Uncontrolled copy not subject to amendment Basic Radio

Uncontrolled copy not subject to amendment Basic Radio Communications Learning Outcome 1 Understand types of radio equipment used within the Air Cadet Organisation Version 2. 10 OCT 2014

Introduction to radio

Introduction To Radio • Radio has revolutionised communication • The Air Cadet Organisation has its own nation wide system of radio stations • This Network uses High Frequency (HF) for long range • Communications play an important part in every day life

Networks (Nets) The word network is used because. . . . a number of radio stations work together, connected by the invisible strands of a single frequency – rather like a net

Networks (Nets) Directed (or Controlled) Net Where the control station directs all communications Free Net Where each station is free to communicate as it needs

Networks (Nets) Directed Net : • Controlled by the Network Control Station (NCS) • A group of stations using the same frequency • Always controlled • You must ask permission to join and leave the Net

Networks (Nets) Directed Net The Network Control Station (NCS) should: • Have efficient equipment • Have experienced operators • Be able to handle the volume of radio communications to be passed

Networks (Nets) Free Net • No NCS (Network Control Station) • No permissions required • All stations are “Free” to contact each other

Networks (Nets) MRL 47 MRH 67 Free Net MRK 17 MRK 92

Networks (Nets) Directed Net • To communicate with another station you must have permission of the NCS • The NCS will do most of the communicating

Networks (Nets) MRL 47 MRH 67 Directed MRV 92 NCS MRK 17 MRK 92

Networks (Nets) Air Cadet Radio Nets • Enable you to learn and practice procedures • Techniques are based on allied military procedures • Assist with our activities and safety • Do not use non-standard procedures

Radio Station • A Radio Station is the smallest part of a Net • It will have at least one radio set • The set will be able to transmit and receive • The set is known as a transceiver

Radio Station HF Base Station for long distance

Radio Station Similar procedures are used for: • High Frequency (HF) used for long range • Very High and Ultra High Frequencies used for short range Directed Nets are more suited for HF

VHF Communications Operating from a remote location

Radio Spectrum Air Cadet Frequencies are: • Assigned by the Ministry of Defence • Are in the following bands: a) Medium Frequency (MF) b) High Frequency (HF) c) Very High Frequency (VHF) d) Ultra High Frequency (UHF)

Radio Spectrum Medium (MF) 300 Khz to 3 Mhz High (HF) 3 MHz to 30 Mhz Long Range Very High (VHF) 30 MHz to 300 MHz Ultra High (UHF) 300 MHz To 3 GHz Short Range

Any questions?