Chapter 1 - Welcome to Amateur Radio

1. Chapter 1 - Welcome to Amateur Radio

2. What is Amateur Radio? • A personal radio service authorized by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) • To encourage the advancement of the art and science of radio • To promote the development of emergency communication capability to assist communities when needed • To develop a pool of trained radio operators • To promote international good will by connecting private citizens in countries around the globe HPST Technician Course

3. Beginnings of Ham Radio • 1901: Marconi sends first transatlantic wireless message • 1912: First Amateur Radio license issued • FCC formed to manage the fray of experimenters, broadcasters, news services, etc. • 1934: Amateur Service created • 1950s and 1960s were a technical revolution in communications • 1961: First Orbiting Satellite Carrying Amateur Radio (OSCAR) launched • 70s saw repeaters developed, 80s and 90s brought microprocessors and the meld of computers and radio HPST Technician Course

4. Pure RF (Both voice & Morse code) Internet to RF and vice versa Wireless data networks Position reporting systems Slow and fast scan television Satellite E-mail systems Satellite voice relay systems ISS Earth-Moon-Earth Meteor Scatter Public Service Ham Radio Today HPST Technician Course

5. King Hussein JY1 (SK) Queen Noor JY1NH Gary Shandling KD6OY Priscilla Presley N6YOS Patti Loveless KD4WUJ Dick Rutan KB6LQS Jeanna Yeager KB6LQR King Juan Carlos EA0JC Susan Helms KC7NHZ Lance Bass KG4UYY Who’s That Voice on the Other End? HPST Technician Course

6. Some Contacts Are Just Out of This World! KC5TZQ John Blaha KB5UAC Mike Finkle W6OBB HPST Technician Course

7. What Hams Do • Communicate – More voice communications than any other mode of operation • Participate – Public events, emerency operations, local clubs, etc. • Experiment – Try new methods, develop new modes of communication • Build – We are encouraged to build and repair our own equipment, antennas, systems and networks • Compete – Participate in contests, work towards awards HPST Technician Course

8. Why is Amateur Radio Different? • Unlicensed radio systems such as FRS, GMRS, CB are limited • Power • Service • Coverage • Business and Public Safety Radio cover specific purposes • Ham radio has: • Less restrictions • More frequencies • More power • More ways to communicate HPST Technician Course

9. More Privileges Mean More Responsibility • Ham radios are much more capable and have potential to interfere with other services • Ham radios have unlimited reach – around the globe and even into space • FCC Authorization is required to ensure that the operator is qualified to operate the ham radio safely, appropriately and within the rules and regulations HPST Technician Course

10. The Technician Class License • Entry level amateur license • About 50% of all hams • No Morse code requirement • 35 question written exam by Volunteer Examiner HPST Technician Course

11. Using the Question Pool • Turn to HRLM page 11-1 • Actual exam questions are listed • There are 10 sub-elements (T1-T0) • There are 35 sections (T1A – T0C) • Exam will consist of 1 question from each section HPST Technician Course

12. Online Practice Exams • Go to http://www.aa9pw.com/radio/ • On the left side of the screen check the “Technician” button • Press the “Take Exam” button. • After completing the test, review the results • Look up answers to wrong questions • Ensure you clearly understand the underlying course material • Spend an hour a day studying. HPST Technician Course

13. Conventions and Resources • HRLM is only ½ of the course material • Website http://www.arrl.org/hrlm has several support links • Organized by HRLM Chapter • Further explanation of concepts • Includes Glossary and Supplement Material • Look for italics in HRLM, these are important words – Us the Glossary or website or ask questions in class if you don’t understand them HPST Technician Course

14. Testing Process • Exam session will be scheduled for the class • Later exams may be found at http://www.arrl.net/examsearch • Two forms of ID required, one with photo • Know your SSN • $15 Fee • 35 Question Exam administered by other Hams • CSCE issued to successful candidates • MAKE SURE THE INFO IS CORRECT BEFORE YOU SIGN HPST Technician Course

15. Amateur Radio Clubs • Opportunity to socialize, learn & help each other out • Some Local Clubs and Organizations • Hampton Public Service Team (HPST) • Southern Peninsula Amateur Radio Klub (SPARK) • Peninsula Amateur Radio Club (PARC) • Middle Peninsula Amateur Radio Club (MPARC) • Chesapeake Amateur Radio Society (CARS) • Virginia Beach Amateur Radio Club (VBARC) HPST Technician Course

16. The National Association for American Radio • The national level organization representing amateur radio • ARRL has four core missions: • Public Service • Advocacy • Education • Membership HPST Technician Course

17. Why join the ARRL? • Since 1914 the American Radio Relay League has represented the interests of Radio Amateurs before the FCC and Congress. • While there is room for policy debate, those who do not support the ARRL have virtually no voice in matters concerning ham radio. • Also, the QST magazine is an excellent educational tool, full of interesting articles and fun projects. HPST Technician Course

18. Your Background • Are you an experienced CB, FRS, GMRS, Marine, Military, Public Service, Business or Commercial Radio Operator? • Do you have a basic, intermediate or advanced understanding of electricity and electronics? • The electrical rules don’t change here…only the rules of the particular service • We will be studying the Amateur Radio Service, so what you know about the rest probably doesn’t apply HPST Technician Course

19. Pop Quiz – Chapter 1 • Question • T1D01 HPST Technician Course

20. T1D01 Which of the following services are issued an operator station license by the FCC? A. Family Radio Service B. Amateur Radio Service C. General Radiotelephone Service D. The Citizens Radio Service HPST Technician Course