I’ve Got My License, I’ve Got My License, Now What?Now What?

Quick Start for new SAR HamsQuick Start for new SAR Hams

Chris Wong N6JGCChris Wong N6JGCDave Hodgson KG6TCJDave Hodgson KG6TCJRandy Jenkins KA6BQFRandy Jenkins KA6BQF

OverviewOverview► Radios Systems – Equipment, Transmission ModesRadios Systems – Equipment, Transmission Modes► Bands – Frequencies, Technician Class LicenseBands – Frequencies, Technician Class License► Handheld Radio Operations - Knobs, Buttons, Handheld Radio Operations - Knobs, Buttons,

Offsets, ToneOffsets, Tone► Working with repeaters – Input, Output, Working with repeaters – Input, Output,

Encode/DecodeEncode/Decode► Antennas - Base station, Mobile, HT, SWRAntennas - Base station, Mobile, HT, SWR► Power supplies – AC, DC, Regulated, Switching, Car Power supplies – AC, DC, Regulated, Switching, Car

powerpower► Batteries - Alkaline, LiON, NiCad, NiMHBatteries - Alkaline, LiON, NiCad, NiMH► How to Communicate - Operating courtesy, How to Communicate - Operating courtesy,

protocolsprotocols► Nets - NTS, ARES/RACES, Club, RagchewNets - NTS, ARES/RACES, Club, Ragchew► Ham Communities - Clubs, Public Service, Field DayHam Communities - Clubs, Public Service, Field Day

Radio SystemsRadio Systems► Radio equipment varies based on frequencies and mode of Radio equipment varies based on frequencies and mode of

transmission but all have basic componentstransmission but all have basic components Transmitter, Receiver, Line, AntennaTransmitter, Receiver, Line, Antenna Data – analog, digitalData – analog, digital Transmission Mode, Frequency BandTransmission Mode, Frequency Band

HF (160M to 10M)HF (160M to 10M) DX (long range)DX (long range)

Long-wireLong-wire

Big YagiBig Yagi

VHF/UHF (6M to VHF/UHF (6M to 2GHz)2GHz)

Line-of-sightLine-of-sight

Conventional Conventional antennaantenna

Microwave (10GHz)Microwave (10GHz) Line-of-sightLine-of-sight

Dish, horns, Dish, horns, waveguideswaveguides

Common Transmission TypesCommon Transmission Types► AnalogAnalog

AM (amplitude modulation)AM (amplitude modulation) FM (frequency modulation)FM (frequency modulation) SSB (single side band)SSB (single side band) CW (continuous wave)CW (continuous wave) ATV (amateur TV)ATV (amateur TV) SSTV (slow scan TV)SSTV (slow scan TV)

► Digital (commonly tones transmitted over analog - AM, FM, SSB)Digital (commonly tones transmitted over analog - AM, FM, SSB) AMTOR, PACTOR, RTTYAMTOR, PACTOR, RTTY PSK31PSK31 FSKFSK Packet (AX.25)Packet (AX.25) APRSAPRS

► Applications of radio communicationApplications of radio communication TerrestrialTerrestrial

► Line-of-siteLine-of-site► Atmospheric bounceAtmospheric bounce

EME (Earth-Moon-Earth)EME (Earth-Moon-Earth) OSCAR (Satellite)OSCAR (Satellite) QRP (Low Power)QRP (Low Power)

Ham EquipmentHam Equipment

► Voice ModesVoice Modes Handhelds – VHF, UHFHandhelds – VHF, UHF Mobile – VHF, UHF, HFMobile – VHF, UHF, HF

► Digital ModesDigital Modes Packet – TNC, Sound Cards, ComputersPacket – TNC, Sound Cards, Computers APRS – Trackers, TNC, Computers, GPSAPRS – Trackers, TNC, Computers, GPS RTTY/PACTOR/PSK31 – Multimode Controller, HF RadioRTTY/PACTOR/PSK31 – Multimode Controller, HF Radio

► Visual ModeVisual Mode ATV – Camera, Controller, Transceiver (VHF)ATV – Camera, Controller, Transceiver (VHF) SSTV – Camera, Controller, Transceiver (HF, VHF)SSTV – Camera, Controller, Transceiver (HF, VHF)

► Internet Ham RadioInternet Ham Radio Echolink, WIRES – HF, VHF, UHFEcholink, WIRES – HF, VHF, UHF

Technician Class LicenseTechnician Class License

►BandsBands HF - 80M, 40M, 15MHF - 80M, 40M, 15M

►CW only except 10M (SSB)CW only except 10M (SSB)

VHF/UHF – 6M and aboveVHF/UHF – 6M and above►Generally voice (phone)Generally voice (phone)

and data (digital)and data (digital)

FCC Band PlanFCC Band Plan

Basic Handheld Radio Basic Handheld Radio OperationsOperations

(what, when, how)(what, when, how)► Power On/OffPower On/Off

Button or volume knobButton or volume knob► SquelchSquelch

Knob – older style analogKnob – older style analog Button – usually by Button – usually by

accessing menu accessing menu (combination of keys)(combination of keys)

► Set FrequencySet Frequency Direct entryDirect entry Rotate dialRotate dial Set incrementSet increment

► Offset (based on bandwidth)Offset (based on bandwidth) VHF standard 600Hz + or –VHF standard 600Hz + or – UHF standard 5MHz + or –UHF standard 5MHz + or –

► Encode/Decode Tone (PL)Encode/Decode Tone (PL) Frequency in HzFrequency in Hz Code (Letter/Number)Code (Letter/Number) By changing offsetBy changing offset

► Transmit powerTransmit power Function + X (combination Function + X (combination

of keys)of keys)► Memory – Store/RecallMemory – Store/Recall

Function + X (combination Function + X (combination of keys)of keys)

► ReverseReverse Usually a button or Usually a button or

combination of keyscombination of keys

Basic Handheld Radio Basic Handheld Radio OperationsOperations

(cont’d)(cont’d)Open SquelchOpen Squelch

ButtonButton Rotate squelch knob SimplexRotate squelch knob Simplex SwitchSwitch

► Speaker/Mic jackSpeaker/Mic jack Adapter sometimes requiredAdapter sometimes required

► Push-to-talk (PPT)Push-to-talk (PPT) Keying up – wait before Keying up – wait before

talkingtalking► PagingPaging

Function + X (combination Function + X (combination of keys)of keys)

► ARTSARTS Function + X (combination Function + X (combination

of keys)of keys)

► LCD displayLCD display Signal strengthSignal strength Channel/FrequencyChannel/Frequency Battery voltage/healthBattery voltage/health

► Distance from micDistance from mic 2 to 4 inches2 to 4 inches Background noise (wind)Background noise (wind)

► Holding radioHolding radio Body couplingBody coupling Body signal attenuationBody signal attenuation

► AntennasAntennas Rubber DuckRubber Duck WhipWhip Efficiency compromisesEfficiency compromises

Using RepeatersUsing Repeaters► Receive on one frequency and retransmit on another (usually Receive on one frequency and retransmit on another (usually

within same band)within same band) Simultaneous; audio signal transferredSimultaneous; audio signal transferred Output (what you receive – usually displayed on radio in receive mode)Output (what you receive – usually displayed on radio in receive mode) Input (+ or – from your receive freq)Input (+ or – from your receive freq) Control frequencyControl frequency

► Offset or split (usually indicated by +/-)Offset or split (usually indicated by +/-) Conventions established by bandwidth; coordinatedConventions established by bandwidth; coordinated Odd split or manualOdd split or manual

► Encode/Decode Tone (PL)Encode/Decode Tone (PL) Some repeater will not open up unless the code is correctSome repeater will not open up unless the code is correct Repeaters may not always transmit the tone on the outputRepeaters may not always transmit the tone on the output

► Repeater ComponentsRepeater Components ReceiverReceiver TransmitterTransmitter ControllerController Phone patchPhone patch Antenna systemAntenna system DuplexerDuplexer

Using Repeaters (cont’d)Using Repeaters (cont’d)► Cross bandCross band

440/2M440/2M► Voting receiversVoting receivers

Select highest signal strength signal to processSelect highest signal strength signal to process Antennas pointed in different directionsAntennas pointed in different directions

► Multiple receivers (look for different PLs on same frequency Multiple receivers (look for different PLs on same frequency pair)pair) Same siteSame site Different siteDifferent site

► Linked repeatersLinked repeaters► Tied together via links (usually different band – conventional, MW, fiber)Tied together via links (usually different band – conventional, MW, fiber)► Echolink, WIRESEcholink, WIRES

► DigipeatersDigipeaters Used for digital communicationsUsed for digital communications

► Packet, APRSPacket, APRS Receive data, then quickly retransmitReceive data, then quickly retransmit Intelligence built into TNC to avoid collisionsIntelligence built into TNC to avoid collisions

► Open vs. Closed RepeatersOpen vs. Closed Repeaters

AntennasAntennas► Antenna typesAntenna types

Base station, mobile, handheldBase station, mobile, handheld► Mast mountedMast mounted► Vehicle – hole in roof, magnetic mount, rack mountVehicle – hole in roof, magnetic mount, rack mount► HT - Rubber ducks, whips, sticksHT - Rubber ducks, whips, sticks

► To radiate, you need transmitting leg and a reflecting legTo radiate, you need transmitting leg and a reflecting leg Vertical & ground planeVertical & ground plane

► Antenna efficiency (high to low)Antenna efficiency (high to low) Base station -> Vehicle -> HTBase station -> Vehicle -> HT

► GainGain Antenna designed to more efficiently radiateAntenna designed to more efficiently radiate Generally, more gain is betterGenerally, more gain is better As gain increase, angle of radiation decreasesAs gain increase, angle of radiation decreases

► Antenna tuningAntenna tuning Efficiency is improved if “reflected” powerEfficiency is improved if “reflected” power SWR – Standing Wave RatioSWR – Standing Wave Ratio

► Common HomebrewCommon Homebrew J-PoleJ-Pole Quarter-waveQuarter-wave

BatteriesBatteriesTypical typesTypical types CharacteristicsCharacteristics

Lead AcidLead Acid

Regular, Deep CycleRegular, Deep Cycle Delivers high amperesDelivers high amperes

Useful life 5-7 yrsUseful life 5-7 yrs

Can take charge/discharge cyclesCan take charge/discharge cycles

Can float chargeCan float charge

Maintenance of water levels and Maintenance of water levels and terminalsterminals

Hazardous contentHazardous content

Gel CellGel Cell Reasonable power output for sizeReasonable power output for size

Less hazardLess hazard

Can float chargeCan float charge

Watch charging rateWatch charging rate

Batteries (cont’d)Batteries (cont’d)Typical typesTypical types CharacteristicsCharacteristics

Dry CellDry Cell

AlkalineAlkaline Not rechargeableNot rechargeable

Good shelf lifeGood shelf life

Performance variesPerformance varies

Nickel Cadmium – NiCadNickel Cadmium – NiCad Memory effect – discharge Memory effect – discharge completely before chargingcompletely before charging

Do not float chargeDo not float charge

Affected by coldAffected by cold

Nickel Metal Hydride - NiMHNickel Metal Hydride - NiMH No or little memory effectNo or little memory effect

Higher capacity than NiCadHigher capacity than NiCad

Maintenance similar to NiCadMaintenance similar to NiCad

Lithium Ion – LiONLithium Ion – LiON No or little memory effectNo or little memory effect

Can deliver high power output for Can deliver high power output for sizesize

Power SuppliesPower Supplies► ACAC

ConventionalConventional SwitchingSwitching

► Automobile 12VDC systemsAutomobile 12VDC systems Voltage regulatorsVoltage regulators Noise filtersNoise filters Negative groundNegative ground Fusing both leadsFusing both leads Current (amperes) limited through cigarette lighter Current (amperes) limited through cigarette lighter

plugplug► Power InvertersPower Inverters

Convert 12VDC to 120VACConvert 12VDC to 120VAC Watch the wattsWatch the watts Can drain your batteryCan drain your battery

How to communicateHow to communicate► Clear communicationClear communication

Plain text, clear pronunciation, slow and steadyPlain text, clear pronunciation, slow and steady Codes as needed for situationCodes as needed for situation Phonetics as neededPhonetics as needed

► Thinking before keying up and talkingThinking before keying up and talking Plan message in head; write down the factsPlan message in head; write down the facts Efficient with wordsEfficient with words Avoid the “uhh”, “umm”Avoid the “uhh”, “umm”

► ProtocolsProtocols Usually start with call – To Call Sign >> From Call SignUsually start with call – To Call Sign >> From Call Sign Emergency traffic always has priorityEmergency traffic always has priority Don’t be a doofus – How do I get there?, 5min reporting, Side Don’t be a doofus – How do I get there?, 5min reporting, Side

conversations, Net Control syndromeconversations, Net Control syndrome Check in with Net Control/IC periodically, especially if you have Check in with Net Control/IC periodically, especially if you have

been quietbeen quiet► Power SettingsPower Settings

FCC requires only using levels needed to reach the other station FCC requires only using levels needed to reach the other station in order to reduce interferencein order to reduce interference

Common Local NetsCommon Local Nets► ClubClub

Sponsored by ham radio club usually on a club repeaterSponsored by ham radio club usually on a club repeater► NTS – National Traffic SystemNTS – National Traffic System

Radiogram service free of chargeRadiogram service free of charge► Emergency ServiceEmergency Service

Simplex or on club repeaterSimplex or on club repeater ARES – Sponsored by ARRLARES – Sponsored by ARRL RACES – Usually sponsored by County EOSRACES – Usually sponsored by County EOS

► Public ServicePublic Service Support of big events needing communicationsSupport of big events needing communications

► Bike RidesBike Rides► MarathonsMarathons

Red Cross, Salvation ArmyRed Cross, Salvation Army► RagchewRagchew

ID at the appropriate intervals as required by the FCCID at the appropriate intervals as required by the FCC Don’t monopolize, be courtesyDon’t monopolize, be courtesy Allow breaks in between transmissions for others wanting to Allow breaks in between transmissions for others wanting to

make contactsmake contacts

Ham CommunitiesHam Communities(where to go for help)(where to go for help)

► ARRLARRL http://www.arrl.orghttp://www.arrl.org

►Ham Radio Clubs/Repeater ClubsHam Radio Clubs/Repeater Clubs Good for meeting new folksGood for meeting new folks Regular meetings, breakfastsRegular meetings, breakfasts Public service activitiesPublic service activities Field DayField Day Commute netsCommute nets

► InternetInternet Yahoo GroupsYahoo Groups

Questions?Questions?

► ResourcesResources Marin Amateur Radio ClubMarin Amateur Radio Club

►http://www.w6sg.net/http://www.w6sg.net/ East Bay Amateur Radio ClubEast Bay Amateur Radio Club

►http://www.eastbayarc.org/http://www.eastbayarc.org/ Mt. Diablo Amateur Radio ClubMt. Diablo Amateur Radio Club

►http://www.mdarc.org/http://www.mdarc.org/ Silverado Amateur Radio SocietySilverado Amateur Radio Society

►http://www.napasars.org/http://www.napasars.org/► ARRLARRL

Search for local ham clubs – there are just too Search for local ham clubs – there are just too many to list heremany to list here