RADIO
- 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:
- Draw a chart of the electromagnetic spectrum covering 100 kilohertz
(kHz) to 1000 megahertz (MHz).
- Label the MF, HF, VHF, UHF, and microwave portions of the spectrum
on your diagram.
- 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.
- 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:
- Explain the differences between a block diagram and a schematic
diagram.
- Draw a block diagram that includes a transceiver, amplifier,
microphone, antenna, and feed line.
- Explain the differences between an open circuit, a closed circuit,
and a short circuit.
- 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, b, or c):
- Amateur radio
- Describe some of the activities that amateur radio operators
can do on the air, once they have earned an amateur radio license.
- 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.
- Explain at least five Q signals or amateur radio terms you hear
while listening.
- Explain some of the Technician Class license requirements and
privileges. Explain who gives amateur radio exams.
- Explain how you would make an emergency call on voice or Morse
code. Tell why the FCC has an amateur radio service.
- Explain handheld transceivers versus home "base"
stations. Explain about mobile amateur radios and amateur radio
repeaters.
- Broadcast radio
- 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.
- Listen to and properly log 15 broadcast stations; determine for
five of these their transmitting power and general areas served.
- Explain at least eight terms used in commercial broadcasting
such as segue, cut, and fade.
- Discuss the educational and licensing requirements and career
opportunities in broadcast radio.
- Short-wave listening
- Listen across several short-wave 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.
- For several major foreign stations (BBC in Great Britain or
HCJB in Ecuador, for example), list several frequency bands used by
each.
- 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.
- Discuss the purpose of and careers in short-wave communications.
- Visit a radio installation approved in advance by your counselor (ham
radio station, broadcast station, or public service communications center,
for example). Discuss what types of equipment you saw in use, how it was
used, what types of licenses required to operate and maintain the equipment,
and the purpose of the station.
BSA Advancement ID#: 93
Source: Boy Scout Requirements, #33215E, revised 2002
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