The part of a transmitting or receiving system which is designed to radiate or to receive electromagnetic waves”. An antenna can also be viewed as a transitional structure (transducer) between free-space and a transmission line (such as a coaxial line). An important property of an antenna is the ability to focus and shape the radiated…
An overview of the different areas of the radio spectrum the types of radio transmissions or broadcasts that they contain Radio waves are one form of electromagnetic radiation. They have the lowest frequency, and hence the longest wavelengths. Above the radio spectrum, other forms of radiation can be found. These include infra red radiation, light,…
An approach to upgrading The Foundation Licence, as an entry-point to amateur radio, is providing experience with hobby communications and the opportunity for further hands-on learning. A key message to those wanting to upgrade is to know what is involved so they can make an informed decision, prepare and commit to a period of study.…
Study of the Radio communications Licence Conditions (Amateur Licence) Determination (LCD) or Regulations is essential for the Foundation, Standard and Advanced licence grades. The LCD comes in two parts: Those applicable to each licence grade, and to all licensees. At the Foundation Assessment the LCD, Theory and Practical knowledge are handled together. While a separate…
VSWR , Voltage Standing Wave Ratio / SWR meters are very useful, and although easy to use, there are a few useful hints and tips that can be applied. Standing wave ratio meters come in a variety of forms, but essentially they are all used to measure the SWR, standing wave ratio on a transmitter…
Polarisation of electromagnetic waves – And their importance in radio wave propagation The polarisation of electromagnetic waves often has a significant effect on the way in which radio wave propagate. While it is important to match the polarisation of the transmitting and receiving antennas, the choice of polarisation is also important for the signal propagation.…
Introduction and notes on RF feeders, describing the different types including coax and open-wire feeder and waveguide. Feeders or transmission lines are used to transfer RF signals from one point to another. They are used in many areas, one common example of an RF feeder is the coax or coaxial cable used to connect a…
Foundation Licence The entry level Foundation Licence continues to be the most popular way of getting into amateur radio. It is attracting those who have had some previous hobby radio communications interest (CB, 4WD, Scanner Listener) and others who are attracted to ham radio for the first time. It is an interesting and stimulating hobby…
A Citizen Band or “CB” radio as it is widely known is a radio transceiver for two way communication, transmitting and receiving, over a CB radio antenna. The job of the antenna on a CB radio system is two-fold. First it captures inbound radio-frequency signals which are then converted into electrical signals by the CB’s…
The Advanced licence requires being found competent by way of a 50 question multiple choice written theory assessment and a multiple choice written regulations assessment. If you have not already done a practical assessment under either a Foundation or Standard licence or have the Standard Licence Regulations Exam, you will need to do them too.…
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