Radio
- Explain what radio is. Include in your explanation:
the differences between broadcast radio and hobby
radio, and the differences between broadcasting and
two-way communicating. Also discuss broadcast and
amateur radio call signs and using phonetics.
- Sketch a diagram showing how radio waves travel
locally and around the world. How do the broadcast
radio stations, WWV and WWVH, help determine what
you will hear when you listen to a radio?
- Do the following:
- Draw a chart of the electromagnetic spectrum
covering 100 kilohertz (khz) to 1000 megahertz
(mhz).
- Label the LF, MF, VHF, UHF, and microwave
portions of the spectrum on your diagram.
- Locate on your chart at least eight radio services
such as AM and FM commercial broadcast, CB,
television, amateur radio (at least four ham
radio bands), and police.
- Discuss why some radio stations are called DX
and others are called local. Explain who the FCC
and ITU are.
- Explain how radio waves carry information. Include
in your explanation: transceiver, transmitter,
amplifier, and antenna.
- Learn the safety precautions for working with radio
gear, particularly Dc and Rf grounding.
- Do the following:
- Explain the differences between a block diagram
and a schematic diagram.
- Draw a block diagram that includes a transceiver,
amplifier, microphone, antenna, and feedline.
- Explain the differences between an open circuit,
a closed circuit, and a short circuit.
- Draw ten schematic symbols. Explain what three
of the represented parts do. Find three electrical
components to match to three of these symbols.
- Do ONE of the following: (a, b, or c )
- Amateur radio
- Describe some of the activities that amateur
radio operators can do on the air, once they
have earned an amateur radio license.
- Carry on a 10 minute real or simulated radio
contact using voice or Morse Code; use proper
call signs, Q signals, and abbreviations.
(Licensed ham radio operators may substitute
five QSL cards as evidence of contacts with
amateur radio operators from at least three
different call districts.)
- With the help of a local amateur radio
operator, talk to and properly log at least
two Morse code radio contacts. Record signal
reports. Explain how often amateur radio
operators must give their call signs during a
radio contact.
- Explain at least five Q signals or amateur
radio terms you hear while listening.
- Explain some differences between the Novice
Class and Technician Class license
requirements and privileges. Explain who
gives amateur radio exams.
- Explain how you would make an emergency call
on voice or Morse code. Tell why the FCC has
an amateur radio service.
- Explain handheld transceivers versus home
"base" stations. Explain about mobile amateur
radios and amateur radio repeaters.
- Broadcast radio
- Prepare a program schedule for radio station
"KBSA" of exactly one-half hour, including
music, news, commercials, and proper station
identification. Record your program on audio
tape using proper techniques.
- Listen to and properly log 15 broadcast
stations; determine for five of these their
transmitting power and general areas served.
- Explain at least eight terms used in
commercial broadcasting, such as segue, cut,
and fade.
- Discuss the educational and licensing
requirements and career opportunities in
broadcast radio.
- Shortwave listening
- Listen across several shortwave bands for two
4-hour periods, one in the early morning and
the other in the early evening. Log the
stations properly and locate them
geographically on a globe.
- For several major foreign stations (BBC in
Great Britain or HCJB in Ecuador , for
example), list several frequency bands used
by each.
- Compare your morning and evening logs, noting
the frequencies on which your major foreign
stations were loudest during each session.
Explain the differences in signal strength
from one period to the next.
- Discuss the purpose of and careers in
shortwave communications.
- Visit a radio installation approved in advance by your
counselor (ham radio station, broadcast station, or
public service communications center, for example).
Discuss what types of equipment you saw in use, how
it was used, what types of license are required to
operate and maintain the equipment, and the purpose
of the station.