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Newsgroups: rec.radio.amateur.misc,rec.radio.info
Followup-To: uk.radio.amateur,rec.radio.amateur.misc
From: paul@topsy.demon.co.uk (Paul Turvey)
Message-ID: <847@topsy.demon.co.uk>
Subject: uk.radio.amateur FAQ
Lines: 1117
Keywords: amateur-radio, hamradio, faq, UK
Summary: To answer frequently asked questions on amateur radio in the UK.
Approved: rec-radio-info@ve6mgs.ampr.ab.ca
Archive-name: uk-radio-amateur-faq
Last Modified: 27-March-1994
uk.radio.amateur Frequently Asked Questions
===========================================
This will be a periodic posting to uk.radio.amateur and rec.radio.info of
UK-specific questions and answers on amateur radio. It is not intended to
be exhaustive, but to point you towards sources of further information
where necessary. I would welcome any constructive views on this FAQ to
ukfaq@topsy.demon.co.uk .
For ease of distribution, the edition of this FAQ posted to Usenet has been
cut into 2 parts.
The latest version of this FAQ is available for anonymous FTP from
ftp.demon.co.uk
Part 1 of 2
-----------
Questions
---------
Obtaining a licence:
1. Is a licence necessary ?
2. How do I get a licence ?
3. What are the types of licence ?
4. What is the Radio Amateur's Exam ?
5. What is the Novice Course and Exam ?
6. Where can I take these exams ?
7. What if I fail ?
8. I passed the exams, now what ?
Initial Operating:
9. What is a callsign ?
10. What frequencies am I allowed to use ?
11. What can I transmit ?
12. How do I know what to do ?
13. Where can I buy a radio ?
14. Can I build a radio ?
15. Can I modify a radio ?
International:
16. I have a UK licence, can I use it abroad ?
17. What is a CEPT licence ?
18. I hold a CEPT licence, how do I sign in the UK ?
19. I want to operate in the UK, I don't have a CEPT licence.
Morse:
20. What is morse ?
21. Where do I learn morse ?
22. Do I need to learn morse ?
Repeaters:
23. What is a repeater ?
24. How do I use a repeater ?
25. What is CTCSS (Tone squelch) ?
Packet-Radio:
[Editor's note: the following section is necessarily brief but I will
consider including better explanations of packet if they are offered,
would anyone care to supply an explanation of ATV ?]
26. What is packet radio ?
27. What equipment do I need for packet radio ?
28. What are the limitations of packet radio in the UK ?
29. Can I leave my packet station unattended ?
30. Can I use packet to exchange messages with Internet users ?
31. How do I obtain a .ampr.org IP address ?
Licence Regulations:
32. UK Band Plans.
33. Can anyone use my radio ?
34. I have a dual-band rig, can I use it as a repeater ?
35. My neighbour complains that he can hear my voice on his television.
36. I want to take my radio to sea / in an aircraft.
Further Advice:
37. The Radio Society of Great Britain
38. The Radiocommunications Agency
39. Local clubs
40. Specialist clubs
41. Commercial magazines
42. Internet news-groups
43. Other FAQs
Misc:
44. Is the UK callbook available on disc/CD-ROM ?
73:
45. Caveat
46. Credits
---
1. Is a licence necessary ?
A licence for amateur frequencies is only required if you intend to
transmit on those frequencies. A listener's licence does not exist. The
requirement to hold a licence is in the Wireless Telegraphy Act 1949.
You do not need a licence to purchase or own an amateur transceiver,
only to transmit with it. No licence is required to receive any amateur
transmission.
2. How do I get a licence ?
Unless you already hold a licence issued by another country (see below)
then you must satisfy the licencing authority (the Radiocommunications
Agency (RA) currently) that you are technically competent to use an
amateur transmitter. The DTI lays out the minimum standards and the City
& Guilds Institute holds examinations to test licence applicants.
You must obtain a pass in the examination(s) before submitting the
licence application form to the RA. A useful publication from the RA is
'How to Become A Radio Amateur' obtainable free from the RA at Waterloo
Bridge House, Waterloo Bridge Road, London SE1 8UA. Telephone 071 215
2150 (+44 71 215 2150). This publication includes an application form.
3. What are the types of licence ?
The primary licence type is the Amateur Radio Licence. This licence has
'A' and 'B' variants. Holders of the 'A' licence are permitted to
transmit on all the amateur frequency bands allocated in the UK. The
'B' licence holder is restricted to transmitting on those frequency
bands above 30MHz. Obtaining either variant of licence requires a Pass
in the Radio Amateur's Examination. The second licence type is the
Amateur Radio Novice Licence. Holders of Novice licence are restricted
to transmitting on a small number of the frequency bands available to
holders of an Amateur Radio Licence, and to which portions of those bands
they may use. There are 'A' and 'B' variants with holders of the 'B'
licence restricted to transmitting on bands over 30MHz. Obtaining a
Novice licence requires a Pass on an organised Novice Course and a Pass
in the Novice Examination. In the case of either a Novice or a Radio
Amateur Licence, the licence issued is a Class 'B' licence unless the
applicant has passed a Morse code test in which case a Class 'A' licence
is issued.
4. What is the Radio Amateur's Examination (RAE) ?
The RAE is a two paper multiple-choice examination held twice yearly at
City & Guilds Examination Centres. It tests electronic theory, licence
conditions, interference & operating procedures. The C&G reference is
765. The C&G charge GBP16.50 (1993 level) for each paper, a Pass on both
is required. The Examination Centre may also make a charge. Several
books exist for self-teaching of the necessary subjects to pass the RAE
and these are available from the RSGB, amongst others (see below).
5. What is the Novice Course and Exam (NRAE) ?
The Novice Course is a 30 hour training course organised by the Radio
Society of Great Britain and run at local radio clubs and schools. The
course typically lasts 12 to 16 weeks. The courses will normally be
timed to finish a few weeks before one of the four Novice RAE's held
each year. The C&G reference is 773. The Novice Course Instructors will
prepare a candidate for the NRAE. The Exam is one paper testing a wide
range of subjects learnt on the Novice Course. A Pass on both the
Course and the NRAE is required.
6. Where can I take these exams ?
Both the RAE and NRAE can be held at any City & Guilds exam centres,
but it is up to each centre to decide whether to hold the examinations
and local centres should be contacted direct. Some radio clubs and
schools have registered themselves as C&G centres. There is a list of
the participating C&G centres in the 'Callbook and Information
Directory' published annually by the Radio Society of Great Britain
(RSGB). The Novice Course is run locally but the RSGB has a register
of courses and can advise you of the nearest one. Their telephone number
is 0707 659015 (+44 707 659015).
7. What if I fail ?
If you fail one of the papers of the RAE then you can re-take only that
paper at the next examination. If you fail both papers then you can
re-take the RAE. There is no limit on the number of times you may take
the RAE, but the fee will be charged each time. Similarly for the
Novice Course and NRAE, either element can be re-taken.
8. I passed the exams, now what ?
Complete the application form (Novice Instructors have forms for Novice
applicants) and send it with the RAE/NRAE Pass slip (and Novice Course
Pass slip if for a Novice licence) to Subscription Services Ltd (SSL),
together with the fee. See Q38. The fee is currently GBP15 for all
classes of licence, but Novice licence holders under 21 years old are
not required to pay the fee. The licence can take 4 to six weeks to be
delivered. The licence will show your callsign. You also receive a
booklet giving information about what your licence permits you to do.
9. What is a callsign ?
A callsign is a unique identifier for you whilst transmitting.
Callsigns are issued to an individual radio amateur with their first
licence document. A callsign consists of a mixture of letters and
numbers from 3 characters long. In the UK, the shortest callsigns are 4
characters long. Holders of the Radio Amateur Licence in the UK have
callsigns with the prefix 'G'. Holders of Novice Licences have the
callsign prefix '2'. Sample prefixes for other countries are F;France,
D;Germany, I;Italy, N,W,A;USA, VK;Australia. Prefixes are allocated by
the International Telecommunications Union, an agency of the United
Nations. There are secondary prefixes in the UK to determine which part
of the UK the licence holder is operating from:
Radio Amateur Licence Novice Licence
England G 2E
Scotland GM 2M
Wales GW 2W
Northern Ireland GI 2I
Isle of Man GD 2D
Jersey GJ 2J
Guernsey & GU 2U
dependencies
In the case of club licences, a different secondary prefix may be used:
England GX
Scotland GS Novice licences may not
Wales GC be used as club licences.
Northern Ireland GN
Isle of Man GT
Jersey GH
Guernsey & GP
dependencies
Following the prefix, a UK callsign has a number that determines the
class of licence, ie whether it's a class 'A' or class 'B' licence:
Radio Amateur Licence Novice Licence
Class A 0,2,3,4, all plus 0 plus three letters
three letters
2,3,4,6,8 plus two
letters
Class B 1,6,7,8 all plus 1 plus three letters
three letters
The latest callsigns being issued are in the G0, G7, 2E0, 2E1 series.
A valid callsign would be G1PJJ or G3YMD or G2FA. The first one is
Class B, the second two are Class A. A valid Novice Class A callsign
would be 2E0AAK.
The callsign allocated must be transmitted in accordance with the
current licence conditions.
10. What frequencies am I allowed to use ?
The frequency bands allocated to Amateurs are published in the licence
conditions booklet that accompanies each licence. The current bands
allocated to Radio Amateurs are:
1.810-2.000, 3.500-3.800, 7.000-7.100, 10.100-10.150, 14.000-14.350
18.068-18.168, 21.000-21.450, 24.890-24.990, 28.000-29.700,
50.000-52.000, 70.00-70.50, 144.0-146.0, 430.0-440.0, 1240-1325,
2310-2450, 3400-3475, 5670-5680, 5755-5765, 5820-5850, 10000-10500,
24000-24250, 47000-47200, 75500-76000, 142000-144000, 248000-250000.
All frequencies in MHz. Class B Licence holders are restricted to
transmitting on bands above 30MHz. Geographical restrictions apply to
the 430-432MHz sub-band.
The current bands allocated to Novices are:
1.950-2.000, 3.560-3.585, 10.13-10.14, 21.100-21.149, 28.060-28.190,
28.225-28.500, 50.0-52.0, 432.0-440.0, 1240-1325, 10000-10500.
All frequencies in MHz. Class B Novice Licence holders are restricted
to transmitting on bands above 30MHz.
Bands from 1.8MHz to 30MHz are known as HF (High Frequency)
Bands from 50MHz to 146MHz are known as VHF (Very High Frequency)
Bands from 430MHz to 1.3GHz are known as UHF (Ultra High Frequency)
Bands above 1.3GHz are in the Microwave region and are also known as
SHF (Super High Frequencies)
11. What can I transmit ?
The transmission types available depend only on whether there's
sufficient bandwidth on the band you intend to use for that
transmission. You would not try to transmit a 6MHz television signal on
a 2MHz wide band. Otherwise, all phone, Morse, television, fax and data
modes are permitted on all bands. There is, however, general agreement
in the UK on use of particular modes on each band.
So far as the content of the transmission is concerned, this does
depend on the mode in use. You may not transmit any copyrighted
material. You cannot (except under emergency conditions) transmit a
message that is not from another amateur, however you cannot
store-and-forward any message that is not from yourself. This area of
licencing is not easy to explain in few words and the licence booklet
should be read. See Q33 in connection with those who may transmit at
your station and Q30 for restrictions regarding packet-radio messages.
For Novice Licence Holders, the restrictions are slightly more severe
and several bands are only available for Morse transmissions. Novices
are not permitted to use some bands at all, notably 144MHz.
See Q32 for the band-plans.
12. How do I know what to do ?
Hopefully in preparing for the exam, you've read and learnt the licence
conditions and operating procedures. The best way of learning though is
to listen to other amateurs operating. Hopefully you can listen whilst
you're learning so when the licence arrives you'll be ready to transmit
straight away. In any case, if you get it wrong 'on the air' then some-
one will correct you.
13. Where can I buy a radio ?
Many larger towns have shops that stock Radio Amateur equipment. Many
advertise in the Amateur Radio press. Local amateurs will advise on the
better local emporiums but a lot of business is mail-order, with the
usual caveats. You do not usually need to take your licence along when
purchasing a radio, but some suppliers are asking for proof of being
licenced before selling you a radio, particularly higher-powered
models. An alternative means of comparing and buying radios is at a
Rally. These are held all over the country between March and October
usually, with a few just before Christmas. A Rally is a way that Radio
Amateurs can meet and talk, and there are usually many trade stands
from local and national dealers. There's often a bring-and-buy where
you can find a second-hand bargain. Rally information is published in
all the Radio magazines and also broadcast on the RSGB's news service
each Sunday, GB2RS (see Q37). Lists of Rallies are distributed on the
packet-radio BBS network by G6CZV addressed to RALLY@GBR.
14. Can I build a radio ?
Yes, and you could save yourself lots of cash. Whether you want to try
a design of your own, use a published design and etch your own boards
or build a kit from one of the UK kit suppliers, there is no
restriction on 'home-brew' - not yet. If you're not used to building,
don't try and build a transmitter first, try out your skills on a
receiver and see how you cope. You'll find many of the kit suppliers
at rallies. Many of the magazines feature construction projects, often
tied to a specific kit supplier.
15. Can I modify a radio ?
Yes. There is a lot of ex-commercial and ex-emergency services radio
equipment around and plenty of information on modifying it to make it
work on amateur frequencies. But, not all of it is suitable, so ask
before you buy. Also, there is a restriction on converting former CB
(27MHz) equipment for use on 28MHz and a permit is required from the
Radiocommunications Agency.
16. I have a UK licence, can I use it abroad?
Holder of a full UK licence can use it abroad, subject to restrictions,
holders of novice licences can't. If you intend to operate within
Europe, then the country you're operating from may have signed the CEPT
agreement, in which case no additional permission is needed to operate
there, simply sign as (eg. for France) F/own-call . Check on your own
licence validation document which countries have signed the CEPT
agreement. Operating in any country that is not a CEPT signatory means
obtaining advance permission from that country's authorities to operate
there - normally well in advance of your trip. The RSGB can offer
advice and application forms for most countries that have a reciprocal
licencing agreement with the UK. The relevant embassy/high commission
or consulate can also offer advice. Be aware that amateur radio is
illegal in some countries. It is also illegal in some countries to even
transit the country carrying radio transmitters without the appropriate
licence. In all cases, check.
17. What is a CEPT licence ?
A CEPT licence is a licence issued by a country that is a signatory to
the CEPT agreement no. T/R 61-01. CEPT is the European Posts and
Telecommunications Committee and sets standards between European
countries. Those countries that have signed the agreement include:
Austria, Belgium, Switzerland, Germany, Denmark, Spain, France,
Liechtenstein, Greece, Hungary, Italy, Irish Republic, Luxembourg,
Monaco, Netherlands, Norway, Sweden, Finland, Czech Republic, New
Zealand, United Kingdom. Under the terms of the agreement, holders of a
CEPT class 1 licence, are allowed to use, without further formality,
all amateur bands in the country being visited that are also permitted
under the terms of the licence-holders own licence. Holder of a CEPT
class 2 licence are restricted to bands above 144MHz that are available
in the licencee's own country and the country being visited. If you have
a UK licence, look at your licence validation document. At the top you
will see a "CEPT equivalent class", this will be 1 for a class A licence,
2 for class B.
18. I have a CEPT licence, how do I sign in the UK ?
Holders of a licence issued in accordance with the CEPT (European Post
and Telecommunications Committee) Recommendation T/R 61-01 may operate
in those countries that have verified the Recommendation. The UK is a
signatory and amateurs with CEPT licences can operate as G/own-call in
England, GW/own-call in Wales etc. without formality. The bands
available are restricted to those which are permitted in this country,
if the licence holder is permitted to use them in their OWN country. A
class 2 CEPT licence holder is restricted to 144MHz and above.
19. I want to operate in the UK, I don't have a CEPT licence.
If your licence is not marked as a CEPT licence, then you need to apply
to the Radiocommunications Agency for a temporary reciprocal licence.
There are reciprocal agreements with many countries, if in doubt ask
your own licencing authority or national society. Obtain a reciprocal
licence application form from your own national society or direct from
the Radiocommunications Agency and return it with proof of your licence
and the fee of (currently) GBP15. Allow 8 to 12 weeks if you need the
licence returned to your home address, 4 to 6 weeks if it is to go to
the address you'll be staying at in the UK. You sign as G/own-call in
England, GM/own-call in Scotland etc. You are bound by the UK licencing
conditions and will receive a copy of the licencing booklet with the
reciprocal licence. The temporary reciprocal licence is valid for 12
months. You can contact the Radiocommunications Agency on 071 215 2150
(+44 71 215 2150).
20. What is morse ?
Morse is the simplest means of transmitting a recognisable signal
between stations. Morse is, at its simplest, turning on and off the
transmitter in a manner that represents letters or numbers, according
to the Morse Code. Morse, by its nature, is likely to work between two
stations when all other modes fail due to interference or sheer lack of
signal strength, given the narrow bandwidth required and the low
signalling rate, although no mode is perfect.
21. Where do I learn morse ?
There are broadcasts on the HF, VHF and UHF amateur bands that are
designed to bring you from a low level to a good level of morse, but
these assume that you at least know the 'code' first. These broadcasts
in the UK are co-ordinated by the RSGB (0707-659015) and are operated
under the callsign GB2CW. There are other HF broadcasts world-wide and
the most prominent of these are by the ARRL (American Radio Relay
League) under the call W1AW. Another way of learning morse is from an
instructional tape. These tapes are available from the RSGB and the
G-QRP club (see below) amongst other sources.
22. Do I need to learn morse ?
If you have no intention of transmitting on the HF bands (below 30MHz)
then no, you don't need morse. The main purpose of morse presently is
to provide access to the HF bands, morse is a requirement of the ITU
and is mandatory in most countries' licencing for HF licences. Above
30MHz morse may still be useful if you want to use meteor-scatter (MS)
or use some satellites. If you want to use the HF bands, then a Class
'A' licence is required. If you already have a Class 'B' licence then
you need to take either a 12 words-per-minute morse test (for an Amateur
Licence 'A') or a 5 wpm morse test (for a Novice Licence 'A').
Additionally a holder of an Amateur Licence 'B' can take the 5 wpm
morse test and be issued with a Class 'A' Novice Licence as well as
their Class 'B' Licence. The morse tests are organised by the RSGB on
behalf of the Radiocommunications Agency. Tests are held in most areas
3 or 4 times a year, depending on demand, as well as at some major
rallies.
23. What is a repeater ?
Repeaters are to be found across the country, mainly on 145MHz and
433MHz. A repeater is an un-manned station that will retransmit on its
output frequency any signal heard on its input frequency that satisfies
certain conditions. On the 2m band (144-146MHz) repeaters are found on
the following frequencies:
Output (MHz) Input (MHz) Channel no.
145.600 145.000 R0
145.625 145.025 R1
145.650 145.050 R2 The input frequency
145.675 145.075 R3 is always 600kHz below
145.700 145.100 R4 the output frequency.
145.725 145.125 R5
145.750 145.150 R6
145.775 145.175 R7
On the 70cm band (430-440MHz) repeaters are found on the following
frequencies:
Output (MHz) Input (MHz) Channel no.
433.000 434.600 RB0
433.025 434.625 RB1
433.050 434.650 RB2
433.075 434.675 RB3
433.100 434.700 RB4
433.125 434.725 RB5 The input frequency
433.150 434.750 RB6 is always 1.6MHz above
433.175 434.775 RB7 the output frequency.
433.200 434.800 RB8
433.225 434.825 RB9
433.250 434.850 RB10
433.275 434.875 RB11
433.300 434.900 RB12
433.325 434.925 RB13
433.350 434.950 RB14
433.375 434.975 RB15
It's worth pointing out that repeaters cost money to run and the RSGB
does not contribute to their costs, in fact it no longer pays for the
licences. Repeaters are paid for by local groups and clubs. If you use
a repeater, ask on the repeater how you can join the group.
24. How do I use a repeater ?
With your VHF or UHF transceiver, change the displayed frequency to the
output frequency of the repeater you wish to use, there is insufficient
space here to list all the repeaters available. Locate the
button/function on the transceiver to enable repeater or duplex mode,
where there is an option for either positive or negative transmit shift
then make sure that it is set to negative for the 2m band and positive
for the 70cm band. Refer to Q23 for the exact frequencies.
To use a repeater, key the PTT (push-to-talk), send a short burst of
1750Hz tone (tone-burst), keep the PTT keyed and speak for a few
seconds (but not whilst the tone-burst is being sent), release the PTT
and you should receive a pip or some other indication that your signal
was retransmitted by the repeater. The 1750Hz tone-burst is required only
when the repeater is not in use and on some transceivers is automatic
when repeater/duplex mode is enabled.
Some repeaters have the facility to accept CTCSS instead of a
tone-burst. If a transceiver is capable of sending CTCSS tones then
this should be used instead of a tone-burst where possible. See Q25.
25. What is CTCSS (Tone Squelch) ?
CTCSS stands for Continuous Tone-Coded Squelch System. The principle is
that a sub-audible tone is continuously transmitted in addition to the
speech (or other) signal. The tones used are below the normal hearing
frequency range and do not interfere with the other signal. In the UK
these tones may be used instead of a 1750Hz tone to access repeaters.
The UK has been divided into 23 areas and a particular tone has been
allocated to each area. Those repeaters that support CTCSS will
normally send the appropriate letter (designating the tone frequency)
in morse after the repeater callsign. The tones used are a subset of
those available and are :
Tone letter Frequency (Hz)
A 67.1
B 71.9
C 77.0
D 82.5
E 88.5
F 94.8
G 103.5
H 110.9
J 118.8
End of Part 1
-------------