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

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

3. 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…

4. VideoTape Presentation
The New World of
Amateur Radio
15 minute intro

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

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

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

8. 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

9. 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

10. 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)

11. 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

12. 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

13. 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

14. 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

15. 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

16. 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

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

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

19. 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!

20. 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”

21. 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
                                           

22. 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

23. 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