Foundation: intro

The course in HAM radio the foundation stage began last night. To clarify HAM radio is non-commercial communication between other members and stations. At the foundation stage we are limited to 10w which on fine days in sun spots can transmit and receive signals world wide. At this stage we can only build accessories and receivers not transmitting equipment due to the wattage restrictions. The course is kindly delivered voluntarily where I attend and the only cost will be £20 for the exam. Once passed I can apply to Ofcom for her license and call-sign.

In the UK call-signs (which is like a number plate which every HAM user has to identify themselves) begin with either the letters G or M. Those that pass the foundation stage have a call-sign beginning with either M3 or now as they have all gone, M6. Full license holders begin with the letters G, M1 or M0. Oi! forgets now about intermediate...

At Foundation stage you can only transmit in the country you are studying. However if you are to go in the UK for example, from England to Wales you have to enter something which is called a regional identifier, in the case as above you would enter the letter 'W' into your call sign. So MW6... There are different letters for Scotland (M), Isle of Man (D) etc.

The next thing we need to know is the phonetic alphabet. There are different versions such as countries, Mexico for the letter M. But we are using the NATO phonetic alphabet, Alpha, Bravo, Charlie, Delta etc. Apparently a good way of learning this is when strolling out and about to observe number plates and recite the letters in the form of the phonetic alphabet.

And after all this fun and laughter, I took along the Phantastron which certainly whet the appetite of some of the boys, from memories back in the days when...