Foundation Course

Licence Conditions

Current UK Licence Structure- 3 Licence ClassesClass Callsign Bands PowerFoundation Mx6ABC HF-70CMS 10 WattsIntermediate 2x0ABC All 50 WattsFull Mx0ABC All 400 Watts

X=regional identifier D=Isle of Man E=England(Intermediate only) I=N. Ireland J=Jersey M=Scotland U=Guernsey W=Wales

Earlier Callsign series’ usedClass CallsignFoundation Mx3Intermediate 2x1Full Mx0/1/5 Gx0/1/2/3/4/5/6/7/8

Station Identification

You must give your callsign when:-1. Calling CQ2. Changing frequency3. At least every 15 minutes-it is good practice to do this more

frequently.

It is also recommended that the following suffixes be used:

• If operating at an Alternative Address M6ABC/A

• If operating at a Temporary Location M6ABC/P

• If operating from a Mobile location M6ABC/M

Foundation Licence in more detail

• Foundation licence is the entry level but worldwide communication is possible when conditions allow.

• Allows 10 watts on most bands but note the exceptions in the licence schedule!

• Only certified transmitting equipment may be used and no modifications permitted.

• Does not allow operation outside of the UK or on vessels at sea (defined as International or UK tidal waters).

Licence Conditions

• A single amateur licence for all three levels- It is important to identify those clauses relevant to the “Foundation” and ensure that they are clearly understood.

• It can be viewed at www.ofcom.org.uk

• A current validation document must be held. These are renewable every 5 years although it is good practice to do this more frequently-perhaps annually.

• If it has not been renewed, then you are unlicensed!

Operating Practices

• Contacts may only be made with other licensed amateurs. If you suspect another station is unlicensed, do not respond to them.

• Ofcom is the statutory regulator.

• A person authorised by Ofcom has the right to inspect, require modification, close down or restrict operation.

• The items that you talk about must be personal to you or be of a technical nature.

• Public broadcasting , speeches, secret codes or offensive language are not permitted.

More Operating Practices

• The station may only be operated by the Licensee personally or another supervised licensed Radio Amateur, provided that they use the licencee’s callsign and licence conditions eg:- 10 Watts max..

• In special cases, the licensee may also allow the equipment to be used by, or may pass messages on behalf of, a member of a ‘User Service’.

• Immediate notice must be given to Ofcom either in writing or by means of Ofcom’s on-line licensing system of any change to the Licensee’s name, Main Station Address (or mailing address if different) from that recorded in the Licence.

Maintaining a Logbook

• Logbooks used to be compulsory ,however, they still represent good practice and also form a useful record of stations worked.

• These need not be paper based, there are many logging programmes in use, some of which are free to use.

• A well kept logbook may aid contest and award claims or the sending and receiving of QSL cards.

• Ofcom may require a log to be kept for a period of time to aid interference investigations or to support licence compliance.

The Frequency schedule

Understanding the Frequency schedule (1)

• It is essential to understand and apply the schedule to operating practice.

• Column 1- ‘Frequency Bands (in MHz)’. This sets out which frequencies you may operate on and the band edges. You are not permitted to use any frequency outside of those printed.

• Column 2 -The status in the UK of the amateur service. Identifies whether amateurs are the primary (or preferred) user of that band or secondary (meaning that the band is shared) and access is subject to non-interference with the primary user. (Note the restriction on 431-432Mhz usage within 100km of Charing Cross).

Understanding the Frequency schedule (2)

• Column 3- ‘Status of the Amateur Satellite service’- whether ‘Primary’, ‘Secondary’ or ‘Not allocated’.

• Column 4 - states the amount of power that can be radiated- note that 10 watts is permitted on most but not all bands. Remember the recommended power to establish communications should be ‘the lowest possible’.

• In the exam you will be provided with a copy of the schedule-make sure that you use it!

Band Plans

Band Plans

• Are agreed operating practice as opposed to Licence schedules which are required by law.

• Should be read and understood before operating on any band.

• Specific sections of the band may be allocated to certain modes or groups of modes only. Note that the bandwidth is also specified.

• ‘Centres of activity’ are recommended frequencies around which activities (such as Dxpeditions, QRP etc.) should be centred. Please give priority to these.

• Do not transmit in segments of the band reserved for Beacons.

Revision Questions

When transmitting, you must give your call sign when establishing contact and

A) on every ‘over’.

B) every 5 minutes.

C )every 15 minutes.

D) at the end of the contact.

Answer : C) every 15 minutes

You are talking to M3ABC by amateur radio and friends enter his room. You mayalso talk to them

A) if they are a family members.

B) if they are also amateurs.

C) if M3ABC gives permission.

D) but only on the calling channel.

Correct answer : B) if they are also amateurs

Which part of an amateur band is not permitted within 100km of Charing Cross,London?

A) 1·810-1·830MHz

B) 51·00-52·00MHz

C) 431·0-432·0MHz

D) 438·0-440·0MHz

Correct Answer : C) 431·0-432·0MHz

Thurrock Training Team