| |
|
Amateur radio is a fun hobby people for all age's and it is easy to get the license and start chatting around the World, it is kind of like searching the internet but much more fun and you can get awards for doing it. (Note) The need to learn code has been eleminated.) Okay lets get started. The Family Radio Service (FRS) is an improved Handi-Talkies system authorized in the United States since 1996. This personal radio service uses channelized frequencies in the ultra high frequency (UHF) band, and so does not suffer the interference effects found on citizens band (CB) at 27 MHz, or the 49 MHz band also used by cordless phones, toys, and baby monitors. FRS uses frequency modulation (FM) instead of amplitude modulation (AM), and has a greater reliable range than license-free radios operating in the CB or 49 MHz bands.
Initially proposed by Radio Shack in mid 1990s for use by families, FRS has also seen significant adoption by business interests, as an unlicensed, low-cost alternative to the business band.
The frequncies for FRS are:
Channel Frequency (MHz) Notes
1 462.5625 Unofficially designated the National Call Channel. Shared with GMRS.
2 462.5875 Shared with GMRS.
3 462.6125 Shared with GMRS.
4 462.6375 Shared with GMRS.
5 462.6625 Shared with GMRS.
6 462.6875 Shared with GMRS.
7 462.7125 Shared with GMRS.
8 467.5625 FRS use ONLY (GMRS not allowed)
9 467.5875 FRS use ONLY (GMRS not allowed)
10 467.6125 FRS use ONLY (GMRS not allowed)
11 467.6375 FRS use ONLY (GMRS not allowed)
12 467.6625 FRS use ONLY (GMRS not allowed)
13 467.6875 FRS use ONLY (GMRS not allowed)
14 467.7125 FRS use ONLY (GMRS not allowed)
Some of the frequancies are shared with the GMRS services.
General Mobile Radio Service. GMRS
The General Mobile Radio Service (GMRS) is a land-mobile UHF radio service in the United States available for short-distance two-way communications to facilitate the activities of an adult individual who possesses a valid GMRS license, as well his or her immediate family members, including a spouse, children, parents, grandparents, aunts, uncles, nephews, nieces, and in-laws (47 CFR 95.179). Immediate relatives of the GMRS system licensee are entitled to communicate among themselves for personal or business purposes, but employees of the licensee, who are not family members, may not use this service.
GMRS radios are typically handheld portable devices much like Family Radio Service (FRS) radios, and share some frequencies with FRS. Mobile and base station-style radios are available as well, but these are normally commercial UHF radios often used in the public service and commercial land mobile bands. These are legal for use in this service as long as they are GMRS type-approved. They are more expensive than the handi-talkies typically found in discount electronics stores, but are higher quality.
Other countries have personal radio services with somewhat similar characteristics, but technical details and operating conditions vary according to national rules.
Licensing
Any individual in the United States who is at least 18 years of age and not a representative of a foreign government may apply for a GMRS license by completing the application form (either on paper or through the FCC's Universal Licensing System) and paying the license fee. No exam is required. Prior to July 31, 1987, the FCC issued GMRS licenses to non-individuals (corporations, partnerships, government entities, etc). These licensees are grandfathered in and may renew their existing licenses, but no new GMRS licenses are being issued to non-individuals, nor may existing non-individual licensees make major modifications to their licenses.
Although the introductory paragraph (as taken from the FCC website) would seem to exclude communications with others that are not part of one's immediate family, the license actually extends privileges of the primary licensee to include communications with the licensee's immediate family members, and authorizes immediate family members to use the licensee's station(s) to conduct the activities of the licensee.
Additionally, the FCC rules for GMRS state: "A GMRS license authorizes a GMRS station to transmit messages to other GMRS stations at any geographical location within or over the territorial limits of any area where radio services are regulated by the FCC". This means that GMRS licensees are also allowed to communicate with other licensees in the wider GMRS community. Further, the FCC has clarified that GMRS licensees are allowed to communicate with FRS users on those frequencies that are shared between the two services. The issue here is that the rules require each GMRS user family to have a license, rather than (as in the case of commercial and public safety land mobile license) authorizing a licensee's employees to use the same license.
|
|
|
|
Citizens band radio: CB-Radio
Citizens' Band radio (CB) is, in many countries, a system of short-distance, radio communications between individuals on a selection of 40 channels within the 27 MHz (11 meter) band. The CB radio service should not be confused with FRS, GMRS, or Amateur "Ham" radio. Similar personal radio services exist in other countries, with varying requirements for licensing and differing technical standards. In many countries, CB does not require a license and, unlike amateur radio, it may be used for commercial communication.
The Citizens' Band radio service originated in the United States as one of several personal radio services regulated by the FCC. These services began in 1945 to permit citizens a short-distance radio band for personal communication (e.g., radio controlled models, family communications, individual businesses). CB was located in the 460-470 MHz UHF band.1958, the class D CB service was opened at 27 MHz, and this is what is popularly known as CB. There were only 23 channels at the time; the first 22 were taken from what used to be an Amateur 11-meter band, while channel 23 was shared with radio-controlled devices.In the 1960s, the service was popular with small trade businesses (e.g., electricians, plumbers, carpenters), as well as truck drivers and radio hobbyists. With the advancement of solid state electronics, the weight, size, and cost of the radios decreased, giving the general public access to a communications medium that had previously been only avilable to specialists. Many CB clubs were formed, and a special CB slang language evolved, used alongside 10-codes similar to those used in the emergency services.
Following the 1973 oil crisis, the U.S. government imposed a mational speed limits of 55 imposed, and fuel shortages and rationing were widespread. CB radio was often used to locate service stations with a supply of gasoline, to notify other drivers of speed traps, and to organize blockades and convoys in a 1974 strike protesting the new speed limit and other trucking regulations.
The prominent use of CB radios in 1970s-era films (see list below) such as Smokey and The Bandit (1977) and television shows like The Dukes of Hasserd (debuted 1979) bolstered the appeal of CB radio. Moreover, popular novelty songs such as C.W. Mac Calls Convoy (1976) helped establish CB radio as a nationwide craze in the mid- to late-1970s.
North American/CEPT channels frequencies
Channel 01 : 26.965 MHz Channel 11 : 27.085 MHz Channel 21 : 27.215 MHz Channel 31 : 27.315 MHz
Channel 02 : 26.975 MHz Channel 12 : 27.105 MHz Channel 22 : 27.225 MHz Channel 32 : 27.325 MHz
Channel 03 : 26.985 MHz Channel 13 : 27.115 MHz Channel 23 : 27.255 MHz Channel 33 : 27.335 MHz
Channel 04 : 27.005 MHz Channel 14 : 27.125 MHz Channel 24 : 27.235 MHz Channel 34 : 27.345 MHz
Channel 05 : 27.015 MHz Channel 15 : 27.135 MHz Channel 25 : 27.245 MHz Channel 35 : 27.355 MHz
Channel 06 : 27.025 MHz Channel 16 : 27.155 MHz Channel 26 : 27.265 MHz Channel 36 : 27.365 MHz
Channel 07 : 27.035 MHz Channel 17 : 27.165 MHz Channel 27 : 27.275 MHz Channel 37 : 27.375 MHz
Channel 08 : 27.055 MHz Channel 18 : 27.175 MHz Channel 28 : 27.285 MHz Channel 38 : 27.385 MHz
Channel 09 : 27.065 MHz Channel 19 : 27.185 MHz Channel 29 : 27.295 MHz Channel 39 : 27.395 MHz
Channel 10 : 27.075 MHz Channel 20 : 27.205 MHz Channel 30 : 27.305 MHz Channel 40 : 27.405 MHz
Freebanding and Export Radios
Operation on "bootleg" frequencies above or below the established citizens band is referred to as "freebanding" or "outbanding". While many perceive these frequencies just below the CB band, or between the CB band and the amateur radio 10 meter band to be quiet and under-utilized, these frequencies are generally allocated to other radio services, and unauthorized operation on them is illegal.
This is done with modified CB equipment, amateur radios modified to transmit on 11 meters, foreign CB radios that may offer different channels, or with radios which are purportedly sold for export.
Unlike amateur radios which are frequency-agile, export CB's are channelized. Frequency selection on these "export radios" resembles that of modified American CB's more than any foreign frequency plan. They typically have a knob and display that reads up to channel 40, but include an extra "band" selector that shifts all 40 channels above or below the band, plus a "+10 kHz" button to reach the model control 'A' channels. These radios may have 6 or even 12 bands, establishing a set of quasi-CB channels on all sorts of unauthorized frequencies. The bands are typically lettered 'A' through 'F', with the normal CB band as 'D'.
For example, a freebander with an export radio who wants to use 27.635 MHz would choose Channel 19 ( 27.185 ) and then shift the radio up one band ( + 0.450 ). The operator may have to do quite a bit of arithmetic to know which frequency he is actually operating on, though more expensive radios include a frequency counter.
Even well-meaning (but illegal) operations can end up on frequencies which are very much in use. For instance, Channel 19, 2 bands up, becomes 28.085 MHz, which is in a Morse code-only part of the 10-meter ham band. Licensed amateurs typically regard this activity as an intrusion, and have been known to record, locate, and report such transmissions.
Freeband operators also use amateur radios that have been modified to transmit out of band. While older amateur radios may require component changes; for instance, the 1970's-vintage Yeasu FT-101 was modified for CB by replacing a set of crystals used to tune portions of the 10-meter band, while on some newer radios the modification may be as simple as cutting a jumper or diode. Today many types of amateur radios can be found on CB and freeband, ranging from full-coverage HF transcievers to simpler 10 meter mobile radios. However, in the United States the FCC bans the importation and marketing of certain radios deemed too easily modifiable for the CB frequencies, and it is illegal to transmit on CB frequencies with a ham radio under normal, non-life threatening instances.
|
|
|
|
Amateur radio
Amateur radio, often called ham radio, is both a hobby and a service that uses various types of radio communication equipment to communicate with other radio amateurs for public service, recreation and self-training. A participant is called an amateur radio operater, or a ham.
Amateur radio operators enjoy personal wireless communications with each other and are able to support their communities with emergency and disaster communications if necessary, while increasing their personal knowledge of electronics and radio theory. An estimated six million people throughout the world are regularly involved with amateur radio.
The term "amateur" is not a reflection on the skills of the participants, which are often quite advanced; rather, "amateur" indicates that amateur radio communications are not allowed to be made for commercial or money-making purposes.
Activities and practices
Radio amateurs use various modes of transmission to communicate. Voice transmissions are most common, with some such as frequency modulation (FM) offering high quality audio, and others such as single sideband (SSB) offering more reliable communications when signals are marginal and bandwidth is restricted.
Radiotelegraphy using Morse code remains popular, particularly on the shortwave bands and for experimental work such as Moonbounce, with its inherent signal-to-noise ratio advantages. Morse, using internationally agreed code groups, also allows communications between amateurs who speak different languages. It is also popular with homebrewers as CW-only transmitters are simpler to construct. For many years, demonstrating a proficiency in Morse code was a requirement to obtain amateur licenses for the high frequency bands (frequencies below 30 MHz), but following changes in international regulations in 2003, countries are no longer required to demand proficiency. As an example, the United States Federal Communications Commission phased out this requirement for all license classes on February 23, 2007.
Modern personal computers have led to a boom in digital modes such as radioteletype, which previously required cumbersome mechanical equipment. Hams led the development of packet radio, which has even used protocols such as TCP/IP since the 1970s. This has since been augmented by more specialized modes such as PSK31 to allow real-time, low-power communications on the shortwave bands. Echolink using Voice over IP technology has enabled amateurs to communicate through local internet-connected repeaters and radio nodes, while IRLP has allowed easy linking together of repeaters. Other modes, such as FSK441 using software such as WSJT, are used for weak signal modes including meteor scatter and moonbounce communications.
Similarly, fast scan amateur television, once considered esoteric, has exploded in popularity thanks to cheap camcorders and video cards in home computers. Because of the wide bandwidth and stable signals required, amateur television is typically found in the 70 cm (420—450 MHz) frequency range, though there is also limited use on 33 cm (902—928 MHz), 23 cm (1240—1300 MHz) and higher. These requirements also effectively limit the signal range to between 20 and 60 miles (30—100 km), however, the use of linked repeater systems can allow transmissions across hundreds of miles.
These repeaters, or automated relay stations, are used on VHF and higher frequencies to increase signal range. Repeaters are usually located on top of a mountain, hill or tall building, and allow operators to communicate over hundreds of square miles using a low power hand-held transceiver. Repeaters can also be linked together by use of other amateur radio bands, landline or the Internet.
Communication satellites called OSCARs (Orbiting Satellite Carrying Amateur Radio) can be accessed, some using a handheld transceiver (HT) with a stock "rubber duck" antenna. Hams also use the moon and the ionized trails of meteors as reflectors of radio waves. Hams are also often able to make contact with the International Space Station (ISS), as many astronauts and cosmonauts are licensed as Amateur Radio Operators.
Amateur radio operators use their amateur radio station to make contacts with individual hams as well as participating in round table discussion groups or "rag chew sessions" on the air. Some join in regularly scheduled on-air meetings with other amateur radio operators, called "Nets" (as in "networks") which are moderated by a station referred to as "Net Control" Nets can allow operators to learn procedures for emergencies, be an informal round table or be topical, covering specific interests shared by a group.
Licensing
In all countries, amateur radio operators are required to pass a licensing exam displaying knowledge and understanding of key concepts. In response, hams are granted operating privileges in larger segments of the radio frequency spectrum using a wide variety of communication techniques with higher power levels permitted. This practice is in contrast to unlicensed personal radio services such as CB radio, Multi-Use Radio Service, or Family Radio Service.
In many countries, amateur licensing is a routine civil administrative matter. Amateurs are required to pass an examination to demonstrate technical knowledge, operating competence and awareness of legal and regulatory requirements in order to avoid interference with other amateurs and other radio services. There are often a series of exams available, each progressively more challenging and granting more privileges in terms of frequency availability, power output, permitted experimentation, and in some countries, distinctive callsigns. Some countries such as Great Britain and Australia have begun requiring a practical training course in addition to the written exams in order to obtain a beginner's license, called a Foundation License.
Amateur radio licensing in the United States serves as an example of the way some countries award different levels of amateur radio licenses based on technical knowledge. Three sequential levels of licensing exams (Technician Class, General Class and Amateur Extra Class) are currently offered, which allow operators who pass them access to larger portions of the Amateur Radio spectrum and more desirable callsigns.
Newcomers
Many people start their involvement in amateur radio by finding a local club. Clubs often provide information about licensing, local operating practices and technical advice. Newcomers also often study independently by purchasing books or other materials, sometimes with the help of a mentor, teacher or friend. Established amateurs who help newcomers are often referred to as "Elmers" within the ham community.
Callsigns
Upon licensing, a radio amateur's national government issues a unique callsign to the radio amateur. The holder of a callsign uses it on the air to legally identify the operator or station during any and all radio communication. In certain jurisdictions, an operator may also select a "vanity" callsign. Some jurisdictions, such as the U.S., require that a fee be paid to obtain such a vanity callsign; in others, such as the UK, a fee is not required and the vanity callsign may be selected when the license is applied for.
While many hams simply enjoy talking to friends, others pursue a wide variety of specialized interests.
Emergency communications
Hand building homebrew amateur radio gear
Designing new antennas
Communicating via amateur satellites
Severe weather spotting
DX communication to far away countries
DX-peditions
Using the Internet Radio Linking Project (IRLP) to connect radio repeaters via the Internet
Tracking vehicles using the Automatic Position Reporting System (APRS), which integrates with the GPS
Engaging in the sport of contesting, earning awards, and collecting QSL cards
Amateur Radio Direction Finding, also known as "Fox hunting"
High Speed Telegraphy
Low-power operation (QRP)
Vintage amateur radios, such as those using vacuum tube technology
Hamfests, club meetings and swap meets
Portable, fixed, mobile and handheld operation
VHF, UHF and microwave operation on amateur radio high bands.
|
|
|
