Antenna Fundamentals and Cross-Band Repeating

Course Description

This course covers two major topics that all EmComm radio operators should be aware of:

• The Antenna Fundamentals topic covers antenna location and safety concerns when setting up antennas at a site. A basic review of antenna fundamentals is included.
• The Cross-Band Repeating topic covers the advanced field communications technique of cross-band repeating.

Attendance for both topics is required for course credit.

Intended Audience

Hams with experience in emergency communications who need to setup an antenna at an operating site, and/or those interested in setting up a cross-band repeater.

Prerequisites

• Valid Technician class or higher Amateur Radio license
• Field Operations Type III, Part A
• Field Operations Type III, Part B and Type II

NOTE: The above prerequisites are not strictly enforced. But in order to get the most out of this course, you should have previously attended the above courses. If you have not yet attended one or more of the prerequisites, you should carefully review the course materials for the missed prerequisites prior to attending this course. Then, be sure to attend any missed prerequisites at your earliest opportunity.

Format

In person, 3 hours

Students should bring

• Copy of course materials (see below)
• Pen/pencil and pad of paper
• Optional: HT and cross-band capable radios and manuals for use after class in the parking lot

Learning Objectives

Antenna Topic

• Effectively choose and connect antennas for your operating requirements
• Understand basic antenna operation and technical terms
• Deploy antennas safely
• Understand RF safety requirements

Cross-Band Repeating Topic

• Explain what cross-band repeating is
• Describe how cross-band repeating can be deployed
• Explain the legal aspects of cross-band repeating
• List the advantages of cross-band repeating
• Describe how the FCC addresses cross-band repeating
• Explain operating considerations
• Explain how to choose frequencies

Topics Covered

Antenna Topic

• Propagation
• Antenna Basics for VHF, UHF and Regional HF
• Antenna Patterns
• Antenna Placement and Safety
• RF Safety
• Coax Cables
• Coax Connectors
• SWR
• Interference
  • Fundamental Overload
  • Intermodulation Distortion
• General Recommendations

Cross-Band Repeating Topic

• Definition of cross-band repeating
• Cross band repeating modes
• Usage scenarios
• Set-up
• FCC requirements
• How to operate legally
• Operational considerations
• Frequency selection
• Radio make/model-specific settings