1. Welcome to amateur radio
Background
Radio Spectrum
Frequencies
Modes
Release: v1.2
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2. Foundation, Intermediate and Full
What is Amateur Radio?
Amateur Radio is for self-training and experimentation
It is non-commercial (no advertising)
Amateur Radio is a recreational activity that promotes:
Technical Innovation
Development of Skills
International Friendship
The Foundation Licence is the first of three UK levels:
Foundation, Intermediate and Full

3. History of Amateur Radio
Dates back over 100 years
Amateurs were heavily involved with reception of enemy messages in World War II
Originally used Morse code, followed by voice
Used to save lives in the 1953 floods
Played an important part in the 1982 Falklands War

4. Amateur Radio Today Over 2.5 million licenced amateurs worldwide
The top countries are Japan, the US, Germany and the UK
Amateurs use voice, Morse code, data, images and video, plus Internet links
Worldwide activities such as contests, Dxpeditions and JOTA (Scouts)
Emergency services (RAYNET)
Access to space with amateur satellites and the International Space Station

5. Amateur Radio Activities
Making friends
Experimentation
Field Days
Contests & Competitions
Collecting QSL Cards
Rallies
‘Nets
Training

6. The Radio Spectrum Broadcast radio and TV Mobile phones
Emergency services
Military
Aviation
Maritime
Space exploration
Businesses / Taxis
Satellites / GPS
Wi-fi and Bluetooth
Baby monitors
Cordless phones
CCTV / Security systems
PMR / Walkie-talkies

7. Frequency Allocation HF: 3MHz to 30MHz VHF: 30MHz to 300MHz
UHF: 300MHz to 3000MHz
Source: National Telecommunications and Information Administration

8. Amateur Allocation
Amateurs have several frequency bands that we are allowed to use
The table is published in “Foundation Licence Now” (and with the exam)
Some frequencies are shared with “Primary users”
We cannot cause interference with other services
Example-only

9. Example: VHF Band Generally used for “local” communications
We share the VHF band with many other users
The Foundation allocation is 144 to 146MHz
Refer to the table in your “Foundation Licence Now” book

10. Frequency & Wavelength
Amateurs refer to bands by frequencies and wavelength
A VHF frequency of 145MHz has a wavelength of 2 metres

11. Frequency & Wavelength (2)
As the frequency rises, the wavelength is reduced

12. Frequency & Wavelength (3)
HF: 7MHz = 40m 14MHz = 20m VHF: 145MHz = 2m UHF: 430MHz = 70cms

13. Modes and Modulation FM AM CW (Continuous Wave) SSB (Single Sideband)
Voice
Morse (CW)
Data
SSTV FM AM
CW (Continuous Wave)
SSB (Single Sideband)
Digital Voice
PSK31 / RTTY

14. Summary Bands HF: 3 to 30MHz VHF: 30 to 300MHz UHF: 300MHz to 3,000MHz
Spectrum
We have to share frequencies
Use the tables provided!
Frequency and Wavelength
The higher the frequency, the shorter the wavelength
Use the conversion chart provided!

15. Welcome to amateur radio
Any questions?
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