Chelmsford Amateur Radio Society Foundation Course 2 Licence

Chelmsford Amateur Radio Society Foundation Course (2) Licence Conditions Chelmsford Amateur Radio Society Foundation Licence Course Murray Niman G 6 JYB Slide Set 2: v 3. 6, 16 -Feb-2019 (2) Licence Conditions 1

Foundation Privileges • Foundation Licence is the entry level but still permits considerable potential for communications and learning • Allowed up to 10 Watts on most bands, - but note the exceptions in the Schedule! • Access to HF, VHF & UHF Bands, plus 10 GHz • Assumes certified transmitters or commercial kits • NB: Foundation Licence does NOT allow operation outside the UK, Airborne or Maritime Mobile (Vessels at Sea) • Should you progress… there is also: – Intermediate Licence: With more bands and construction, up to 50 Watts – Full Licence: All bands and international/maritime use, up to 400 Watts Chelmsford Amateur Radio Society Foundation Licence Course Murray Niman G 6 JYB Slide Set 2: v 3. 6, 16 -Feb-2019 (2) Licence Conditions 2

UK Licence Structure Class Callsign Bands • Foundation M#7 ABC HF-70 cms & 10 GHz • Intermediate 2#0 ABC • Full M#0 ABC Almost All Max Power* 10 Watts 50 Watts 400 Watts *Note – there are lower power exceptions/restrictions – see later / licence schedule • Where # is: I=N. Ireland D=I. of Man J=Jersey • Older Callsigns: Foundation=M 3, M 6 Class A=M 0/5, G 0/2/3/4/5 E=England (Intermediates only) M=Scotland U=Guernsey W=Wales Class B= M 1, G 1/6/7/8, 2 E 1 • Examples: M 7 QQQ, G 0 QQQ, 2 E 1 QQQ, 2 D 0 QQQ, MI 3 QQQ, GM 6 QQQ • Summary – Any callsign that starts with a M, G or 2 is a UK callsign Chelmsford Amateur Radio Society Foundation Licence Course Murray Niman G 6 JYB Slide Set 2: v 3. 6, 16 -Feb-2019 (2) Licence Conditions 3

Licence Conditions • Nowadays the conditions for all three levels of amateur licence were merged into a single document - READ IT CAREFULLY !! • Current version can be found on the Ofcom website: www. ofcom. org. uk • Take care not to download old versions from the Ofcom/RA archives! • It is important to identify those Clauses that only apply to Foundation - others may only apply to Intermediate or Full licensees • You must hold a current valid named version from the Ofcom online system for the station to be used. If it is not valid you cannot operate • Licence must be revalidated every 5 yrs - Try to do it more frequently! • Ensure you are able to log-on and access your own online version! Chelmsford Amateur Radio Society Foundation Licence Course Murray Niman G 6 JYB Slide Set 2: v 3. 6, 16 -Feb-2019 (2) Licence Conditions 4

General Rules • Ofcom is the statutory regulator for communications in the UK • Rights, rules, inspection and Close Down etc are all ultimately on the authority of Ofcom • Contacts must only be with other licensed amateurs • No public broadcasting, speeches, offensive language etc • Ofcom can also ‘vary’ your licence to modify or restrict use – perhaps in an interference situation • Ultimately, it can also revoke a licence entirely Chelmsford Amateur Radio Society Foundation Licence Course Murray Niman G 6 JYB Slide Set 2: v 3. 6, 16 -Feb-2019 (2) Licence Conditions 5

Rules-2 • Licensees may use codes and abbreviations to assist communication, but they must not obscure the meaning - so Q-codes, and established Morse code/abbreviations are fine • Any change of name/address must be notified immediately as Ofcom has the power to revoke – As it does for other breaches of Licence conditions • Amateur Satellite Operation is permitted, but needs care due split frequencies, doppler shift, excessive input powers • Airborne and Maritime Mobile Operation is not permitted – Inland waters, river/canal boats are okay! Chelmsford Amateur Radio Society Foundation Licence Course Murray Niman G 6 JYB Slide Set 2: v 3. 6, 16 -Feb-2019 (2) Licence Conditions 6

Abuse & Guidance Abuse • The transmission of music and the use of offensive or threatening language whilst on the air are unacceptable in amateur radio. • Do not respond on air, approach or confront individuals • If frequent - Log it • Ofcom have extensive advice online • Contact RSGB-OAS or use the Ofcom ‘Report Interference or Abuse’ online form Good Practice • A widely recommended guide to good practice is: “Ethics & Operating Procedures for the Radio Amateur” online at http: //www. hamradio-operating-ethics. org/ • Further information is on the Operating section of the RSGB website Chelmsford Amateur Radio Society Foundation Licence Course Murray Niman G 6 JYB Slide Set 2: v 3. 6, 16 -Feb-2019 (2) Licence Conditions 7

Callsigns & Suffixes • Must Give your Callsign: – As frequently as practicable during transmissions – To ensure you are clearly identifiable at all times – In an appropriate format consistent with the mode of operation – Typically at least once every 15 mins • When calling for the first time or changing frequency – your callsign is therefore needed to identify yourself! • Repeaters, Nets etc – Good practice to give Callsign more often than 15 mins! • It is also good practice to append the following…. . – Mobile Operation: Callsign /M – Temporary Location: Callsign /P – Alternative Addresses: Callsign /A Chelmsford Amateur Radio Society Foundation Licence Course Murray Niman G 6 JYB Slide Set 2: v 3. 6, 16 -Feb-2019 (2) Licence Conditions 8

Addresses / Locations • Definitions of Addresses should be understood as per Licence • Main Station Address is as per Page-1 of your own licence document • Mobile /M means located in the UK in/on any vehicle, pedestrian, or vessel in inland waters. For example: - M 6 QQQ/M • Alternative Address /A means a fixed Postal Address in the UK other than the Main Station Address. For example: - M 6 QQQ/A • Temporary Address /P means a fixed location other than your validation document or Alternative address. For example: - M 6 QQQ/P eg. A Contest Station in a field, which has no postal address • When operating from other locations, it is recommended to give your location within 5 km eg by IARU Locator, NGR, Lat/Long, Postcode, etc Chelmsford Amateur Radio Society Foundation Licence Course Murray Niman G 6 JYB Slide Set 2: v 3. 6, 16 -Feb-2019 (2) Licence Conditions 9

Supervision & User Services • Foundation Licensees may personally operate their Radio Equipment, or directly supervise another UK Amateur using it - provided they use your callsign and licence conditions. eg 10 W max etc • In special cases you may either pass messages on behalf of, or permit your equipment to be used by, the User Services – Police, Fire, Ambulance etc • In such exceptional circumstances the use of encryption or codes may be requested and used (eg for confidential patient/casualty details) Chelmsford Amateur Radio Society Foundation Licence Course Murray Niman G 6 JYB Slide Set 2: v 3. 6, 16 -Feb-2019 (2) Licence Conditions 10

Logbooks • Unlike yesteryear a permanent Log need not be kept but. . . • A person authorised by Ofcom may require a Licensee to keep a log of all transmissions made over a specified period of time: – To aid Interference Investigations – To determine Licence Condition Compliance by the Licensee • Well kept up-to-date logbooks are more likely to be accepted • Logbooks are also good practice and aid QSL Cards, Contests, Award Claims etc. • Also ideal for records of station tests - from time to time • Logbooks may be on paper or electronic media (backed up!) Chelmsford Amateur Radio Society Foundation Licence Course Murray Niman G 6 JYB Slide Set 2: v 3. 6, 16 -Feb-2019 (2) Licence Conditions 11

Frequency Schedule • Foundation Licence Frequency Schedules should be studied carefully - don’t confuse with Intermediate and Full ones • Allowed 10 Watts on most bands – BUT NOT ALL • Note those bands where restrictions exist: – Power or ERP limits, 100 km around Charing Cross – Examples are in 136 k. Hz, 430 -432 MHz, 10 GHz • Allocations may be Primary or Secondary – Secondary means the band is shared and you must not cause harmful interference to the Primary Users • You can be examined on the Foundation Frequency Schedule. . . – a copy is provided in the Exam - Use It !!! Chelmsford Amateur Radio Society Foundation Licence Course Murray Niman G 6 JYB Slide Set 2: v 3. 6, 16 -Feb-2019 (2) Licence Conditions 12

Frequency Schedule • Columns give frequencies and power limits for terrestrial and satellite use • Note those exceptions! • Remember to use it in the exam! Chelmsford Amateur Radio Society Foundation Licence Course Murray Niman G 6 JYB Slide Set 2: v 3. 6, 16 -Feb-2019 (2) Licence Conditions 13

Band Plans • Frequency Allocations and Maximum Powers are laid down in the Foundation Licence frequency schedule • Band Plans are agreed operating practice to group modes etc - contrast with Licence Schedules which have full legal force • Note transmission bandwidth varies with mode and is now specified in latest band plans - Don’t over deviate ! • Study band plans carefully and understand them • Note use of calling channels and availability of repeaters on VHF/UHF FM sections of the bands • Don’t have QSOs on Beacon Segments! • The 14 MHz and 144 MHz Band Plans may be used in the exam Chelmsford Amateur Radio Society Foundation Licence Course Murray Niman G 6 JYB Slide Set 2: v 3. 6, 16 -Feb-2019 (2) Licence Conditions 14

Band Plan Example • Columns give frequencies, bandwidth (for modes) and usage • Remember to use them in the exam! Chelmsford Amateur Radio Society Foundation Licence Course Murray Niman G 6 JYB Slide Set 2: v 3. 6, 16 -Feb-2019 (2) Licence Conditions 15

Further Information • All the licence conditions including the frequency schedules are on the Amateur section of the Ofcom website: • Remember to interpret those clauses that apply to Foundation • If you pass the exam, your own personalised licence and callsign may be obtained from the Ofcom Online Licence Centre: http: //licensing. ofcom. org. uk/radiocommunication-licences/online-licensing-service/ • You will need to Register - remember your ID/Password! • If in doubt their telephone helpdesk is usually very helpful: Tel: 0207 -981 -3131 or 0300 -123 -1000 • Band Plans etc are on the RSGB website: - http: //www. rsgb. org/ Chelmsford Amateur Radio Society Foundation Licence Course Murray Niman G 6 JYB Slide Set 2: v 3. 6, 16 -Feb-2019 (2) Licence Conditions 16