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Requirements September 1995 until January 2002

1. Explain what radio is. Include in your explanation: the differences between broadcast radio and hobby radio, and the differences between broadcasting and to way communicating. Also discuss broadcast radio and amateur radio call signs and using phonetics

2. 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?

3. Do the following:

(a) Draw a chart of the electromagnetic spectrum covering 100 kilohertz (khz) to 1000 megahertz(MHz).
(b) Label the LF, MF, HF, VHF, UHF, and microwave portions of the spectrum on your diagram.
(c) Locate on your chart at least eight radio services such as AM and FM commercial broadcast, CB, television, amateur radio (at least for hand radio bands), and police.
(d) Discuss why some radio stations are called DX and others are called local. Explain who the FCC and the ITU are.

4. Explain how radio waves carry information. Include in your explanation: transceiver, transmitter, amplifier, and antenna.

5. Learn the safety precautions for working with radio gear, particularly Dc and Rf grounding.

6. Do the following:

(a) Explain the differences between a block diagram and a schematic diagram.
(b)Draw a block diagram that includes a transceiver, amplifier, microphone, antenna, and feed line.
(c) Explain the differences between an open circuit, a closed-circuit, and a short circuit.
(d) Draw 10 schematic symbols. Explain what three of the represented parts do. Find three electrical components to match to three of these symbols.

7. Do one of the following (a, b, or c):

(a) Amateur radio

(1) Describe some of the activities that amateur radio operators can do on the air, once they have earned an amateur radio license.
(2) Carry on a 10 minute real or simulated ham radio contact using voice or Morris 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.)
(3) With the help of a local amateur radio operator, talk to and properly log at least two Morse code radio contacts. Record signal reports. Explain how often amateur radio operators must give their call signs during a radio contact.
(4) Explain at least five Q signals or amateur radio terms you hear while listening.
(5) Explain some differences between the Novice Class license and the Technician class license requirements and privileges. Explain who gives amateur radio exams.
(6) Explain how you would make an emergency call on voice or Morris code. Tell why the FCC has an amateur radio service.
(7) Explain handheld transceivers versus home “base" stations. Explain about mobile amateur radios and amateur radio repeaters.

(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 the ease 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 listening

(1) Listen across several shortwave 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 the globe.
(2) For several major foreign stations (BBC in Great Britain or HCJB in Ecuador, for example) list several frequency bands used by each.
(3) 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.
(4) Discuss the purpose of and careers in shortwave communications.

8. 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.

Requirements January 2002 until January 2009

1. Explain what radio is. Include in your explanation: the differences between broadcast radio and hobby radio, and the differences between broadcasting and to way communicating. Also discuss broadcast radio and amateur radio call signs and using phonetics.

2. 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?

3. Do the following:

(a) Draw a chart of the electromagnetic spectrum covering 100 kilohertz (khz) to 1000 megahertz(MHz).
(b) Label the LF, MF, HF, VHF, UHF, and microwave portions of the spectrum on your diagram.
(c) Locate on your chart at least eight radio services such as AM and FM commercial broadcast, CB, television, amateur radio (at least for hand radio bands), and police.
(d) Discuss why some radio stations are called DX and others are called local. Explain who the FCC and the ITU are.

4. Explain how radio waves carry information. Include in your explanation: transceiver, transmitter, amplifier, and antenna.

5. Explain to your counselor the safety precautions for working with radio gear, particularly direct current and RF grounding.

6. Do the following:

(a) Explain the differences between a block diagram and a schematic diagram.
(b) Draw a block diagram that includes a transceiver, amplifier, microphone, antenna, and feed line.
(c) Explain the differences between an open circuit, a closed-circuit, and a short circuit.
(d) Draw eight schematic symbols. Explain what three of the represented parts do. Find three electrical components to match to three of these symbols.

7. Do one of the following (a, b, or c):

(a) Amateur radio

(1) Describe some of the activities that amateur radio operators can do on the air, once they have earned an amateur radio license.
(2) Carry on a 10-minute real or simulated ham radio contact using voice or Morris 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.
(3) Explain at least five Q signals or amateur radio terms you hear while listening.
(4) Explain some of the Technician Class license requirements and privileges. Explain who gives amateur radio exams.
(5) Explain how you would make an emergency call on voice or Morris code. Tell why the FCC has an amateur radio service.
(6) Explain handheld transceivers versus home “base" stations. Explain about mobile amateur radios and amateur radio repeaters.

(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 the ease 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 listening

(1) Listen across several shortwave 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 the globe.
(2) For several major foreign stations (BBC in Great Britain or HCJB in Ecuador, for example) list several frequency bands used by each.
(3) 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.
(4) Discuss the purpose of and careers in shortwave communications.

8. 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.

Requirements January 2009 until January 2017

1. Explain what radio is. And discuss the following:

1. The differences between broadcast radio and hobby radio
2. The differences between broadcasting and two-way communications
3. Radio station call signs and how they are used in broadcast radio and amateur radio
4. The phonetic alphabet and how it is used to communicate clearly

2. Do the following:

1. Sketch a diagram showing how radio waves travel locally and around the world. Explain how the broadcast radio stations WWV and WWVH can be used to help determine what you will hear when you listen to a short wave radio.
2. Explain the difference between a DX and a local station. Discuss what the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) does and how it is different from the International Telecommunication Union.

3. Do the following:

1. Draw a chart of the electromagnetic spectrum covering 100 kilohertz (kHz) to 1000 megahertz (MHz).
2. Label the MF, HF, VHF, UHF, and microwave portions of the spectrum on your diagram.
3. Locate on your chart at least eight radio services, such as AM and FM commercial broadcast, citizens band (CB), television, amateur radio (at least for amateur radio bands), and public service (police and fire).

4. Explain how radio waves carry information. Include in your explanation: transceiver, transmitter, receiver, amplifier, and antenna.

5. Do the following:

1. Explain the differences between a block diagram and a schematic diagram.
2. Draw a block diagram for a radio station that includes a transceiver, amplifier, microphone, antenna, and feed line.
3. Explain the differences between an open circuit, a closed-circuit, and a short circuit.
4. Draw eight schematic symbols. Explain what three of the represented parts do. Find three electrical components to match to three of the symbols.

6. Explain the safety percautions for working with radio gear, including the concept of grounding for direct circuits, power outlets, and antenna systems.

7. Visit a radio installation (an amateur radio station, broadcast station, or public service communication center, for example) approved in advance by your counselor. Discuss what types of equipment you saw in use, how it was used, what types of licenses are required to operate and maintain the equipment, and the purpose of the station.

8. Find out about three career opportunities in radio. Pick one and find out the education, training, and experience required for this profession. Discuss this with your counselor, and explain why this profession might interest you.

9. Do ONE of the following (a OR b OR c)

(a) Amateur Radio

(1) Tell why the FCC has an amateur radio service. Describe some of the activities that amateur radio operators can do on the air, once they have earned an amateur radio license.

(2) Using proper call signs, Q signals, and abbreviations, carry on a 10-minute rel or simulated amateur radio contact using voice, Morse code, or digital mode. (Licensed amateur radio operators may substitute five QSL cards as evidence of contacts with amateur operators from at least three different call districts.) Properly log the real or simulated ham radio contat and record the signal report.

(3) Explain at least five Q signals or amateur radio terms you hear while listening.

(4) Explain some of the differences between the Technician, General, and Extra Class license requirements and privileges. Explain who administers amateur radio exams.

(5) Explain how you would make an emergency call on voice or Morse code.

(6) Explain the differences between handheld transceivers and home “base” transceivers. Explain the uses of mobile amateur radio transceivers and amateur radio repeaters.

(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 audiotape on in a digital audio format, using proper technique.

(2) Listen to and properly log 15 broadcast stations. Determine the program format and target audience for five of these stations.

(3) Explain at least eight terms used in commericial broadcasting such as segue, cut, fade, continuity, remote, Emergency Alert System, network, cue, dead air, PSA, and playlist

(c) Shortwave Listening

(1) Listen across several shortwave bands for four one-hour periods—at least one period during daylight hours and at least one period at night. Log the stations properly and locate the geographically on a globe.

(2) For several major foreign satation (BBC in Great Britain or HCJB in Ecuador, for example), list several frequency bands used by each.

(3) Compare your daytime and nighttime logs; note the frequencies on which your selected stations were loudest during each session. Explain differences in the signal strength from one period to the next.