Radio 11/90 1. Explain what radio is and how radio waves carry information. Include in your explanation: frequency, wavelength, transmitter, microphone, receiver, antenna, amplifier, oscillator, modulation, detection, mixer, and heterodyne. 2. Sketch a diagram showing how radio waves travel locally and around the world and how the sun affects radiowave propagation. 3. Do the following: a. Draw a chart of the electromagnetic spectrum covering 100 kHz to 1000 MHz. b. Label the LF, MF, HF, VHF, UHF, SHF, and microwave sections. c. Locate on your chart at least eight services such as AM and FM commercial broadcast, CB, television, amateur radio (at least four bands), and police. d. Discuss why the frequencies used are will suited to the services you've marked and why the ITU and FCC regulate the use of the radio spectrum. 4. Learn the safety precautions for working with radio gear, particularly DC and rf grounding. 5. Build from parts or a kit at least one piece of radio equipment using transistors, diodes, or vacuum tubes (crystal sets, buzzer-type code sets, and continuity testers are not acceptable.) Do the following: a. Demonstrate correct soldering and unsoldering techniques on radio equipment and how to prevent heat damage while soldering. b. Draw 10 schematic symbols often used in radio diagrams and explain what each of the represented parts do. c. Explain how basic test equipment (ohmmeter, voltmeter, ammeter, and oscilloscope) could be used to test your circuit. 6. Do ONE of the following: a. Amateur radio 1.) Carry on a real or simulated radio contact of at least 10 minutes using Morse code from memory; use proper prosigns, Q signals, and abbreviations. (Licensed ham operators may substitute five QSL cards as evidence of cw contacts with amateurs in at least three different call districts.) 2.) Listen to and properly log at least 10 ham contacts; send signal reports. 3.) Explain at least eight Q signals or terms you hear while listening. 4.) discuss Amateur Novice Class license requirements and privileges. b. 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. c. Shortwave radio 1.) Listen across several shortwave bands for two 4-hour periods, one in the early morning and the other in the early evening. Log the stations properly and locate them geographically on a globe. 2.) For the several major foreign stations (BBC or Radio Moscow, for example) list several frequency bands used by each. 3.) Compare your morning and evening logs, noting the frequencies on which your major foreign stations were loudest in each. Explain the differences in signal strength from one period to the next. 4.) Discuss the purpose of and careers in shortwave communications. 7. Visit a radio installation approved in advance by your counselor (ham shack, broadcast station, or public service communication center, for example). Discuss what types of equipment you saw in use, how it was used, what types of license are needed to operate and maintain the equipment, and the purpose of the station.