Foundation Radio Amateur Licence - BDARS Online Syllabus
Operating practices and procedures
Understand why one should listen before calling and to ask if the frequency is in use.
Recall how to make a CQ call.
Understand the need to move off the calling channel (when on v.h.f./u.h.f.) once contact is established.
Recall the phonetic alphabet. See BR68/F, note (s)
Operating through a repeater.
Recall that repeaters are mainly intended to extend the range of mobile stations.
Recall how to use a repeater and understand the need for an Access Tone or CTCSS and frequency offset.
Band plans
Recall why band-plans are used.Identify items on a published band-plan (e.g. calling frequencies and recommended modes).See Note 5.
Connecting microphones and other audio sources to the transmitter.
Recall that connecting anything other than the supplied microphone (e.g. packet radio TNCs) to the transmitter requires correct operation of the PTT line and correct audio signal levels.
Competence in making radio contacts.
This part of the syllabus is carried out as a practical assessment by registered assessors and may be part of a training course.
Demonstrate, using a v.h.f./u.h.f. transmitter/receiver; correct tuning in to an amateur f.m voice signal and a data signal such as packet. Read the signal strength meter (where fitted).
Demonstrate correct operation of a v.h.f. transmitter/receiver in simplex mode.Note: Controls used shall include frequency, squelch and, audio gain (volume).
Recall the meaning of signal reports exchanged during a contact.Make a simplex radio contact and exchange signal reports.
Demonstrate, using an h.f. transmitter/receiver, correct tuning in to an amateur s.s.b. voice signal and a Morse signal. Read the signal strength meter.
Demonstrate correct operation of an h.f. transmitter/receiver in an s.s.b contact.Note: Controls used shall include frequency, the r.i.t. (clarifier), audio gain (volume), r.f., microphone gain and antenna tuner (ATU).Make an h.f. s.s.b. voice contact and exchange signal reports.
Demonstrate a CQ call on v.h.f./u.h.f., making a contact and initiating a change of frequency (QSY) off the calling channel.
Connecting a transmitter/receiver
Demonstrate connecting a transmitter/receiver to a power supply, antenna and feeder.
This part of the syllabus is carried out as a practical assessment by registered assessors and may be part of a training course.
Demonstrate, using a l/2 dipole antenna with adjustable elements, that the SWR varies as the length of the elements are varied. Set up the dipole for minimum SWR.Note: The elements are not to be adjusted whilst transmitting.
Correct procedure for a radiating test shall be demonstrated.