Technical Skills

Background Information

This is an optional module.

A number of the theoretical items in this module are covered in the Radio & Radar and Satellite Communications modules. Even so, there are no exclusions and work done in those modules may be carried over into this one.

Traditionally, radio work involved a great deal of construction and experimentation and a number of those skills are still relevant in a modern radio shack. In particular, the basic skills covered in this module enhance the safety of the operator and make working with radio more convenient.

Instead of depending upon expensive commercial assemblies, the operator is able to manufacture some essential components relatively cheaply. Some simple problems such as feeding cables through restricted access holes can only be overcome with the skills necessary for this module.

Because of the need to maintain a body of evidence that the work has been done as required, some of the items requiring verbal examination are actually tested by written examination.

Enabling Objectives

Describe

• A Block Diagram of a simple Receiver
• A Block Diagram of a Simple Transmitter
• The differences between AM, FM and SSB
• Harmonics and their undesirability at the antenna
• The function of a diode within a circuit
• Why the Voltage Standing Wave Ratio (VSWR) should be kept to a minimum in an aerial and feeder system
• The functions of a Multimeter

Demonstrate

• Using a Multimeter, in a simple low voltage circuit for the measurement of voltage, current and the resistance of circuit components
• The calculation of the Power consumption of a DC operated electrical appliance
• The correct fitting of a Mains plug
• The construction of a simple aerial for use on ACO frequencies
• The safe use of a soldering iron in the fitting of an RF plug onto coaxial cable
• An understanding of safety procedures

Knowledge to be verbally examined

• The cadet's understanding of Ohms Law
• The cadet's understanding of HF and VHF propagation
• The cadet's understanding of safety procedures when handling and using radio equipment