Radio Merit Badge Boy Scouts of America Module
Radio Merit Badge Boy Scouts of America Module 1 - Radio Basics BSA National Radio Scouting Committee 2012 .
Key Topics in This Module 1 - What is Radio? 1 a, 1 b - Types of Radio Services 1 c - Radio Call Signs & Identification 1 d - The Phonetic Alphabet 2 a - Radio Wave Propagation, WWV & WWVH 2 b - The FCC & ITU 3 a - The Electromagnetic Spectrum
What Is Radio? Electronic communication from one location to another without wires 1920 s-era Radio Receiver .
Where Radio is used in: broadcast receivers two way radios televisions cellular telephones wireless LANs garage door openers car locks EZPass satellites pagers radar microwave ovens etc, etc Requirement 1
Broadcast Radio Broadcast - One-way transmissions to the public. Could be commercial (music, news, sports with advertisements) or non-commercial (National Public Radio, school radio stations, Voice of America) Requirement 1
Two-Way Communications Two Way Radios both send (transmit) and receive messages. walkie-talkies Amateur Radio cell phones fire and police aviation ships military, etc. Requirement 1
f s. O e p Ty e e r Th Radio Amateur Radio A volunteer non-commercial radio service devoted to educational, recreational and emergency purposes “HAM” Radio “Hobby” Radio Requirement 1
Why Amateur Radio? A place to learn about radio! Called the “Amateur Radio Service” because it can’t be used for profit. An important part of disaster response. A lot of fun! Requirement 1
Radio Call Signs are identification. They show you have a license to transmit. Broadcast Call Signs WHO, KDKA, KORA, WNBC Ham Call Signs WW 3 Y, KB 3 BOY, VR 2 DK, 9 N 1 MM, JA 1 ABC A 92 EB/OZ, G 4 RZC/MM All ham call signs contain a number Requirement 1
US Call Signs Every US station has a call sign issued by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) Broadcast call signs begin with K or W KXAS WBAP Amateur call signs begin with A, K, N or W AB 2 SN KF 0 WT Special Event Amateur call signs NY 8 N W 0 JMD K 0 B Requirement 1
Amateur Radio Call Signs Requirement 1
Phonetic Alphabet Alfa AL fah Bravo BRAH VOH Charlie CHAR lee Delta DELL tah Echo ECK oh Foxtrot FOX trot Golf GOLF Hotel hoh TELL India IN dee ah Juliet JEW lee ETT Kilo KEY loh Lima LEE mah Mike MIKE November no VEM ber Oscar OSS cah Papa pah Quebec keh BECK Romeo ROW me oh Sierra see AIR rah Tango TANG go Uniform YOU nee form Victor VIK ter Whiskey WISS key X-Ray ECKS RAY Yankee YANG kee Zulu ZOO loo Example: “My name is Tom – tango, oscar, mike – Tom” Requirement 1
How High Frequency (HF) Radio Waves Travel (Propagation) . . Ground Wave Sky Wave Ionosphere Skip Local DX Ionosphere (80 km) Sky Waves Skip Zone Ground Wave Requirement 2
How VHF & UHF Radio Waves Travel - Line of Sight
Radio Station WWV Transmits on standard frequencies 2. 5, 5, 10, 15 and 20 Mhz If you can hear WWV, the HF bands are open Fort Collins, CO. . Requirement 2
Regulation of Radio ITU International Telecommunications Union Meets every few years. Sets International Frequency assignments. Assigns prefixes to countries. FCC Federal Communication Commission Set Frequency Assignments in US. Issues Licenses & Call Signs in US. Enforces Radio Laws in US. Requirement 2
So, what frequencies are assigned to whom? AM Broadcast Radio FM Broadcast Radio Short Wave Broadcast Television Broadcast CB Radio Police Radio Amateur Radio 540 - 1600 k. Hz 88 - 108 MHz 5 - 22 MHz Channel 2 = 54 -60 MHz 27 MHz 450 -470 MHz 3. 5, 7. 5, 10, 15, 20, 30, 50, 150 MHz 80, 40, 30, 20, 15, 10, 6, 2 meters Freq=C/meters C=300, 000 or Freq (MHz)= 300/meters Requirement 3
The Electromagnetic Spectrum Sound Long Radio Wavelengths Short Radio Wavelengths Microwaves Frequency - Measured in Hertz (kilohertz, megahertz, gigahertz) Wavelength – Measured in meters (cm) .
The Electromagnetic Spectrum Medium Frequency (MF) High Frequency (HF) Very High Frequency (VHF) Ultra High Frequency (UHF) Requirement 3
DRAW the Electromagnetic Spectrum MF Marine AM Broadcast Marine / Navigation 300 Khz 3 Mhz HF International Shortwave Broadcast 10 m Ham 3 Mhz 30 Mhz VHF 6 m Ham TV FM Broadcast Air VHF Ham 30 Mhz 300 Mhz UHF Ham 300 Mhz. T V P/F TV Cellular Police/Fire Wi. Fi 3 Ghz
Radio Merit Badge Boy Scouts of America Module 2 Electronics, Safety & Careers BSA National Radio Scouting Committee 2012
Key Topics in This Module 4 – How Radio Carries Information 5 a – Radio Schematic Diagrams 5 a, 5 b – Radio Block Diagrams 5 c – Types of Electrical Circuits 5 d – Electronic Components & Symbols 6 – Radio Safety 8 – Careers in Radio
How Do Radio Waves Carry Sounds or Information? FM AM PM Requirement 4
Continuous Wave (CW) The Oldest Digital Mode Works by simply turning the transmitter on and off in a pattern called Morse Code. Requirement 4
Modern Components . Requirement 5 d
Older Components . . Requirement 5 d
Record These In Your Workbook Properties Resistor – opposes or “resists” current flow measured in ohms Capacitor – stores energy in electric field measured in farads Inductor – stores energy in a magnetic field measured in henries. .
Conductors & Insulators Conductors conduct (carry) electricity. Most metals (gold, silver, aluminum, copper) Many liquids (water) Insulators insulate (don’t carry) electricity. Air Most rubbers and plastics Most ceramics Wood and cloth (when dry and at low voltage)
Types of Electrical Current Direct Current (DC) – flows only one direction; produced by battery Alternating Current (AC) – flows in first one direction then another; found in our home electrical outlets . .
Basic Electrical Terms Voltage – electrical pressure (volts) Current – the flow of electricity through a circuit (amps) Power – the ability to do work (watts) .
Block Diagram vs. Schematic Radio Transmitter RF Oscillator Carrier Signal Input Pre Amp Audio Signal Mixer Modulated RF Signal Final Amp Output Block Diagram: Outlines the various functions within an electronic device Switch . Schematic Diagram: Uses standard electrical symbols to describe an electrical circuit in detail 120 ohm + 3 V LED flashlight
Schematic Symbols Represent Individual Electronic Parts (“Components”) Fuse Contains a thin wire which is made to melt which protects the rest of the circuit from damage if there is too much current from a short circuit. Battery Stores electric energy. Resistor Resists the flow of electric current, reducing its flow. Variable resistor Like a regular resistor, but adjustable. For example, the volume knob on your stereo. Earth ground A connection between the equipment (radio) and the earth, usually through a copper pipe driven into the soil. Chassis ground A connection of the negative side of the electronic circuit to the chassis, or steel frame, of the equipment. Requirement 5
Schematic Symbols (cont. ) Capacitor Gets and stores an electric charge. Lets alternating current (AC - like in your house) flow but stops direct current (DC - like from a battery). Variable capacitor Same as a regular capacitor, but adjustable. NPN transistor Amplifies a current. PNP transistor Amplifies a current. Inductor Also called a choke or coil, it works the opposite of a capacitor. It lets DC flow but stops AC. Tube A vacuum tube made of glass with wire filaments inside. Amplifies a current. It has been replaced by transistors in most home equipment, but is still found in some high power radio transmitters. Requirement 5
Draw Schematic Symbols In Your Workbook Schematic Symbols + . Battery Resistor Capacitor Earth Ground Variable Resistor (Potentiometer) Variable Capacitor Inductor Circuit Ground Transformer SPST Switch Light-Emitting Diode Transistor Diode
How Radios Send and Receive Information Microphone Takes in Audio or Digital signal input Transmitter Creates an RF “carrier” Modulates the carrier Receiver Receives a radio signal Demodulates the carrier Transceiver Both a transmitter and receiver in one box Amplifier Microphone Increases RF signal power Tuner Matches transmitter to antenna Feed line Transceiver Amplifier Tuner Provides path to antenna Antenna Radiates the RF signal Key or Paddle For sending Morse code TNC (Terminal Node Controller) Key/Paddle TNC Computer A computers “Radio Modem” Requirement 4
Detailed Block Diagram Shows how the radio works. Requirement 5
Types of Electrical Circuits + S 1 120 ohm Current Flow 3 V On LED flashlight Closed Circuit is complete. Electricity flows like it should. Open Circuit is incomplete. Electricity doesn’t flow. + S 1 3 V 120 ohm Current Flow Off LED flashlight Short Circuit is complete through an unplanned shortcut. Electricity flows where it shouldn’t! Dangerous – parts can get hot, start fires or even explode! Fuse Requirement 5
Safety With RF Energy Never operate radios with the cover off. The case keeps the RF radiation in. Exposure to high levels of RF can cause burns and cancer Human eyes especially sensitive to RF. Keep antennas out of reach. Hams required to conduct a “routine station evaluation” to verify safe operation. Usually done by consulting a chart.
Radio Safety Make sure the power is disconnected before working. Electric shock can hurt or kill. Even with the power off, some parts inside the radio can hold a dangerous charge. If you don't know what you are doing, get help. Disconnect radios when not in use Connect antennas to ground when not in use Requirement 6
Antennas & Towers Make sure antennas cannot touch power lines you could be electrocuted when using the radio. NEVER OVER or UNDER power lines Where they could fall on a power line in any direction Where a person could touch the antenna Be careful working on towers and roofs You could fall or hurt someone on the ground. .
Grounding AC Outlet Grounding Ground wire connected to house wiring. Equipment uses 3 prong plugs to ground equipment case. If wire inside touches case, house circuit breaker is opened. Direct Current Grounding Hams add another ground rod and connect all of their station equipment cases to it as well. Provides additional safety and grounds any stray RF. Antenna Grounding Use lightning protectors where antennas enter the house. These bleed off static electricity. No protection to a direct strike. Requirement 6
Safety With Electricity Minimum fatal voltage – 30 volts Minimum fatal current if passed through the human heart – 1/10 th of an amp Power lines are un-insulated and carry thousands of volts – never touch them!.
Radio Careers Broadcasting Announcer/Personality Station Manager/Program Director/ Music Director Technical Radio Engineer Radio Technician Cellular Phone Technician Operators Public Safety Dispatcher Military Radio Operator Requirement 8
Education for Radio Careers Most jobs require high school diploma. Colleges offer courses in broadcasting and communications. Gain broadcasting experience at college radio stations. Radio technicians attend trade schools or community colleges. Radio engineers study electrical engineering at college. Organizations such as APCO and NARTE offer radio licensing training courses and certifications. Requirement 8
Radio Merit Badge Boy Scouts of America Module 3 – Amateur Radio BSA National Radio Scouting Committee 2012
Key Topics in This Module 9. a. (1) – Why does the FCC have an Amateur Radio Service? 9. a. (1) – Amateur Radio Activities 9. a. (2) – Real / Simulated Radio Contact 9. a. (3) – Q Signals & Abbreviations 9. a. (4) – Amateur Radio Licenses 9. a. (5) – Emergency Procedures 9. a. (6) – Types of Amateur stations 9. a. (6) – Repeaters NOAA Weather Radio
Why does the FCC have an Amateur Radio Service? Volunteer service - (community service and disaster help). A Scout does a good turn daily - here's another way. International goodwill - A great way to talk to people in far away lands. Experimentation - If you want, you can build your own radio equipment, and many hams build their own antennas. Some hams have come up with new inventions, such as FM, SSB, Packet Radio, Automatic Position Reporting Systems. Communication skills - Because only one person can talk at a time, you learn how to listen! Self-training - You can learn by doing. Requirement 9 a (1)
Amateur Radio Activities 1 DX Many hams talk to other hams around the world They can collect QSL cards (postcards) to prove they did it. (Collect countries!) It's a great way to have fun and learn about geography. Contests Held many weekends to contact as many people from a certain place or in a certain way. Packet radio Some hams hook computers to radios to send electronic messages. Rather like wireless e-mail. Requirement 9 a (1)
Amateur Radio Activities 2 Camping Communications are easy even in the backcountry Can summon help or report back how things are going. “Fox” hunting (Radio Direction Finding) Used to locate: Hidden transmitters Tagged wildlife Downed aircraft Life rafts Stolen cars Jamboree On The Air (JOTA) is the third weekend every October when Scouts all over the world talk to each other on ham radio. Requirement 9 a (1)
Amateur Radio Activities 3 Public Service At parades & special events. From small carnivals all the way to the Tournament of Roses Parade. Ham radio operators are often the best to help with communication at large community events Disasters Hams are often called on to help during fires, floods, earthquakes, and other disasters. At these times, telephone lines and cell phone sites are often damaged or overloaded, Ham radio is the only reliable communication. Skywarn National Weather Service uses Hams to report severe weather. Requirement 9 a (1)
Q Signals and Amateur Terms QRM Man-made interference QRN Natural noise or interference QRP Low Power (< five watts) QRS Slow down Morse code speed QRT Quitting - off the air QSB Signal is fading QSL Acknowledge receipt (card) QSO Conversation ("cue-so") QSY Change frequency QTH Location (think H for Home) Log Record of QSOs CW Morse code (means Continuous Wave) DX Distant (foreign stations) CQ Calling any station ("seek you") OM Old man (male ham) YL Young lady (female ham) Rig Radio Shack Room the radio is in HI Laugh in Morse code 73, 88 Best regards, love and kisses Requirement 9 a (3)
Licensing License required to transmit, but not to receive Tests given by volunteer examiners No age limit No distance limit.
Amateur Radio License Classes Technician Class Starter license Simple 35 question multiple-choice written test All privileges above 30 MHz (VHF, UHF) Mostly line-of-sight (but includes repeaters and satellites) General Class Standard license Additional 35 question multiple-choice test Adds HF (long distance) Extra Class Highest class of license Detailed 50 question Radio Theory Test A few more HF frequencies Short Call Sign Requirement 9 a (4)
Amateur Radio License Classes Requirement 9 a (4)
Sending Out An Emergency Call - Voice You may use any radio at any time to get help during an emergency “Break” followed by your call sign to interrupt a radio conversation in progress “Mayday” followed by your call sign to call on a clear frequency.
Emergency Radio Calls "MAYDAY" is the international word for requesting help by radio. In the US, "EMERGENCY“ works too. In Morse code, send SOS ” (. . . _ _ _. . . ) slowly. Speak clearly and give complete information Similar to a 911 telephone call. Give detailed location of the emergency The person helping you on the radio may be in another state or even in another country! Just because you have a radio doesn't mean someone will be able to hear you. You might have to climb higher up a hill. FRS radios and cell phones have less power than ham radios. Requirement 9 a (5)
Ham Radio Station Types Handheld Transceivers (HT): Small, light, portable, but not much power. Some can fit in your pocket. Using repeaters, they can be quite useful, and they can go on your hike easily. Base Station Transceivers : Permanent station in a building. More power, easier to use, more features. Mobile Transceivers : Permanent station in a vehicle. More power. That HT antenna doesn't work well inside a metal car. Repeaters: Located on high points (Mountains, tall buildings, satellites) to automatically relay signals. Some have connections to the telephone system or the internet. Which kind of radio is best? It depends on what you want to do. You wouldn’t backpack with a heavy base station radio, but that base station radio will let you talk farther when you are at home. Requirement 9 a (6)
Types of Radios - Handhelds • Bands – VHF / UHF • Power – Up to 5 watts • Range – 1 to 5 miles without repeater, much more with repeater • Price – $100 to $350 Single Band or Dual Band. . Requirement 9 a (6)
Types of Radios – Mobiles Single Band • Bands – VHF / UHF • Power – Up to 50 watts • Range – 5 to 10 miles without repeater, much more with repeater Dual Band • Price – $150 to $500. Requirement 9 a (6)
Types of Radios – Base Station • Bands – HF (Sometimes VHF / UHF also) • Power – Usually 100 watts • Range – Worldwide • Price – $700 to $10, 000 . . Requirement 9 a (6)
Family Radio Service (FRS) FRS is a radio service in the UHF band for use by the general public. 14 channels ½ watt of output power Range limited to couple of miles line-of-sight No license required General Mobile Radio Service (GMRS) 22 channels higher output power Range up to 10 miles, line of sight License required .
Get On The Air For Free With Echolink Free software lets you link into distant repeater towers over an internet connection Only a computer, headset and internet connection required. This is called Vo. IP communications www. Echolink. org. . Requirement 9 a (6)
Repeaters Receive on one frequency and transmit on another. Usually in the VHF and UHF bands Allow much longer range for small radios. Located on mountains, towers, buildings and in space. Repeater 146. 07 MHz Input 146. 67 MHz Output 146. 07 MHz Input Requirement 9 a (6)
NOAA Weather Radio Continuous Weather Forecasts & Warnings 162. 55, 162. 475, 162. 40, 162. 45, 162. 50 MHz Essential for boating, hiking and camping. Most Ham radios can also receive this. Special SAME (Specific Area Alert Encoding) receivers actually turn themselves on when a warning is sent for your county!
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