Amateur Radio Licence Examination -...

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Amateur Radio Licence Examination

Irish Radio Transmitters Society

PO Box 462

Dublin 9

www.irts.ie

IRTS has developed an Amateur Radio LicenceCourse Guide, which is a CD-based guide totopics covered by the HAREC syllabus.To order a copy of the Course CD, send theregistration fee of €5, along with your name andaddress to:

Sean Nolan12 Little MeadowPottery RoadDun LaoghaireCo. Dublin

http://www.irts.ie

Amateur Radio Licence ExaminationIntroductionSince May of 2005, the Irish Radio Transmitters’ Society (IRTS) has been responsible for setting,organising and correcting the Amateur Radio Licence Examination.

Examination papers are approved by the Commission for Communications Regulation (ComReg)and the results are forwarded by IRTS to ComReg for transmission to the candidates concerned.

SyllabusThe syllabus for the examination complies with the standard outlined in ElectronicCommunications Committee (ECC) Recommendation T/R 61-02, Harmonised Amateur RadioExamination Certificate (HAREC). A copy of the HAREC syllabus is attached at Appendix A.

ExaminationThe examination comprises a multiple choice question paper with 60 questions and the timeallowed is 2 hours. Four possible answers are shown for each question, only one of which iscorrect. Candidates must decide which of the options is correct and place a tick in the appropriatebox on the answer sheet. There may be other possible answers to some questions; however, thechoice of the correct answer from the options given is required.

The examination is designed to ensure that candidates are competent in areas specified in theHAREC syllabus. The pass mark is 60% and a pass is required in each of the three main sectionsof the paper A, B and C. Negative marking is not used in the examination.The three main sections of the paper are:

Section A - Elementary Theory of Radiocommunications (35 Questions)• Electrical and Electronic Principles including Components and Circuits• Transmitters and Receivers• Feeders and Antennas• Propagation• Measurements

Section B - National and International Rules and Operating Procedures (15 Questions)• Licensing Conditions• Operating Rules and Procedures

Section C - Safety and Electromagnetic Compatibility (10 Questions)• Electromagnetic Compatibility and Transmitter Interference• Safety

A sample examination paper is attached at Appendix B

Licensing ConditionsThe regulations governing the issue of Radio Amateur Licences are the Wireless Telegraphy(Amateur Station Licence) Regulations, 2009 (S.I. No 192 of 2009). These regulations areincorporated into the Amateur Station Licence Guidelines (Document No. Comreg 09/45).Copies of regulations and guidelines for Radio Amateurs are available at:www.comreg.ie >>Radio Spectrum >>Licensing >>Licence Types >>[Select] Radio Amateurs

http://www.comreg.ie

Edition of 12 February 2004 Page 1

Appendix A

EXAMINATION SYLLABUS AND REQUIREMENTS FOR A HAREC

INTRODUCTION

This syllabus has been produced for the guidance of the administrations so that they may prepare their national amateurradio examinations for the CEPT Harmonised Amateur Radio Examination Certificate (HAREC).

The purpose of the examination is to set a reasonable level of knowledge required for candidate radio amateurs wishing toobtain a license for operating amateur stations.

The scope of the examination is limited to subjects relevant to tests and experiments with, and operation of amateur stationsconducted by radio amateurs. These include circuits and their diagrams; questions may relate to circuits using bothintegrated circuits and discreet components.

a) Where quantities are referred to, candidates should know the units in which these quantities are expressed, as well as thegenerally used multiples and sub-multiples of these units.

b) Candidates must be familiar with the compound of the symbols.

c) Candidates must know the following mathematical concepts and operations:− adding, subtracting, multiplying and dividing− fractions− powers of ten, exponentials, logarithms− squaring− square roots− inverse values− interpretation of linear and non-linear graphs− binary number system

d) Candidates must be familiar with the formulae used in this syllabus and be able to transpose them.


EXAMINATION SYLLABUS FOR A HARMONISED AMATEUR RADIO EXAMINATION CERTIFICATE

(HAREC)

a) TECHNICAL CONTENT

1. ELECTRICAL, ELECTRO-MAGNETIC AND RADIO THEORY1.1 Conductivity1.2 Sources of electricity1.3 Electric field1.4 Magnetic field1.5 Electromagnetic field1.6 Sinusoidal signals1.7 Non-sinusoidal signals, noise1.8 Modulated signals1.9 Power and energy1.10 Digital signal processing (DSP)

2. COMPONENTS2.1 Resistor2.2 Capacitor2.3 Coil2.4 Transformers application and use2.5 Diode2.6 Transistor2.7 Heat dissipation2.8 Miscellaneous

3. CIRCUITS3.1 Combination of components3.2 Filter3.3 Power supply3.4 Amplifier3.5 Detector3.6 Oscillator3.7 Phase Locked Loop [PLL]3.8 Discrete Time Signals and Systems (DSP-systems)

4. RECEIVERS4.1 Types4.2 Block diagrams4.3 Operation and function of the following stages4.4 Receiver characteristics

5. TRANSMITTERS5.1 Types5.2 Block diagrams5.3 Operation and function of the following stages5.4 Transmitter characteristics

6. ANTENNAS AND TRANSMISSION LINES6.1 Antenna types6.2 Antenna characteristics6.3 Transmission lines

7. PROPAGATION

8. MEASUREMENTS8.1 Making measurements8.2 Measuring instruments


9. INTERFERENCE AND IMMUNITY9.1 Interference in electronic equipment9.2 Cause of interference in electronic equipment9.3 Measures against interference

10. SAFETY

b) NATIONAL AND INTERNATIONAL OPERATING RULES AND PROCEDURES

1. Phonetic Alphabet2. Q-Code3. Operational Abbreviations4. International Distress Signs, Emergency traffic and natural disaster communication5. Call signs6. IARU band plans7. Social responsibility and operating procedures

c) NATIONAL AND INTERNATIONAL REGULATIONS RELEVANT TO THE AMATEUR SERVICE AND AMATEURSATELLITE SERVICE

1. ITU Radio Regulations2. CEPT Regulations3. National Laws, Regulations and Licence conditions

DETAILED EXAMINATION SYLLABUS

a) TECHNICAL CONTENT

CHAPTER 1

1. ELECTRICAL, ELECTRO-MAGNETIC AND RADIO THEORY

1.1 Conductivity- Conductor, semiconductor and insulator- Current, voltage and resistance- The units ampere, volt and ohm- Ohm's Law [ ]RIE ⋅=- Kirchhoff's Laws- Electric power [ ]IEP ⋅=- The unit watt- Electric energy [ ]tPW ⋅=- The capacity of a battery [ampere-hour]

1.2 Sources of electricity- Voltage source, source voltage [EMF], short circuit current, internal resistance and terminal voltage- Series and parallel connection of voltage sources

1.3 Electric field- Electric field strength- The unit volt/metre- Shielding of electric fields

1.4 Magnetic field- Magnetic field surrounding live conductor- Shielding of magnetic fields


1.5 Electromagnetic field- Radio waves as electromagnetic waves- Propagation velocity and its relation with frequency and wavelength [ ]λ⋅= fv- Polarisation

1.6 Sinusoidal signals- The graphic representation in time

- Instantaneous value, amplitude [Emax], effective [RMS] value and average value

=

2maxUU eff

- Period and duration of period- Frequency- The unit hertz- Phase difference

1.7 Non-sinusoidal signals- Audio signals- Square wave- The graphic representation in time- D.C. voltage component, fundamental wave and higher harmonics- Noise [ ]kTBPN = (receiver thermal noise, band noise, noise density, noise power in receiver bandwidth).

1.8 Modulated signals- CW- Amplitude modulation- Phase modulation, frequency modulation and single-sideband modulation

- Frequency deviation and modulation index

∆=

modfFm

- Carrier, sidebands and bandwidth- Waveforms of CW, AM, SSB and FM signals (graphical presentation)- Spectrum of CW, AM and SSB signals (graphical presentation)- Digital modulations: FSK, 2-PSK, 4-PSK, QAM- Digital modulation: bit rate, symbol rate (Baud rate) and bandwidth- CRC and retransmissions (e.g. packet radio), forward error correction (e.g. Amtor FEC)

1.9 Power and energy

- The power of sinusoidal signals

===⋅= effeff IiUu

RuPRiP ;;;

22

- Power ratios corresponding to the following dB values: 0 dB, 3 dB, 6 dB, 10 dB and 20 dB [both positive andnegative]

- The input/output power ratio in dB of series-connected amplifiers and/or attenuators- Matching [maximum power transfer]

- The relation between power input and output and efficiency

⋅= %100

in

uit

PP

η

- Peak Envelope Power [p.e.p.]

1.10 Digital Signal Processing (DSP)- sampling and quantization- minimum sampling rate (Nyquist frequency)- convolution (time domain / frequency domain, graphical presentation)- anti-aliasing filtering, reconstruction filtering- ADC / DAC


CHAPTER 2

2. COMPONENTS

2.1 Resistor- The unit ohm- Resistance- Current/voltage characteristic- Power dissipation

2.2 Capacitor- Capacitance- The unit farad- The relation between capacitance, dimensions and dielectric. (Qualitative treatment only)

- The reactance

⋅

=Cf

X c π21

- Phase relation between voltage and current

2.3 Coil- Self-inductance- The unit henry- The effect of number of turns, diameter, length and core material on inductance. (Qualitative treatment only)- The reactance [ ]LfX L ⋅= π2- Phase relation between current and voltage- Q-factor

2.4 Transformers application and use

- Ideal transformer [ ]secPPprim =- The relation between turn ratio and:

- voltage ratio

=

primprim nn

uu secsec

- current ratio

=

sec

sec

nn

ii prim

prim

- impedance ratio. (Qualitative treatment only)- Transformers

2.5 Diode- Use and application of diodes:

- Rectifier diode, zener diode, LED [light-emitting diode], voltage-variable and capacitor [varicap]- Reverse voltage and leakage current

2.6 Transistor- PNP- and NPN-transistor- Amplification factor- Field effect vs. bipolar transistor (voltage vs. current driven)- The transistor in the:

- common emitter [source] circuit- common base [gate] circuit- common collector [drain] circuit- input and output impedances of the above circuits

2.7 Miscellaneous- Simple thermionic device [valve]- Voltages and impedances in high power valve stages, impedance transformation- Simple integrated circuits (include opamps)


CHAPTER 3

3. CIRCUITS

3.1 Combination of components- Series and parallel circuits of resistors, coils, capacitors, transformers and diodes- Current and voltage in these circuits- Behaviour of real (non ideal) resistor, capacitor and inductors at high frequencies

3.2 Filter- Series-tuned and parallel-tuned circuit:- Impedance- Frequency characteristic

- Resonance frequency

=

LCff

π21

- Quality factor of a tuned circuit

=

⋅=

⋅=

BfQ

LfR

QR

LfQ resp

s

;2

;2π

π

- Bandwidth- Band-pass filter- Low-pass, high-pass, band-pass and band-stop filters composed of passive elements- Frequency response- Pi filter and T filter- Quartz crystal- Effects due to real (=non-ideal) components- digital filters (see sections 1.10 and 3.8)

3.3 Power supply- Circuits for half-wave and full-wave rectification and the Bridge rectifier- Smoothing circuits- Stabilisation circuits in low voltage supplies- Switching mode power supplies, isolation and EMC

3.4 Amplifier- Lf and hf amplifiers- Gain- Amplitude/frequency characteristic and bandwidth (broadband vs. tuned stages)- Class A, A/B, B and C biasing- Harmonic and intermodulation distortion, overdriving amplifier stages

3.5 Detector- AM detectors (envelope detectors)- Diode detector- Product detectors and beat oscillators- FM detectors

3.6 Oscillator- Feedback (intentional and unintentional oscillations)- Factors affecting frequency and frequency stability conditions necessary for oscillation- LC oscillator- Crystal oscillator, overtone oscillator- Voltage controlled oscillator (VCO)- Phase noise

3.7 Phase Locked Loop [PLL]- Control loop with phase comparator circuit- Frequency synthesis with a programmable divider in the feedback loop


3.8 Digital signal processing (DSP systems)- FIR and IIR filter topologies- Fourier Transformation (DFT; FFT, graphical presentation)- Direct Digital Synthesis

CHAPTER 4

4. RECEIVERS

4.1 Types- Single and double superheterodyne receiver- Direct conversion receivers

4.2 Block diagrams- CW receiver [A1A]- AM receiver [A3E]- SSB receiver for suppressed carrier telephony [J3E]- FM receiver [F3E]

4.3 Operation and function of the following stages (Block diagram treatment only)- HF amplifier [with tuned or fixed band pass]- Oscillator [fixed and variable]- Mixer- Intermediate frequency amplifier- Limiter- Detector, including product detector- Audio amplifier- Automatic gain control- S meter- Squelch

4.4 Receiver characteristics (simple description treatment)- Adjacent-channel- Selectivity- Sensitivity, receiver noise, noise figure- Stability- Image frequency- Desensitization / Blocking- Intermodulation; cross modulation- Reciprocal mixing [phase noise]


CHAPTER 5

5. TRANSMITTERS

5.1 Types- Transmitter with or without frequency translation

5.2 Block diagrams- CW transmitter [A1A]- SSB transmitter with suppressed carrier telephony [J3E]- FM transmitter with the audio signal modulating the VCO of the PLL [F3E]

5.3 Operation and functions of the following stages (Block diagram treatment only)- Mixer- Oscillator- Buffer- Driver- Frequency multiplier-- Power amplifier- Output matching- Output filter- Frequency modulator- SSB modulator- Phase modulator- Crystal filter

5.4 Transmitter characteristics (simple description)- Frequency stability- RF-bandwidth- Sidebands- Audio-frequency range- Non-linearity [harmonic and intermodulation distortion]- Output impedance- Output power- Efficiency- Frequency deviation- Modulation index- CW key clicks and chirps- SSB overmodulation and splatter (agreed)- Spurious RF radiations (agreed)- Cabinet radiations- Phase noise


CHAPTER 6

6. ANTENNAS AND TRANSMISSION LINES

6.1 Antenna types- Centre fed half-wave antenna- End fed half-wave antenna- Folded dipole- Quarter-wave vertical antenna [ground plane]- Antenna with parasitic elements [Yagi]- Aperture antennas (Parabolic reflector, horn)- Trap dipole

6.2 Antenna characteristics- Distribution of the current and voltage- Impedance at the feed point- Capacitive or inductive impedance of a non-resonant antenna- Polarisation- Antenna directivity, efficiency and gain- Capture area- Radiated power [ERP, EIRP]- Front-to-back ratio- Horizontal and vertical radiation patterns

6.3 Transmission linesParallel conductor line- Coaxial cable- Waveguide- Characteristic impedance [Z0]- Velocity factor- Standing-wave ratio- Losses- Balun- Antenna tuning units (pi and T configurations only)


CHAPTER 7

7. PROPAGATION- Signal attenuation,, signal to noise ratio- Line of sight propagation (free space propagation, inverse square law)- Ionospheric layers- Critical frequency- Influence of the sun on the ionosphere- Maximum Usable Frequency- Ground wave and sky wave, angle of radiation and skip distance- Multipath in ionospheric propagation- Fading- Troposphere (Ducting, scattering)- The influence of the height of antennas on the distance that can be covered [radio horizon]- Temperature inversion- Sporadic E-reflection- Auroral scattering- Meteor scatter- Reflections from the moon- Atmospheric noise [distant thunderstorms]- Galactic noise- Ground (thermal) noise- Propagation prediction basics (link budget) - dominant noise source, (band noise vs. receiver noise) - minimum signal to noise ratio - minimum received signal power - path loss - antenna gains, transmission line losses - minimum transmitter power

CHAPTER 8

8. MEASUREMENTS

8.1 Making measurements- Measurement of:

- DC and AC voltages and currents- Measuring errors:- Influence of frequency- Influence of waveform- Influence of internal resistance of meters

- Resistance- DC and RF power [average power, Peak Envelope Power]- Voltage standing-wave ratio- Waveform of the envelope of an RF signal- Frequency- Resonant frequency

8.2 Measuring instruments- Making measurements using:

- Multi range meter (digital and analog)- Rf-power meter- Reflectometer bridge (SWR meter)- Signal generator- Frequency counter- Oscilloscope- Spectrum Analyzer


CHAPTER 9

9. INTERFERENCE AND IMMUNITY

9.1 Interference in electronic equipment- Blocking- Interference with the desired signal- Intermodulation- Detection in audio circuits

9.2 Cause of interference in electronic equipment- Field strength of the transmitter- Spurious radiation of the transmitter [parasitic radiation, harmonics]- Undesired influence on the equipment:

- via the antenna input [aerial voltage, input selectivity]- via other connected lines- by direct radiation

9.3 Measures against interference- Measures to prevent and eliminate interference effects:

- Filtering- Decoupling- Shielding

CHAPTER 10

10. SAFETY- The human body- Mains power supply- High voltages- Lightning


b) NATIONAL AND INTERNATIONAL OPERATING RULES AND PROCEDURES

CHAPTER 1

1. PHONETIC ALPHABET

A = AlphaB = BravoC = CharlieD = DeltaE = EchoF = FoxtrotG = GolfH = HotelI = India

J = JuliettK = KiloL = LimaM = MikeN = NovemberO = OscarP = PapaQ = QuebecR = Romeo

S = SierraT = TangoU = UniformV = VictorW = WhiskeyX = X-rayY = YankeeZ = Zulu

CHAPTER 2

2. Q-CODE

Code

QRK

QRM

QRN

QRO

QRP

QRT

QRZ

QRV

QSB

QSL

QSO

QSY

QRX

QTH

Question

What is the readability of my signals?

Are you being interfered with?

Are you troubled by static?

Shall I increase transmitter power?

Shall I decrease transmitter power?

Shall I stop sending?

Who is calling me?

Are you ready?

Are my signals fading?

Can you acknowledge receipt?

Can you communicate with ... direct?

Shall I change to transmission on anotherfrequency?

When will you call again?

What is your position in latitude andlongitude (or according to any otherindication)?

Answer

The readability of your signals is ...

I am being interfered with

I am troubled by static

Increase transmitter power

Decrease transmitter power

Stop sending

You are being called by ...

I am ready

Your signals are fading.

I am acknowledging receipt.

I can communicate ... direct

Change transmission to another frequency

I will call you again at ... hours on ... kHz (or MHz)

My position is ... latitude, ... longitude (or according toany other indication)


CHAPTER 3

3. OPERATIONAL ABBREVIATIONS AS USED IN THE AMATEUR SERVICE

BK Signal used to interrupt a transmission in progressCQ General call to all stationsCW Continuous waveDE From, used to separate the call sign of the station called from that of the calling stationK Invitation to transmitMSG MessagePSE PleaseRST Readability, signal-strength, tone-reportR ReceivedRX ReceiverTX TransmitterUR Your

CHAPTER 4

4. INTERNATIONAL DISTRESS SIGNS, EMERGENCY TRAFFIC AND NATURAL DISASTERCOMMUNICATION

Distress signs:- radiotelegraph ...---... [SOS]- radiotelephone "MAYDAY"- International use of the amateur station in the event of national disasters- Frequency bands allocated to the amateur service and amateur satellite service

CHAPTER 5

5. CALL SIGNS

- Identification of the amateur station- Use of the call signs- Composition of call signs- National prefixes

CHAPTER 6

6. IARU BAND PLANS

- IARU band plans- Purposes

CHAPTER 7

7.1 SOCIAL RESPONSiBILITY OF RADIO AMATEUR OPERATION

7.2 OPERATING PROCEDURES


c) NATIONAL AND INTERNATIONAL REGULATIONS RELEVANT TO THE AMATEUR SERVICE AND AMATEURSATELLITE SERVICE

CHAPTER 1

1. ITU RADIO REGULATIONS

- Definition Amateur Service and Amateur Satellite Service- Definition Amateur station- Article 25 Radio Regulations- Status Amateur Service and Amateur Satellite Service- ITU Radio Regions

CHAPTER 2

2. CEPT REGULATIONS

- Recommendation T/R 61-01- Temporary use of amateur stations in CEPT countries- Temporary use of amateur stations in NON-CEPT countries which participate in the T/R 61-01 system

CHAPTER 3

3. NATIONAL LAWS, REGULATIONS AND LICENCE CONDITIONS

- National laws- Regulations and licence conditions- Demonstrate knowledge of maintaining a log

- log keeping- purpose- recorded data

Morse Code Examination (required for a CEPT Class 1 licence only)The examinee is required to demonstrate his or her ability to send and transcribe in Morse code,plain texts, figure groups, punctuation and other signs:

- at a speed not less than 5 words per minute- for a duration of at least 3 minutes- with a maximum of 4 errors in reception- with a maximum of 1 uncorrected and 4 corrected errors in transmission- using a non-automatic Morse key

Appendix B

Sample Paper

Sample paper Page 1

Amateur Radio Licence Examination60 Questions – Duration Two Hours

Read the following notes BEFORE you answer any questions:1. FOUR possible answers are shown for each question – ‘A’, ‘B’, ‘C’ and ‘D’. Only ONE is

correct. Decide which one is correct and mark your answer by ticking the appropriate box on theanswer sheet.

2. There may be other possible answers to the questions, however the choice of the correct answerfrom the options given is required.

3. You may only tick ONE BOX to indicate ‘A’, ‘B’, ‘C’ or ‘D’ as your answer.

4. If you make a mistake or change your mind having ticked one of the boxes, then clearly shade outthe box you initially ticked, and tick the box indicating the answer you wish to give:

This box is ticked (i.e. this is my answer): [ ] or [ ] or [ x ]

This box is shaded (i.e. I have changed my mind, this is not my answer): [ ]

5. Remember it is vitally important that your answer sheet shows unambiguously which ONEanswer you have selected and/ or if you have cancelled an answer (by shading out a box). If thereis any ambiguity – e.g. if it is not clear which ONE box has been ticked – then the answer will bedisallowed.

6. Any calculations or rough work can be done on the question sheet or on the “Calculations &Comments” page at the end of the paper. You may need a calculator to answer some of thequestions – you may use a non-programmable calculator during the examination.

7. You should attempt all questions; note that ‘negative marking’ is not used in this examination. Ifyou find a question difficult, leave it and return to it later.

8. The paper, with your answers, must be handed in at the end of the examination. The paper cannotbe removed from the examination centre, even if you decide not to proceed with the examination.

9. The pass mark is 60% and a pass is required in each of the three main sections of the paper A, Band C.

10. If you have any comments on the examination or the questions, please include them in the‘Calculations & Comments’ section at the end of the paper.

Put your details here:

Name (PRINT):

Candidate Number:

Examination Venue:

Examination Date:

Your Signature:

Section AElementary Theory of Radiocommunications

Sample paper Page 2

Electrical and Electronic Principlesincluding Components and Circuits(10 Questions) (D)

1. Which of the following sets of materials areall electrical insulators?

A [ ] Ceramic, Brass, Iron

B [ ] Copper, Glass, Mica

C [ ] Silver, Gold, Iron

D [ ] Glass, Mica, Ceramic

(A)

2. What will happen to the current flowing in acircuit when the resistance is increased?

A [ ] It will decrease

B [ ] It will increase

C [ ] Nothing

D [ ] It rises slightly, and then returns to itsprevious value

(D)

3. The current flowing through the 27Ω resistorin the circuit below is:

27Ω 33Ω

120Ω

6V

Figure 2

A [ ] 27mA

B [ ] 33mA

C [ ] 60mA

D [ ] 100mA

(B)

4. In the circuit below, ignoring componentlosses:

A [ ] Current at the resonant frequency andbelow that frequency will beunaffected

B [ ] Current at the resonant frequency willbe impeded

C [ ] Current at the resonant frequency willreadily pass through

D [ ] Current at the resonant frequency andabove that frequency will beunaffected

(B)

5. A low-pass filter includes an inductor with avalue of 3.4µH. Following some tests, it isdecided to increase the inductance to 5.1µH.This can be achieved by:

A [ ] Adding a 1.7µH inductor in parallelwith the existing inductor

B [ ] Adding a 1.7µH inductor in serieswith the existing inductor

C [ ] Adding a 8.5µH inductor in parallelwith the existing inductor

D [ ] Adding a 8.5µH inductor in serieswith the existing inductor


Sample paper Page 3

(C)

6. In the circuit below, the output waveform atresistor R would look like:

A [ ] Waveform A

B [ ] Waveform B

C [ ] Waveform C

D [ ] Waveform D

(D)

7. Which amplifier type is the most efficient?

A [ ] Class A

B [ ] Class AB

C [ ] Class B

D [ ] Class C

(B)

8. A voltage regulator is being used to deliver a5V supply from a 12V source, as illustratedin the circuit below. The required current at5V is 500mA, while the minimum inputvoltage of the regulator is 6.9V.

What would be the most appropriate value ofresistor RX to ensure that the circuit performsas required, while minimising heatdissipation in the voltage regulator?

A [ ] 3.9

B [ ] 10

C [ ] 1k

D [ ] 2.2k

(C)

9. A common-base amplifier, using a bipolarjunction transistor, can be expected to have:

A [ ] High input impedance and highoutput impedance

B [ ] High input impedance and low outputimpedance

C [ ] Low input impedance and high outputimpedance

D [ ] Low input impedance and low outputimpedance


Sample paper Page 4

(A)

10. Each of the capacitors in the circuit belowhas a value of 5nF. What value would bemeasured between points X and Y?

A [ ] 3.33nF

B [ ] 5nF

C [ ] 7.5nF

D [ ] 15nF

Transmitters and Receivers (8 Questions)(A)

11. Morse code is usually transmitted by radio as:

A [ ] An interrupted carrier

B [ ] A modulated carrier

C [ ] A continuous carrier

D [ ] A series of clicks

(D)

12. SSB transmissions:

A [ ] Occupy about twice the bandwidth ofAM transmissions

B [ ] Contain more information than AMtransmissions

C [ ] Occupy the same bandwidth as CWtransmissions

D [ ] Occupy about half the bandwidth ofAM transmissions

(C)

13. The sensitivity of a receiver arises from:

A [ ] The bandwidth of the RF preamplifier

B [ ] The stability of the oscillator

C [ ] Its ability to receive weak signals

D [ ] Its ability to reject strong signals

(A)

14. The driver stage of a transmitter is located:

A [ ] Before the power amplifier

B [ ] Between the oscillator and the buffer

C [ ] With the frequency multiplier

D [ ] After the output low-pass filter circuit

(B)

15. Below is a block diagram of a transmitter.The purpose of the Morse Key is to:

Figure 10

Oscillator Buffer Amplifier

Morse Key

A [ ] Turn the DC power to the amplifieron and off

B [ ] Allow the oscillator signal to passonly when the key is pressed

C [ ] Change the frequency of thetransmitted signal when the key ispressed

D [ ] Add a 800Hz audio tone to the signalwhen the key is pressed


Sample paper Page 5

(D)

16. Which of the following is most likely tocause distortion in an FM transmitter?

A [ ] Being off frequency

B [ ] Low supply voltage

C [ ] Incorrect repeater shift

D [ ] Frequency deviation is set too high

(B)17. The ability of a receiver to separate signals

close in frequency is called its:

A [ ] Sensitivity

B [ ] Selectivity

C [ ] Bandwidth

D [ ] Noise figure

(A)

18. The frequency of an SSB signal may bevaried using:

A [ ] A heterodyne mixer

B [ ] A frequency multiplier

C [ ] An additional buffer stage

D [ ] A harmonic amplifier

Feeders and Antennas (7 Questions)(C)

19. Co-axial cable is:

A [ ] Two parallel wires

B [ ] A balanced transmission line

C [ ] An unbalanced transmission line

D [ ] Power supply cable

(D)

20. If an antenna feed line must pass neargrounded metal objects, the following typeshould be used:

A [ ] 300 Ω twin lead

B [ ] 600 Ω open wire

C [ ] 75 Ω twin lead

D [ ] coaxial cable

(C)

21. It is important to know the characteristicimpedance of a transmission line because:

A [ ] A higher impedance line will alwaysbe more efficient than a lowerimpedance line

B [ ] A lower impedance line will alwaysbe more efficient than a higherimpedance line

C [ ] Optimum transfer of power betweenthe transmission line and the antennaalways occurs when the lineimpedance matches the antennaimpedance

D [ ] Optimum transfer of power betweenthe transmission line and the antennaalways occurs when the lineimpedance is 50

(D)

22. The impedance of an electrical quarter-wavelength transmission line shorted at theend will be:

A [ ] Zero

B [ ] Very low

C [ ] Equal to the impedance of thetransmission line

D [ ] Very high


Sample paper Page 6

(A)

23. A half-wave dipole antenna with 20 metres ofwire each side of a centre insulator will beresonant at approximately:

A [ ] 3600 kHz

B [ ] 7050 kHz

C [ ] 10150 kHz

D [ ] 14200 kHz

(A)

24. The circuit diagram below represents:

A [ ] A 1:1 balun

B [ ] An isolation transformer

C [ ] A resonant filter

D [ ] A 4:1 balun

(C)

25. In the diagram below, item X corresponds tothe:

A [ ] Boom

B [ ] Driven element

C [ ] Director

D [ ] Reflector

Propagation (6 Questions) (C)

26. Solar cycles (sun spot cycles) have anaverage length of:

A [ ] 1 year

B [ ] 6 years

C [ ] 11 years

D [ ] 17 years

(B)

27. High Frequency long distancecommunication is achieved due to:

A [ ] Ground reflection

B [ ] Ionospheric reflection

C [ ] Inverted reflection

D [ ] Tropospheric reflection


Sample paper Page 7

(D)

28. The skip distance of a radio wave isdetermined primarily by the:

A [ ] Type of antenna

B [ ] Transmitter output power

C [ ] Antenna polarisation

D [ ] Height of ionosphere and angle ofradiation

(A)

29. Two amateur radio stations that are fourkilometres apart and separated by a low hillblocking their line-of-sight path arecommunicating on the 160 metre band. Whattype of propagation is probably being used?

A [ ] Ground wave

B [ ] Tropospheric ducting

C [ ] Ionospheric propagation

D [ ] Sporadic E

(A)

30. The highest frequency above which anemission directed vertically upwards is notreturned to ground is called:

A [ ] The critical frequency

B [ ] The maximum usable frequency

C [ ] The optimum traffic frequency

D [ ] The standard frequency

(A)

31. The D layer could be expected to be moreheavily ionised:

A [ ] At midday in the Summer months

B [ ] At midday in the Winter months

C [ ] At sunrise in the Summer months

D [ ] At sunrise in the Winter months

Measurements (4 Questions) (D)

32. Which of the following voltmeter sensitivitieswill have the least effect on the circuit beingmeasured?

A [ ] 100Ω/V

B [ ] 1Ω/V

C [ ] 10,000Ω/V

D [ ] 1MΩ/V

(C)

33. The two-tone test oscillator for the alignmentof a single sideband transmitter must deliver:

A [ ] Two harmonically related audiofrequency tones

B [ ] Two harmonically related radiofrequency tones

C [ ] Two non-harmonically related audiofrequency tones

D [ ] Two non-harmonically related radiofrequency tones

(B)

34. To provide a result, a typical SWR meter willmeasure:

A [ ] Forward and reverse impedances

B [ ] Forward and reverse voltages

C [ ] Antenna impedance

D [ ] Transmission line impedance

(D)

35. The correct instrument for measuring thesupply current to an amplifier is a(n):

A [ ] Ohmmeter

B [ ] Wattmeter

C [ ] Voltmeter

D [ ] Ammeter

Section BNational and International Rules and Operating Procedures

Sample paper Page 8

Licensing Conditions (7 Questions)(C)

36. A CEPT Class 1 amateur radio licenceentitles the holder to:

A [ ] Broadcast on amateur radiofrequencies

B [ ] Broadcast to the general public,subject to the frequency and powerlimits specified in the licence

C [ ] Establish communications only withother radio amateurs

D [ ] Establish communications withanyone, subject to the frequency andpower limits specified in the licence

(B)

37. The authorised frequency range in the“40 metre band” is:

A [ ] 7.000 to 7.100 MHz

B [ ] 7.000 to 7.200 MHz

C [ ] 7.000 to 7.268 MHz

D [ ] 7.000 to 7.300 MHz

(B)

38. Which one of these frequencies is not on thelist of frequencies which radio amateurs areauthorised to use?

A [ ] 3.750 MHz

B [ ] 14.400 MHz

C [ ] 24.900 MHz

D [ ] 70.200 MHz

(D)

39. The maximum power permitted whenoperating MOBILE on 70.200 MHz is:

A [ ] 200W (23 dBW)

B [ ] 100W (20 dBW)

C [ ] 50W (17 dBW)

D [ ] 25W (14 dBW)

(C)

40. A licensed Irish amateur radio station may beoperated by:

A [ ] The licensee only

B [ ] The licensee or any person using theradio equipment installed at thelicensee’s station address

C [ ] The licensee or any person operatingunder the direct supervision of thelicensee

D [ ] Any person, provided they use onlythe frequencies and modes specifiedin the licence

(C)

41. In working to ensure the level of non-ionisingradiation from an amateur radio station iswithin the guideline limits, choosing from theoptions below, the principal focus would beon:

A [ ] The class of operation used in theoutput stages of the final amplifier

B [ ] Filtering at the output stages

C [ ] The design and location of theantenna

D [ ] Minimising parasitic oscillations

(A)

42. The station logbook must include:

A [ ] Power level used

B [ ] Details of the antenna used

C [ ] Location of stations contacted

D [ ] Signal reports sent and received

Section BNational and International Rules and Operating Procedures

Sample paper Page 9

Operating Rules and Procedures(8 Questions)(D)

43. Which of these call signs complies with ITUregulations for normal amateur radio callsigns?

A [ ] EART

B [ ] HA3MK6

C [ ] S58

D [ ] 2E4XYZ

(B)

44. In the Q Code, QRZ? means:

A [ ] Are you operating on low power?

B [ ] Who is calling me?

C [ ] Are my signals fading?

D [ ] Can you change to anotherfrequency?

(C)

45. The call sign of a radio amateur in Denmarkmight have the prefix:

A [ ] DM

B [ ] KD

C [ ] OZ

D [ ] DE

(B)

46. Under the IARU Region 1 Band Plan, whichmodes may be used in the frequency range14.000 – 14.060 MHz:

A [ ] All modes

B [ ] CW

C [ ] CW and digimodes

D [ ] SSB (however, no contests)

(C)

47. Which of these prefixes / countries, listedbelow, is INCORRECT?

A [ ] EI = Ireland

B [ ] OE = Austria

C [ ] CZ = Czech Republic

D [ ] MM = Scotland

(D)

48. The IARU Region 1 Band Plan gives priorityfor intercontinental operation in the segment:

A [ ] 3600 to 3625 kHz

B [ ] 3675 to 3700 kHz

C [ ] 3725 to 3750 kHz

D [ ] 3775 to 3800 kHz

(A)

49. The Morse Code message“CQ CQ DE EI3XYZ K” indicates that:

A [ ] EI3XYZ has put out a general call fora contact

B [ ] Someone is calling EI3XYZ

C [ ] EI3XYZ is giving a signal report

D [ ] EI3XYZ is making a testtransmission and should not beanswered

(A)

50. The call sign NK3GR in the phoneticalphabet would be correctly spoken as:

A [ ] November-Kilo-Three-Golf-Romeo

B [ ] November-Kilowatt-Three-George-Radio

C [ ] Nancy-Kilowatt-Three-Golf-Romeo

D [ ] November-Kilo-Three-George-Romeo

Section CSafety and Electromagnetic Compatibility

Sample paper Page 10

Electromagnetic Compatibility andTransmitter Interference (7 Questions)(A)

51. The inclusion of a 1:1 balun between theelements of an antenna and the coaxial feederis often recommended in order to:

A [ ] Prevent the outer braid of the coaxialfeeder from radiating

B [ ] Resonate the antenna

C [ ] Improve impedance matching

D [ ] Eliminate sub-harmonics of thetransmitted signal

(B)

52. The circuit diagram below shows a:

Figure 13

A [ ] Wave trap

B [ ] Low pass filter

C [ ] High pass filter

D [ ] Band stop filter

(C)

53. Parasitic oscillations are most likely found inwhich of the following?

A [ ] High voltage rectifiers

B [ ] Audio buffer amplifier

C [ ] The multiplier stage

D [ ] The antenna

(C)

54. The third harmonic of 7MHz is:

A [ ] 10 MHz

B [ ] 14 MHz

C [ ] 21 MHz

D [ ] 28 MHz

(D)

55. The potential for second-channel interference(or image interference) arises in a superhetradio receiver when a strong signal isreceived that equals:

A [ ] The intermediate frequency

B [ ] The frequency to which the radio istuned plus the intermediate frequency

C [ ] The frequency to which the radio istuned minus the intermediatefrequency

D [ ] The frequency to which the radio istuned plus twice the intermediatefrequency

(C)

56. A band-pass filter:

A [ ] Passes signals at all frequencies

B [ ] Attenuates signals at all frequencies

C [ ] Passes signals between twofrequencies

D [ ] Increases the receiver bandwidth

(B)

57. A neighbour’s hi-fi system is suffering radiofrequency break-through. A remedy for thismight be to:

A [ ] Place a capacitor in series with thetransmitter output

B [ ] Put ferrite rings on the loudspeakercable

C [ ] Place a ferrite ring on the transmitteroutput cable

D [ ] Use open wire feeder for thetransmitter

Section CSafety and Electromagnetic Compatibility


Safety (3 Questions)(B)

58. The mains plug for a power supply which hasa maximum power consumption of 500 wattsshould have a fuse rated at ________ toprovide the highest possible level ofprotection:

A [ ] 1 amp

B [ ] 3 amps

C [ ] 5 amps

D [ ] 13 amps

(A)

59. The smoothing capacitors in a High Voltagesupply for a valve power amplifier shouldhave:

A [ ] A large value resistor to discharge thecapacitor when switched off

B [ ] Forced air-cooling

C [ ] A heat sink

D [ ] RF decoupling

(D)

60. The human eye is most affected by radiofrequency radiation at which frequency?

A [ ] 7 MHz

B [ ] 70 MHz

C [ ] 14 MHz

D [ ] 1270 MHz

Calculations & CommentsUse the space below for your calculations or comments

This page does not count for the examination results


Sample Paper Answers


QuestionNumber

Answer

1 D

2 A

3 D

4 B

5 B

6 C

7 D

8 B

9 C

10 A

11 A

12 D

13 C

14 A

15 B

16 D

17 B

18 A

19 C

20 D

21 C

22 D

23 A

24 A

25 C

26 C

27 B

28 D

29 A

30 A

QuestionNumber

Answer

31 A

32 D

33 C

34 B

35 D

36 C

37 B

38 B

39 D

40 C

41 C

42 A

43 D

44 B

45 C

46 B

47 C

48 D

49 A

50 A

51 A

52 B

53 C

54 C

55 D

56 C

57 B

58 B

59 A

60 D

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