MIRA Basic Amateur Radio Course Outline & Internet Links


rev Dec 2011 - - de VE7DSN

This 2010/2011 Amateur Radio Basic course is presented as:

- - in Seminar form over 7 sessions including lab experiences Nov 2011 to Feb 2012.

This study guide is colour coded as:

- - Black font - General information for all
- - Hyperlinks to other information sources
- - Activities specific to Seminar Sessions
- - Activities specific to Independent Guided Study Sessions ( N/A in 2011/2012)
- - Course pacing and Assignments chapter by chapter.

Please Note: 'Chapter' headings are 'Powerpoint' links. These slides
were used in the 2008 'classroom' based course. They should display
with a [ PowerPoint viewer ]

If you come across a useful internet site that visualizes any of
of the topics below, please copy the URL and email it to
'lf_gibbons at yahoo.ca' so that it may be included on this page.

Although we include a link to emphasize a particular concept, browse
about the web page because often it will contain links to other
ideas related to your course.

This page is 'a work in progress'. Hopefully the author can stay
ahead of the class sessions !!! ;-)

Particpants - as of 19 Nov 2010

Elmer Team Leaders

Seminar Group

As members of the 'SEMINAR' group you can anticipate that you will receive:

  • An assigned reading- eg Study ch 2 & 3 etc.
  • Weekly or bi-weekly seminar sessions (Saturday 10 am at the Parksville Community Centre)
  • A quiz at the start with discussion to follow
  • Possibly, a video or hands on 'lab' experience
  • A exercise assignment to extend your capabilities
  • Field Trips to operating amateur radio stations
  • Review of Industry Canada Test Bank Questions [ exHAMiner ]
  • Help from amateur radio 'Elmers' ( also 11AM Thurs mornings by appointment )

    [ Quick Schedule ]

    or, this extended [ Course Schedule 2011 ]

    This course requires students to set aside time for studying Study Guide Chapters, reading articles and perhaps watching videos to get a real appreciation of electronic principles- specifically how receivers and transmitters work- and to understand the regulations that govern the hobby.

    As a minimum, 3 to 4 hours of home study each week (dependent on entry knowledge) will probably be required. The seminars are designed to answer questions and help strengthen concepts through quizzes, lectures and demonstrations.

    Most amateurs are very passionate about the hobby and especially enjoy re-discovering the antics of the not so humble electron. We hope you will get similar pleasure from you studies.

    [ OVERVIEW of RADIO PRINCIPLES by sketch Chart ] as 'Powerpoint'

    [ Chapter 1: INTRODUCTION TO AMATEUR RADIO ] as 'Powerpoint'

    [ Chapter 2: GETTING DOWN TO BASICS ] in 'Powerpoint' or [ Ontario ARES Course ]

    Chapter 02 Assignment

    1. Review [ exHAMiner ] questions related to this chapter
      Note: select the 'Tools' tab to review questions chapter by chapter
    2. Preread Chapter 3
    3. Jot down any questions you have

    [ Chapter 3: OHM'S LAW AND POWER] as 'Powerpoint' or [ Ontario ARES Course ]

    Chapter 03 Assignment

    1. Review [ exHAMiner ] questions related to this chapter
    2. Preread Chapter 4 & 5
    3. Jot down any questions you have

    Seminar # 1 - 12 Nov 2011 10:00AM - Review Ch 2 & 3 - Quiz + Lab + ???

    [ Chapter 4: INDUCTORS AND CAPACITORS ] as 'Powerpoint' or [ ARES - Inductors ] or { ARES - Capacitors ]

  • Internet Resources:

    Chapter 04 Assignment
    1. Review [ exHAMiner ] questions related to this chapter
    2. Preread Chapter 5
    3. Jot down any questions you have

    [ Chapter 5: WAVES, WAVELENGTH, FREQUENCY, AND BANDS as 'Powerpoint'

    Chapter 05 Assignment

    1. Review [ exHAMiner ] questions related to this chapter
    2. Preread Chapter 6
    3. Jot down any questions you have

    Seminar # 2 - 26 Nov 2011 10:00AM - Review Ch 4 & 5 - Quiz + Lab

    [ Chapter 6: PROPAGATION ] as 'Powerpoint' or [ ARES - Propagation ]

    • 6.1 Introduction
      [ HF Propagation ] at a level suited to your basic qualification.
      [ HF Propagation ] a tutorial far beyond that which you need to know
    • 6.2 Classification of Waves
    • 6.3 The Ionosphere
    • 6.4 Attentuation of Radio Waves & Signal Strength
    • 6.5 Scatter
    • 6.6 Sunspot Cycles and Solar Activity
    • 6.7 Atmospherics
    • 6.8 Predicting Propagation on MF and HF Bands
    • 6.9 Propagation and MF HF Bands
    • 6.10 VHF and UHF Propagation
    • 6.11 Propagatiion and the VHF and UHF bands
    • 6.12 Time Signals and Beacons as Propagation Indicators [ Solar Activity - in real time ]
    • 6.13 Awards

  • Internet Resources
    1. [ Ham band Overview ] courtesy 'Eham'
    2. [ HF Propagation ] by flash demonstration ( view it online or download )
    3. Downloadable [ Propagation prediction Software ]
    4. Current [ Solar Activity ] information
    Chapter 06 Assignment
    1. Review [ exHAMiner ] questions related to this chapter
    2. Preread Chapter 7
    3. Jot down any questions you have

    [ Chapter 7: TRANSMISSION LINES ] as 'Powerpoint' or [ ARES - Feedlines ]

    Internet Resource

    [ 'DxZone on Antennas & transmission Lines ]
    [ How to Solder a PL 259 connector ]
    Search in [ YouTube ] for 'Coax Connectors' to see how to install them
    [ Logarithm Tutorial ] courtesy University of Guelph

    Chapter 07 Assignment

    1. Review [ exHAMiner ] questions related to this chapter
    2. Preread Chapter 8
    3. Jot down any questions you have

    Seminar # 3 - 10 Dec 2011 10:00AM - Review Ch 6 & 7 - Quiz + Lab + Demo Packet ( PVECC )

    [ Chapter 8: ANTENNAS ] as 'Powerpoint' or [ ARES - Antennas ]

    • 8.1 Introduction
    • 8.2 The Electromagnetic Wave
    • 8.3 Definition of Terms [ Fundamental Principles ]
    • 8.4 Current and voltage distribution in Antennae
    • 8.5 The Antenna and its Length
    • 8.6 Radiation Patterns - [ Radiation Pattern of a Dipole ]; show how pattern changes with length of the dipole
    • 8.7 How antennas are designed
    • 8.8 Simple Antennas
    • 8.9 Vertical Antennae
    • 8.10 Parasitic Antennas
    • 8.11 All Driven Arrays
    • 8.12 Other Practical Antennas
    • 8.13 Dummy Loads
    • 8.14 Antenna Bandwidth
    • 8.15 SWR and Antennas
    • 8.16 Baluns
    • 8.17 Some Practical considerations
    • 8.18 Final Thoughts - [ Understanding Antennas.. ] covers it all! ( Note: this is from the [ Ontario ARES online Basic Course ] site which you should review as a supplement to the MIRA course )

    Chapter 08 Assignment

    1. Review [ exHAMiner ] questions related to this chapter and, by now,
      start taking practice tests of all topics to assess your overall progress.
    2. Preread Chapter 9
    3. Jot down any questions you have

    [ Chapter 9: ACTIVE DEVICES: DIODES, TRANSISTORS, AND TUBES ] as 'Powerpoint' or [ Active Devices ]

  • Internet Resources

    Chapter 09 Assignment

    1. Review [ exHAMiner ] questions related to this chapter.
      Take practice tests of all topics to assess your overall progress.
    2. Preread Chapter 10
    3. Jot down any questions you have

    Seminar # 4 - 17 Dec 2011 10:00AM - Review Ch 8 & 9 - Quiz + Lab + Setting up a station ( PVECC )

    [ Chapter 10: POWER SUPPLIES ] as 'Powerpoint'

    Internet Resource:

    Chapter 10 Assignment
    1. Review [ exHAMiner ] questions related to this chapter.
      Take practice tests of all topics to assess your overall progress.
    2. Preread Chapter 11
    3. Jot down any questions you have

    [ Chapter 11: ESTABLISHING AND OPERATING AN AMATEUR STATION ] as 'Powerpoint' or [ ARES - Magic of Radio ]

    • 11.1 Preamble
    • 11.2 Obtaining Equipment
    • 11.3 Locating a Station
    • 11.4 VHF and UHF Stations
    • 11.5 HF Station I - the Basics
    • 11.6 HF Station II - What goes where
    • 11.7 Operating the Equipment
    • 11.8 Using Transmitters with Solid State Finals
    • 11.9 Using Transmitters with Tube Finals
    • 11.10 Using Your Antenna Tuner
    • 11.11 Monitoring Performance
    • 11.12 Frequency Determination and Calibration
    • 11.13 Operating CW
    • 11.14 Operating the Digital Modes
    • 11.15 Transducers: Microphones and Loudspeakers

    Internet Resources:

    Western Canadian dealers. - Locally we have Queale Electronics, Nanaimo, Victoria Muir Communications Victoria Burnaby Radio Communications Vancouver

    • Using YouTube enter "n7qjm" into the search box. Lots of useful videos on operating will show up
    • [ www.qrz.com ] Omnibus source of practical ham info
    • Type 'my ham station' into [ www.google.com ] to see lots of different approaches to setting up your ham station
    • [ Handiham ] - Ham Radio - A window for the disabled
    • Although he eschews CW [ G0ISW ] seems to do it all on VHF !
    • [ HF Digital modes ] by AC6V

    Chapter 11 Assignment

    1. Review [ exHAMiner ] questions related to this chapter.
      Take practice tests of all topics to assess your overall progress.
    2. Preread Chapter 12
    3. Jot down any questions you have

    [ Chapter 12: ROUTINE OPERATION OF AN AMATEUR STATION ] as 'Powerpoint' or [ ARES - Operating ]

    • 12.1 Preamble
    • 12.2 Q-Codes
    • 12.3 The Phonetic Alphabet
    • 12.4 Channelized VHF / UHF Operation
    • 12.5 CW Operation
    • 12.6 Phone Operation in the HF Bands
    • 12.7 Operating Digital Modes: Packet, AMTOR RTTY PSK31
    • 12.8 Logging
    • 12.9 UTC / GMT and Time Zones
    • 12.10 Maps
    • 12.11 Nets
    • 12.12 Communications in Time of Emergency

    Chapter 12 Assignment

    1. Review [ exHAMiner ] questions related to this chapter.
      Take practice tests of all topics to assess your overall progress.
    2. Preread Chapter 13
    3. Jot down any questions you have

    [ Chapter 13: MODULATION AND TRANSMITTERS ] as 'Powerpoint' or [ ARES - Transmitters ]

    • 13.1 Definition
    • 13.2 Telegraphy - [ Morse Code Omnibus Site ] courtesty K3WWP
    • 13.3 What other changes can we make to a Radio Frequency Signal
    • 13.4 Amplitude Modulation
    • 13.5 Single Sideband Modulation
    • 13.6 Frequency and Phase Modulation
    • 13.7 Signal Bandwidth
    • 13.8 Transmitters - an overview
    • 13.9 CW Transmitter
    • 13.10 AM Transmitter
    • 13.11 FM Transmitter
    • 13.12 SSB Transmitter
    • 13.13 Digital Transmitters
    • 13.14 Transmit / Recieve Switches
    • 13.15 Transmitter Power

    Internet Resources:

    Wikipedia describes [ Amateur Radio Operating Modes ]

    Chapter 13 Assignment

    1. Review [ exHAMiner ] questions related to this chapter.
      Take practice tests of all topics to assess your overall progress.
    2. Preread Chapter 14
    3. Jot down any questions you have

    Seminar # 5 - 07 Jan 2012 10:00AM - Review Ch 10 thru 13 - + Quiz + Lab + Shack visit ( Personal Station )

    [ Chapter 14: RECEIVERS ] as 'Powerpoint'

    • 14.1 Overview of Recievers
    • 14.2 Terminology
    • 14.3 Noise
    • 14.4 Receiver Limitations
    • 14.5 Frequency Calibration
    • 14.6 How do Receivers work?
    • 14.7 Superhetrodyne receiver for AM
    • 14.8 Receiving FM
    • 14.9 Receiving SSB and CW
    • 14.10 Audio Filters
    • 14.11 S - Meters
    • 14.12 Software Defined Radios

    Chapter 14 Assignment

    1. Review [ exHAMiner ] questions related to this chapter.
      Take practice tests of all topics to assess your overall progress.
    2. Preread Chapter 15
    3. Jot down any questions you have

    Seminar # 6 - 22 Jan 2011 10:00AM - Review Ch 14 & 17 - ( PVECC )

    [ Chapter 15: RADIO FREQUENCY INTERFERENCE ] as 'Powerpoint' or [ ARES - Interference ]

    • 15.1 Interference Defined
    • 15.2 Interference to Non - Amateur Equipment
    • 15.3 Solving RFI Problems
    • 15.4 Solving EMI Problems
    • 15.5 Summary
    • 15.6 Industry Canada ( IC )
    • 15.7 Interference to other Amateurs

    Chapter 15 Assignment

    1. Review [ exHAMiner ] questions related to this chapter.
      Take practice tests of all topics to assess your overall progress.
    2. Preread Chapter 16
    3. Jot down any questions you have

    Seminar # 7 - 21 Jan 2012 10:00am Review Ch 14, (+quiz), Review Ch 17 (Regs) , Lab,

    [ Chapter 16: SAFETY ] as 'Powerpoint' or [ ARES - Safety ]

    • 16.1 Power Sources
    • 16.2 Station Safety Ground
    • 16.3 Power Requirements
    • 16.4 Electrical Safety
    • 16.5 Dangers of Electricity
    • 16.6 Antenna Safety
    • 16.7 Tower Safety
    • 16.8 Lightning Protection
    • 16.9 Exposure to RF
    • 16.10 Soldering
    • 16.11 Last Words

    Chapter 16 Assignment

    1. Review [ exHAMiner ] questions related to this chapter.
      Take practice tests of all topics to assess your overall progress.
    2. Preread Chapter 17
    3. Jot down any questions you have

    Seminar Session -Jan 28 2012 10:00am- - Review of all chapters - Trial Exam

    [ Chapter 17: REGULATIONS ] as 'Powerpoint' or [ ARES - Regs ]

    • 17.1 Please download [ RIC-2(RBR-4) and RIC-3 ]
    • 17.2 Comments
    • 17.3 Operating Outside of Canada - CEPT and IARP
    • 17.4 Third Party Traffic
    • 17.5 Towers

    Chapter 17 Assignment

    1. Using [ exHAMiner ] practice answering the exam questions
    2. Jot down any questions you have

    Seminar # 7 - 04 Feb 2012 10:00AM - Basic Exam - ( PVECC )

    [ Appendices ] as 'Powerpoint'

    • A1.1 Addition and Subtraction
    • A1.2 Multiplication and Division
    • A1.3 Exponents
    • A1.4 Scientific or Standard Notation
    • A1.5 SI Units
    • A1.6 Logarithms
    • A1.7 Decibels

    Appendix 2: Antenna Length Charts

    Appendix 3: Symbols

    Appendix 4: General Internet Links

  • 1.3 Internet Resources

    1. A general [ Introduction to Amateur Radio ] - Canada
    2. A general [ Introduction to Amateur Radio ] - USA
    3. [ Ontario ARES online Basic Course ] This page has many internal links providing
      the most comprehensive canadian web based content available
    4. [ www.hamstudy.com ] Basic Amateur radio course Online; for a fee.
    5. [ exHAMiner ] exam readyness test program through Radio Amateurs of Canada
    6. [ Industry Canada Exam Generator program "exHAMiner" ] - about 4 Megs - primary source
    7. [ British Training Courses ] courtesy Chelmsford Amateur Radio Club, England
    8. [ Scott's Guide to Electronics ] is an excellent site.
    9. [ Crystal Set to Sideband ] A 'kitchen table' approach to ham radio that covers theory and practice of amateur radio in a slightly quirky manner.
    10. All about [ Electricity & Magnetism ] covers most theory in our first five chapters.
    11. All about [ All About Circuits ] also covers most theory in our first five chapters ( good section on 'Decibels'.
    12. [ Science 101 - Electronics ] Omnibus site with many links and explanatory videos
    13. [ Electronics-tutorials.com Site ]
    14. [ AC6V Technical Reference Site ]
    15. Java applets showing [ Electronic Circuits in Simulation ] from Canada
    16. Java applets showing [ Electronic Circuits in Simulation ] from Japan
    17. [ Circuitmaker ] Electronics CAD program
    18. New Zealand's [ Online Study Course ] - good for the technical aspects
    19. British [ Power Point Training Slides ] covering basic to advanced topics
    20. [ Kahn Academy ] YouTube 'Chalk talks' on basic math & science skills 

      ************************

          Supplemental Lab sessions and tours

During the 2009 course every second Saturday, students met for coffee
and a lab session.  If there is demand we may be able to do something
similar in 2009



Hamtour # 1 - Test Gear & measurement ( QB Museum? )
              - Meters & Hands on measurement tasks
              - Ohm's Law, Power, Series Parallel


Hamtour # 2 - Shack tour ( PVECC? )
              - Identify, explain, installation
              - Explain H/T's and repeaters.


Hamtour # 3 - Sources of equipment ( VE7??? )
              - Acquisition options (homebrew vs commmercial vs quality)
              - Feature options  HF and VHF (sensitivity, selectivity, memories etc)
              - Surrounded by catalogues!


Hamtour # 4 - Safety and Antennae ( VE7DSN ? )
              - Review types antennae, feedlines
              - Safety considerations            
              - install PL259 UHF connector and BNC


Hamtour # 5 - Routine operation of station ( VE7DEE? )
              - Link a couple of HF / VHF stations, practice QSO
              - Demo different modes              


Hamtour # 6 - Advanced Ham shack tour ( VE7JH? )
              - If we can convince Harry!!!




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      Note: text below is 'stored' here for the convenience of the web page developer. The links shown are inactive and should be disregarded

      Accompanying 'Powerpoint' Slide Presentations

      [ Ch 1 - INTRODUCTION ] . . [ Ch 2 - BASIC THEORY ] . . [ Ch 3 - R & P ] . . [ Ch 4 - L & C ] . . [ Ch 5 - WAVES & BANDS ]

      [ Ch 6 - PROPAGATION ] . . [ Ch 7 - TRANSMISSION LINES ] . . [ Ch 8 - ANTENNAS ] . . [ Ch 9 - ACTIVE DEVICES ]

      [ Ch 10 - POWER SUPPLIES ] . . [ Ch 11 - AMATEUR STATION ] . . [ Ch 12 - OPERATION ] . . [ Ch 13 - TRANSMITTERS ]

      [ Ch 14 - RECEIVERS ] . . [ Ch 15 - INTERFERENCE ] . . [ Ch 16 - SAFETY ] . . [ Ch 17 - REGULATIONS ] . . [ Appendices ]

      [ MIRA Homepage ] - [ Google Search ]

      .

      HTML Study Guide

      [ Ch 1 - INTRODUCTION ] . . [ Ch 2 - BASIC THEORY ] . . [ Ch 3 - R & P ] . . [ Ch 4 - L & C ] . . [ Ch 5 - WAVES & BANDS ]

      [ Ch 6 - PROPAGATION ] . . [ Ch 7 - TRANSMISSION LINES ] . . [ Ch 8 - ANTENNAS ] . . [ Ch 9 - ACTIVE DEVICES ]

      [ Ch 10 - POWER SUPPLIES ] . . [ Ch 11 - AMATEUR STATION ] . . [ Ch 12 - OPERATION ] . . [ Ch 13 - TRANSMITTERS ]

      [ Ch 14 - RECEIVERS ] . . [ Ch 15 - INTERFERENCE ] . . [ Ch 16 - SAFETY ] . . [ Ch 17 - REGULATIONS ] . . [ Appendices ]

      Created Aug 2003 by Frank Gibbons - lf_gibbons at yahoo.ca
      Revised Sep 2010 Frank Gibbons
    21. Dan Berthwick - VA7BCR - [ va7bcr at rac.ca ]