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Difference between revisions of "Ham Radio"

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''(See also: [[Software-Defined Radio]])''
 
''(See also: [[Software-Defined Radio]])''
  
Ham Radio is an old hobby that has origins as far back as the late 1800's. It was formalized as a hobby in the early 20th century. It is an over-regulated piece of shit, but what isn't now a days.
+
[[File:German_amateur_radio_contest_station_2017.JPG|right|thumb|315px|A German amateur radio station, set up for a contest.]]
  
Ham Radio
+
'''Amateur radio''', also known as '''ham radio''', is an old hobby that has origins as far back as the late 1800s. It was formalized as a hobby in the early 20th century. It is an [https://invidio.us/watch?v=BcxqNEBmNno over-regulated piece of shit], but what isn't nowadays?
==Testing In The US==
 
  
'''Element 2 Technician''' 35 out of 426 [http://ncvec.org/downloads/2014-2018%20Tech%20Pool.pdf questions from this pool]
+
Amateur radio operators, known as '''hams''', make contacts all over the world, take part in many different activities that highlight different aspects of the hobby, and operate using a variety of modes. Although the barrier to entry is higher than most other hobbies, ham radio is a hobby with seemingly infinite depth, that can provide a literal lifetime of enjoyment. Hams are always eager to help newcomers get into the hobby.  
  
{| class="wikitable"
+
These days, most hams are fairly old, but many come from highly technical backgrounds, and it isn't uncommon at all to meet a 70-odd-year-old ham who is also an avid Linux user. This is where we're heading, /g/entoomen.
|-
+
 
| '''Frequencies'''
+
==Activities==
| style="text-align:center;"| 80m
+
 
| style="text-align:center;"| 40m
+
[[File:Baofeng.jpg|right|thumb|315px|Your first radio: The Baofeng UV-5R]]
| style="text-align:center;"| 15m
+
 
| style="text-align:center;"| 10m
+
===Local Communication===
| style="text-align:center;"| 6m
+
 
| style="text-align:center;"| 2m
+
The VHF and UHF bands are primarily used for local communications, and are accessible to holders of entry-level licenses. You can get on the air with a $25 Baofeng handheld, and for some hams, this is enough to thoroughly enjoy ham radio. Many organizations maintain '''repeaters''', which are automatic stations whose purpose is to extend the range of handhelds and mobile stations. Many repeater groups also host VHF/UHF '''nets''', which are structured on-air meetings that amateurs can "call in" to.
| style="text-align:center;"| 1.25m
+
 
| style="text-align:center;"| 70cm
+
Repeaters and nets are an excellent way to meet local hams, and get your feet wet before getting involved in the more complicated and expensive world of HF.
| style="text-align:center;"| 33cm
+
 
| style="text-align:center;"| 23cm
+
===DXing===
|}
+
 
 +
'''DXing''' is the act of operating with the goal of reaching stations in as many foreign countries as possible. Long-distance communication is usually only possible on the HF bands and below, making it out of reach for holders of entry-level licenses. It also involves larger, more complicated, outdoor antennas, and more expensive transceivers. However, many consider DXing to be the most thrilling part of amateur radio, and setting up a station to do it can become a hobby in itself.
 +
 
 +
===Rag-Chewing===
 +
 
 +
'''Rag-chewing''' is the act of having long, friendly conversations with other hams on the air. This can pretty much take place on any band, in any mode.
 +
 
 +
===Contesting===
 +
 
 +
'''Contesting''' is the act of participating in contests that involve making specific kinds of contacts under specific conditions.
 +
 
 +
===EMCOMM===
 +
 
 +
'''EMCOMM''', or '''emergency communications''', involves participating in emergency preparedness exercises and maintaining emergency radio infrastructure (like repeaters) for when SHTF. Amateur radio is a highly robust means of communication that is of great value during emergencies.
 +
 
 +
===MARS/CFARS===
 +
 
 +
The '''Military Auxiliary Radio System (MARS)''' in the U.S. and the '''Canadian Forces Affiliate Radio System (CFARS)''' in Canada are programs that enlist amateur radio operators to provide auxiliary communications to the military. This is another way that amateur radio operators can serve their communities.
 +
 
 +
===QRP===
 +
 
 +
Operating '''QRP''' is when you try to make distant contacts with as little power possible.
 +
 
 +
===POTA===
 +
 
 +
[[File:Pota.jpg|right|thumb|315px|A typical POTA station]]
 +
 
 +
'''Parks on the Air (POTA)''' is an award program that encourages hams to operate out of public parks using portable stations.
 +
 
 +
===Tinkering===
 +
 
 +
Many amateurs enjoy designing and building their own transmitting equipment. In many countries, only the holders of the highest level of amateur license are permitted to design their own equipment, but usually any licensed amateur is allowed to build kits, or professionally-designed projects.
 +
 
 +
Many also enjoy designing and building their own antenna systems. Doing this requires fairly substantial knowledge of electronics, physics, and propagation, but can be very rewarding. Your antenna is much more important than your radio.
 +
 
 +
===Awards===
 +
 
 +
There are many awards available for hams, from different organizations and for doing different things. The most coveted ham radio award is the '''DX Century Club (DXCC)''', awarded by the American Radio Relay League (ARRL) for making ''confirmed'' contacts in at least 100 different countries. Although the award comes from the ARRL, you do not need to be an American amateur to get it. Many other awards exist for achieving other feats, and for participating in various contests and special events.
 +
 
 +
==Operating Modes==
 +
 
 +
===Phone (voice)===
 +
 
 +
'''Phone''' is simple enough: You connect a microphone to a radio and talk into it. Voice is typically modulated using frequency modulation (FM) or single side-band modulation (SSB). SSB requires much lower bandwidth than FM, so it is more common when communicating on HF over long distances. FM is clearer and is more commonly used for local communication on VHF and UHF.
 +
 
 +
===Morse Code (CW)===
 +
 
 +
[[File:International Morse Code.svg.png|right|thumb|315px|Morse code chart. Note that this chart doesn't include punctuation or procedural signals.]]
 +
 
 +
'''Morse code''', also known as '''continuous wave (CW)''' was once required for passing your test. In most countries, it is no longer required, but it remains a good skill to have. It remains popular for its low bandwidth requirement, and how much simpler the equipment is to build. Under conditions where voice and digital modes are unusable, CW can still be used to make contacts over long distances. Like Linux and C on /g/, among hams, proficiency in CW is often accompanied by a (deserved ;) ) superiority complex. Learning CW will greatly increase your enjoyment of amateur radio.
 +
 
 +
Morse code is easier to learn than you'd think. Once you are proficient, you will no longer hear ''dits'' and ''dahs'', but actual letters and words.
 +
 
 +
* [https://invidio.us/watch?v=fwXkSJkR0Z0 Learn CW using the mnemonic method]
 +
 
 +
===Digital===
 +
 
 +
''(See also: [[Software-Defined Radio]])''
 +
 
 +
'''Digital modes''' are modes that involve digital signals being sent over the radio. ''Technically'', Morse code is a digital mode. More commonly, though, digital refers to connecting a computer to a radio.
 +
 
 +
The most popular digital mode is '''FT8''', which facilitates communication over very long distances with very low power and very weak signals. Messages can contain up to 13 text characters, and take 15 seconds to send. The most popular software for using FT8 is WSJT-X, which was written by the mode's creators. A lot of people tend to hate FT8 because of how easy it is to make a lot of contacts, and because the software automates almost every step in making a contact. However, it has become the most popular operating mode.
 +
 
 +
There are also other digital modes, for example '''packet radio''', which involves sending internet packets over the radio, '''RTTY''' or '''radioteletype''', and others.
 +
 
 +
===Television===
 +
 
 +
Yes, you can even transmit pictures and video using amateur radio! The most common TV modes are '''SSTV''' or '''slow-scan television''', and '''ATV''' or '''amateur television''', also known as '''fast-scan television'''.
 +
 
 +
==Official Terms and Jargon==
 +
 
 +
===Call Signs===
 +
 
 +
Your '''call sign''' is how you identify your station on the air, and how you call other stations. Your call sign will be assigned to you by the government when you obtain a license. Each country has a call sign prefix. Usually, states or provinces within a given country will each have unique prefixes based on the country's prefix. The suffix will be unique to you. Most callsigns are five or six characters long, but some may be longer or shorter. In some countries, you can request a specific callsign, although there may be restrictions on certain words, and on using special character sequences like Q codes.
 +
 
 +
===Bands===
  
'''Element 3 General''' 35 out of 462 [http://www.ncvec.org/downloads/FINAL%20Revised%202015-2019%20General%20Class%20Question%20Pool%202-11-2015.pdf questions from this pool]
+
'''Bands''' are groups of frequencies. These are the main bands, specified by the ITU:
  
 
{| class="wikitable"
 
{| class="wikitable"
 
|-
 
|-
| '''Frequencies'''
+
!Very low frequency (VLF)
| style="text-align:center;"| 2200m
+
!Low frequency (LF)
| style="text-align:center;"| 630m
+
!Medium frequency (MF)
| style="text-align:center;"| 160m
+
!High frequency (HF)
| style="text-align:center;"| 80m
+
!Very high frequency (VHF)
| style="text-align:center;"| 60m
+
!Ultra high frequency (UHF)
| style="text-align:center;"| 40m
+
!Super high frequency (SHF)
| style="text-align:center;"| 30m
 
| style="text-align:center;"| 20m
 
| style="text-align:center;"| 17m
 
 
|-
 
|-
| style="text-align:center;"| 15m
+
| style="text-align:center;"| 3 to 30 kHz
| style="text-align:center;"| 12m
+
| style="text-align:center;"| 30 to 300 kHz
| style="text-align:center;"| 10m
+
| style="text-align:center;"| 300 to 3 MHz
| style="text-align:center;"| 6m
+
| style="text-align:center;"| 3 to 30 MHz
| style="text-align:center;"| 2m
+
| style="text-align:center;"| 30 to 300 MHz
| style="text-align:center;"| 1.25m
+
| style="text-align:center;"| 300 to 3 GHz
| style="text-align:center;"| 70cm
+
| style="text-align:center;"| 3 to 30 GHz
| style="text-align:center;"| 33cm
 
| style="text-align:center;"| 23cm
 
 
|}
 
|}
  
'''Element 4 Amateur Extra''' 50 out of 712 [http://www.ncvec.org/downloads/2016%20ExtraClassPool2nd%20Errata.doc questions from this pool]
+
It should be noted that a "band" may also be a group of frequencies within the bands specified above, e.g. "20m HF" for HF frequencies in the 14MHz range.
 +
 
 +
===Q Codes===
 +
 
 +
''[https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Q_code For a full list of Q codes, see Wikipedia.]''
 +
 
 +
'''Q codes''' are a shorthand system used in amateur radio. They're primarily used when operating CW (Morse code), but some are also commonly used when operating phone (voice).
 +
 
 +
These are the most common Q codes you'll run into:
  
 
{| class="wikitable"
 
{| class="wikitable"
 
|-
 
|-
| '''Frequencies'''
+
!
| style="text-align:center;"| 2200m
+
!'''As a question (followed by '?' when sent in Morse code)'''
| style="text-align:center;"| 630m
+
!'''As a statement'''
| style="text-align:center;"| 160m
+
!'''Notes'''
| style="text-align:center;"| 80m
+
|-
| style="text-align:center;"| 60m
+
|'''QRP '''
| style="text-align:center;"| 40m
+
|Shall I decrease my transmitter power?
| style="text-align:center;"| 30m
+
|Decrease transmitter power.
| style="text-align:center;"| 20m
+
|QRP also refers to the activity of running low-power stations. E.g.: "I'm QRP", "I'm running QRP", "I mainly run QRP".
| style="text-align:center;"| 17m
+
|-
 +
|'''QRS'''
 +
|Shall I send more slowly?
 +
|Send more slowly.
 +
|Only applicable to CW.
 +
|-
 +
|'''QRZ '''
 +
|Who is calling me?
 +
|You are being called by...
 +
|Also commonly used on voice. During a "pileup", when multiple stations are trying to call one distant station, the distant station will ask "QRZ?" when he has finished working one station, so that the next station can give his call sign.
 +
|-
 +
|'''QSL'''
 +
|Can you acknowledge receipt?
 +
|I acknowledge receipt.
 +
|Also commonly used on voice. '''QSLing''' is also used to refer to confirming contacts. This is done with physical postcards, called '''QSL cards''', or digitally via sites like '''Logbook of the World''' and '''eQSL'''. Confirmed contacts can be used as credit for certain awards. E.g.: "Please QSL direct or via bureau", "please QSL via LoTW".
 +
|-
 +
|'''QSO'''
 +
|Can you communicate with ____?
 +
|I can communicate with ____.
 +
|In common usage, a QSO refers to a contact. E.g.: "Thanks for the QSO", "I made 100 QSOs this weekend".
 
|-
 
|-
| style="text-align:center;"| 15m
+
|'''QTH '''
| style="text-align:center;"| 12m
+
|What is your position?
| style="text-align:center;"| 10m
+
|My position is...
| style="text-align:center;"| 6m
+
|Also commonly used on voice. Example: "My QTH is New York."
| style="text-align:center;"| 2m
 
| style="text-align:center;"| 1.25m
 
| style="text-align:center;"| 70cm
 
| style="text-align:center;"| 33cm
 
| style="text-align:center;"| 23cm
 
 
|}
 
|}
  
'''Find Testing Locations''' [http://www.arrl.org/find-an-amateur-radio-license-exam-session In The US]
+
Some other acronyms and abbreviations used on Morse code:
 
 
'''Get Your''' [https://apps.fcc.gov/coresWeb/publicHome.do FCC Registration Number]
 
  
You will need either an FCC Registration or Social Security number in order to take the exam.
+
* "PSE" and "TNX" are used when operating Morse code to say "please" and "thank you", respectively.
It is not necessary to register beforehand with the FCC, but it will speed things along if you bring the paperwork.  
+
* "DE" is used when operating Morse code to say "this is" or "from".
 +
* "SOS" is the official international distress signal. '''It is ''very'' illegal everywhere to transmit SOS when you are not in danger.'''
 +
* "CQ" means "calling all stations", and is used in all modes.
  
'''FCC License''' [http://www.arrl.org/fcc/search Data Search]
+
===Jargon===
  
For a fee of $15 USD you may take one or all three tests in one sitting at no additional charge.  
+
* "73" is used very often in all modes to mean "best regards".  
If you fail a test, you may spend an additional $15 USD to retake it.
+
* When operating Morse code, "OM" is a traditional way to address a fellow operator. It stands for "old man".
Your license is good for 10 years with a 2 year grace period to retest after expiration.
+
* "XYL" is used to refer to your wife. It stands for "ex-young lady". "YL", or "young lady", refers to your girlfriend.
You are no longer required to know Morse code for any of these tests.
+
* An "Elmer" is someone who has been a mentor to you in the hobby.
  
'''FCC Part 97''' [http://www.arrl.org/files/file/Regulatory/September%2019,%202017.pdf The US Amateur Rulebook]
+
==Theory==
  
==Maths You Should Know==  
+
===Important Formulas===
  
'''Ohm's Law'''
+
* '''Ohm's Law'''
  
 
{| class="wikitable"
 
{| class="wikitable"
Line 118: Line 209:
 
|}
 
|}
  
'''Speed of Light Is a Constant 299,792,458 Meters Per Second'''
+
* The '''speed of light''' is a constant 299,792,458 m/s and is represented by '''c'''.
  
'''Wavelength is represented in Meters as λ'''
+
* '''Wavelength''' is represented in meters as '''λ'''.
  
'''Frequency is represented in Mega Hertz as f'''
+
* '''Frequency''' is represented in Hertz (Hz) (seconds to the power of -1) as '''f'''.
  
'''Speed of Light c (300MM) / Frequency f (MHz) = Wavelength λ (Meters)'''
+
* '''c / f = λ'''
  
This is the basic formula to find full wavelength in meters for a given frequency.
+
===Propagation===
  
==Antennas==
+
'''Propagation''' refers to how the radio waves from your antenna travel. Some will travel along the ground, in what is called '''ground wave propagation'''. '''Sky wave propagation''', also called '''ionospheric wave propagation''', is when radio waves travel up to the ionosphere and are reflected back to earth. Through sky wave propagation, communication is possible across oceans very easily.
  
'''Loop Antennas''' are full wavelength with one element.
+
===Electronics===
  
c/f=λ Element Length
+
In order to pass the exam and set up a station, you should have a basic knowledge of electronics. You should understand series and parallel circuits, as well as the basic electronic components: Resistors, capacitors, diodes, transistors, inductors, and triode tubes.
  
'''Dipoles''' are half wave with two elements.
+
==Antennas==
  
c/f/2 = λ/2 Element Lengths
+
The most important part of your station is your antenna. A bad radio will perform much better on a good antenna than a good radio will perform on a bad antenna. The performance of an antenna is entirely based on physics. Because of this fact, it is possible to build your own antennas that perform just as well as, if not better than, commercially available antennas, and for a fraction of the cost.
  
'''Ground Planes''' must be at least quarter wave with one vertical and four radial elements.
+
===Antenna Math===
  
c/f/4 = λ Vertical Element Length
+
* '''Loop antennas''' are full wavelength with one element.
 +
** c / f = Element length
 +
* '''Dipole antennas''' are half a wavelength with two elements.
 +
** c / f / 2 = λ / 2 =  Element lengths
 +
* '''Ground plane antennas''' must be at least a quarter wavelength with one vertical and four radial elements.
 +
** c / f / 4 = λ / 4 = Vertical element length
 +
** c / f / 4 = λ / 4 = Radial element lengths
 +
* '''3-element Yagi-Uda antennas''' are directional antennas consisting of a boom with reflector, driven, and director elements.
 +
** λ * 0.495 = Reflector element length
 +
** λ * 0.473 = Driven element length
 +
** λ * 0.440 = Director element length
 +
** λ * 0.125 = Element separation
  
c/f/4 = λ Radial Element Lengths
+
===Polarization===
  
'''3 Element Yagi''' Yagis are directional antennas consisting of a boom with reflector, driven, and director elements.
+
'''Polarization''' basically refers to whether the radio waves' electric lines of force are perpendicular or parallel to the Earth. If they are perpendicular to the Earth, the antenna is called '''vertically polarized'''. If they are parallel to the Earth, it is called '''horizontally polarized'''. In ground-wave propagation, a vertically polarized antenna will receive signals from other vertically polarized antennas better than a horizontally polarized antenna, and vice-versa. However, in sky-wave propagation, polarization doesn't really matter, because the ionosphere can change the waves' polarization one instant to the next.
  
c/f = λ*.495 = Reflector Element Length
+
===Feed Lines===
  
c/f = λ*.125 = Boom Separation Length
+
The '''feed line''' or '''transmission line''' is what will connect your transceiver to your antenna.
  
c/f = λ*.473 = Driven Element Length
+
* '''RG6''' is common and cheap, but higher resistance at 75 Ohms. You should not use this.
 +
* '''RG58''' is cheap, 50 Ohms, and perfectly acceptable for HF.
 +
* '''RG8X''' is slightly more expensive than RG58, but lower loss.
 +
* '''RG213''' is double the price of RG58 and RG8X, but lower attenuation at higher frequencies.
 +
* '''RG8U''' is almost identical to RG213 in price and attenuation, but has lower loss per 100ft.
 +
* '''LMR400''' is exceptional at higher frequencies as well as low. If your software radio can do 1GHz-6GHz, this is what you get.
  
c/f = λ*.125 = Boom Separation Length
+
===Lightning Protection===
  
c/f = λ*.440 = Director Element Length
+
If your antenna is outdoors, you should take precaution to prevent yourself and your gear from becoming dead. Metal antenna mounts should be grounded using 10 gauge insulated solid core copper wire. Your coax should have a lightning arrestor between the antenna and your equipment. The arrestor should be mounted near the lightning rod it's grounded to. To prevent moisture ingress, the arrestor and coax connectors should be placed in a plastic electrical box. If you have a wire dipole antenna, you should use ceramic insulators at both ends and guy rope to tie between two points.
  
==Polarization==
+
[[Category: Audio]]
 +
[[Category: Video]]
 +
[[Category: HowTo]]
  
 +
==Licensing and Regulation==
  
==Ionosphere==
+
Being an [https://invidio.us/watch?v=BcxqNEBmNno over-regulated piece of shit], in order to fully participate in (transmit) ham radio, you'll need a license, which you get by passing one or more exams. The licensing process varies by country.
  
 +
===Licensing in the U.S.===
  
==Electrical Components==
+
Amateur radio in the U.S. is regulated by the '''Federal Communications Commission (FCC)'''. There are three license levels in the U.S.:
  
 +
* The '''Technician''' license is obtained by passing a 35-question test made up of [http://ncvec.org/downloads/2014-2018%20Tech%20Pool.pdf questions from this pool]. It grants access to VHF/UHF bands, and some limited privileges on HF bands.
 +
* The '''General''' license is obtained by passing a 35-question test made up of [http://www.ncvec.org/downloads/FINAL%20Revised%202015-2019%20General%20Class%20Question%20Pool%202-11-2015.pdf questions from this pool]. It grants limited operating privileges on all U.S. amateur bands.
 +
* The '''Amateur Extra''' license is obtained by passing a 50-question test made up of [http://www.ncvec.org/downloads/2016%20ExtraClassPool2nd%20Errata.doc questions from this pool]. It grants full privileges on all U.S. amateur bands.
  
==ITU Radio Bands==
+
You will need either an [https://apps.fcc.gov/coresWeb/publicHome.do FCC Registration Number] or Social Security number in order to take the exam.
 
+
It is not necessary to register beforehand with the FCC, but it will speed things along if you bring the paperwork. You can find [http://www.arrl.org/find-an-amateur-radio-license-exam-session testing locations here].
{| class="wikitable"
 
|-
 
!VLF
 
!LF
 
!MF
 
!HF
 
!VHF
 
!UHF
 
!SHF
 
|-
 
| style="text-align:center;"| 3 to 30 kHz
 
| style="text-align:center;"| 30 to 300 kHz
 
| style="text-align:center;"| 300 to 3 MHz
 
| style="text-align:center;"| 3 to 30 MHz
 
| style="text-align:center;"| 30 to 300 MHz
 
| style="text-align:center;"| 300 to 3 GHz
 
| style="text-align:center;"| 3 to 30 GHz
 
|}
 
 
 
==Feedline==
 
  
'''RG6''' is common and cheap, but higher resistance at 75 Ohms. You should not use this.  
+
For a fee of $15 USD you may take one or all three tests in one sitting at no additional charge. If you fail a test, you may spend an additional $15 USD to retake it.
 +
Your license is good for 10 years, with a 2 year grace period to renew after expiration without re-testing. You are no longer required to know Morse code for any of these tests.
  
'''RG58''' is cheap, 50 Ohms, and perfectly acceptable for HF.  
+
Some useful links for U.S. amateurs:
  
'''RG8X''' is slightly more expensive than RG58, but lower loss.  
+
* [http://www.arrl.org/fcc/search FCC License Data Search]
 +
* [http://www.arrl.org/files/file/Regulatory/September%2019,%202017.pdf The US Amateur Rulebook]
  
'''RG213''' is double the price of RG58 and RG8X, but lower attenuation at higher frequencies.
+
The national association for amateur radio in the U.S. is the '''American Radio Relay League (ARRL)'''.
  
'''RG8U''' is almost identical to RG213 in price and attenuation, but has lower loss per 100ft.
+
===Licensing in Canada===
  
'''LMR400''' is exceptional at higher frequencies as well as low. If your software radio can do 1GHz-6GHz, this is what you get.
+
The Amateur Radio Service in Canada is regulated by '''Innovation, Science, and Economic Development Canada''' ('''ISED''', known until 2015 as '''Industry Canada'''), in accordance with the Radiocommunication Act.
  
==Transceiver Type==
+
An '''Amateur Radio Operator Certificate''' is required to operate an amateur radio station in Canada. A certificate is issued when an individual obtains a score of 70% or higher on the Amateur Radio Basic Qualification exam. The following are the qualifications available to Canadian amateurs:
  
 +
* '''Basic Qualification:''' Access to all Amateur frequencies above 30MHz. Must obtain a mark of 70% on a 100-question multiple-choice test on theory, practice, and regulations. The question bank is available [https://ised-isde.canada.ca/site/amateur-radio-operator-certificate-services/en/amateur-radio-exam-generator/print-all-basic-questions here].
 +
* '''Basic with Honours Qualification:''' Same as Basic, but with access to all Amateur frequencies. Obtained by scoring '''80%''' on the Basic exam.
 +
* '''Morse Code Qualification:''' Access to all Amateur frequencies (notice that this one doesn't do anything for you if you passed the basic exam with an 80). Must demonstrate the ability to send and receive Morse code at 5 words per minute. Passing score is 100% (up to 5 mistakes).
 +
* '''Advanced Qualification:''' Access to all Amateur frequencies, higher power, ability to set up automatic stations like repeaters, ability to operate remote stations (i.e. over the internet), ability to design and build transmitting equipment. Obtained by scoring 70% on the 50-question, multiple-choice Amateur Radio Advanced Qualification exam. The question bank is available [https://ised-isde.canada.ca/site/amateur-radio-operator-certificate-services/en/amateur-radio-exam-generator/print-all-advanced-questions here].
  
==Q Code==
+
The Basic Qualification must be obtained first in order to be issued an Amateur Radio Operator Certificate and a call sign, but the other qualifications may be obtained in any order.
A Q Code is a shorthand for Ham Radio. It was formalized in the Morse Code days.
 
<!-- Taken Direct from Wikipedia -->
 
  
These are the standardized, modern Q Codes recognized internationally.
+
One difference between Canadian and U.S. regulations is that in Canada, there is no mandatory band plan.
  
{| class="wikitable"
+
The national association for amateur radio in Canada is '''Radio Amateurs of Canada (RAC)'''.
|-
 
!
 
!'''Question ?'''
 
!'''Answer or Advice'''
 
|-
 
|'''QAB '''
 
|May I have clearance (for ...) from ... (''place'') to ... (''place'') at flight level/altitude ... ?
 
|You are cleared (''or'' ... is cleared) by ... from ... (''place'') to ... (''place'') at flight level/altitude ...
 
|-
 
|'''QAF '''
 
|Will you advise me when you are (were) at (over) ... (''place'')?
 
|I am (was) at (over) ... (''place'') (at ... hours) at flight level/altitude ...
 
|-
 
|'''QAG '''
 
|
 
|Arrange your flight in order to arrive over ... (''place'') at ... hours. <br/>
 
''or''<br/> I am arranging my flight in order to arrive over ... (''place'') at ... hours.
 
|-
 
|'''QAH '''
 
|What is your height above ... (''datum'')?
 
|I am at .... flight level/altitude ...<br/>
 
''or''<br/>
 
Arrange your flight so as to reach flight level/altitude ... at ... (''hours or place'').
 
|-
 
|'''QAI '''
 
|What is the essential traffic respecting my aircraft?
 
|The essential traffic respecting your aircraft is ...
 
|-
 
|'''QAK '''
 
|Is there any risk of collision?
 
|There is risk of collision.
 
|-
 
|'''QAL '''
 
|Are you going to land at ... (''place'')? <br/>
 
''or''<br/> Has aircraft ... landed at ... (''place'')?
 
|I am going to land at ... (''place''). <br/>
 
''or''<br/> (You may) land at ... (''place''). <br/>
 
''or''<br/> Aircraft ... landed at ... (''place'').
 
|-
 
|'''QAM '''
 
|What is the latest available meteorological observation for ... (''place'')?
 
|Meteorological observation made at ... (''place'') at ... hours was as follows ...<br/>
 
''Note.- The information may be given in Q Code form or the METAR form.''
 
|-
 
|'''QAN '''
 
|What is the surface wind direction and speed at ... (''place'')?
 
|The surface wind direction and speed at ... (''place'') at ... hours is ... (''direction'') ... (''speed'').
 
|-
 
|'''QAO '''
 
|What is the wind direction in degrees TRUE and speed at ... (''position or zone/s'') at each of the ... (''figures'') ... (''units'') levels above ... (''datum'')?
 
|The wind direction and speed at (''position or zone/s'') at flight level/altitude ... is:<br/> ... (vertical distance) ... degrees TRUE ... (''speed'').
 
|-
 
|'''QAP '''
 
|Shall I listen for you (''or'' for ...) on ... kHz (... MHz)?
 
|Listen for me (''or'' for ...) on ... kHz (... MHz).
 
|-
 
|'''QAQ '''
 
|Am I near a prohibited, restricted or danger area?<br/>
 
''or''<br/> Am I near area ... (''identification of area'')?
 
|You are ...<br/> 1) near<br/> 2) flying within area ... (''identification of area'').
 
|-
 
|'''QAR '''
 
|May I stop listening on the watch frequency for ... minutes?
 
|You may stop listening on the watch frequency for ... minutes.
 
|-
 
|'''QAU '''
 
|Where may I jettison fuel?
 
|I am about to jettison fuel.<br/>
 
''or''<br/> Jettison fuel in ... (''area'').
 
|-
 
|'''QAW '''
 
|
 
|I am about to carry out overshoot procedure.
 
|-
 
|'''QAY '''
 
|Will you advise me when you pass (passed) ... (''place'') bearing 090 (270) degrees relative to your heading?
 
|I passed ... (''place'') bearing ... degrees relative to my heading at ... hours.
 
|-
 
|'''QAZ '''
 
|Are you experiencing communication difficulties through flying in a storm?
 
|I am experiencing communication difficulties through flying in a storm.
 
|-
 
|'''QBA '''
 
|What is the horizontal visibility at ... (''place'')?
 
|The horizontal visibility at ... (''place'') at ... hours is ... (''distance figures and units'').
 
|-
 
|'''QBB '''
 
|What is the amount, type and height above official aerodrome elevation of the base of the cloud [at ... (''place'')]?
 
|The amount, type and height above official aerodrome elevation of the base of the cloud at ... (''place'') at ... hours is:<br/> ... eights (... type) at ... (''figures and units'') height above official aerodrome elevation.
 
|-
 
|'''QBC '''
 
|Report meteorological conditions as observed from your aircraft [at ... (''position or zone'')] [(at ... hours)].
 
|The meteorological conditions as observed from my aircraft at ... (''position or zone'') at ... hours at ... (''figures and units'') height above ... (''datum'') are ...<br/> ''Note.-The answer is required in the format of an AIREP message.''
 
|-
 
|'''QBD '''
 
|How much fuel have you remaining (''expressed as hours and/or minutes of consumption'')?
 
|My fuel endurance is ... (''hours and/or minutes'').
 
|-
 
|'''QBE '''
 
|
 
|I am about to wind in my aerial.
 
|-
 
|'''QBF '''
 
|Are you flying in cloud?
 
|I am flying in cloud at ... flight level/altitude ... [and I am ascending (descending) to flight level/altitude ...].
 
|-
 
|'''QBG '''
 
|Are you flying above cloud?
 
|I am flying above cloud and at flight level/altitude ...<br/>
 
''or''<br/> Maintain a vertical distance of ... (''figures and units'') above clouds, smoke, haze or fog levels.
 
|-
 
|'''QBH '''
 
|Are you flying below cloud?
 
|I am flying below cloud and at flight level/altitude ...<br/>
 
''or''<br/> Maintain a vertical distance of ... (''figures and units'') below cloud.
 
|-
 
|'''QBI '''
 
|Is flight under IFR compulsory at ... (''place'') [''or'' from ... to ... (''place'')]?
 
|Flight under IFR is compulsory at ... (''place'') [''or'' from ... to ... (''place'')].
 
|-
 
|'''QBJ '''
 
|What is the amount, type and height above ... (''datum'') of the top of the cloud [at ... (''position or zone'')]?
 
|At ... hours at ... (''position or zone'') the top of the cloud is:<br/> amount ... eights (... type) at ... (''figures and units'') height above ... (''datum'').
 
|-
 
|'''QBK '''
 
|Are you flying with no cloud in your vicinity?
 
|I am flying with no cloud in my vicinity and at flight level/altitude ...
 
|-
 
|'''QBM '''
 
|Has ... sent any messages for me?
 
|Here is the message sent by ... at ... hours.
 
|-
 
|'''QBN '''
 
|Are you flying between two layers of cloud?
 
|I am flying between two layers of cloud and at flight level/altitude ...
 
|-
 
|'''QBO '''
 
|What is the nearest aerodrome at which flight under VFR is permissible and which would be suitable for my landing?
 
|Flying under VFR is permissible at ... (''place'') which would be suitable for your landing.
 
|-
 
|'''QBP '''
 
|Are you flying in and out of cloud?
 
|I am flying in and out of cloud and at flight level/altitude ...
 
|-
 
|'''QBS '''
 
|
 
|Ascend (''or'' descend) to ... (''figures and units'') height above ... (''datum'') before encountering instrument meteorological conditions or if visibility falls below ... (''distance figures and units'') and advise.
 
|-
 
|'''QBT '''
 
|What is the runway visual range at ... (''place'')?
 
|The runway visual range at ... (''place'') at ... hours is ... (''distance figures and units'').
 
|-
 
|'''QBV '''
 
|Have you reached flight level/altitude ... [''or'' ... (''area or place'')]?
 
|I have reached ... flight level/altitude ... [''or'' ... (''area or place'')].<br/>
 
''or''<br/>
 
Report reaching flight level/altitude ... [''or'' ... (''area or place'')].
 
|-
 
|'''QBX '''
 
|Have you left ... flight level/altitude ... [''or'' ... (''area or place'')]?
 
|I have left ... flight level/altitude ... [''or'' ... (''area or place'')].<br/>
 
''or''<br/>
 
Report leaving flight level/altitude ... [''or'' ... (''area or place'')].
 
|-
 
|'''QBZ '''
 
|Report your flying conditions in relation to clouds.
 
|''The reply to'' QBZ ? ''is given by the appropriate answer form of signals'' QBF, QBG, QBH, QBK, QBN ''and'' QBP.
 
|-
 
|'''QCA '''
 
|May I change my flight level/altitude from ... to ... ?
 
|You may change your flight level/altitude from ... to ...<br/>
 
''or''<br/>
 
I am changing my flight level/altitude from ... to ...
 
|-
 
|'''QCB '''
 
|
 
|Delay is being caused by ...<br/> 1) you're transmitting out of turn.<br/> 2) your slowness in answering.<br/> 3) lack of your reply to my ...
 
|-
 
|'''QCE '''
 
|When may I expect approach clearance?
 
|Expect approach clearance at ... hours.<br/>
 
''or''<br/> No delay expected.
 
|-
 
|'''QCF '''
 
|
 
|Delay indefinite. Expect approach clearance not later than ... hours.
 
|-
 
|'''QCH '''
 
|May I taxi to ... (''place'')?
 
|Cleared to taxi to ... (''place'').
 
|-
 
|'''QCI '''
 
|
 
|Make a 360-degree turn immediately (turning to the ...).<br/>
 
''or''<br/>
 
I am making a 360-degree turn immediately (turning to the ...).
 
|-
 
|'''QCS '''
 
|
 
|My reception on ... frequency has broken down.
 
|-
 
|'''QCX '''
 
|What is your full call sign?
 
|My full call sign is ... <br/>
 
''or''<br/> Use your full call sign until further notice.
 
|-
 
|'''QCY '''
 
|
 
|I am working on a trailing aerial.<br/>
 
''or''<br/> Work on a trailing aerial.
 
|-
 
|'''QDB '''
 
|Have you sent message ... to ... ?
 
|I have sent message ... to ...
 
|-
 
|'''QDF '''
 
|What is your D-Value at ... (''position'')? <br/>
 
''or''<br/> What is the D-Value at ... (''place or position'') (at ... hours) for the ... millibar level?
 
|My D-Value at ... (''position'') at ... (''figures and units'') height above the 1013.2 millibars datum is ... (''D-Value figures and units'') ... (''specify plus or minus'').<br/>
 
''or''<br/>
 
The D-Value at ... (''place or position'') at ... hours for the ... millibar level is (''D-Value figures and units'') ... (''specify plus or minus'').<br/> ''Note.- When the true altitude (radio altitude) is greater than the pressure altitude '''PS''' (Plus) is used and when it is less '''MS''' (Minus) is used.''
 
|-
 
|'''QDL '''
 
|Do you intend to ask me for a series of bearings?
 
|I intend to ask you for a series of bearings.
 
|-
 
|'''QDM '''
 
|Will you indicate the MAGNETIC heading for me to steer towards you (''or'' ...) with no wind?
 
|The MAGNETIC heading for you to steer to reach me (''or'' ...) with no wind was ... degrees (at ... hours).
 
|-
 
|'''QDP '''
 
|Will you accept control (''or'' responsibility) of (for) ... now (''or'' at ... hours)?
 
|I will accept control (''or'' responsibility) of (for) ... now (''or'' at ... hours).
 
|-
 
|'''QDR '''
 
|What is my MAGNETIC bearing from you (''or'' from ...)?
 
|Your MAGNETIC bearing from me (''or'' from ...) was ... degrees (at ... hours).
 
|-
 
|'''QDT '''
 
|Are you flying in visual meteorological condition?
 
|I am flying in visual meteorological condition.<br/>
 
''or''<br/>
 
You are cleared subject to maintaining own separation and visual meteorological conditions.
 
|-
 
|'''QDU '''
 
|
 
|Cancelling my IFR flight.<br/>
 
''or''<br/>
 
IFR flight cancelled at ... (''time'').
 
|-
 
|'''QDV '''
 
|Are you flying in a flight visibility of less than ... (''figures and units'')?
 
|I am flying in a flight visibility of less than ... (''figures and units'') at flight level/altitude ...
 
|-
 
|'''QEA '''
 
|May I cross the runway ahead of me?
 
|You may cross the runway ahead of you.
 
|-
 
|'''QEB '''
 
|May I turn at the intersection?
 
|Taxi as follows at the intersection ...<br/> (straight ahead DRT<br/> turn left LEFT<br/> turn right RITE).
 
|-
 
|'''QEC '''
 
|May I make a 180-degree turn and return down the runway?
 
|You may make a 180-degree turn and return down the runway.
 
|-
 
|'''QED '''
 
|Shall I follow the pilot vehicle?
 
|Follow the pilot vehicle.
 
|-
 
|'''QEF '''
 
|Have I reached my parking area? <br/>
 
''or''<br/> Have you reached your parking area?
 
|You have reached your parking area.<br/>
 
''or''<br/> I have reached my parking area.
 
|-
 
|'''QEG '''
 
|May I leave the parking area? <br/>
 
''or''<br/> Have you left the parking area?
 
|You may leave the parking area.<br/>
 
''or''<br/> I have left the parking area.
 
|-
 
|'''QEH '''
 
|May I move to the holding position for runway number ... ? <br/>
 
''or''<br/> Have you moved to the holding position for runway number ... ?
 
|Cleared to the holding position for runway number ... <br/>
 
''or''<br/> I have moved to the holding position for runway number ...
 
|-
 
|'''QEJ '''
 
|May I assume position for take-off? <br/>
 
''or''<br/> Have you assumed position for take-off?
 
|Cleared to hold at take-off position for runway number ... <br/>
 
''or''<br/> I am assuming take-off position for runway number ... and am holding.
 
|-
 
|'''QEK '''
 
|Are you ready for immediate take-off?
 
|I am ready for immediate take-off.
 
|-
 
|'''QEL '''
 
|May I take-off (and make a ... hand turn after take-off)?
 
|You are cleared to take-off (turn as follows after take-off ...).
 
|-
 
|'''QEM '''
 
|What is the condition of the landing surface at ... (''place'')?
 
|The condition of the landing surface at ... (''place'') is ... <br/>
 
''Note.- The information is given by sending appropriate NOTAM Code groups.''
 
|-
 
|'''QEN '''
 
|Shall I hold my position?
 
|Hold your position
 
|-
 
|'''QEO '''
 
|Shall I clear the runway (''or'' landing area)? <br/>
 
''or''<br/> Have you cleared the runway (''or'' landing area)?
 
|Clear the runway (''or'' landing area).<br/>
 
''or''<br/> I have cleared the runway (''or'' landing area).
 
|-
 
|'''QES '''
 
|Is a right-hand circuit in force at ... (''place'')?
 
|A right-hand circuit is in force at ... (''place'').
 
|-
 
|'''QFA '''
 
|What is the meteorological forecast for ... (''flight, route, section of route or zone'') for the period ... hours until ... hours?
 
|The meteorological forecast for ... (''flight, route, section of route or zone'') for the period ... hours until ... hours is ...
 
|-
 
|'''QFB '''
 
|
 
|The ...<br/> 1) approach<br/> 2) runway<br/> 3) approach and runway<br/> lights are out of order.
 
|-
 
|'''QFC '''
 
|What is the amount, the type and the height above ... (''datum'') of the base of the cloud at ... (''place, position or zone'')?
 
|At ... (''place, position or zone'') the base of the cloud is ... eighths ... type at ... (''figures and units'') height above ... (''datum'').
 
|-
 
|'''QFD '''
 
|1) Is the ... visual beacon [at ... (''place'')] in operation?<br/> 2) Will you switch on the ... visual beacon [at ... (''place'')]?<br/> 3) Will you extinguish the aerodrome visual beacon [at ... (''place'')] until I have landed?
 
|1) The ... visual beacon [at ... (''place'')] is in operation<br/> 2) I will extinguish the aerodrome visual beacon [at ... (''place'')] until your landing is completed.
 
|-
 
|'''QFE '''
 
|What should I set on the subscale of my altimeter so that the instrument would indicate its height above the reference elevation being used?
 
|If you set the subscale of your altimeter to read ... millibars, the instrument would indicate its height above aerodrome elevation (above threshold, runway number ...).
 
|-
 
|'''QFF '''
 
|[At ... (''place'')] what is the present atmospheric pressure converted to mean sea level in accordance with meteorological practice?
 
|At ... (''place'') the atmospheric pressure converted to mean sea level in accordance with meteorological practice is (''or'' was determined at ... hours to be) ... millibars.
 
|-
 
|'''QFG '''
 
|Am I overhead?
 
|You are overhead.
 
|-
 
|'''QFH '''
 
|May I descend below the clouds?
 
|You may descend below the clouds.
 
|-
 
|'''QFI '''
 
|Are the aerodrome lights lit?
 
|The aerodrome lights are lit. <br/>
 
''or''<br/> Please light the aerodrome lights.
 
|-
 
|'''QFL '''
 
|Will you send up pyrotechnical lights?
 
|I will send up pyrotechnical lights.
 
|-
 
|'''QFM '''
 
|What flight level/altitude ... <br/> 1) should I maintain?<br/> 2) are you maintaining?<br/> 3) do you intend cruising at?
 
|...<br/>
 
1) Maintain (''or'' fly at) flight level/altitude ...<br/> 2) I am maintaining flight level/altitude ... <br/> 3) I intend cruising at flight level/altitude ...
 
|-
 
|'''QFO '''
 
|May I land immediately?
 
|You may land immediately.
 
|-
 
|'''QFP '''
 
|Will you give me the latest information concerning ... facility [at ... (''place'')]?
 
|The latest information concerning ... facility [at ... (''place'')] is as follows ... <br/>
 
''Note.- The information is given by sending appropriate NOTAM Code groups.''
 
|-
 
|'''QFQ '''
 
|Are the approach and runway lights lit?
 
|The approach and runway lights are lit. <br/>
 
''or''<br/> Please light the approach and runway lights.
 
|-
 
|'''QFR '''
 
|Does my landing gear appear damaged?
 
|Your landing gear appears damaged.
 
|-
 
|'''QFS '''
 
|Is the radio facility at ... (''place'') in operation?
 
|The radio facility at ... (''place'') is in operation (''or'' will be in operation in ... hours).<br/>
 
''or''<br/>
 
Please have the ... radio facility at ... (''place'') put in operation.
 
|-
 
|'''QFT '''
 
|Between what heights above ... (''datum'') has ice formation been observed [at ... (''position or zone'')]?
 
|Ice formation has been observed at ... (''position or zone'') in the type of ... and with an accretion rate of ... between ... (''figures and units'') and ... (''figures and units'') heights above ... (''datum'').
 
|-
 
|'''QFU '''
 
|What is the magnetic direction (''or'' number) of the runway to be used?
 
|The magnetic direction (''or'' number) of the runway to be used is ...<br/>
 
''Note.- The runway number is indicated by a two-figure group and the magnetic direction by a three-figure group.''
 
|-
 
|'''QFV '''
 
|Are the floodlights switched on?
 
|The floodlights are switched on.<br/>
 
''or''<br/> Please switch on the floodlights.
 
|-
 
|'''QFW '''
 
|What is the length of the runway in use in ... (''units'')?
 
|The length of runway ... now in use is ... (''figures and units'').
 
|-
 
|'''QFX '''
 
|
 
|I am working (''or'' am going to work) on a fixed aerial.<br/>
 
''or''<br/> Work on a fixed aerial.
 
|-
 
|'''QFY '''
 
|Please report the present meteorological landing conditions [at ... (''place'')].
 
|The present meteorological landing conditions at ... (''place'') are ...<br/> ''Note.- When given in Q Code the information is sent in the following sequence: QAN, QBA, QNY, QBB, QNH and/or QFE and, if necessary, QMU, QNT, QBJ.''
 
|-
 
|'''QFZ '''
 
|What is the aerodrome meteorological forecast for ... (''place'') for the period ... hours until ... hours?
 
|The aerodrome meteorological forecast for ... (''place'') for the period ... hours until ... hours is ...<br/> ''Note.- When given in Q Code the following sequence of Q signal answer (or advice) forms is to be used: QAN, QBA, QNY, QBB and, if necessary, QMU, QNT and QBJ.''
 
|-
 
|'''QGC '''
 
|
 
|There are obstructions to the ... of ... runway ...
 
|-
 
|'''QGD '''
 
|Are there on my track any obstructions whose elevation equals or exceeds my altitude?
 
|There are obstructions on your track ... (''figures and units'') height above ... (''datum'').
 
|-
 
|'''QGE '''
 
|What is my distance to your station (''or'' to ...)?
 
|Your distance to my station (''or'' to ...) is ... (''distance figures and units'').
 
|-
 
|'''QGH '''
 
|May I land using ... (''procedure or facility'')?
 
|You may land using ... (''procedure or facility'').
 
|-
 
|'''QGK '''
 
|What track should I make good? <br/>
 
''or''<br/> What track are you making good?
 
|Make good a track from ... (''place'') on ... degrees ... (''true or magnetic''). <br/>
 
''or''<br/> I am making good a track from ... (''place'') on ... degrees ... (''true or magnetic'').
 
|-
 
|'''QGL '''
 
|May I enter the ... (''control area or zone'') at ... (''place'')?
 
|You may enter the ... (''control area or zone'') at ... (''place'').
 
|-
 
|'''QGM '''
 
|
 
|Leave the ... (''control area or zone'').
 
|-
 
|'''QGN '''
 
|May I be cleared to land [at ... (''place'')]?
 
|You are cleared to land [at ... (''place'')].
 
|-
 
|'''QGO '''
 
|
 
|Landing is prohibited at ... (''place'').
 
|-
 
|'''QGP '''
 
|What is my number for landing?
 
|You are number ... to land.
 
|-
 
|'''QGQ '''
 
|May I hold at ... (''place'')?
 
|Hold at ... (''place'') at flight level/altitude ... (''datum'') and await further clearance.
 
|-
 
|'''QGT '''
 
|
 
|Fly for ... minutes on a heading what will enable you to maintain a track reciprocal to your present one.
 
|-
 
|'''QGU '''
 
|
 
|Fly for ... minutes on a magnetic heading of ... degrees.
 
|-
 
|'''QGV '''
 
|Do you see me?<br/>
 
''or''<br/>
 
Can you see the aerodrome? <br/>
 
''or''<br/> Can you see ... (''aircraft'')?
 
|I see you at ... (''cardinal or quadrantal point of direction''). <br/>
 
''or''<br/> I can see the aerodrome.<br/>
 
''or''<br/> I can see ... (aircraft).
 
|-
 
|'''QGW '''
 
|Does my landing gear appear to be down and in place?
 
|Your landing gear appears to be down and in place.
 
|-
 
|'''QGZ '''
 
|
 
|Hold on ... direction of ... facility.
 
|-
 
|'''QHE '''
 
|Will you inform me when you are on ... leg of approach?
 
|I am on ...<br/> 1) cross-wind leg<br/> 2) down-wind leg<br/> 3) base leg<br/> 4) final leg<br/> ... of approach.
 
|-
 
|'''QHG '''
 
|May I enter traffic circuit at flight level/altitude ...?
 
|Cleared to enter traffic circuit at flight level/altitude ...
 
|-
 
|'''QHH '''
 
|Are you making an emergency landing?
 
|I am making an emergency landing. <br/>
 
''or''<br/> Emergency landing being made at ... (''place''). All aircraft below flight level/altitude ... and within a distance of ... (''figures and units'') leave ... (''place or headings'').
 
|-
 
|'''QHI '''
 
|Are you (''or'' is ...) ...<br/> 1) waterborne?<br/> 2) on land?
 
|I am (''or'' ... is) ...<br/> 1) waterborne<br/> 2) on land<br/>
 
at ... hours.
 
|-
 
|'''QHQ '''
 
|May I make a ... approach [at ... (''place'')]? <br/>
 
''or''<br/> Are you making a ... approach?
 
|You may make a ... approach [at ... (''place'')]. <br/>
 
''or''<br/> I am making a ... approach.
 
|-
 
|'''QHZ '''
 
|Shall I circle the aerodrome (''or'' go around)?
 
|Circle the aerodrome (''or'' go around).
 
|-
 
|'''QIC '''
 
|May I establish communication with ... radio station on ... kHz (''or'' ... MHz.) now (''or'' at ... hours)?
 
|Establish communication with ... radio station on ... kHz. (''or'' MHz.) now (''or'' at ...hours).<br/>
 
''or''<br/>
 
I will establish communication with ... radio station on ... kHz (''or'' ... MHz) now (''or'' at ... hours).
 
|-
 
|'''QIF '''
 
|What frequency is ... using?
 
|... is using ... kHz (''or'' ... MHz.).
 
|-
 
|'''QJA '''
 
|Is my ...<br/> 1) tape<br/> 2) mark and space<br/> reversed?
 
|Your ...<br/> 1) tape<br/> 2) mark and space<br/> is reversed.
 
|-
 
|'''QJB '''
 
|Will you use ...<br/> 1) radio?<br/> 2) cable?<br/> 3) telegraph?<br/> 4) teletypewriter?<br/> 5) telephone?<br/> 6) receiver?<br/> 7) transmitter?<br/> 8) reperforator?       
 
|I will use ...<br/> 1) radio.<br/> 2) cable.<br/> 3) telegraph.<br/> 4) teletypewriter.<br/> 5) telephone.<br/> 6) receiver.<br/> 7) transmitter.<br/> 8) reperforator.
 
|-
 
|'''QJC '''
 
|Will you check your ...<br/> 1) transmitter distributor?<br/> 2) auto-head?<br/> 3) perforator?<br/> 4) reperforator?<br/> 5) printer?<br/> 6) printer motor?<br/> 7) keyboard?<br/> 8) antenna system? 
 
|I will check my ...<br/> 1) transmitter distributor.<br/> 2) auto-head.<br/> 3) perforator.<br/> 4) reperforator.<br/> 5) printer.<br/> 6) printer motor.<br/> 7) keyboard.<br/> 8) antenna system.
 
|-
 
|'''QJD '''
 
|Am I transmitting ...<br/> 1) in letters?<br/> 2) in figures?
 
|You are transmitting ...<br/> 1) in letters<br/> 2) in figures.
 
|-
 
|'''QJE '''
 
|Is my frequency shift ...<br/> 1) too wide?<br/> 2) too narrow?<br/> 3) correct?
 
|Your frequency shift is ...<br/> 1) too wide.<br/> 2) too narrow (by ... cycles).<br/> 3) correct.
 
|-
 
|'''QJF '''
 
|
 
|My signal as checked by monitor ... is satisfactory ...<br/> 1) locally.<br/> 2) as radiated.
 
|-
 
|'''QJG '''
 
|Shall I revert to automatic relay?
 
|Revert to automatic relay.
 
|-
 
|'''QJH '''
 
|Shall I run ...<br/> 1) my test tape?<br/> 2) a test sentence?
 
|Run ...<br/> 1) your test tape.<br/> 2) a test sentence.
 
|-
 
|'''QJI '''
 
|Will you transmit a continuous ...<br/> 1) mark?<br/> 2) space?
 
|I am transmitting a continuous...<br/> 1) mark.<br/> 2) space.
 
|-
 
|'''QJK '''
 
|Are you receiving ...<br/> 1) a continuous mark?<br/> 2) a continuous space?<br/> 3) a mark bias?<br/> 4) a space bias?
 
|I am receiving ...<br/> 1) a continuous mark.<br/> 2) a continuous space.<br/> 3) a mark bias.<br/> 4) a space bias.
 
|-
 
|'''QKC '''
 
|
 
|The sea conditions (at ... position) ...<br/> 1) permit alighting but not take-off.<br/> 2) render alighting extremely hazardous.
 
|-
 
|'''QKF '''
 
|May I be relieved (at ... hours)?
 
|You may expect to be relieved at ... hours [by ... <br/> 1) aircraft ... (''identification'') (type ...)<br/> 2) vessel whose call sign is ... (''call sign'') {''and/or'' whose name is ... (''name'')}].
 
|-
 
|'''QKG '''
 
|Will relief take place when ... (''identification'') establishes ...<br/> 1) visual,<br/> 2) communications,<br/> contact with survivors?
 
|Relief will take place when ... (''identification'') establishes ...<br/> 1) visual,<br/> 2) communications,<br/> contact with survivors.
 
|-
 
|'''QKH '''
 
|Report details of the parallel sweep (track) search being (''or'' to be) conducted?<br/>
 
''or''<br/>
 
In the parallel sweep (track) search being (''or'' to be) conducted, what is (are) ... <br/>
 
1) the direction of sweeps,<br/>
 
2) the separation between sweeps,<br/>
 
3) the flight level/altitude ... employed in the search pattern?
 
|The parallel sweep (track) search is being (''or'' to be) conducted ...<br/>
 
1) with direction of sweeps ... degrees ... (''true or magnetic'').<br/>
 
2) with ... (''distance figures and units'') separation between sweeps.<br/>
 
3) at flight level/altitude ...
 
|-
 
|'''QKN '''
 
|
 
|Aircraft plotted (believed to be you) in position ... on track ... degrees at ... hours.
 
|-
 
|'''QKO '''
 
|What other units are (''or'' will be) taking part in the operation [... (''identification of operation'')]?
 
|In the operation [... (''identification'')], the following units are (''or'' will be) taking part ... (''name of units'').<br/>
 
''or''<br/>
 
... (''name'') unit is taking part in operation [... (''identification''] (with effect from ... hours).
 
|-
 
|'''QKP '''
 
|Which pattern of search is being followed?
 
|The search pattern is ...<br/> 1) parallel sweep.<br/> 2) square search.<br/> 3) creeping line ahead.<br/> 4) track crawl.<br/> 5) contour search.<br/> 6) combined search by aircraft and ship.<br/> 7) ... (''specify'').
 
|-
 
|'''QLB '''
 
|Will you monitor ... station and report regarding range, quality, etc.?
 
|I have monitored ... station and report (''briefly'') as follows ...
 
|-
 
|'''QLH '''
 
|Will you use simultaneous keying on ... frequency and ... frequency?
 
|I will now key simultaneously on ... frequency and ... frequency.
 
|-
 
|'''QLV '''
 
|Is the ... radio facility still required?
 
|The ... radio facility is still required.
 
|-
 
|'''QMH '''
 
|
 
|Shift to transmit and receive on ... kHz (''or'' ... MHz.); if communication is not established within 5 minutes, revert to present frequency.
 
|-
 
|'''QMI '''
 
|Report the vertical distribution of cloud [at ... (''position or zone'')] as observed from your aircraft.
 
|The vertical distribution of cloud as observed from my aircraft at ... hours at ... (''position or zone'') is :<br/>
 
lowest layer observed* ... eights (... type) with base of ... (''figures and units'') and tops of ... (''figures and units'')<br/>
 
[''*and similarly in sequence for each of the layers observed.'']<br/>
 
height above ... (''datum'').
 
|-
 
|'''QMU '''
 
|What is the surface temperature at ... (''place'') and what is the dew point temperature at that place?
 
|The surface temperature at ... (''place'') at ... hours is ... degrees and the dew point temperature at that time and place is ... degrees.
 
|-
 
|'''QMW '''
 
|At ... (''position or zone'') what is (are) the flight level(s)/altitude(s) ... of the zero Celsius isotherm(s)?
 
|At ... (''position or zone'') the zero Celsius isotherm(s) is (are) at flight level(s)/altitude(s) ...
 
|-
 
|'''QMX '''
 
|What is the air temperature [at ... (''position or zone'')] (at ... hours) at flight level/altitude ...?
 
|At ... (''position or zone'') at ... hours the air temperature is ... (''degrees and units'') at flight level/altitude ... <br/>
 
''Note.- Aircraft reporting QMX information will transmit the temperature figures as corrected for airspeed.''
 
|-
 
|'''QMZ '''
 
|Have you any amendments to the flight forecast in respect of section of route yet to be traversed?
 
|The following amendment(s) should be made to the flight forecast ... <br/>
 
[''If no amendments, signal QMZ NIL'']
 
|-
 
|'''QNE '''
 
|What indication will my altimeter give on landing at ... (''place'') at ... hours, my sub-scale being set to 1013.2 millibars (29.92 inches)?
 
|On landing at ... (''place'') at ... hours, with your sub-scale being set to 1013.2 millibars (29.92 inches), your altimeter will indicate ... (''figures and units'').
 
|-
 
|'''QNH '''
 
|What should I set on the subscale of my altimeter so that the instrument would indicate its elevation if my aircraft were on the ground at your station?
 
|If you set the subscale of your altimeter to read ... millibars, the instrument would indicate its elevation if your aircraft were on the ground at my station at ... hours.<br/>
 
''Note.- When the setting is given in hundredths of inch the abbreviation INS is used to identify the units.''
 
|-
 
|'''QNI '''
 
|Between what heights above ... (''datum'') has turbulence been observed at ... (''position or zone'')?
 
|Turbulence has been observed at ... (''position or zone'') with an intensity of ... between ... (''figures and units'') and ... (''figures and units'') heights above ... (''datum'').
 
|-
 
|'''QNO '''
 
|
 
|I am not equipped to give the information (''or'' provide the facility) requested.
 
|-
 
|'''QNR '''
 
|
 
|I am approaching my point of no return.
 
|-
 
|'''QNT '''
 
|What is the maximum speed of the surface wind at ... (''place'')?
 
|The maximum speed of the surface wind at ... (''place'') at ... hours is ... (''speed figures and units'').
 
|-
 
|'''QNY '''
 
|What is the present weather and the intensity thereof at ... (''place, position or zone'')?
 
|The present weather and intensity thereof at ... (''place, position or zone'') at ... hours is ...<br/>
 
''Notes:<br/>
 
a) When present weather information is transmitted by a ground station, the abbreviations shall be selected from those specified in Annex 3, paragraph 4.8.2.<br/>
 
b) When present weather information is transmitted by an aircraft, the information shall be selected from items 10 to 12 of the AIREP form.''
 
|}<ref>{{cite web|title=List of Q-codes|url=http://www.kloth.net/radio/qcodes.php}}</ref>
 
  
==Lightning Protection==
+
===Operating in a Foreign Country===
  
If your antenna is outdoors, you should take precaution to prevent yourself and your gear from becoming dead. Metal antenna mounts should be grounded using 10 gauge insulated solid core copper wire. Your coax should have a lightning arrestor between the antenna and your equipment. The arrestor should be mounted near the lightning rod it's grounded to. To prevent moisture ingress, the arrestor and coax connectors should be placed in a plastic electrical box. If you have a wire dipole antenna, you should use ceramic insulators at both ends and guy rope to tie between two points.
+
The United States and Canada have a reciprocal operating agreement, so Canadian amateurs may operate in the U.S. and vice-versa without any paperwork or permit. Amateurs must follow the regulations of the country they are in, and not exceed the privileges they are licensed for in their home country. U.S. amateurs operating in Canada must identify with their FCC call sign, followed by 'mobile' (voice) or '/' (CW), followed by the call sign prefix of the province they are operating in. For example, "W1AW mobile VE9" in New Brunswick. Likewise, Canadian amateurs must do the same with their ISED call sign when operating in the U.S.
  
[[Category: Audio]]
+
Citizens of CEPT member countries may operate in other CEPT member countries, so long as they have been issued a CEPT permit by their home country. Unlike U.S. amateurs operating in Canada, CEPT-country amateurs must identify with the call sign prefix of the province they are in first, followed by their own call sign, for example "VE9/G5LK"
[[Category: Video]]
 
[[Category: HowTo]]
 

Latest revision as of 13:06, 6 July 2023

(See also: Software-Defined Radio)

A German amateur radio station, set up for a contest.

Amateur radio, also known as ham radio, is an old hobby that has origins as far back as the late 1800s. It was formalized as a hobby in the early 20th century. It is an over-regulated piece of shit, but what isn't nowadays?

Amateur radio operators, known as hams, make contacts all over the world, take part in many different activities that highlight different aspects of the hobby, and operate using a variety of modes. Although the barrier to entry is higher than most other hobbies, ham radio is a hobby with seemingly infinite depth, that can provide a literal lifetime of enjoyment. Hams are always eager to help newcomers get into the hobby.

These days, most hams are fairly old, but many come from highly technical backgrounds, and it isn't uncommon at all to meet a 70-odd-year-old ham who is also an avid Linux user. This is where we're heading, /g/entoomen.

Activities

Your first radio: The Baofeng UV-5R

Local Communication

The VHF and UHF bands are primarily used for local communications, and are accessible to holders of entry-level licenses. You can get on the air with a $25 Baofeng handheld, and for some hams, this is enough to thoroughly enjoy ham radio. Many organizations maintain repeaters, which are automatic stations whose purpose is to extend the range of handhelds and mobile stations. Many repeater groups also host VHF/UHF nets, which are structured on-air meetings that amateurs can "call in" to.

Repeaters and nets are an excellent way to meet local hams, and get your feet wet before getting involved in the more complicated and expensive world of HF.

DXing

DXing is the act of operating with the goal of reaching stations in as many foreign countries as possible. Long-distance communication is usually only possible on the HF bands and below, making it out of reach for holders of entry-level licenses. It also involves larger, more complicated, outdoor antennas, and more expensive transceivers. However, many consider DXing to be the most thrilling part of amateur radio, and setting up a station to do it can become a hobby in itself.

Rag-Chewing

Rag-chewing is the act of having long, friendly conversations with other hams on the air. This can pretty much take place on any band, in any mode.

Contesting

Contesting is the act of participating in contests that involve making specific kinds of contacts under specific conditions.

EMCOMM

EMCOMM, or emergency communications, involves participating in emergency preparedness exercises and maintaining emergency radio infrastructure (like repeaters) for when SHTF. Amateur radio is a highly robust means of communication that is of great value during emergencies.

MARS/CFARS

The Military Auxiliary Radio System (MARS) in the U.S. and the Canadian Forces Affiliate Radio System (CFARS) in Canada are programs that enlist amateur radio operators to provide auxiliary communications to the military. This is another way that amateur radio operators can serve their communities.

QRP

Operating QRP is when you try to make distant contacts with as little power possible.

POTA

A typical POTA station

Parks on the Air (POTA) is an award program that encourages hams to operate out of public parks using portable stations.

Tinkering

Many amateurs enjoy designing and building their own transmitting equipment. In many countries, only the holders of the highest level of amateur license are permitted to design their own equipment, but usually any licensed amateur is allowed to build kits, or professionally-designed projects.

Many also enjoy designing and building their own antenna systems. Doing this requires fairly substantial knowledge of electronics, physics, and propagation, but can be very rewarding. Your antenna is much more important than your radio.

Awards

There are many awards available for hams, from different organizations and for doing different things. The most coveted ham radio award is the DX Century Club (DXCC), awarded by the American Radio Relay League (ARRL) for making confirmed contacts in at least 100 different countries. Although the award comes from the ARRL, you do not need to be an American amateur to get it. Many other awards exist for achieving other feats, and for participating in various contests and special events.

Operating Modes

Phone (voice)

Phone is simple enough: You connect a microphone to a radio and talk into it. Voice is typically modulated using frequency modulation (FM) or single side-band modulation (SSB). SSB requires much lower bandwidth than FM, so it is more common when communicating on HF over long distances. FM is clearer and is more commonly used for local communication on VHF and UHF.

Morse Code (CW)

Morse code chart. Note that this chart doesn't include punctuation or procedural signals.

Morse code, also known as continuous wave (CW) was once required for passing your test. In most countries, it is no longer required, but it remains a good skill to have. It remains popular for its low bandwidth requirement, and how much simpler the equipment is to build. Under conditions where voice and digital modes are unusable, CW can still be used to make contacts over long distances. Like Linux and C on /g/, among hams, proficiency in CW is often accompanied by a (deserved ;) ) superiority complex. Learning CW will greatly increase your enjoyment of amateur radio.

Morse code is easier to learn than you'd think. Once you are proficient, you will no longer hear dits and dahs, but actual letters and words.

Digital

(See also: Software-Defined Radio)

Digital modes are modes that involve digital signals being sent over the radio. Technically, Morse code is a digital mode. More commonly, though, digital refers to connecting a computer to a radio.

The most popular digital mode is FT8, which facilitates communication over very long distances with very low power and very weak signals. Messages can contain up to 13 text characters, and take 15 seconds to send. The most popular software for using FT8 is WSJT-X, which was written by the mode's creators. A lot of people tend to hate FT8 because of how easy it is to make a lot of contacts, and because the software automates almost every step in making a contact. However, it has become the most popular operating mode.

There are also other digital modes, for example packet radio, which involves sending internet packets over the radio, RTTY or radioteletype, and others.

Television

Yes, you can even transmit pictures and video using amateur radio! The most common TV modes are SSTV or slow-scan television, and ATV or amateur television, also known as fast-scan television.

Official Terms and Jargon

Call Signs

Your call sign is how you identify your station on the air, and how you call other stations. Your call sign will be assigned to you by the government when you obtain a license. Each country has a call sign prefix. Usually, states or provinces within a given country will each have unique prefixes based on the country's prefix. The suffix will be unique to you. Most callsigns are five or six characters long, but some may be longer or shorter. In some countries, you can request a specific callsign, although there may be restrictions on certain words, and on using special character sequences like Q codes.

Bands

Bands are groups of frequencies. These are the main bands, specified by the ITU:

Very low frequency (VLF) Low frequency (LF) Medium frequency (MF) High frequency (HF) Very high frequency (VHF) Ultra high frequency (UHF) Super high frequency (SHF)
3 to 30 kHz 30 to 300 kHz 300 to 3 MHz 3 to 30 MHz 30 to 300 MHz 300 to 3 GHz 3 to 30 GHz

It should be noted that a "band" may also be a group of frequencies within the bands specified above, e.g. "20m HF" for HF frequencies in the 14MHz range.

Q Codes

For a full list of Q codes, see Wikipedia.

Q codes are a shorthand system used in amateur radio. They're primarily used when operating CW (Morse code), but some are also commonly used when operating phone (voice).

These are the most common Q codes you'll run into:

As a question (followed by '?' when sent in Morse code) As a statement Notes
QRP Shall I decrease my transmitter power? Decrease transmitter power. QRP also refers to the activity of running low-power stations. E.g.: "I'm QRP", "I'm running QRP", "I mainly run QRP".
QRS Shall I send more slowly? Send more slowly. Only applicable to CW.
QRZ Who is calling me? You are being called by... Also commonly used on voice. During a "pileup", when multiple stations are trying to call one distant station, the distant station will ask "QRZ?" when he has finished working one station, so that the next station can give his call sign.
QSL Can you acknowledge receipt? I acknowledge receipt. Also commonly used on voice. QSLing is also used to refer to confirming contacts. This is done with physical postcards, called QSL cards, or digitally via sites like Logbook of the World and eQSL. Confirmed contacts can be used as credit for certain awards. E.g.: "Please QSL direct or via bureau", "please QSL via LoTW".
QSO Can you communicate with ____? I can communicate with ____. In common usage, a QSO refers to a contact. E.g.: "Thanks for the QSO", "I made 100 QSOs this weekend".
QTH What is your position? My position is... Also commonly used on voice. Example: "My QTH is New York."

Some other acronyms and abbreviations used on Morse code:

  • "PSE" and "TNX" are used when operating Morse code to say "please" and "thank you", respectively.
  • "DE" is used when operating Morse code to say "this is" or "from".
  • "SOS" is the official international distress signal. It is very illegal everywhere to transmit SOS when you are not in danger.
  • "CQ" means "calling all stations", and is used in all modes.

Jargon

  • "73" is used very often in all modes to mean "best regards".
  • When operating Morse code, "OM" is a traditional way to address a fellow operator. It stands for "old man".
  • "XYL" is used to refer to your wife. It stands for "ex-young lady". "YL", or "young lady", refers to your girlfriend.
  • An "Elmer" is someone who has been a mentor to you in the hobby.

Theory

Important Formulas

  • Ohm's Law
Solve For Watts Amp2 x Ohm Volt2 / Ohm Volt x Amp
Solve For Volts Amp x Ohm √Watt x Ohm Watt / Amp
Solve For Amps Volt / Ohm Watt / Volt √Watt / Ohm
Solve For Ohms Volt2 / Watt Volt / Amp Watt / Amp2
  • The speed of light is a constant 299,792,458 m/s and is represented by c.
  • Wavelength is represented in meters as λ.
  • Frequency is represented in Hertz (Hz) (seconds to the power of -1) as f.
  • c / f = λ

Propagation

Propagation refers to how the radio waves from your antenna travel. Some will travel along the ground, in what is called ground wave propagation. Sky wave propagation, also called ionospheric wave propagation, is when radio waves travel up to the ionosphere and are reflected back to earth. Through sky wave propagation, communication is possible across oceans very easily.

Electronics

In order to pass the exam and set up a station, you should have a basic knowledge of electronics. You should understand series and parallel circuits, as well as the basic electronic components: Resistors, capacitors, diodes, transistors, inductors, and triode tubes.

Antennas

The most important part of your station is your antenna. A bad radio will perform much better on a good antenna than a good radio will perform on a bad antenna. The performance of an antenna is entirely based on physics. Because of this fact, it is possible to build your own antennas that perform just as well as, if not better than, commercially available antennas, and for a fraction of the cost.

Antenna Math

  • Loop antennas are full wavelength with one element.
    • c / f = Element length
  • Dipole antennas are half a wavelength with two elements.
    • c / f / 2 = λ / 2 = Element lengths
  • Ground plane antennas must be at least a quarter wavelength with one vertical and four radial elements.
    • c / f / 4 = λ / 4 = Vertical element length
    • c / f / 4 = λ / 4 = Radial element lengths
  • 3-element Yagi-Uda antennas are directional antennas consisting of a boom with reflector, driven, and director elements.
    • λ * 0.495 = Reflector element length
    • λ * 0.473 = Driven element length
    • λ * 0.440 = Director element length
    • λ * 0.125 = Element separation

Polarization

Polarization basically refers to whether the radio waves' electric lines of force are perpendicular or parallel to the Earth. If they are perpendicular to the Earth, the antenna is called vertically polarized. If they are parallel to the Earth, it is called horizontally polarized. In ground-wave propagation, a vertically polarized antenna will receive signals from other vertically polarized antennas better than a horizontally polarized antenna, and vice-versa. However, in sky-wave propagation, polarization doesn't really matter, because the ionosphere can change the waves' polarization one instant to the next.

Feed Lines

The feed line or transmission line is what will connect your transceiver to your antenna.

  • RG6 is common and cheap, but higher resistance at 75 Ohms. You should not use this.
  • RG58 is cheap, 50 Ohms, and perfectly acceptable for HF.
  • RG8X is slightly more expensive than RG58, but lower loss.
  • RG213 is double the price of RG58 and RG8X, but lower attenuation at higher frequencies.
  • RG8U is almost identical to RG213 in price and attenuation, but has lower loss per 100ft.
  • LMR400 is exceptional at higher frequencies as well as low. If your software radio can do 1GHz-6GHz, this is what you get.

Lightning Protection

If your antenna is outdoors, you should take precaution to prevent yourself and your gear from becoming dead. Metal antenna mounts should be grounded using 10 gauge insulated solid core copper wire. Your coax should have a lightning arrestor between the antenna and your equipment. The arrestor should be mounted near the lightning rod it's grounded to. To prevent moisture ingress, the arrestor and coax connectors should be placed in a plastic electrical box. If you have a wire dipole antenna, you should use ceramic insulators at both ends and guy rope to tie between two points.

Licensing and Regulation

Being an over-regulated piece of shit, in order to fully participate in (transmit) ham radio, you'll need a license, which you get by passing one or more exams. The licensing process varies by country.

Licensing in the U.S.

Amateur radio in the U.S. is regulated by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC). There are three license levels in the U.S.:

  • The Technician license is obtained by passing a 35-question test made up of questions from this pool. It grants access to VHF/UHF bands, and some limited privileges on HF bands.
  • The General license is obtained by passing a 35-question test made up of questions from this pool. It grants limited operating privileges on all U.S. amateur bands.
  • The Amateur Extra license is obtained by passing a 50-question test made up of questions from this pool. It grants full privileges on all U.S. amateur bands.

You will need either an FCC Registration Number or Social Security number in order to take the exam. It is not necessary to register beforehand with the FCC, but it will speed things along if you bring the paperwork. You can find testing locations here.

For a fee of $15 USD you may take one or all three tests in one sitting at no additional charge. If you fail a test, you may spend an additional $15 USD to retake it. Your license is good for 10 years, with a 2 year grace period to renew after expiration without re-testing. You are no longer required to know Morse code for any of these tests.

Some useful links for U.S. amateurs:

The national association for amateur radio in the U.S. is the American Radio Relay League (ARRL).

Licensing in Canada

The Amateur Radio Service in Canada is regulated by Innovation, Science, and Economic Development Canada (ISED, known until 2015 as Industry Canada), in accordance with the Radiocommunication Act.

An Amateur Radio Operator Certificate is required to operate an amateur radio station in Canada. A certificate is issued when an individual obtains a score of 70% or higher on the Amateur Radio Basic Qualification exam. The following are the qualifications available to Canadian amateurs:

  • Basic Qualification: Access to all Amateur frequencies above 30MHz. Must obtain a mark of 70% on a 100-question multiple-choice test on theory, practice, and regulations. The question bank is available here.
  • Basic with Honours Qualification: Same as Basic, but with access to all Amateur frequencies. Obtained by scoring 80% on the Basic exam.
  • Morse Code Qualification: Access to all Amateur frequencies (notice that this one doesn't do anything for you if you passed the basic exam with an 80). Must demonstrate the ability to send and receive Morse code at 5 words per minute. Passing score is 100% (up to 5 mistakes).
  • Advanced Qualification: Access to all Amateur frequencies, higher power, ability to set up automatic stations like repeaters, ability to operate remote stations (i.e. over the internet), ability to design and build transmitting equipment. Obtained by scoring 70% on the 50-question, multiple-choice Amateur Radio Advanced Qualification exam. The question bank is available here.

The Basic Qualification must be obtained first in order to be issued an Amateur Radio Operator Certificate and a call sign, but the other qualifications may be obtained in any order.

One difference between Canadian and U.S. regulations is that in Canada, there is no mandatory band plan.

The national association for amateur radio in Canada is Radio Amateurs of Canada (RAC).

Operating in a Foreign Country

The United States and Canada have a reciprocal operating agreement, so Canadian amateurs may operate in the U.S. and vice-versa without any paperwork or permit. Amateurs must follow the regulations of the country they are in, and not exceed the privileges they are licensed for in their home country. U.S. amateurs operating in Canada must identify with their FCC call sign, followed by 'mobile' (voice) or '/' (CW), followed by the call sign prefix of the province they are operating in. For example, "W1AW mobile VE9" in New Brunswick. Likewise, Canadian amateurs must do the same with their ISED call sign when operating in the U.S.

Citizens of CEPT member countries may operate in other CEPT member countries, so long as they have been issued a CEPT permit by their home country. Unlike U.S. amateurs operating in Canada, CEPT-country amateurs must identify with the call sign prefix of the province they are in first, followed by their own call sign, for example "VE9/G5LK"