Amateur Radio/Foundation Course March 2015
Info
Interested in amateur radio? The LHS training course and exam is your first step needed to explore this fun and educational hobby.
LHS is running a Foundation Licence Course being run Saturday 7th and Sunday 8th March 2015. The exam will be on the Sunday evening (5pm)
The Radio Comms Foundation syllabus for the course should be read through - it provides useful guidance for the course and the exam content. Printing this out would be very useful during the course.
To get an idea of one ham's experience of the Foundation course, read this blog post.
You may also view this short video courtesy of Essex Ham:
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Requirements
To take this course and the exam, you will need the following:
- A copy of the latest edition of Foundation Licence - NOW!
- A current passport, photo ID driving licence, or other legal document showing name, photo, printed name and signature
- You do NOT need to have UK nationality for this licence.
- If you're under 16, you must let us know in advance as we'll require signed documentation from a parent/guardian and they are to be on the premises and responsible for you at all times.
- £40 course fee (payable in advance, you'll have information on how to pay the fee in your 'course acceptance' email.) This must be paid no later than 22nd February.
- Pens/Pencils, including a black pen for the exam
- Something to take notes on (paper, iPad, slate, etc.)
Practicals
In addition to understanding theory, there will be some hands-on assessment performed during the course. You do not have to worry about studying for this as it is covered, but it is good to know the activities:
- 8e.1 Demonstrate, using a VHF/UHF transmitter/receiver; correct tuning in to an amateur FM voice signal and a data signal such as packet. Read the signal strength meter (where fitted).
- 8e.2 Demonstrate correct operation of a VHF transmitter/receiver in simplex mode.
- Note: Controls used shall include frequency, squelch and, audio gain (volume).
- Recall the meaning of signal reports exchanged during a contact.
- Make a simplex radio contact and exchange signal reports.
- 8e.3 Demonstrate, using an HF transmitter/receiver, correct tuning in to an amateur SSB voice signal and a Morse signal. Read the signal strength meter.
- 8e.4 Demonstrate correct operation of an HF transmitter/receiver in an SSB contact. Make an HF SSB voice contact and exchange signal reports.
- Note: Controls used shall include frequency, the RIT (clarifier), audio gain (volume), RF gain, microphone gain and antenna tuner (ATU).
- 8e.5 Demonstrate a CQ call on VHF/UHF, making a contact and initiating a change of frequency (QSY) off the calling channel.
- 8f.1 Demonstrate connecting a transmitter/receiver to a power supply, antenna and feeder.
- 8f.2 Demonstrate, using a l/2 dipole antenna with adjustable elements, that the SWR varies as the length of the elements are varied. Set up the dipole for minimum SWR.
- Note: The elements are not to be adjusted whilst transmitting. Correct procedure for a radiating test shall be demonstrated.
- 10 Morse code appreciation exercise (short receiving and sending with reference guide, no memorisation required)
