Tim Smith, N1TI - Mattapoisett, MA SEMARA Introduction to Amateur Radio Tim Smith, N1TI - Mattapoisett, MA

Session Objectives Learn brief history of Amateur Radio Purpose and applications of the hobby Understand differences in license classes Demonstration of equipment

Before We Get Started How did you learn about Amateur Radio What do know about it today? A brief sample test Allows instructors to pace the course There’s no passing or failing…

VideoTape Presentation The New World of Amateur Radio 15 minute intro

Amateur Radio Over 3 Million “Hams” Worldwide 650,000 in USA alone

Amateur Radio Active in almost every country All ages, all professions, all races Across town or “around the world”                                               

Amateur Radio Celebrities Walter Cronkite KB2GSD Famous CBS News Anchor Retired on Martha’s Vineyard

Amateur Radio Celebrities Ronnie Milsap WB4KCG Nashville Country Music Singer CMA Album of the Year 1976, 1978, 1986 Male Vocalist 1974, 1976, 1977 Very active in Amateur Radio Hamvention Speaker 1998

Amateur Radio Celebrities Joe Walsh WB6ACU Rock Guitarist The Eagles The James Gang Active “Collins Radio” collector Performed at Hamvention 99 Member ARRL since 1973

More Notable Hams K2ZCZ, George Pataki, Governor of NY W4CGP, Chet Atkins, Singer/Songwriter KD6OY, Garry Shandling, TV Personality JY1, King Hussein, King of Jordan (sk) WB6RER, Andy Devine, Actor (sk)

Amateur Radio The “Instant Messenger” of the 20th Century…amateur radio linked people “live” across the globe decades before the internet was even a dream Amateur Radio continues to grow into the 21st Century and is a natural companion hobby to the World Wide Web

Amateur Radio - Communicate, how? Live 2-way communications Simple handheld “walkie talkies” mobile transceivers Repeaters FM Ground Based - Increased coverage OSCAR - Satellite Communications Orbiting Station Carrying Amateur Radio AMSAT Worldwide HF propagation

Amateur Radio - Communicate, how? Talk to the Astronauts! Most NASA missions have licensed amateurs Permanent amateur radios on ISS Past success: STS Missions MIR Great PR for amateur radio Astronaut Owen K. Garriott W5LFL

Amateur Radio - Communicate, how? Many Popular Methods Image Communications Send/Receive Still Images Send/Receive LIVE Video Images Fast Scan ATV Slow Scan Worldwide with HF Weather Balloons and live cams

Amateur Radio - Communicate, how? Many Popular Methods Data Packet Radio Weather Activity coordination Position Location with GPS Satellites Live Chat beat “Instant Messenger” by more than 15 years! PSK31 Newest digital mode Remote Control Models, Robotics, Home Control

Amateur Radio - Communicate, how? …and then there’s the “CODE” The original “Digital” communications Still in use today Some hate it, some love it, some don’t care Recent restructuring eases the burden

The Technician License 35 Question Written Exam Element 2 FCC Regulations Basic Electronics Theory Operating Practices Passing Grade of 74% (26 out of 35)

The Technician License Privileges All VHF, UHF and microwave bands Communicate with and thru satellites Use local or regional repeaters and networks endless possibilities

The Technician License Transmit up to 1,500 watts Novice HF limited to 200 watts Military Zones at 450 Mhz limited to 50 watts Rules state minimum power must be used Use lowest power required to sustain QSO Conserves power Reduces interference Keeps peace at home and on the air!

The Technician License w/HF Same as Technician but: Allows Morse code ops on four HF bands Allows Voice operation on 10 Meter HF Allows Digital operation on 10 Meter HF Requires only 5 WPM proficiency Formerly known as “Tech Plus”

The Technician License w/HF Upgrade at any time General Class More HF Spectrum More Voice Privileges Extra Class Top of the Line! ALL Privileges                                            

Amateur Radio Demonstration Let’s see it in action! (15 min) HF Radio The SEMARA Club Radio Station VHF/UHF Portable Radio Local Repeaters in the SEMASS area Place a call with the SEMARA “Autopatch” Remote control of club property

Now Your Talking! Using This Book 4th Edition – First Printing Small sections, easily digested “Test as you go” concept (Chapter 12) Every page is important Review diagrams, photos and captions Articles and stories Review sample questions frequently Final VE Exam scheduled at conclusion of course