UK Amateur RadioFoundation Licence 2002 |
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Operating Practices & Procedures Part C This part of the course will be tutor lead at practical sessions |
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What frequencies to use ? |
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On VHF and UHF there are designated "Calling Frequencies" so
that those listening to the bands use that frequency to wait for a contact.
Frequencies given below are in MHz
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After getting a reply to your CQ call you must QSY (change frequency) so that you do not clog up the calling frequency. You must therefore know where you can operate and particularly on the FM portion of the bands where the frequencies are channelised know that only those frequencies are used so that you do not interfere with other transmissions. Here you will be given a copy of the relevant part of the band plan so you do not have to learn all the frequency band. |
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Operating through a repeater |
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When you want to operate through a repeater you must know several things 1. the input and output frequencies of the repeater. 2. Whether the repeater is tone bust access, tone burst and voice or CTCSS. 3. is there a time out on the repeater. |
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1. Frequencies of the repeater |
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OFFSETFor 2m operation the offset is 600kHz lower. This means that the frequency you transmit to the repeater is lower than what is called the output frequency. Thus a frequency of 145.700 out put will have an input frequency of 145.100. Why the need for the different frequencies. Well it is not possible to hear two station if they are in close proximity to you if they transmit at the same time ( or double as it is called) and thus nor would you hear the repeater. But transmit as input a lower frequency and the output simultaneously occurring. 2. Tone / CTCSSThe repeater need something to wake it up. You probably have an alarm clock the repeater has a tone burst at a frequency of 1750hz. some also need audio to continue after the tone burst to "open the box" (we call a repeater 'the box') and others need a newish CTCSS (Continuous Tone Coded Squelch System). This provides a sub audible tone that the repeater can hear but we cannot and it "opens the box"
3. Time outThere are some operators who just do not know when to stop talking and let someone else have a go !!!! So the local repeater here in Kent GB3KN has a 4 minute time out. When you access the repeater for the first time is starts a internal clock running and if you go over 4 mins it cuts you off and gives its Ident. Should you stop before the time out occurs, (and that is good practice) an Ident is also given. Between your releasing the PTT and the ident is a gap of a few seconds to allow others to "call in" and let you know they are there. After the Indent the other person in the QSO goes ahead with his over .... and so on. |
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Band plans |
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For this part you will need to know why band plans are used
and be able to identify items on a published band-plan.
These are the two bands that you need to know about. You can down load a clearer image that you can print out from here Download Have a good look at the band plan and understand what it is telling you. If the download does not work for you then check out the Radio Society of GB site. A link to the site is on the links page !! |
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Connecting microphones and other audio sources to the transmitter |
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The transceiver is usually supplied with a microphone and using this is likely to be the way the equipment is first put on the air. After a while you will probably want to use one of the many digital modes and to do so means linking the equipment to the microphone socket and almost certainly to the audio output socket. This needs to be properly wired up so that the PTT (press to talk) line also works properly and the correct audio levels are presented to and from the transceiver. | ||||||||||||||||
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Competence in making radio contacts |
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As part of the practical assessment you will need to be
able to demonstrate the use of a VHF/UHF Transceiver
including correctly tuning to an amateur FM voice signal and to a
data signal such as packet. You will have to show that you can read
the signal strength meter if it is fitted.
You will have to show that you know the correct way to conduct a two way contact making the usual exchanges between amateurs including a meaningful signal report. To be able to do this you will need to know what a signal report means. When you are able to do that, then you should be able to move onto the HF transceiver and show how to correctly tune to a SSB voice signal and to a Morse (CW) signal. You will need to know how that you can read the Signal strength meter and to demonstrate this to the tutor. When you have done that you will then conduct a QSO using SSB and including exchange of signal report and show that you know how to use the controls of the transceiver including Tuning, RIT (clarifier), Audio Gain (volume), RF gain, Microphone gain and importantly the Antenna Tuner Unit ATU. You will have to demonstrate a CQ call on VHF/UHF make a contact and initiate a change of frequency (QSY) off the calling frequency (calling channel). Now visit the "Practical Section" to read about the practical assessment |
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Connecting a transmitter /receiver |
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To be able to achieve all of the above you will have to show that you know how to connect up a transceiver to the power supply, and to the feeder to the antenna through an ATU if required and certainly through an SWR meter. |
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Dipole antenna |
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The most standard of antennas (aerials). You will need to be able to show that you are aware of what is required to properly set up an antenna. |
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