An Introduction to Earning anAn Introduction to Earning an Amateur (HAM) Radio LicenseAmateur (HAM) Radio License

TJ Excelsior ClubTJ Excelsior Club

TJ Ham ClubTJ Ham Club

October 17October 17thth, 2006, 2006

Overview of Amateur RadioOverview of Amateur RadioAmerican Radio Relay League -ARRLAmerican Radio Relay League -ARRLVoluntary servicesVoluntary servicesContributions to electronics and Contributions to electronics and

communicationscommunicationsFunFunFederal Communications Federal Communications

Commission (FCC) Commission (FCC) grants all U.S. grants all U.S. HAM licensesHAM licenses

Tools of CommunicationTools of Communication

RepeatersRepeatersSatellitesSatellitesThe moon The moon Computerized networksComputerized networks

Methods of CommunicationMethods of Communication

VoiceVoiceMorse codeMorse codePicturesPictures

LicensesLicenses

TechnicianTechnicianBasic theory and regulations (written exam)Basic theory and regulations (written exam)Amateur privileges above 50.0 MHzAmateur privileges above 50.0 MHz

Tech with Morse Tech with Morse 5 wpm5 wpm

GeneralGeneralExtraExtra

Getting a Tech License Getting a Tech License

Study – look through the question bankStudy – look through the question bankStudy bookStudy bookARRL Online Question BankARRL Online Question Bank

Testing at Alexandria every 2Testing at Alexandria every 2ndnd Saturday Saturday of the monthof the month

Structure of testStructure of test35 questions – picked randomly 35 questions – picked randomly 74% (That’s a C) = allowed to miss 974% (That’s a C) = allowed to miss 9

After the ExamAfter the Exam

PassPassCertificate of Successful Completion of Certificate of Successful Completion of

Examination (CSCE)Examination (CSCE)Wait for a call sign (on ARRL/FCC database)Wait for a call sign (on ARRL/FCC database)

FailFailCSCE – shows what elements you passedCSCE – shows what elements you passedValid for 365 days Valid for 365 days

Getting a General LicenseGetting a General License

Morse CodeMorse Code5 words per minute5 words per minuteSolid copy of 25 charactersSolid copy of 25 characters

ORORGetting at least 7/10 questions correctGetting at least 7/10 questions correct

Online Morse Code Study ProgramsOnline Morse Code Study Programs

Technician Written ExamTechnician Written Exam

T1 - FCC Rules – 5qT1 - FCC Rules – 5q

T2 - Methods of Co – 2qT2 - Methods of Co – 2q

T3 – Radio Phenomena – 2q T3 – Radio Phenomena – 2q

T4 – Station Licensee Duties – 3qT4 – Station Licensee Duties – 3q

T5 – Control Operator Duties – 3q T5 – Control Operator Duties – 3q

Technician Written Exam cont.Technician Written Exam cont.

T6 – Good Operating Practices – 3q T6 – Good Operating Practices – 3q

T7 – Basic Communications – 3qT7 – Basic Communications – 3q

T8 – Good Engineering Practice – 6qT8 – Good Engineering Practice – 6q

T9 – Special Operations – 2qT9 – Special Operations – 2q

T0 – Electrical, Antenna, Structure and T0 – Electrical, Antenna, Structure and RF Safety Practices – 6qRF Safety Practices – 6q

Example QuestionsExample Questions

T1A03 What is the definition of an amateur T1A03 What is the definition of an amateur station?station?A radio station in the amateur service used for A radio station in the amateur service used for

radiocommunicationsradiocommunicationsT1A08 What is an amateur space station?T1A08 What is an amateur space station?

An amateur station located more than 50 km An amateur station located more than 50 km (30 miles) above the Earth’s surface (30 miles) above the Earth’s surface

Helpful LinksHelpful Links

Online Question BankOnline Question Bank http://www.arrl.org/arrlvec/pools.html http://www.arrl.org/arrlvec/pools.html

Online Practice ExamsOnline Practice Exams http://www.eham.net/exams/ http://www.eham.net/exams/

Testing Site informationTesting Site information http://www.mvarc.com/images/VolunteerExam.PDF http://www.mvarc.com/images/VolunteerExam.PDF

ARRL License DatabaseARRL License Database http://www.arrl.org/fcc/fcclook.php3 http://www.arrl.org/fcc/fcclook.php3

Amateur Frequency Band PlanAmateur Frequency Band Plan http://www.arrl.org/FandES/field/regulations/bands.gif http://www.arrl.org/FandES/field/regulations/bands.gif