Q) What is a "parity" bit?
A) An extra code element used to detect errors in received data
NJ2X Notes:
A parity bit is used to detect errors in a data transmission. It is a simple technique. With "even parity", the number of bits with the value one is counted and then the parity bit is set such that the sum of all the bits is even. With "odd" parity, the number of bits with the value of one are counted and then a parity bit is set such that the sum of all the bits is odd.
With even parity, the receiver then checks the parity count and confirms it is even. If data is received that is not even, then the receiver recognizes that an error has occurred.
Even Parity Example:
00001111 = 4, parity bit = 0, sum of all bits is even
11001101 = 5, parity bit = 1, sum of all bits is even
11111111 = 8, parity bit = 0, sum of all bits is even
01111111 = 7, parity bit = 1, sum of all bits is even
NJ2X Kindle Edition is now available.
June 30, 2014
June 29, 2014
2014 Field Day Fun @ Monterey Bay Amateur Radio Association (N6IJ)
Field Day is FUN! There is nothing quite like setting up and operating outdoors.
For some hams it is challenge of setting up temporary radio operations in the great outdoors. For these amateurs, assembling the gear, hoisting and adjusting antennas, solving problems, and making everything work is what it is all about.
Other hams it is about lighting up the ether and operating in the wild. For these amateurs, the fun is in making great contacts in the great outdoors with perhaps a bit of the old competitive spirit mixed in.
For Field Day 2014, KC2VSR, NJ2X, and KG6UBG set up two outdoor stations at the home of the Monterey Bay Amateur Radio Association (MBARA) headquarters in Marina, California. We operated using the MBARA call N6IJ. The site was formerly part of the Fort Ord military base which gave the operations a historical feel.
California weather is famously mild and we were not disappointed during Field Day 2014. The skies were blue and there was a light cool breeze coming off Monterey Bay that encouraged a sweatshirt or jacket most of the day. We we felt like we had little too much sun at the end of the day. We forgot to pack sunscreen; though, we did remember to wear hats.
For antennas, we had a multi-band beam, a wire dipole, and NJ2X's portable rotatable dipole. The beam was hoisted up onto a pole about about 15 feet and was used with the 20 meters station. KG6UBG ran the 40 meters station through a ladder line fed wire dipole. NJ2X and KC2VSR setup the portable rotatable dipole for use with the 20 meters station. We rotated the beam and dipole with the aid of ropes attached to the antennas. A gentle pull on the rope and the antenna could be pointed in any direction.
A few lessons learned for next year:
START
2014 is 100th anniversary of the ARRL so this year's field day was particularly important for many amateurs. It was a memorable event for KC2VSR and NJ2X since it was our first in the great state of California and with the Monterey Bay Amateur Radio Association. We enjoyed it thoroughly and look forward to next year.
A special "thank you" to KG6UBG for helping pull together this year's field day. It simply would not have happened without him.
Good DX and 73, NJ2X
NJ2X Kindle Edition is now available.
© Michael W. Maher and NJ2X.COM, 2014. Unauthorized use and/or duplication of this material without express and written permission from this blog’s author and/or owner is strictly prohibited. Excerpts and links may be used, provided that full and clear credit is given to Michael W. Maher and NJ2X.COM with appropriate and specific direction to the original content.
For some hams it is challenge of setting up temporary radio operations in the great outdoors. For these amateurs, assembling the gear, hoisting and adjusting antennas, solving problems, and making everything work is what it is all about.
Other hams it is about lighting up the ether and operating in the wild. For these amateurs, the fun is in making great contacts in the great outdoors with perhaps a bit of the old competitive spirit mixed in.
For Field Day 2014, KC2VSR, NJ2X, and KG6UBG set up two outdoor stations at the home of the Monterey Bay Amateur Radio Association (MBARA) headquarters in Marina, California. We operated using the MBARA call N6IJ. The site was formerly part of the Fort Ord military base which gave the operations a historical feel.
California weather is famously mild and we were not disappointed during Field Day 2014. The skies were blue and there was a light cool breeze coming off Monterey Bay that encouraged a sweatshirt or jacket most of the day. We we felt like we had little too much sun at the end of the day. We forgot to pack sunscreen; though, we did remember to wear hats.
For antennas, we had a multi-band beam, a wire dipole, and NJ2X's portable rotatable dipole. The beam was hoisted up onto a pole about about 15 feet and was used with the 20 meters station. KG6UBG ran the 40 meters station through a ladder line fed wire dipole. NJ2X and KC2VSR setup the portable rotatable dipole for use with the 20 meters station. We rotated the beam and dipole with the aid of ropes attached to the antennas. A gentle pull on the rope and the antenna could be pointed in any direction.
NJ2X's Portable Rotatable Dipole in the bag |
KC2VSR setting up the portable rotatable dipole |
K2CVSR with the portable rotatable dipole up and ready for use (California blue sky) |
KC2VSR with the 20 meters field day station |
KG6UBG running the 40 meters field day station |
A few lessons learned for next year:
START
- Pack sunscreen - our wide brimmed hats alone didn't keep us from getting a little too much sunshine
- Pack more snacks - we lost a bit of operating time making a mid-day food run
- Encourage a few more folks to come out and play radio - the more the merrier
- Fire up the grill - hot dogs and hamburgers would be terrific next year
- Failing to inspect the antenna bag beforehand to make sure technical info and everything needed is inside - we discovered that we had not packed a manual needed to setup the antenna. Through trial and error we figured out how to put up the mast and tune the antenna for 20 meters; though, at the expense of operating time.
- Bringing KG6UBG's Honda generator - small, quite, and ran flawlessly during the day providing power to our amateur radio stations
- Bringing the rotatable dipole - setting up a temporary antenna is part of the field day experience
- Setting up field day operations at the Monterey Bay Amateur Radio Association HQ - great location with plenty of room for operations, grilling, antennas, ...
- Drinking plenty of water - hydration is extra important when outdoors in the sun and breeze
- Pack a few spare batteries - 9v, AA's, ... handy when needed as proven by KG6UBG having a spare needed for our 20 meters station's SWR meter.
- Bringing 2 meters HT's - handy for communications around the field day site
2014 is 100th anniversary of the ARRL so this year's field day was particularly important for many amateurs. It was a memorable event for KC2VSR and NJ2X since it was our first in the great state of California and with the Monterey Bay Amateur Radio Association. We enjoyed it thoroughly and look forward to next year.
A special "thank you" to KG6UBG for helping pull together this year's field day. It simply would not have happened without him.
Good DX and 73, NJ2X
NJ2X Kindle Edition is now available.
© Michael W. Maher and NJ2X.COM, 2014. Unauthorized use and/or duplication of this material without express and written permission from this blog’s author and/or owner is strictly prohibited. Excerpts and links may be used, provided that full and clear credit is given to Michael W. Maher and NJ2X.COM with appropriate and specific direction to the original content.
FCC Technician Exam Question Of The Day (T0B07)
Q) Which of the following is an important safety rule to remember when using a crank-up tower?
A) This type of tower must never be climbed unless it is in the fully retracted position
NJ2X Notes:
Crank-up masts are typically held in the extended position by a single cable. If this cable were to break then the sections would collapse suddenly. Crank-up towers must never be climbed unless it is in the fully retracted position.
A) This type of tower must never be climbed unless it is in the fully retracted position
NJ2X Notes:
Crank-up masts are typically held in the extended position by a single cable. If this cable were to break then the sections would collapse suddenly. Crank-up towers must never be climbed unless it is in the fully retracted position.
June 28, 2014
Amateur Radio ARRL Field Day Food - QSL Quiche
Field day has a long tradition for great amateur radio fun combined with good eats. It takes a lot of calories to setup a field station, operate for long hours, and talk to friends near and far. Well maybe not all that many calories but tasty food definitely enhances the fun.
As much as we do love grilled hot dogs and hamburgers, it is also fun to wow your friends with a dish that looks and tastes great (while also easy). Here is an easy-to-make recipe that yields results sure to please 4 or 5 hungry hams - QSL Quiche.
6 ounces cooked ham, cut into 1/4 inch cubes
3/4 cup broccoli, cut into bite size
2 ounces Monterrey jack pepper cheese
2 ounces cheddar cheese
Grated Parmesan cheese
8 large eggs
1/2 cup milk
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon pepper
A dash of your favorite hot sauce
Step #1 Heat oven to 375°F and grease a 9-inch pie plate.
Step #2 Scatter ham, broccoli and cheeses evenly in pie plate.
Step #3 Whisk remaining ingredients in a bowl until blended.
Step #4 Pour ingredients into the pie plate.
Step #5 Sprinkle a little Parmesan cheese on the top (lightly).
Step #6 Bake 40 minutes or until firm. Cover top with foil if it starts to get too brown.
Step #8 Serve.
Voila!
Enjoy Field Day, 73
NJ2X
Broccoli |
As much as we do love grilled hot dogs and hamburgers, it is also fun to wow your friends with a dish that looks and tastes great (while also easy). Here is an easy-to-make recipe that yields results sure to please 4 or 5 hungry hams - QSL Quiche.
6 ounces cooked ham, cut into 1/4 inch cubes
3/4 cup broccoli, cut into bite size
2 ounces Monterrey jack pepper cheese
2 ounces cheddar cheese
Grated Parmesan cheese
8 large eggs
1/2 cup milk
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon pepper
A dash of your favorite hot sauce
Step #1 Heat oven to 375°F and grease a 9-inch pie plate.
Step #2 Scatter ham, broccoli and cheeses evenly in pie plate.
Step #3 Whisk remaining ingredients in a bowl until blended.
Step #4 Pour ingredients into the pie plate.
Step #5 Sprinkle a little Parmesan cheese on the top (lightly).
Step #6 Bake 40 minutes or until firm. Cover top with foil if it starts to get too brown.
Step #8 Serve.
Voila!
Enjoy Field Day, 73
NJ2X
FCC Technician Exam Question Of The Day (T0B09)
Q) Why should you avoid attaching an antenna to a utility pole?
A) The antenna could contact high-voltage power wires
NJ2X Notes:
It is important to assure that antenna wires cannot come into contact with overhead power lines. Do not attempt to attach antennas to utility poles since the antenna would be in close proximity to high-voltage power wires.
A) The antenna could contact high-voltage power wires
NJ2X Notes:
It is important to assure that antenna wires cannot come into contact with overhead power lines. Do not attempt to attach antennas to utility poles since the antenna would be in close proximity to high-voltage power wires.
June 27, 2014
Archimedes was my ideal...
FCC Technician Exam Question Of The Day (T8C10)
Q) How do you select a specific IRLP node when using a portable transceiver?
A) Use the keypad to transmit the IRLP node ID
NJ2X Notes:
IRLP = Internet Radio Linking Project
IRPL is used to link amateur radio systems without the use of RF links, leased lines, or satellites.
A) Use the keypad to transmit the IRLP node ID
NJ2X Notes:
IRLP = Internet Radio Linking Project
IRPL is used to link amateur radio systems without the use of RF links, leased lines, or satellites.
June 26, 2014
FCC Technician Exam Question Of The Day (T0B08)
Q) What is considered to be a proper grounding method for a tower?
A) Separate eight-foot-long ground rods for each tower leg, bonded to the tower and each other
NJ2X Notes:
Lightning protection systems for towers and amateur radio equipment is good engineering.
A) Separate eight-foot-long ground rods for each tower leg, bonded to the tower and each other
NJ2X Notes:
Lightning protection systems for towers and amateur radio equipment is good engineering.
June 25, 2014
FCC Technician Exam Question Of The Day (T8D07)
Q) What is PSK31?
A) A low-rate data transmission mode
NJ2X Notes:
PSK31 is a digital mode and a whole lot of fun. All you need to get started with PSK31 is a computer, a program that supports PSK31 (many are free), and a transceiver. PSK31 is great fun to operator. Hope to see you on the waterfall soon.
A) A low-rate data transmission mode
NJ2X Notes:
PSK31 is a digital mode and a whole lot of fun. All you need to get started with PSK31 is a computer, a program that supports PSK31 (many are free), and a transceiver. PSK31 is great fun to operator. Hope to see you on the waterfall soon.
June 24, 2014
FCC Technician Exam Question Of The Day (T8D09)
Q) What code is used when sending CW in the amateur bands?
A) International Morse
NJ2X Notes:
This is a fairly easy question to get right if you recognize that "CW" refers to Morse code. If you know that then you can easily eliminate the wrong answers since none of them includes the word, "Morse". CW stands for continuous wave and is often used interchangeably with the term Morse code.
A) International Morse
NJ2X Notes:
This is a fairly easy question to get right if you recognize that "CW" refers to Morse code. If you know that then you can easily eliminate the wrong answers since none of them includes the word, "Morse". CW stands for continuous wave and is often used interchangeably with the term Morse code.
June 23, 2014
FCC Technician Exam Question Of The Day (T8C08)
Q) What is required in place of on-air station identification when sending signals to a radio control model using amateur frequencies?
A) A label indicating the licensee's name, call sign and address must be affixed to the transmitter
NJ2X Notes:
A) A label indicating the licensee's name, call sign and address must be affixed to the transmitter
NJ2X Notes:
§97.215 Telecommand of model craft. -
An amateur station transmitting signals to control a model craft may be operated as follows:
(a) The station identification procedure is not required for transmissions directed only to the model craft, provided that a label indicating the station call sign and the station licensee's name and address is affixed to the station transmitter.
(b) The control signals are not considered codes or ciphers intended to obscure the meaning of the communication.
(c) The transmitter power must not exceed 1 W.
(a) The station identification procedure is not required for transmissions directed only to the model craft, provided that a label indicating the station call sign and the station licensee's name and address is affixed to the station transmitter.
(b) The control signals are not considered codes or ciphers intended to obscure the meaning of the communication.
(c) The transmitter power must not exceed 1 W.
June 22, 2014
FCC Technician Exam Question Of The Day (T0B04)
Q) Which of the following is an important safety precaution to observe when putting up an antenna tower?
A) Look for and stay clear of any overhead electrical wires
NJ2X Notes:
Contact with overhead electrical wires is a significant risk when putting up an antenna. Ladders, masts, towers, coaxial cable, and antenna wire are all potential conductors and must be kept well clear of overhead electrical wires.
A) Look for and stay clear of any overhead electrical wires
NJ2X Notes:
Contact with overhead electrical wires is a significant risk when putting up an antenna. Ladders, masts, towers, coaxial cable, and antenna wire are all potential conductors and must be kept well clear of overhead electrical wires.
June 21, 2014
FCC Technician Exam Question Of The Day (T0B03)
Q) Under what circumstances is it safe to climb a tower without a helper or observer?
A) Never
NJ2X Notes:
Be safe and always have a helper or observer involved whenever climbing a tower. The safety of the climber may depend on the aid of the helper or observer.
A) Never
NJ2X Notes:
Be safe and always have a helper or observer involved whenever climbing a tower. The safety of the climber may depend on the aid of the helper or observer.
June 20, 2014
X-rays...I am afraid of them...
X-rays ... I am afraid of them. I stopped experimenting with them two years ago, when I came near to losing my eyesight and Dally, my assistant practically lost the use of both of his arms. -- Thomas Edison
FCC Technician Exam Question Of The Day (T9B05)
Q) What generally happens as the frequency of a signal passing through coaxial cable is increased?
A) The loss increases
NJ2X Notes:
Coaxial cable loss (attenuation) increases as the signal frequency increases. RF power is lost in several ways:
A) The loss increases
NJ2X Notes:
Coaxial cable loss (attenuation) increases as the signal frequency increases. RF power is lost in several ways:
- Resistive loss
- Dielectric loss
- Radiated loss
June 19, 2014
FCC Technician Exam Question Of The Day (T9B06)
Q) Which of the following connectors is most suitable for frequencies above 400 MHz?
A) A Type N connector
NJ2X Notes:
The Type N connector is superior to the UHF connector. The N connector is waterproof and preserves the impedance match of the cable. The N connector works very well at UHF frequencies too.
A) A Type N connector
NJ2X Notes:
The Type N connector is superior to the UHF connector. The N connector is waterproof and preserves the impedance match of the cable. The N connector works very well at UHF frequencies too.
N Connector (picture couresy of Joe Ravi CC-BY-SA 3.0) |
June 18, 2014
FCC Technician Exam Question Of The Day (T0B06)
Q) What is the minimum safe distance from a power line to allow when installing an antenna?
A) So that if the antenna falls unexpectedly, no part of it can come closer than 10 feet to the power wires
NJ2X Notes:
Be safe and keep well away from power lines when installing antennas.
A) So that if the antenna falls unexpectedly, no part of it can come closer than 10 feet to the power wires
NJ2X Notes:
Be safe and keep well away from power lines when installing antennas.
June 17, 2014
FCC Technician Exam Question Of The Day (T8C07)
Q) What is the maximum power allowed when transmitting telecommand signals to radio controlled models?
A) 1 watt
NJ2X Notes:
Part 97
A) 1 watt
NJ2X Notes:
Part 97
§97.215 Telecommand of model craft. -
An amateur station transmitting signals to control a model craft may be operated as follows:
(a) The station identification procedure is not required for transmissions directed only to the model craft, provided that a label indicating the station call sign and the station licensee's name and address is affixed to the station transmitter.
(b) The control signals are not considered codes or ciphers intended to obscure the meaning of the communication.
(c) The transmitter power must not exceed 1 W.
(a) The station identification procedure is not required for transmissions directed only to the model craft, provided that a label indicating the station call sign and the station licensee's name and address is affixed to the station transmitter.
(b) The control signals are not considered codes or ciphers intended to obscure the meaning of the communication.
(c) The transmitter power must not exceed 1 W.
June 16, 2014
FCC Technician Exam Question Of The Day (T9B08)
Q) Why should coax connectors exposed to the weather be sealed against water intrusion?
A) To prevent an increase in feedline loss
NJ2X Notes:
Water contamination of coaxial cable or intrusion in the connector is a sure way to cause problems including increased feedline loss, corrosion, SWR problems, ... Be sure to seal coaxial connectors.
A) To prevent an increase in feedline loss
NJ2X Notes:
Water contamination of coaxial cable or intrusion in the connector is a sure way to cause problems including increased feedline loss, corrosion, SWR problems, ... Be sure to seal coaxial connectors.
June 15, 2014
FCC Technician Exam Question Of The Day (T0B05)
Q) What is the purpose of a gin pole?
A) To lift tower sections or antennas
NJ2X Notes:
A jin-pole or gin pole is a device with a pulley on the end used for the purpose of lifting from a tower. The gin pole can be detached, moved up, and re-attached to the upper segment for the purpose of lifting the next segment. This process is then repeated until the final section of the tower is in place.
A) To lift tower sections or antennas
NJ2X Notes:
A jin-pole or gin pole is a device with a pulley on the end used for the purpose of lifting from a tower. The gin pole can be detached, moved up, and re-attached to the upper segment for the purpose of lifting the next segment. This process is then repeated until the final section of the tower is in place.
June 14, 2014
FCC Technician Exam Question Of The Day (T8B06)
Q) What can be used to determine the time period during which an amateur satellite or space station can be accessed?
A) A satellite tracking program
NJ2X Notes:
Your smartphone can be used to track satellites. HamSatDroid for Android operating system mobile devices is one example that can do the job.
A) A satellite tracking program
NJ2X Notes:
Your smartphone can be used to track satellites. HamSatDroid for Android operating system mobile devices is one example that can do the job.
Azden AZ-61 6m FM HT - Tip #4 - rebuilding the battery pack
This is an article in a series regarding the Azden AZ-61 6m FM Transceiver. One of the weak points of vintage handy-talkies (HT's) is the battery pack. It is a fact that Ni-cad batteries (or any rechargeable for that matter) have limited useful life. It is also a fact that radio manufacturers love to create proprietary battery packs for their radios. If you buy a vintage HT you will likely end up having to replace or refurbish the battery pack.
Replacing the battery pack on the AZ-61 with new old stock (NOS) is unlikely. It is possible to rebuild the battery pack yourself. The process involves carefully cracking the case (a Dremel can help with this task), replacing the batteries, and then resealing case with tape.
Good DX and 73, NJ2X
Other related articles on NJ2X.COM:
Azden AZ-61 6m FM HT - Tip #1 - How to program the radio
Azden AZ-61 6m FM HT - Tip #2 - disabling "the beep"
Azden AZ-61 6m FM HT - Tip #3 - 1993 review article
Azden AZ-61 6m FM HT - Tip #4 - rebuilding the battery pack
Azden AZ-61 6m FM HT - Tip #5 - how to reset the radio
Azden AZ-61 6m FM HT - Tip #6 - Automatic Power-Off
Azden AZ-61 6m FM HT - Tip #7 - VFO Mode
Azden AZ-61 6m FM HT - Tip #8 - Frequency Step
Azden AZ-61 6m FM HT - Tip #9 - Scanning
Azden AZ-61 6m FM HT - Tip #10 - Dual Watch
Azden AZ-61 6m FM HT - Tip #11 - Battery Saver
Azden AZ-61 6m FM HT - Tip #12 - Optional Accessories
Azden AZ-61 6m FM HT - Tip #13 - Specifications
© Michael W. Maher and NJ2X.COM, 2014. Unauthorized use and/or duplication of this material without express and written permission from this blog’s author and/or owner is strictly prohibited. Excerpts and links may be used, provided that full and clear credit is given to Michael W. Maher and NJ2X.COM with appropriate and specific direction to the original content.
Azden AZ-61 6m FM Transceiver |
Replacing the battery pack on the AZ-61 with new old stock (NOS) is unlikely. It is possible to rebuild the battery pack yourself. The process involves carefully cracking the case (a Dremel can help with this task), replacing the batteries, and then resealing case with tape.
Good DX and 73, NJ2X
Other related articles on NJ2X.COM:
Azden AZ-61 6m FM HT - Tip #1 - How to program the radio
Azden AZ-61 6m FM HT - Tip #2 - disabling "the beep"
Azden AZ-61 6m FM HT - Tip #3 - 1993 review article
Azden AZ-61 6m FM HT - Tip #4 - rebuilding the battery pack
Azden AZ-61 6m FM HT - Tip #5 - how to reset the radio
Azden AZ-61 6m FM HT - Tip #6 - Automatic Power-Off
Azden AZ-61 6m FM HT - Tip #7 - VFO Mode
Azden AZ-61 6m FM HT - Tip #8 - Frequency Step
Azden AZ-61 6m FM HT - Tip #9 - Scanning
Azden AZ-61 6m FM HT - Tip #10 - Dual Watch
Azden AZ-61 6m FM HT - Tip #11 - Battery Saver
Azden AZ-61 6m FM HT - Tip #12 - Optional Accessories
Azden AZ-61 6m FM HT - Tip #13 - Specifications
© Michael W. Maher and NJ2X.COM, 2014. Unauthorized use and/or duplication of this material without express and written permission from this blog’s author and/or owner is strictly prohibited. Excerpts and links may be used, provided that full and clear credit is given to Michael W. Maher and NJ2X.COM with appropriate and specific direction to the original content.
June 13, 2014
I shall call them "X-rays"...
If the hand be held between the discharge-tube and the screen, the darker shadow of the bones is seen within the slightly dark shadow-image of the hand itself... For brevity's sake I shall use the expression 'rays'; and to distinguish them from others of this name I shall call them 'X-rays'. — Wilhelm Röntgen
FCC Technician Exam Question Of The Day (T8A11)
Q) What is the approximate maximum bandwidth required to transmit a CW signal?
A) 150 Hz
NJ2X Notes:
The abbreviation, "CW" means, "continuous wave" and was used to differentiate the original spark-gap generated waves from the early days of radio. CW is used to transmit morse code and is a very narrow bandwidth mode and very efficient. As a result, CW is an excellent choice for attempting a contact under conditions where other modes are not making it. For weak signal work, CW seems to punch through like magic.
A) 150 Hz
NJ2X Notes:
The abbreviation, "CW" means, "continuous wave" and was used to differentiate the original spark-gap generated waves from the early days of radio. CW is used to transmit morse code and is a very narrow bandwidth mode and very efficient. As a result, CW is an excellent choice for attempting a contact under conditions where other modes are not making it. For weak signal work, CW seems to punch through like magic.
June 12, 2014
FCC Technician Exam Question Of The Day (T8B01)
Q) Who may be the control operator of a station communicating through an amateur satellite or space station?
A) Any amateur whose license privileges allow them to transmit on the satellite uplink frequency
NJ2X Notes:
A) Any amateur whose license privileges allow them to transmit on the satellite uplink frequency
NJ2X Notes:
FCC Part 97
§97.207 Space station. -
(a) Any amateur station may be a space station. A holder of any class operator license may be the control operator of a space station, subject to the privileges of the class of operator license held by the control operator.
NJ2X Kindle Edition is now available.
NJ2X Kindle Edition is now available.
June 11, 2014
FCC Technician Exam Question Of The Day (T8A04)
Q) Which type of modulation is most commonly used for VHF and UHF voice repeaters?
A) FM
NJ2X Notes:
Working local contacts and participating in "nets" via repeaters is great fun and a very inexpensive way to get started in amateur radio. A used 2m FM HT can be had very reasonably. Try asking around a local amateur radio club or at a local hamfest.
A) FM
NJ2X Notes:
Working local contacts and participating in "nets" via repeaters is great fun and a very inexpensive way to get started in amateur radio. A used 2m FM HT can be had very reasonably. Try asking around a local amateur radio club or at a local hamfest.
June 10, 2014
FCC Technician Exam Question Of The Day (T8A10)
Q) What is the typical bandwidth of analog fast-scan TV transmissions on the 70 cm band?
A) About 6 MHz
NJ2X Notes:
To get an idea what the mode looks like in operation, here is a nice video compilation of amateur fast-scan television contacts by WDØAKX.
A) About 6 MHz
NJ2X Notes:
To get an idea what the mode looks like in operation, here is a nice video compilation of amateur fast-scan television contacts by WDØAKX.
June 9, 2014
FCC Technician Exam Question Of The Day (T8A01)
Q) Which of the following is a form of amplitude modulation?
A) Single sideband
NJ2X Notes:
Single sideband is also referred to as SSB. Single sideband is a way to make amplitude modulation more efficient. AM produces a modulated output signal that has twice the bandwidth of the original signal along with a carrier signal. SSB suppresses the carrier and channels all the power into one side-band. SSB signals have 16 times greater efficiency than a conventional AM signal.
A) Single sideband
NJ2X Notes:
Single sideband is also referred to as SSB. Single sideband is a way to make amplitude modulation more efficient. AM produces a modulated output signal that has twice the bandwidth of the original signal along with a carrier signal. SSB suppresses the carrier and channels all the power into one side-band. SSB signals have 16 times greater efficiency than a conventional AM signal.
June 8, 2014
FCC Technician Exam Question Of The Day (T8A06)
Q) Which sideband is normally used for 10 meter HF, VHF and UHF single-sideband communications?
A) Upper sideband
NJ2X Notes:
SSB = Single Sideband
USB = Upper Sideband
LSB = Lower Sideband
The common convention is use LSB when operating below 10 MHz and USB when operating above 10MHz.
A) Upper sideband
NJ2X Notes:
SSB = Single Sideband
USB = Upper Sideband
LSB = Lower Sideband
The common convention is use LSB when operating below 10 MHz and USB when operating above 10MHz.
June 7, 2014
Azden AZ-61 6m FM HT - Tip #3 - 1993 review article
Azden AZ-61 6m FM HT |
73 Review - Azden AZ-61 6m FM Transceiver by Gordon West WB6NOA
Good DX and 73, NJ2X
Other related articles on NJ2X.COM:
Azden AZ-61 6m FM HT - Tip #1 - How to program the radio
Azden AZ-61 6m FM HT - Tip #2 - disabling "the beep"
Azden AZ-61 6m FM HT - Tip #3 - 1993 review article
Azden AZ-61 6m FM HT - Tip #4 - rebuilding the battery pack
Azden AZ-61 6m FM HT - Tip #5 - how to reset the radio
Azden AZ-61 6m FM HT - Tip #6 - Automatic Power-Off
Azden AZ-61 6m FM HT - Tip #7 - VFO Mode
Azden AZ-61 6m FM HT - Tip #8 - Frequency Step
Azden AZ-61 6m FM HT - Tip #9 - Scanning
Azden AZ-61 6m FM HT - Tip #10 - Dual Watch
FCC Technician Exam Question Of The Day (T8B03)
Q) Which of the following can be done using an amateur radio satellite?
A) Talk to amateur radio operators in other countries
NJ2X Notes:
Amateur Radio is such a wonderful hobby! You can even communicate using satellites! The first step is earning your license.
A) Talk to amateur radio operators in other countries
NJ2X Notes:
Amateur Radio is such a wonderful hobby! You can even communicate using satellites! The first step is earning your license.
June 6, 2014
FCC Technician Exam Question Of The Day (T8A05)
Q) Which of the following types of emission has the narrowest bandwidth?
A) CW
NJ2X Notes:
CW is an abbreviation for continuous wave and is used to transmit morse code. If you are interested in learning morse code you can tune into the ARRL W1AW daily practice sessions. We had the pleasure of visiting the W1AW station during the summer of 2012.
A) CW
NJ2X Notes:
CW is an abbreviation for continuous wave and is used to transmit morse code. If you are interested in learning morse code you can tune into the ARRL W1AW daily practice sessions. We had the pleasure of visiting the W1AW station during the summer of 2012.
June 5, 2014
FCC Technician Exam Question Of The Day (T8A09)
Q) What is the approximate bandwidth of a VHF repeater FM phone signal?
A) Between 5 and 15 kHz
NJ2X Notes:
Some people find the term, "FM phone" a little confusing when first encountered. In amateur radio, you are using FM phone when you are speaking into a microphone while transmitting using the FM mode.
The bandwidth of an FM signal varies with the signal's modulation.
The American engineering genius Edwin Armstrong invented frequency modulation (FM) radio. Armstrong presented his paper, "A Method of Reducing Disturbances in Radio Signaling by a System of Frequency Modulation", to the New York section of the Institute of Radio Engineers on November 6, 1935.
A) Between 5 and 15 kHz
NJ2X Notes:
Some people find the term, "FM phone" a little confusing when first encountered. In amateur radio, you are using FM phone when you are speaking into a microphone while transmitting using the FM mode.
The bandwidth of an FM signal varies with the signal's modulation.
The American engineering genius Edwin Armstrong invented frequency modulation (FM) radio. Armstrong presented his paper, "A Method of Reducing Disturbances in Radio Signaling by a System of Frequency Modulation", to the New York section of the Institute of Radio Engineers on November 6, 1935.
June 4, 2014
FCC Technician Exam Question Of The Day (T8A03)
Q) Which type of voice modulation is most often used for long-distance or weak signal contacts on the VHF and UHF bands?
A) SSB
NJ2X Notes:
SSB has a distinct performance advantage over AM and FM for long-distance and weak signal voice contacts.
A) SSB
NJ2X Notes:
SSB has a distinct performance advantage over AM and FM for long-distance and weak signal voice contacts.
June 3, 2014
FCC Technician Exam Question Of The Day (T8B10)
Q) What do the initials LEO tell you about an amateur satellite?
A) The satellite is in a Low Earth Orbit
NJ2X Notes:
LEO (Low Earth Orbit), is generally defined as an orbit below an altitude of 2,000 kilometers (1,200 mi). Given the rapid orbital decay of objects below approximately 200 kilometers (120 mi), the commonly accepted definition for LEO is between 160 kilometers (99 mi) and 2,000 kilometers (1,200 mi) above the Earth's surface.
A) The satellite is in a Low Earth Orbit
NJ2X Notes:
LEO (Low Earth Orbit), is generally defined as an orbit below an altitude of 2,000 kilometers (1,200 mi). Given the rapid orbital decay of objects below approximately 200 kilometers (120 mi), the commonly accepted definition for LEO is between 160 kilometers (99 mi) and 2,000 kilometers (1,200 mi) above the Earth's surface.
June 2, 2014
FCC Technician Exam Question Of The Day (T8B08)
Q) What is meant by the statement that a satellite is operating in "mode U/V"?
A) The satellite uplink is in the 70 cm band and the downlink is in the 2 meter band
NJ2X Notes:
70 cm is considered UHF while 2 m is considered VHF. Hence, the U/V designation indicating UHF (70 cm) / VHF (2m).
A) The satellite uplink is in the 70 cm band and the downlink is in the 2 meter band
NJ2X Notes:
70 cm is considered UHF while 2 m is considered VHF. Hence, the U/V designation indicating UHF (70 cm) / VHF (2m).
June 1, 2014
FCC Technician Exam Question Of The Day (T8A07)
Q) What is the primary advantage of single sideband over FM for voice transmissions?
A) SSB signals have narrower bandwidth
NJ2X Notes:
SSB = Single Sideband
SSB signals occupy less bandwidth than FM or AM signals. This makes SSB more effective for long distance and weak signal work.
A) SSB signals have narrower bandwidth
NJ2X Notes:
SSB = Single Sideband
SSB signals occupy less bandwidth than FM or AM signals. This makes SSB more effective for long distance and weak signal work.
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