Lecture 1 Radio Communications Basic Communications Course Agenda

Lecture 1 Radio Communications

Basic Communications Course Agenda • Introduction to Radio • Radio Procedures • Radio Equipment

Introduction to Radio • Communication is a very important part of everyday life. We constantly need to pass on information, thoughts and ideas from one person to another. • But what methods of communication are available to us?

Communication Methods • • • Verbal Written Sign Telephone Radio Communications E Mail

Radio Communications • A nationwide system of radios exists. • What is this system called? • A Network. • Its called this because a number of radio stations are working together connected by invisible strands of a single frequencyrather like a net.

Types of Network • Directed Network • A directed net is always “CONTROLLED” by a Network (NCS). Control Station

Directed Network • Level of control depends on: 1. The level of radio discipline being observed by those using the network. 2. Adherence to proper procedures. 3. The type of network being operated.

Directed Network • 1. 2. 3. • Only one station can be the NCS. Equipment efficiency. Operator experience. Volume of radio traffic to be passed. The NCS is usually a fixed base station, located in a room specifically for radio communications.

Directed Network MRW 51 MRW 48 MRW 34 MRW 37

Types Of Network • Free Network • Operates without a NCS • Each station is free to contact any other station without permission from the NCS.

Free Network MRW 51 MRW 48 MRW 34 MRW 37

Frequencies • • Typically the Air Cadet Organisation uses 3 bands of equipment, which are part of the electromagnetic spectrum. What are these 3 bands? 1. High Frequency 2. Very High Frequency 3. Ultra High Frequency

The Spectrum

Frequencies allocated to the ATC High Frequency • • • Lima 1 -9 November 1 -3 Hotel 1 -7 Oscar 1 -3 Tango 1

Frequencies allocated to the ATC Very High Frequency (Victor) • • • V 1 to V 14 e. g. V 1 xxxx MHz V 2 xxxx MHz V 3 xxxx MHz

Frequencies allocated to the ATC Ultra High Frequency (Uniform) • • • U 1 to U 5 U 1 xxxx MHz U 2 xxxx MHz U 5 xxxx MHz All inside amateur band.

Radio related ACP • ACP 31 Volume 6. Communications • ACP 35 Volume 3. Advanced Radio and Radar. • ACP 35 Volume 4. Satellite Communications. • ACP 35 Volume 2. Air Cadet Communications Manual (replaced by…) • ACP 44 Enclosure 6. Air Cadet Callsigns.