are interfering with their radio or TV reception? A. Make sure that your station is functioning properly and that it does not cause interference to your own radio or television when it is tuned to the same channel B. Immediately turn off your transmitter and contact the nearest FCC office for assistance C. Tell them that your license gives you the right to transmit and nothing can be done to reduce the interference D. Install a harmonic doubler on the output of your transmitter and tune it until the interference is eliminated

T7B07 Which of the following may be useful in correcting a radio frequency interference problem? A. Snap-on ferrite chokes B. Low-pass and high-pass filters C. Band-reject and band-pass filters D. All of these choices are correct

T7B07 (D) Which of the following may be useful in correcting a radio frequency interference problem? A. Snap-on ferrite chokes B. Low-pass and high-pass filters C. Band-reject and band-pass filters D. All of these choices are correct

T7B08 What should you do if something in a neighbor's home is causing harmful interference to your amateur station? A. Work with your neighbor to identify the offending device B. Politely inform your neighbor about the rules that prohibit the use of devices which cause interference C. Check your station and make sure it meets the standards of good amateur practice D. All of these choices are correct

T7B08 (D) What should you do if something in a neighbor's home is causing harmful interference to your amateur station? A. Work with your neighbor to identify the offending device B. Politely inform your neighbor about the rules that prohibit the use of devices which cause interference C. Check your station and make sure it meets the standards of good amateur practice D. All of these choices are correct

T7B09 What is a Part 15 device? A. An unlicensed device that may emit low powered radio signals on frequencies used by a licensed service B. A type of amateur radio that can legally be used in the citizen's band C. A device for long distance communications using special codes sanctioned by the International Amateur Radio Union D. A type of test set used to determine whether a transmitter is in compliance with FCC regulation 91.15

T7B09 (A) What is a Part 15 device? A. An unlicensed device that may emit low powered radio signals on frequencies used by a licensed service B. A type of amateur radio that can legally be used in the citizen's band C. A device for long distance communications using special codes sanctioned by the International Amateur Radio Union D. A type of test set used to determine whether a transmitter is in compliance with FCC regulation 91.15

T7B10 What might be the problem if you receive a report that your audio signal through the repeater is distorted or unintelligible? A. Your transmitter may be slightly off frequency B. Your batteries may be running low C. You could be in a bad location D. All of these choices are correct

T7B10 (D) What might be the problem if you receive a report that your audio signal through the repeater is distorted or unintelligible? A. Your transmitter may be slightly off frequency B. Your batteries may be running low C. You could be in a bad location D. All of these choices are correct

T7B12 What might be the first step to resolve cable TV interference from your ham radio transmission? A. Add a low pass filter to the TV antenna input B. Add a high pass filter to the TV antenna input C. Add a preamplifier to the TV antenna input D. Be sure all TV coaxial connectors are installed properly

T7B12 (D) What might be the first step to resolve cable TV interference from your ham radio transmission? A. Add a low pass filter to the TV antenna input B. Add a high pass filter to the TV antenna input C. Add a preamplifier to the TV antenna input D. Be sure all TV coaxial connectors are installed properly

T8C01 Which of the following methods is used to locate sources of noise interference or jamming? A. Echolocation B. Doppler radar C. Radio direction finding D. Phase locking

T8C01 (C) Which of the following methods is used to locate sources of noise interference or jamming? A. Echolocation B. Doppler radar C. Radio direction finding D. Phase locking

T9A04 What is a disadvantage of the "rubber duck" antenna supplied with most handheld radio transceivers? A. It does not transmit or receive as effectively as a full-sized antenna B. It transmits a circularly polarized signal C. If the rubber end cap is lost it will unravel very quickly D. All of these choices are correct

T9A04 (A) What is a disadvantage of the "rubber duck" antenna supplied with most handheld radio transceivers? A. It does not transmit or receive as effectively as a full-sized antenna B. It transmits a circularly polarized signal C. If the rubber end cap is lost it will unravel very quickly D. All of these choices are correct

T0A09 What kind of hazard is presented by a conventional 12-volt storage battery? A. It emits ozone which can be harmful to the atmosphere B. Shock hazard due to high voltage C. Explosive gas can collect if not properly vented D. All of these choices are correct

T0A09 (C) What kind of hazard is presented by a conventional 12-volt storage battery? A. It emits ozone which can be harmful to the atmosphere B. Shock hazard due to high voltage C. Explosive gas can collect if not properly vented D. All of these choices are correct

T0A10 What can happen if a lead-acid storage battery is charged or discharged too quickly? A. The battery could overheat and give off flammable gas or explode B. The voltage can become reversed C. The memory effect will reduce the capacity of the battery D. All of these choices are correct

T0A10 (A) What can happen if a lead-acid storage battery is charged or discharged too quickly? A. The battery could overheat and give off flammable gas or explode B. The voltage can become reversed C. The memory effect will reduce the capacity of the battery D. All of these choices are correct

End Module Twelve