Technician License CourseChapter 6

Communicating with other hams

Lesson Plan Module 13:

Contact Basics; Band Plans; Making Contacts; Using Repeaters

The Typical Telephone Conversation

• Greeting.

• Identify who is participating.

• Exchange information, generally taking turns.

• Salutations.

• End the conversation.

The Typical Ham Contact (QSO)

• Greeting.

• Identify who is participating.

• Exchange information, generally taking turns.

• Salutations.

• End the conversation.

Radio Manners

• Speak clearly and distinctly• Not too loud or fast

• Giant party line – choose topics accordingly• Avoid controversial subjects

• Shared use of frequencies• No one “owns” a frequency.• Defer to established nets

Radio Manners

• Use of phonetics.• International Phonetic Alphabet

• Station identification (FCC 10 minute rule)• Every 10 minutes, and at the end of every

conversation

• Schedules with other stations

Radio Manners

• Signal Reports• Power level• Location

• RST– Readability (1-5)

– Strength (1-9)

– Tone (CW only 1-9)

– “Your signal is 58”

Radio Manners

• Ham radio is self-regulated.– ARRL Official Observers.

• Logging contacts – on paper or computer.• No longer required, but recommended.• Keep as part of your station records.

• QSLs– Awards Programs

QSL Cards

Q – Signals originated as shortcuts for Morse Code (CW) sending.

Q-Signal

• QRM

• QRN

• QTH

• QSB

• QRU

• QSY

• QSL

• QST

Translation

• Adjacent signal noise from other stations

• Natural or electrical noise (static)

• My location is

• Your signal is fading

• I have no further traffic for you

• Change frequency to

• I acknowledge your transmission

• Attention all amateurs

Locators• Could be your address.

• Could be a milepost or where you are on a road.

• Could be latitude and longitude.

• You could use the Maidenhead Locator System, which divides the earth into grid squares identified by a four digit number-letter code.

Simplex - Split

• Simplex – Using one frequency and taking turns. Most HF is simplex operation. Uses the least spectrum.

• Split – Mostly used for contacting DX stations. The DX station will listen on one frequency and transmit on another nearby frequency. Other stations listen on the second frequency and transmit on the first frequency

• Simplex– Transmitting and receiving on the same

frequency.– Each user takes turns to transmit.– Is the preferred method if it works.– Uses the least spectrum.

Duplex

• Half-Duplex - Repeaters use duplex, receiving a signal on one (input) frequency and transmitting on another (output) frequency. Users listen on the repeaters output frequency, and transmit on the input frequency; taking turns talking.

• Full-Duplex – Like a mobile phone. Users can listen and talk at the same time.

• Duplex– Transmitting on one frequency while

simultaneously listening on a different frequency.

– Repeaters use duplex.– Output frequency – the frequency the repeater

transmits on and you listen to.– Input frequency – the frequency the repeater

listens to and you transmit on.

Band Plans

• A band plan is a way of organizing the use of radio frequencies.– Formal and legal plan. Sections of the band

reserved under FCC rules for particular uses.– Informal – gentleman's agreement. A way of

dividing up the formal plan so that different uses can coexist. Not a legal requirement, but amateur good practice.

What is the term used to describe an amateur station that is transmitting and

receiving on the same frequency? (T2B01)

• A. Full duplex communication

• B. Diplex communication

• C. Simplex communication

• D. Half duplex communication

What is the term used to describe an amateur station that is transmitting and

receiving on the same frequency? (T2B01)

• A. Full duplex communication

• B. Diplex communication

• C. Simplex communication

• D. Half duplex communication

What is the “Q” signal used to indicate that you are receiving interference from other

stations? (T2B10)

• A. QRM

• B. QRN

• C. QTH

• D. QSB

What is the “Q” signal used to indicate that you are receiving interference from other

stations? (T2B10)

• A. QRM

• B. QRN

• C. QTH

• D. QSB

What is the “Q” signal used to indicate that you are changing frequency? (T2B11)

• A. QRU

• B. QSY

• C. QSL

• D. QRZ

What is the “Q” signal used to indicate that you are changing frequency? (T2B11)

• A. QRU

• B. QSY

• C. QSL

• D. QRZ

What is a grid locator? (T8C05)

• A. A letter-number designator assigned to a geographic location

• B. A letter-number designator assigned to an azimuth and elevation

• C. An instrument for neutralizing a final amplifier

• D. An instrument for radio direction finding

What is a grid locator? (T8C05)

• A. A letter-number designator assigned to a geographic location

• B. A letter-number designator assigned to an azimuth and elevation

• C. An instrument for neutralizing a final amplifier

• D. An instrument for radio direction finding

Making ContactsProcedural signals on HF and CW

HF Voice

• CQ – Calling any Station

• Roger – I Acknowledge

• Over – It’s your turn

• Clear – Finished transmitting

• 73 – Best regards

CW

• CQ – Calling any Station

• R - Roger

• K – Over (It’s your turn)

• SK - Finished transmitting

• 73 – Best regards

Making Contacts

• On repeaters: Simply say your call to establish contact

• On HF, call CQ – I am calling any station

• Practice using your radio

• Being off frequency, low batteries or a bad location can cause problems with your signal.

Making Contacts

• Taking turns and breaking-in.

• Nets – groups of operators gathered on a specific frequency for a common interest or purpose.

• Using simplex – 2M -146.52 MHz and 70 cm - 446.0 MHz

What is the national calling frequency for FM simplex operations in the 70 cm band?

(T2A02)

• A. 146.520 MHz

• B. 145.000 MHz

• C. 432.100 MHz

• D. 446.000 MHz

What is the national calling frequency for FM simplex operations in the 70 cm band?

(T2A02)

• A. 146.520 MHz

• B. 145.000 MHz

• C. 432.100 MHz

• D. 446.000 MHz

What is an appropriate way to call another station on a repeater if you know the other

station’s call sign? (T2A04)

• A. Say “break, break” then say the station’s call sign

• B. Say the station’s call sign then identify with your call sign

• C. Say “CQ” three times then the other station’s call sign

• D. Wait for the station to call “CQ” then answer it

What is an appropriate way to call another station on a repeater if you know the other

station’s call sign? (T2A04)

• A. Say “break, break” then say the station’s call sign

• B. Say the station’s call sign then identify with your call sign

• C. Say “CQ” three times then the other station’s call sign

• D. Wait for the station to call “CQ” then answer it

What should you transmit when responding to a call of CQ? (T2A05)

• A. CQ followed by the other station’s call sign• B. Your call sign followed by the other station’s

call sign• C. The other station’s call sign followed by your

call sign• D. A signal report followed by your call sign

What should you transmit when responding to a call of CQ? (T2A05)

• A. CQ followed by the other station’s call sign• B. Your call sign followed by the other station’s

call sign• C. The other station’s call sign followed by

your call sign• D. A signal report followed by your call sign

What is the meaning of the procedural signal “CQ?” (T2A08)

• A. Call on the quarter hour

• B. A new antenna is being tested (no station should answer)

• C. Only the called station should transmit

• D. Calling any station

What is the meaning of the procedural signal “CQ?” (T2A08)

• A. Call on the quarter hour

• B. A new antenna is being tested (no station should answer)

• C. Only the called station should transmit

• D. Calling any station

What brief statement is often used in place of “CQ” to indicate that you are listening on

a repeater? (T2A09)

• A. Say “Hello test” followed by your call sign• B. Say your call sign• C. Say the repeater call sign followed by your

call sign• D. Say the letters “QSY” followed by your call

sign

What brief statement is often used in place of “CQ” to indicate that you are listening on

a repeater? (T2A09)

• A. Say “Hello test” followed by your call sign• B. Say your call sign• C. Say the repeater call sign followed by your

call sign• D. Say the letters “QSY” followed by your call

sign

What might be the problem if you receive a report that your audio signal through the

repeater is distorted or unintelligible? (T7B10)

• A. Your transmitter might be slightly off frequency

• B. Your batteries might be running low

• C. You could be in a bad location

• D. All of these choices are correct

What might be the problem if you receive a report that your audio signal through the

repeater is distorted or unintelligible? (T7B10)

• A. Your transmitter might be slightly off frequency

• B. Your batteries might be running low

• C. You could be in a bad location

• D. All of these choices are correct

What is a Repeater?

• Specialized transmitter/receiver interconnected by computer controller.

• Generally located at a high place.• Receives your signal and simultaneously

retransmits your signal on a different frequency.

• Dramatically extends line-of-sight range.– If both users can see the repeater site.

A Little Vocabulary First

• Simplex– Transmitting and receiving on the same

frequency.– Each user takes turns to transmit.– Is the preferred method if it works.– Uses the least spectrum.

A Little Vocabulary First• Duplex

– Transmitting on one frequency while simultaneously listening on a different frequency.

– Repeaters use duplex.– Output frequency – the frequency the repeater

transmits on and you listen to.– Input frequency – the frequency the repeater

listens to and you transmit on.

Things to Know to Use a Repeater

• Output frequency.

• Frequency split. (Offset)– and therefore the input frequency.

• Repeater access tones (if any).• Tone types:

• Burst

• CTCSS

• DCS

Repeater Output Frequency• Repeaters are frequently identified by their output

frequency.– “Meet you on the 443.50 machine.”

• Here the specific frequency is used.

– “Let’s go to 94.”• Here an abbreviation for a standard repeater channel is used

meaning 146.94 MHz.

– “How about the NARL repeater?”• Here the repeater is referenced by the sponsoring club name.

Repeater Frequency Split• The split, shifts, or

offset frequencies are standardized to help facilitate repeater use.

• There are + and – shifts depending on the plan.

• Different bands have different standardized amounts of shift.

Repeater Access Tones• Sometimes multiple repeaters can be accessed at the

same time unintentionally.• To preclude unintentional access, some repeaters

require a special subaudible tone to be present before the repeater controller will recognize the signal as a valid signal and turn on the repeater.

• These tones are called by various names (depending on equipment manufacturer).– CTCSS (continuous tone coded squelch system)– PL (a Motorola trade name for CTCSS)– Privacy codes or tones– DCS (digital coded squelch)

Repeater Access Tones

• Access tones are usually published along with repeater frequencies.

• Repeater Directory.

• Could also be announced when the repeater identifies.– “PL is 123.0”

• Tones are generally programmed into the radio along with frequency and offset.

Repeaters

• Most repeaters have a single receiver and transmitter, operating at a single site.

• Some repeaters have additional receivers linked to the transmitter, for increased coverage. These are called auxiliary stations.

Repeater Linking

• Some repeaters can be linked to other repeaters.

• Some are linked by radio (auxiliary) links.

• Some can be linked to other repeaters via the internet using Internet Radio Linking Protocol (IRLP). Node numbers may be included in repeater directories. Enter a node number using the keypad on the microphone.

Repeater Controller

• Device that controls the repeater operation.– Station identification (Morse code or synthesized

voice).• Same ID requirements as you have.

– Time-out protection.• Sometimes called the alligator.

• Protects against continuous transmission in the event of a stuck PTT or long winded hams.

– Courtesy tone – repeater time-out timer reset.

Which of the following stations transmits signals over the air from a remote receive

site to a repeater for retransmission? (T1A11)

• A. Beacon station

• B. Relay station

• C. Auxiliary station

• D. Message forwarding station

Which of the following stations transmits signals over the air from a remote receive

site to a repeater for retransmission? (T1A11)

• A. Beacon station

• B. Relay station

• C. Auxiliary station

• D. Message forwarding station

What is the most common repeater frequency offset in the 2 meter band?

(T2A01)

• A. Plus 500 kHz

• B. Plus or minus 600 kHz

• C. Minus 500 kHz

• D. Only plus 600 kHz

What is the most common repeater frequency offset in the 2 meter band?

(T2A01)

• A. Plus 500 kHz

• B. Plus or minus 600 kHz

• C. Minus 500 kHz

• D. Only plus 600 kHz

What is a common repeater frequency offset in the 70 cm band? (T2A03)

• A. Plus or minus 5 MHz

• B. Plus or minus 600 kHz

• C. Minus 600 kHz

• D. Plus 600 kHz

What is a common repeater frequency offset in the 70 cm band? (T2A03)

• A. Plus or minus 5 MHz

• B. Plus or minus 600 kHz

• C. Minus 600 kHz

• D. Plus 600 kHz

What term is used to describe the use of a sub-audible tone transmitted with normal voice audio to

open the squelch of a receiver? (T2B02)

• A. Carrier squelch• B. Tone burst• C. DTMF• D. CTCSS

What term is used to describe the use of a sub-audible tone transmitted with normal voice audio to

open the squelch of a receiver? (T2B02)

• A. Carrier squelch• B. Tone burst• C. DTMF• D. CTCSS

Which of the following common problems might cause you to be able to hear but not access a

repeater even when transmitting with the proper offset? (T2B04)

• A. The repeater receiver requires audio tone burst for access

• B. The repeater receiver requires a CTCSS tone for access

• C. The repeater receiver may require a DCS tone sequence for access

• D. All of these choices are correct

Which of the following common problems might cause you to be able to hear but not access a

repeater even when transmitting with the proper offset? (T2B04)

• A. The repeater receiver requires audio tone burst for access

• B. The repeater receiver requires a CTCSS tone for access

• C. The repeater receiver may require a DCS tone sequence for access

• D. All of these choices are correct

Which of the following describes the common meaning of the term “repeater

offset?” (T4B11)

• A. The distance between the repeater’s transmit and receive antennas

• B. The time delay before the repeater timer resets

• C. The difference between the repeater’s transmit and receive frequencies

• D. The maximum frequency deviation permitted on the repeater’s input signal

Which of the following describes the common meaning of the term “repeater

offset?” (T4B11)

• A. The distance between the repeater’s transmit and receive antennas

• B. The time delay before the repeater timer resets

• C. The difference between the repeater’s transmit and receive frequencies

• D. The maximum frequency deviation permitted on the repeater’s input signal

How might you obtain a list of active nodes that use VoIP? (T8C09)

• A. From the FCC rulebook

• B. From you local emergency coordinator

• C. From a repeater directory

• D. From the local repeater frequency coordinator

How might you obtain a list of active nodes that use VoIP? (T8C09)

• A. From the FCC rulebook

• B. From you local emergency coordinator

• C. From a repeater directory

• D. From the local repeater frequency coordinator

How do you select a specific IRLP node when using a portable transceiver? (T8C10)

• A. Choose a specific CTCSS tone

• B. Choose the correct DSC tone

• C. Access the repeater autopatch

• D. Use the keypad to transmit the IRLP node ID

How do you select a specific IRLP node when using a portable transceiver? (T8C10)

• A. Choose a specific CTCSS tone

• B. Choose the correct DSC tone

• C. Access the repeater autopatch

• D. Use the keypad to transmit the IRLP node ID