Sporadic E
Ten Metre beacons by G3YBT The time is
03:59:04
Today's date is
Saturday 17
May,2008.
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Old timer or hoping to gain a new call,
test your knowledge with these mock exam papers.
UK Amateur Radio mock exam papers
CoolWebPollToday's date and
time is
17/05/2008 03:59:04.
If you are thinking of coming to the club for training, below is some useful information. It is however best that you speak directly to Ian G0GRI who will be able to provide you with more guidance and dates for courses.
You will need to buy a training book "Foundation Now" (you might also like to buy the intermediate training book "Intermediate License") available from RSGB www.rsgb.org/shop or telephone orders to 0870 904 7373. You will also need to look at the Terms & Conditions License booklet issued by Ofcom (Formerly Radiocommunications Agency)
The sample license document page is:- http://www.ofcom.org.uk/radiocomms/ifi/licensing/classes/amateur/Licences/
The main page where you'll find other license info http://www.ofcom.org.uk/radiocomms/ifi/licensing/classes/amateur/
Please also have a look around the RSGB website
There is no requirement to sit a course for the M3 (Foundation License) but you will be required to undertake some practical tests, which can be done locally by a full licensee (this can be done at the club)
The Intermediate & Full license courses at the moment are run in Bath. These typically commence in October each year and run until January when the exam is held, with full license exam around July time.
The Foundation Exam is a 25 question multiple choice paper based on the training book – the club can help with lots of practice papers. On line sample here
Please do some research into the hobby which has many facets, not only telephony and morse, but data/digital modes as well as voice of internet. We have access to dedicated amateur frequencies and each license grade gives access to some or all of these and with certain other restrictions, e.g. power levels. It is strongly recommended that in order to familiarize yourself with activity on the amateur bands locally and worldwide you actually get some listening in on HF and/or VHF/UHF frequencies. This may entail purchasing some equipment. Something with general coverage receive is ideal. Of course transmitting equipment you can own without a license BUT obviously you should NOT transmit until you hold the appropriate license.
The club has access to several local friends selling equipment and will be happy to pass on details as and when items are notified. Please also check the website For Sale board on the Forum.
You will also find dedicated stores selling Amateur Radio equipment in the pages of "Radio User" or "Practical Wireless" available for order via your good local news agent - these are monthly magazines.
Also consider home construction of equipment, it can be very rewarding. Many simple kits are available.
Retailers of Amateur Radio equipment;
Other stores with on-line or mail order;
to list a few.
You will also find equipment on Ebay, with the usual proviso "!!!buyer beware!!!!" It’s always best to buy equipment from a known and trusted source.
Equipment for the hobby is very much dependant, like other hobbies, on how much you want to spend.
Computers also play a big role in the hobby particularly with the advent of soundcard driven software for data communications.
Nowadays many modern compact pieces of equipment will give you most bands in one rig as well as general coverage. Simple FM VHF/UHF only hand-helds can be bought new quite cheaply as low as £40-50 - these are ok for very local communications, however the range can be extended using any of our local dedicated amateur repeaters (some linked to the internet).
Ian Carter
G0GRI