Chapter 1 Welcome to Amateur Radio

What is Amateur Radio? Amateur (or Ham) Radio is a personal radio service authorized by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC). To encourage the advancement of the art and science of radio. To promote the development of an emergency communication capability to assist communities when needed. To develop a pool of trained radio operators. To promote international good will by connecting private citizens in countries around the globe. Through ham radio, you will become an ambassador for your community and your country.

Beginnings of Ham Radio : Marconi sends first transatlantic wireless message 1910 Interstate Commerce Commission adds control of Telephone, Telegraph and WIreless 1912: First Amateur Radio license issued 1934: FCC formed to manage the fray of experimenters, broadcasters, news services, etc. 1934: Amateur Service created 1950s and 1960s were a technical revolution in communications 1961: First Orbiting Satellite Carrying Amateur Radio (OSCAR) launched 70s saw repeaters developed, 80s and 90s brought microprocessors and the meld of computers and radio

Ham Radio Today Pure RF (Both voice & Morse code) Internet to RF and vice versa Wireless data networks Position reporting systems Slow and fast scan television Satellite systems Satellite voice relay systems ISS Earth-Moon-Earth Meteor Scatter Public Service

Who’s That Voice on the Other End? Patti Loveless KD4WUJ Susan Helms KC7NHZ Gary Shandling KD6OY King Juan Carlos EA0JC Priscilla Presley N6YOS Dick Rutan KB6LQS Jeanna Yeager KB6LQR Lance Bass KG4UYY King Hussein JY1 (SK) Queen Noor JY1NH

What Do Hams Do? Communicate Participate Experiment Build Compete Serve their communities Life-long learning

What Makes Ham Radio Different? There are many unlicensed radio services available. Ham radio is authorized: Fewer 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 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.

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. Pass a 35-question multiple choice test. Questions pulled directly from the question pool. Need to answer 26 questions correctly. No Morse code is required

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. Pass a 35-question multiple choice test. Questions pulled directly from the question pool. Need to answer 26 questions correctly. No Morse code is required

Using the Question Pool Turn to HRLM page 11-1 Actual exam questions are listed There are 10 sub-elements (T1-T0) There are 35 sections (T1A – T0C) Exam will consist of 1 question from each section

Online Practice Exams Go to On the left side of the screen check the “Technician” button Press the “Take Exam” button. After completing the test, review the results Look up answers to wrong questions Ensure you clearly understand the underlying course material Spend an hour a day studying.

Conventions and Resources HRLM is only ½ of the course material Website has several support links Organized by HRLM Chapter Further explanation of concepts Includes Glossary and Supplement Material Look for italics in HRLM, these are important words – Use the Glossary or website or ask questions in class if you don’t understand them

Testing Process Exam session will be scheduled for the class Later exams may be found at Two forms of ID required, one with photo Know your SSN $15 Fee 35 Question Exam administered by other Hams CSCE issued to successful candidates MAKE SURE THE INFO IS CORRECT BEFORE YOU SIGN

Amateur Radio Clubs Opportunity to socialize, learn & help each other out Some Local Clubs and Organizations Hampton Public Service Team (HPST) Southern Peninsula Amateur Radio Klub (SPARK) Peninsula Amateur Radio Club (PARC) Middle Peninsula Amateur Radio Club (MPARC) Chesapeake Amateur Radio Society (CARS) Virginia Beach Amateur Radio Club (VBARC )

The National Association for American Radio The national level organization representing amateur radio ARRL has four core missions: Public Service Advocacy Education Membership

Why join the ARRL? Since 1914 the American Radio Relay League has represented the interests of Radio Amateurs before the FCC and Congress. While there is room for policy debate, those who do not support the ARRL have virtually no voice in matters concerning ham radio. Also, the QST magazine is an excellent educational tool, full of interesting articles and fun projects.

Your Background Are you an experienced CB, FRS, GMRS, Marine, Military, Public Service, Business or Commercial Radio Operator? Do you have a basic, intermediate or advanced understanding of electricity and electronics? The electrical rules don’t change here…only the rules of the particular service We will be studying the Amateur Radio Service, so what you know about the rest probably doesn’t apply

T1A01 – Which of the following is a purpose of the Amateur Radio Service as stated in the FCC rules and regulations? A. Providing personal radio communications for as many citizens as possible B.Providing communications for international non-profit organizations C.Advancing skills in the technical and communications phases of the radio art D.All of these choices are correct

T1A10 -- What is the FCC Part 97 definition of an amateur station? A.A station in an Amateur Radio Service consisting of apparatus necessary for carrying out radio communications B.A building where Amateur Radio receivers, transmitters, and RF power amplifiers are installed CAny radio station operated by a non- professional D.Any radio station for hobby use

T1A02 -- Which agency regulates and enforces the rules for the Amateur Radio service in the United States? A.FEMA B.The ITU C.The FCC D.Homeland Security