Introduction to Amateur Radio

This is the first lecture in the Technician Class Playlist. Lean what Amateur Radio is all about.

Metric SI Units and Prefixes

Learn about important units of measure and metric prefixes as well as methods of unit conversion.

Radio Signal Fundamentals

Lecture 3 in the technician license series covers radio waves properties such as wavelength, frequency, amplitude and phase. We will describe the electromagnetic spectrum and learn to calculate frequency and wavelength using the speed of light. Basic components of a radio will be reviewed.

Electicity Fundamentals

This presentation provides an overview of electricity, current and voltage and introduces simple series and parallel circuits. An introduction to the digital multimeter is also given. Subscribe and give us a thumbs up.

Resistance, Ohm's Law and Power

This amateur radio technician lecture introduces resistance, Ohn’s Law and the power equation. Examples of how to perform calculations with Ohm’s law and the power equation are included.

Electronic Components Part 1

This is the first of a two part lecture introducing electronic components. This first presentation will cover resistors, capacitors and inductors. The concepts of reactance, impedance and resonance will be explained.

Electronic Components Part 2

Electronic Components 2 introduces you to semiconductors such as diodes, transistors and integrated circuits. Circuit protection devices are explored along with switches. Don’t forget to give our presentation a thumbs up and subscribe to our channel.

Radio Wave Propagation

This presentation describes what happens to radio waves once they leave your antenna. Different methods of propagation and the effects of solar cycles and the ionosphere are reviewed. Factors limiting propagation and interesting radio wave phenomenon are also introduced.

Antenna Core Concepts

This presentation introduces core antenna concepts including polarization, gain, radiation pattern and the decibel.

Feed Lines and SWR

This episode of Radio Signals covers feed lines, connectors, SWR and antenna tuners.

Basic Antenna Types

In this presentation we will learn about basic antennas types including dipoles, vertical ground plane and directional antennas. Antenna length calculations will also be introduced.

Modulation and Tranceiver Stages

This presentation will introduce the basic stages or components of a radio transceiver. Modulation including CW, AM, SSB and FM will also be explained. The concept of bandwidth will be discussed and how it relates to various modes of modulation.

Transceiver Functions and Components

This presentation will introduce all the most commonly used knobs and buttons on your transceiver. Audio and RF gain, tuning and band selection will be reviewed. Filters, power amplifiers, digital signal processing and software defined radio will be discussed.

Digital Communication

This presentation will introduce the fundamentals of digital communication. Different modes such as RTTY, PSK31, FT8, WSPR and JS8 will be reviewed. We will also cover Winlink email and discuss the basics of FM VHF/UHF voice communication.

Power Supplies

In this presentation we will review core concepts of power supplies and describe linear and switching types. Mobile power, wiring and batteries are also be introduced.

Communications Part 1

In this episode we will finally discuss tips and tricks for getting on the radio and carrying on a conversation. Learn about band plans, simplex and repeater operation as well as the phonetic alphabet and q-codes.

Communications Part 2

In part two of communications we will continue to discuss how to communicate with other hams. HF and VHF/UHF nets will be introduced. Radiograms and traffic handling will be explained along with emergency communications. We will conclude the lecture with an introduction to satellite communications.

Licensing and Regulations

In this presentation we will introduce FCC Part 97 the rules and regulations for Amateur Radio. Learn how to go about getting your tech license and the requirements of maintaining it. We will also discuss international operation and structure of call signs.

Operating Regulations

In this presentation we will cover operating regulations. You will learn about control operators, requirements for identification and types of interference. Third party communications, remote and automatic operation will also be introduced. You will also understand what prohibited transmissions are by the end of the lecture.

Safety

This is the last episode of our technician license series. We will cover electrical safety, lightning protection, RF and mechanical safety.