What can a Foundation operator actually do on the air?
This is the most examined lesson of the unit, so take it slowly. It is mostly a table to learn.
Power and identification
- Maximum transmitter power for a Foundation operator: 100 watts p.e.p. (peak envelope power). See Peak envelope power.
- A station must identify (give its call sign) once every 10 minutes.
Foundation band segments
| Band | Foundation segment | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 80 m | 3500 to 3700 kHz | |
| 40 m | 7000 to 7100 kHz | |
| 15 m | 21.090 to 21.200 MHz | CW (Morse) only |
| 10 m | 28.1 to 28.4 MHz | |
| 20 m and 17 m | none | no Foundation privileges |
Switching between kHz and MHz
1 MHz is 1000 kHz. Some bands are written in kHz and some in MHz, so you must convert:
Modes
- Voice on the HF bands (80, 40, 15, 10 m) is typically single sideband (SSB).
- CW means Morse code transmissions. On 15 m the Foundation segment is CW only.
- The only band where a Foundation operator may use FM is 2 metres.
The 2 m band is usually 144 to 146 MHz.
Frequency control
A Foundation station's frequency control must be Xtal or VFO, provided there is some means of accurately measuring the operating frequency. An Xtal is a crystal-controlled oscillator and a VFO is a variable frequency oscillator. Both are standard terms and the tutorial does not define them.
Outside your privileges
A Foundation operator may transmit on a frequency outside their privileges only in a declared emergency.
You now know
- Foundation power is 100 W PEP, and you identify every 10 minutes.
- Segments: 80 m 3500 to 3700 kHz, 40 m 7000 to 7100 kHz, 15 m 21.090 to 21.200 MHz (CW only), 10 m 28.1 to 28.4 MHz.
- No Foundation privileges on 20 m or 17 m.
- FM is allowed only on 2 m; HF voice is SSB; CW is Morse.
- Use Xtal or VFO with a way to measure frequency; go outside privileges only in a declared emergency.