Amateur Radio:

Amateur Radio :

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Amateur (Ham) Radio operators are a global community of enthusiasts who communicate to enhance goodwill and knowledge through exchange of ideas and research into communication techniques which include :
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Voice communication over Radio through all mediums, such as ionospheric propagation, repeater installations, satellite communications,  E.M.E. (Moon bounce), Aircraft enhancement and other techniques.
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Digital communication through modes such as Amateur Television, Slow Scan TV. Packet Radio including APRS and many other experimental digital modes. Morse Code is still used in both manual (key) and computerised versions.
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Antenna research, theory and construction.
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Mobile communication and position reporting including GPS.

 

bullet Amateur radio operators in Australia are required to hold a licence issued by the Australian Communication and Media  Authority (A.C.M.A.).  The Licence structure incorporates 3 levels of Licence. A Foundation Licence level, A Standard Licence and an Advanced Licence. The purpose and intent of the 3 levels is to attract operators to the lower level and as they gain experience to provide a logical advancement to a higher level. Morse code proficiency is no longer a requirement.
bullet Training for Licence issue is usually conducted by a local Radio Club. The Midland Amateur Radio Club, covers those interested in radio or electronics in this area. Information on the Club and useful LINKS to other sites can be found on their Web Site at Midland ARC .

Licence subjects include:

bullet    Regulations: The standard will increase from Foundation level to Standard and above.
bullet    Theory: The standard required will progressively increase from Foundation to Advanced level.
bullet    Assessment: Once again the standard will progressively increase across levels of licence.
bullet The licence level will determine the modes, power output and frequency bands of operation.
bullet Conduct of examinations at this time have been delegated to the Wireless Institute of Aust. (W.I.A.) The W.I.A. is the main body representing Amateur Operators in this country. WICEN , the Wireless Institute Civil Emergency Network is a body of Amateur operators who provide Emergency communications to various groups and also often provide communication facilities for Community Group events.
bullet The number of modes and frequency allocations available to Amateur Operators are considerable and beyond the scope of this article. Links are provided below to enable those interested to gain further information. Numerous other references will be found using Search Engines.