Radio

Radio
BSA Supply No. 33361

Radio is a way to send information, or communications, from one place to another. Broadcasting includes both one-way radio (a person hears the information but can?t reply) as well as two-way radio (where the same person can both receive and send messages).

Requirements

Explain what radio is. Include in your explanation: the differences between broadcast radio and hobby radio, and the differences between broadcasting and two-way communicating. Also discuss broadcast radio and amateur radio call signs and using phonetics.
Sketch a diagram showing how radio waves travel locally and around the world. How do the broadcast radio stations, WWV and WWVH, help determine what you will hear when you listen to a radio?
Do the following:
1. Draw a chart of the electromagnetic spectrum covering 100 kilohertz (kHz) to 1000 megahertz (MHz).
2. Label the MF, HF, VHF, UHF, and microwave portions of the spectrum on your diagram.
3. Locate on your chart at least eight radio services such as AM and FM commercial broadcast, CB, television, amateur radio (at least four ham radio bands), and police.
4. Discuss why some radio stations are called DX and others are called local. Explain who the FCC and the ITU are.
Explain how radio waves carry information. Include in your explanation: transceiver, transmitter, amplifier, and antenna.
Explain to your counselor the safety precautions for working with radio gear, particularly direct current and RF grounding.
Do the following:
1. Explain the differences be�tween a block diagram and a schematic diagram.
2. Draw a block diagram that includes a transceiver, amplifier, microphone, antenna, and feedline.
3. Explain the differences be�tween an open circuit, a closed �circuit, and a short circuit.
4. Draw eight schematic symbols. Explain what three of the represented parts do. Find three electrical components to match to three of these symbols.
Do ONE of the following (a OR b OR c):
1. Amateur radio
  1. Describe some of the activities that amateur radio operators can do on the air, once they have earned an amateur radio license.
  2. Carry on a 10-minute real or simulated ham radio contact using voice or Morse code; use proper call signs, Q signals, and abbreviations. (Licensed ham radio operators may substitute five QSL cards as evidence of contacts with amateur radio operators from at least three different call districts.) Properly log the real or simulated ham radio contact and record the signal report.
  3. Explain at least five Q signals or amateur radio terms you hear while listening.
  4. Explain some of the Technician Class license re�quirements and privileges. Explain who gives amateur radio exams.
  5. Explain how you would make an emergency call on voice or Morse code. Tell why the FCC has an amateur radio service.
  6. Explain handheld transceivers versus home "base" stations. Ex�plain about mobile amateur radios and amateur radio repeaters.
2. Broadcast radio
  1. Prepare a program schedule for radio station "KBSA" of exactly one-half hour, including music, news, commercials, and proper station identification. Record your program on audio tape using proper techniques.
  2. Listen to and properly log 15 broadcast stations; �determine for five of these their transmitting power and general areas served.
  3. Explain at least eight terms used in commercial broadcasting such as segue, cut, and fade.
  4. Discuss the educational and licensing requirements and career opportunities in broadcast radio.
3. Shortwave listening
  1. Listen across several shortwave bands for two four-hour �periods, one in the early morning, the other in the early evening. Log the stations properly and locate them geographically on a globe.
  2. For several major foreign stations (BBC in Great Britain or HCJB in Ecuador, for example), list several frequency bands used by each.
  3. Compare your morning and evening logs, noting the frequencies on which your selected stations were loudest during each session. Explain the differences in signal strength from one period to the next.
  4. Discuss the purpose of and careers in shortwave �communications.
Visit a radio installation approved in advance by your counselor (ham radio station, broadcast station, or public service com�munications center, for example). Discuss what types of equipment you saw in use, how it was used, what types of licenses are required to operate and maintain the equipment, and the �purpose of the station.

Resources

Scouting Literature

Computers, Electricity, Electronics, and Emergency Preparedness merit badge pamphlets

Books and Other Resources

The ARRL Operating Manual. American Radio Relay League. Complete guide to operating in the ham bands—long-distance communications, satellites, awards, contesting, shortwave listening, packet radio, repeaters, and more. Available from American Radio Relay League (ARRL).
Holsopple, Curtis R. Skills for Radio Broadcasters. TAB Books, third edition, 1988.
Magne, Larry. 2002 Passport to World Band Radio. International Broadcasting Service. The premier guide to shortwave listening. Updated annually. Included are schedules for hundreds of international shortwave broadcast stations, plus reviews of shortwave radios. Available from ARRL.
Now You're Talking! American Radio Relay League. Every�thing you need to get your Amateur Radio Technician license, plus how to set up your radio and antenna, and how to make your first radio contacts. Updated to reflect the latest FCC rules. Available from ARRL.
QST: The Radio Amateur's Journal. ARRL's monthly �magazine, available to members of ARRL.
Tompkins, Walker A. CQ Ghost Ship, Death Valley QTH, DX Brings Danger, and SOS at Midnight. Written for teenagers, these books are about the adventures of a young ham and his friends. Available from ARRL.
Your Introduction to Morse Code. Audiocassette tapes or CDs that teach you all Morse code characters for your�exam and give you practice if you want to get your Amateur Radio General Class license. Available from ARRL.