An Introduction to Earning an Amateur (HAM) Radio License

1
An Introduction to Earning an Amateur (HAM)
Radio License

• TJ Excelsior Club
• TJ Ham Club
• October 17th, 2006

2
Overview of Amateur Radio

• American Radio Relay League -ARRL
• Voluntary services
• Contributions to electronics and communications
• Fun
• Federal Communications Commission (FCC) ? grants
  all U.S. HAM licenses

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Tools of Communication

• Repeaters
• Satellites
• The moon
• Computerized networks

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Methods of Communication

• Voice
• Morse code
• Pictures

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Licenses

• Technician
• Basic theory and regulations (written exam)
• Amateur privileges above 50.0 MHz
• Tech with Morse
• 5 wpm
• General
• Extra

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Getting a Tech License

• Study look through the question bank
• Study book
• ARRL Online Question Bank
• Testing at Alexandria every 2nd Saturday of the
  month
• Structure of test
• 35 questions picked randomly
• 74 (Thats a C) allowed to miss 9

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After the Exam

• Pass
• Certificate of Successful Completion of
  Examination (CSCE)
• Wait for a call sign (on ARRL/FCC database)
• Fail
• CSCE shows what elements you passed
• Valid for 365 days

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Getting a General License

• Morse Code
• 5 words per minute
• Solid copy of 25 characters
• OR
• Getting at least 7/10 questions correct
• Online Morse Code Study Programs

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Technician Written Exam

• T1 - FCC Rules 5q
• T2 - Methods of Co 2q
• T3 Radio Phenomena 2q
• T4 Station Licensee Duties 3q
• T5 Control Operator Duties 3q

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Technician Written Exam cont.

• T6 Good Operating Practices 3q
• T7 Basic Communications 3q
• T8 Good Engineering Practice 6q
• T9 Special Operations 2q
• T0 Electrical, Antenna, Structure and RF Safety
  Practices 6q

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Example Questions

• T1A03 What is the definition of an amateur
  station?
• A radio station in the amateur service used for
  radiocommunications
• T1A08 What is an amateur space station?
• An amateur station located more than 50 km (30
  miles) above the Earths surface

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Helpful Links

• Online Question Bank
• http//www.arrl.org/arrlvec/pools.html
• Online Practice Exams
• http//www.eham.net/exams/
• Testing Site information
• http//www.mvarc.com/images/VolunteerExam.PDF
• ARRL License Database
• http//www.arrl.org/fcc/fcclook.php3
• Amateur Frequency Band Plan
• http//www.arrl.org/FandES/field/regulations/bands
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