Download Module 11

Technician License Course
Chapter 5
Operating Station Equipment
Lesson Plan Module 11:
Transmitters, Receivers and
Transceivers
Generalized Transceiver Categories
•
•
•
•
•
Single Band
Dual Band
Multimode
Multiband
Handheld (HT)
VHF or UHF FM
VHF/UHF FM
VHF/UHF CW, SSB, FM
HF and VHF/UHF
Single Band Transceiver
• Probably the most common starter rig.
• Operates from 12 volts dc, requires external power
supply.
• Requires an external antenna.
• Can be operated mobile or as a base station.
• Limited to frequency modulation (FM) and
usually either 2 meters or 70 cm bands.
• Up to approximately 50 watts output.
Dual Band Transceiver
• Same as the single band transceiver but
includes additional band(s).
• Most common are 2 meter and 70 cm bands.
• Could add 6 meters, 222 MHz or 1.2 GHz.
• Depending on antenna connectors, might
require separate coax for each band or a
duplexer for single coax.
Multimode Transceiver
• Can be single or multiband.
• Main difference is that these rigs can
operate on all major modes SSB/AM/FM,
CW, Data, RTTY etc.
• More features add complexity and cost.
• Most flexible of the rigs that will allow you
to explore new modes as you gain
experience.
Multiband Transceiver
• Covers many bands – can be limited to HF
or can be HF/VHF/UHF.
• Also covers all modes.
• Frequently 100 watts on HF, some power
limitations on high bands (50 watts).
• Larger units have internal power supplies,
smaller units need external power (13.8 V).
Handheld (HT) Transceiver
•
•
•
•
Small handheld FM units.
Can be single band or dual band.
Limited power (usually 5 watts or less).
Includes power (battery) and antenna in one
package.
• An attractive first starter rig – but make sure
it is what you want.
Side-by-Side
Single Band
Dual Band
Multimode
Multiband
Handheld
Freq Agility
Limited
Medium
Medium
Full
Limited
Functionality
Limited
Limited
Full
Full
Limited
Ease of Use
Easy
Medium
Medium
Difficult
Easy
Programming
Easy
Easy
Medium
Challenging
Easy/Medium
Power
Low
Low
Medium
High
Low
Cost
Low
Modest
High
High
Low
Rig Vocabulary
• We will now go through some jargon and
vocabulary specific to the functions and
controls of a transmitter and receiver.
– This is a way to discuss how to operate a
transceiver.
• These controls, though separate, are
combined in a transceiver.
Transmitter Controls and Functions
• Main tuning dial (both TX and RX):
– Controls the frequency selection via the
variable frequency oscillator (VFO).
– Could be an actual dial or key pad or
programmed channels.
– Variable frequency step size (tuning rate,
resolution).
– Could have more than one VFO (control more
that one frequency at a time).
Transmitter Controls and Functions
• Mode selector (both TX and RX for
multimode rigs).
– AM/FM/SSB (LSB or USB)
– CW
– Data (RTTY)
• Could be automatic based on recognized
band plan.
Transmitter Controls and Functions
• Microphone controls
– Gain
• How loudly you need to talk to be heard.
– Speech Compressor or Speech Processor
• Compacting your speech into a narrow frequency range to
enhance “punch.”
– Too much gain or compression can cause problems.
• Splatter (Signal too wide)
• Over-deviation (FM)
• Over-modulation (AM, SSB)
Transmitter Controls and Functions
• Automatic Level Control (ALC).
– Automatically limits transmitter drive (output
level) to prevent problems associated with too
much gain or compression.
• Also can control external power amplifier
operation.
Transmitter Controls and Functions
• Transmitter on/off
– Push-to-Talk (PTT)
– Voice-Operated Transmission (VOX)
• VOX Gain
• VOX Delay
• Anti-VOX
– Key jack
Transmitter Controls and Functions
• Microphones (Mic)
– Hand mics
– Desk mics
• Preamplified desk mikes
– Speaker-mics
– Headsets or boom-sets
– Internal mikes
• Speak across the mic, not into the mic.
Transmitter Controls and Functions
• Microphones (Mic)
• Almost every manufacturer has a
different wiring arrangement for their
mic connections.
• There will be connections for PTT and
usually control voltages.
Transmitter Controls and Functions
• Morse Keys
–
–
–
–
Straight key
Electronic keyer and paddle
Semi-automatic (Bug)
A computer keyboard and software can also be
used.
Transceiver Special Features
• Memories
– Many transceivers have memory banks that allow the
storage of frequency, offset / shift, CTCSS tone, power,
and other settings; for easy recall.
• Function Key
– Many radios have so many features, that to access them
from the available buttons on the radio, a “function” or “F”
key is used to switch between menu options.
Receiver Controls and Functions
• AF Gain or Volume
– Controls the audio level to the speaker or
headphones.
• RF Gain
– Controls the strength of radio signal entering
the receiver.
– Used to limit (attenuate) very strong local
signals.
– Usually operated in the full-open position.
Receiver Controls and Functions
• Automatic Gain Control (AGC)
– Automatically limits the incoming signals during signal
(voice) peaks.
• Prevents peaks from capturing the receiver and limiting
reception of lower level portions of the incoming signal.
– Fast setting for CW.
– Slow settings for SSB and AM.
– Not used in FM because of the type of signal used in
FM.
Receiver Controls and Functions
• Squelch (Carrier Squelch)
– Turns off audio to speaker when signal is not present.
• Used in FM primarily
– Open – allows very weak signals to pass through (along
with noise).
– Tight – allows only the strongest signals to pass
through.
• Advance the squelch control until the noise just
disappears.
Receiver Controls and Functions
• Filters
– Bandwidth filter
• Used to narrow the width of the audio signal that is
passed.
• Can attenuate adjacent interference.
• 2400 Hz for SSB
• 500 Hz or 300 Hz for CW
Receiver Controls and Functions
• Filters
– Notch filter
• Very narrow filter that can be moved over an
interfering signal to attenuate it.
– Noise blanker or limiter
• Limits signal spikes that are frequently associated
with random naturally generated noise.
Receiver Controls and Functions
• Reception and Transmission Meter.
– In transmit, indicates output power or ALC or
other functions as selected by switch setting.
• In receive - indicates signal strength.
– In “S” units S1 through S9 – S9 is strongest.
– Also have dB over S9 to cover very strong
signals.
Receiver Controls and Functions
• Receivers can be limited to ham bands or
can cover other parts of the spectrum.
• General coverage receivers cover a wide
area of the spectrum and can be used for
shortwave listening (SWL).
Receiver Controls and Functions
• RIT – Receiver Incremental Tuning
– Used to readjust the receive frequency without
altering the transmit frequency ( HF – SSB)
• “Shift” – Controls the offset between transmit
and receive frequencies in VHF/UHF FM
transceivers
Handheld Transceivers
• Single, dual and multiband versions (with
increasing cost and complexity).
– Some have expanded receiver coverage (wideband receive).
• Very portable and self-contained.
– Internal microphone and speaker.
– Rubber duck antenna.
– Battery powered.
Nice to have handheld
accessories
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•
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•
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Extra battery packs.
Drop-in, fast charger.
Extended antenna.
External microphone and speaker.
Headset.
Which of the following describes the muting
of receiver audio controlled solely by the
presence or absence of an RF signal?
(T2B03)
•
•
•
•
A.
B.
C.
D.
Tone squelch
Carrier squelch
CTCSS
Modulated carrier
Which of the following describes the muting
of receiver audio controlled solely by the
presence or absence of an RF signal?
(T2B03)
•
•
•
•
A.
B.
C.
D.
Tone squelch
Carrier squelch
CTCSS
Modulated carrier
Which of the following is true concerning the
microphone connectors on amateur transceivers?
(T4A01)
• A. All transceivers use the same microphone
connector type
• B. Some connectors include push-to-talk and
voltages for powering the microphone
• C. All transceivers using the same connector
type are wired identically
• D. Un-keyed connectors allow any microphone
to be connected
Which of the following is true concerning the
microphone connectors on amateur transceivers?
(T4A01)
• A. All transceivers use the same microphone
connector type
• B. Some connectors include push-to-talk
and voltages for powering the microphone
• C. All transceivers using the same connector
type are wired identically
• D. Un-keyed connectors allow any microphone
to be connected
What may happen if a transmitter is
operated with the microphone gain set too
high? (T4B01)
• A. The output power might be too high
• B. The output signal might become
distorted
• C. The frequency might vary
• D. The SWR might increase
What may happen if a transmitter is
operated with the microphone gain set too
high? (T4B01)
• A. The output power might be too high
• B. The output signal might become
distorted
• C. The frequency might vary
• D. The SWR might increase
Which of the following can be used to enter
the operating frequency on a modern
transceiver? (T4B02)
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•
•
•
A.
B.
C.
D.
The keypad or VFO knob
The CTCSS or DTMF encoder
The Automatic Frequency Control
All of these choices are correct
Which of the following can be used to enter
the operating frequency on a modern
transceiver? (T4B02)
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•
•
•
A.
B.
C.
D.
The keypad or VFO knob
The CTCSS or DTMF encoder
The Automatic Frequency Control
All of these choices are correct
What is the purpose of a squelch control on
a transceiver? (T4B03)
• A. To set the highest level of volume
desired
• B. To set the transmitter power level
• C. To adjust the automatic gain control
• D. To mute receiver output noise when no
signal is being received
What is the purpose of a squelch control on
a transceiver? (T4B03)
• A. To set the highest level of volume
desired
• B. To set the transmitter power level
• C. To adjust the automatic gain control
• D. To mute receiver output noise when
no signal is being received
What is a way to enable quick access to a
favorite frequency on your transceiver?
(T4B04)
• A Enable the CTCSS tones
• B. Store the frequency in a memory
channel
• C. Disable the CTCSS tones
• D. Use the scan mode to select the
desired frequency
What is a way to enable quick access to a
favorite frequency on your transceiver?
(T4B04)
• A Enable the CTCSS tones
• B. Store the frequency in a memory
channel
• C. Disable the CTCSS tones
• D. Use the scan mode to select the
desired frequency
Which of the following would reduce ignition
interference to a receiver? (T4B05)
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•
•
A.
B.
C.
D.
Change frequency slightly
Decrease the squelch setting
Turn on the noise blanker
Use the RIT control
Which of the following would reduce ignition
interference to a receiver? (T4B05)
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•
•
•
A.
B.
C.
D.
Change frequency slightly
Decrease the squelch setting
Turn on the noise blanker
Use the RIT control
Which of the following controls could be
used if the voice pitch of a single-sideband
signal seems too high or low? (T4B06)
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•
•
A.
B.
C.
D.
The AGC or limiter
The bandwidth selection
The tone squelch
The receiver RIT or clarifier
Which of the following controls could be
used if the voice pitch of a single-sideband
signal seems too high or low? (T4B06)
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•
•
•
A.
B.
C.
D.
The AGC or limiter
The bandwidth selection
The tone squelch
The receiver RIT or clarifier
What does the term “RIT” mean? (T4B07)
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A.
B.
C.
D.
Receiver Input Tone
Receiver Incremental Tuning
Receiver Inverter Test
Remote Input Transmitter
What does the term “RIT” mean? (T4B07)
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•
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•
A.
B.
C.
D.
Receiver Input Tone
Receiver Incremental Tuning
Receiver Inverter Test
Remote Input Transmitter
What is the advantage of having multiple
receive bandwidth choices on a multimode
transceiver? (T4B08)
• A. Permits monitoring several modes at once
• B. Permits noise or interference reduction by
selecting a bandwidth matching the mode
• C. Increases the number of frequencies that can
be stored in memory
• D. Increases the amount of offset between
receive and transmit frequencies
What is the advantage of having multiple
receive bandwidth choices on a multimode
transceiver? (T4B08)
• A. Permits monitoring several modes at once
• B. Permits noise or interference reduction
by selecting a bandwidth matching the mode
• C. Increases the number of frequencies that can
be stored in memory
• D. Increases the amount of offset between
receive and transmit frequencies
Which of the following is an appropriate receive
filter to select in order to minimize noise and
interference for SSB reception? (T4B09)
•
•
•
•
A.
B.
C.
D.
500 Hz
1000 Hz
2400 Hz
5000 Hz
Which of the following is an appropriate receive
filter to select in order to minimize noise and
interference for SSB reception? (T4B09)
•
•
•
•
A.
B.
C.
D.
500 Hz
1000 Hz
2400 Hz
5000 Hz
Which of the following is an appropriate receive
filter to select in order to minimize noise and
interference for CW reception? (T4B10)
•
•
•
•
A.
B.
C.
D.
500 Hz
1000 Hz
2400 Hz
5000 Hz
Which of the following is an appropriate receive
filter to select in order to minimize noise and
interference for CW reception? (T4B10)
•
•
•
•
A.
B.
C.
D.
500 Hz
1000 Hz
2400 Hz
5000 Hz
What device increases the low-power output
from a handheld transceiver? (T7A10)
•
•
•
•
A.
B.
C.
D.
A voltage divider
An RF power amplifier
An impedance network
A voltage regulator
What device increases the low-power output
from a handheld transceiver? (T7A10)
•
•
•
•
A.
B.
C.
D.
A voltage divider
An RF power amplifier
An impedance network
A voltage regulator
What can you do if you are told your FM
handheld or mobile transceiver is over
deviating? (T7B01)
•
•
•
•
A.
B.
C.
D.
Talk louder into the microphone
Let the transceiver cool off
Change to a higher power level
Talk farther away from the microphone
What can you do if you are told your FM
handheld or mobile transceiver is over
deviating? (T7B01)
•
•
•
•
A. Talk louder into the microphone
B. Let the transceiver cool off
C. Change to a higher power level
D. Talk farther away from the
microphone
What is the primary purpose of a dummy
load? (T7C01)
• A. To prevent the radiation of signals when
making tests
• B. To prevent over-modulation of your
transmitter
• C. To improve the radiation from your
antenna
• D. To improve the signal to noise ratio of
your receiver
What is the primary purpose of a dummy
load? (T7C01)
• A. To prevent the radiation of signals
when making tests
• B. To prevent over-modulation of your
transmitter
• C. To improve the radiation from your
antenna
• D. To improve the signal to noise ratio of
your receiver
Which of the following can be used to
transmit CW in the amateur bands? (T8D10)
•
•
•
•
A.
B.
C.
D.
Straight Key
Electronic Keyer
Computer Keyboard
All of these choices are correct
Which of the following can be used to
transmit CW in the amateur bands? (T8D10)
•
•
•
•
A.
B.
C.
D.
Straight Key
Electronic Keyer
Computer Keyboard
All of these choices are correct
Data Modes
• Connecting computers via ham radio.
– Some systems use radio to connect to Internet
gateways.
• The bulk of the work is done by specialized
modems or computer software/sound card.
– Terminal Node Controller (TNC).
– Multiple Protocol Controller (MPC).
Popular Digital Modes
• Radioteletype (RTTY) (Baudot Code)
• PSK31 (Phase Shift Keying) Low data rate.
• Packet Radio
• Automatic Packet Reporting System (APRS)
• Winlink (e-mail via radio)
Digital Modes
• CW is the oldest digital mode.
– Uses International Morse Code
• Data sent over radio is subject to disruption due to
noise, fading, etc. The rate that the signal has errors
is known as the Bit Error Rate (BER).
• Many digital modes have some error correction
method built in, such as sending a parity bit.
Automatic Position Reporting
System (APRS)
Data Station Setup
Internet Gateway
Which of the following would be connected
between a transceiver and computer in a
packet radio station? (T4A06)
•
•
•
•
A.
B.
C.
D.
Transmatch
Mixer
Terminal node controller
Antenna
Which of the following would be connected
between a transceiver and computer in a
packet radio station? (T4A06)
•
•
•
•
A.
B.
C.
D.
Transmatch
Mixer
Terminal node controller
Antenna
•
•
•
•
How is the computer’s sound card used when
conducting digital communications using a
computer? (T4A07)
A. The sound card communicates between the
computer CPU and the video display
B. The sound card records the audio frequency
for video display
C. The sound card provides audio to the
microphone input and converts received audio to
digital form
D. All of these choices are correct
•
•
•
•
How is the computer’s sound card used when
conducting digital communications using a
computer? (T4A07)
A. The sound card communicates between the
computer CPU and the video display
B. The sound card records the audio frequency
for video display
C. The sound card provides audio to the
microphone input and converts received
audio to digital form
D. All of these choices are correct
What does the acronym “BER” mean when
applied to digital communications systems?
(T7B12)
•
•
•
•
A.
B.
C.
D.
Baud Enhancement Recovery
Baud Error Removal
Bit Error Rate
Bit Exponent Resource
What does the acronym “BER” mean when
applied to digital communications systems?
(T7B12)
•
•
•
•
A.
B.
C.
D.
Baud Enhancement Recovery
Baud Error Removal
Bit Error Rate
Bit Exponent Resource
What name is given to an amateur radio
station that is used to connect other amateur
stations to the Internet? (T8C11)
•
•
•
•
A.
B.
C.
D.
A gateway
A repeater
A digipeater
A beacon
What name is given to an amateur radio
station that is used to connect other amateur
stations to the Internet? (T8C11)
•
•
•
•
A.
B.
C.
D.
A gateway
A repeater
A digipeater
A beacon
Which of the following is an example of a
digital communications method? (T8D01)
•
•
•
•
A.
B.
C.
D.
Packet
PSK31
MFSK
All of these choices are correct
Which of the following is an example of a
digital communications method? (T8D01)
•
•
•
•
A.
B.
C.
D.
Packet
PSK31
MFSK
All of these choices are correct
What does the term APRS mean? (T8D02)
•
•
•
•
A.
B.
C.
D.
Automatic Position Reporting System
Associated Public Radio System
Auto Planning Radio Set-up
Advanced Polar Radio System
What does the term APRS mean? (T8D02)
• A. Automatic Position Reporting
System
• B. Associated Public Radio System
• C. Auto Planning Radio Set-up
• D. Advanced Polar Radio System
Which of the following is normally used
when sending automatic location reports via
amateur radio? (T8D03)
• A. A connection to the vehicle speedometer
• B. A WWV receiver
• C. A connection to a broadcast FM sub-carrier
receiver
• D. A Global Positioning System receiver
Which of the following is normally used
when sending automatic location reports via
amateur radio? (T8D03)
• A. A connection to the vehicle speedometer
• B. A WWV receiver
• C. A connection to a broadcast FM sub-carrier
receiver
• D. A Global Positioning System receiver
What does the abbreviation PSK mean?
(T8D06)
•
•
•
•
A.
B.
C.
D.
Pulse Shift Keying
Phase Shift Keying
Packet Short Keying
Phased Slide Keying
What does the abbreviation PSK mean?
(T8D06)
•
•
•
•
A.
B.
C.
D.
Pulse Shift Keying
Phase Shift Keying
Packet Short Keying
Phased Slide Keying
What is PSK31? (T8D07)
• A. A high-rate data transmission mode
• B. A method of reducing noise
interference to FM signals
• C. A method of compressing digital
television signal
• D. A low-rate data transmission mode
What is PSK31? (T8D07)
• A. A high-rate data transmission mode
• B. A method of reducing noise
interference to FM signals
• C. A method of compressing digital
television signal
• D. A low-rate data transmission mode
Which of the following may be included in
packet transmissions? (T8D08)
• A. A check sum which permits error corrections
• B. A header which contains the call sign of the
station to which the information is being sent
• C. Automatic repeat request in case of error
• D. All of these choices are correct
Which of the following may be included in
packet transmissions? (T8D08)
• A. A check sum which permits error corrections
• B. A header which contains the call sign of the
station to which the information is being sent
• C. Automatic repeat request in case of error
• D. All of these choices are correct
What code is used when sending CW in the
amateur bands? (T8D09)
•
•
•
•
A.
B.
C.
D.
Baudot
Hamming
International Morse
Gray
What code is used when sending CW in the
amateur bands? (T8D09)
•
•
•
•
A.
B.
C.
D.
Baudot
Hamming
International Morse
Gray
What is a “parity” bit? (T8D11)
• A. A control code required for automatic
position reporting
• B. A timing bit used to ensure equal
sharing of a frequency
• C. An extra code element used to detect
errors in received data
• D. A “triple width” bit used to signal the
end of a character
What is a “parity” bit? (T8D11)
• A. A control code required for automatic
position reporting
• B. A timing bit used to ensure equal
sharing of a frequency
• C. An extra code element used to
detect errors in received data
• D. A “triple width” bit used to signal the
end of a character