Version 2.10 OCT 2014

Basic Radio Communications

Learning Outcome 1

Understand types of radio equipment used within the Air Cadet

Organisation

Uncontrolled copy not subject to amendment

Introduction to radio

Introduction To Radio

• Radio has revolutionised communication

• The Air Cadet Organisation has its own nation wide system of radio stations

• This Network uses High Frequency (HF) for long range

• Communications play an important part in every day life

Networks (Nets)The word network is used because ....

.... a number of radio stations work together, connected by the invisible strands of a single frequency –

rather like a net

Networks (Nets)

Directed (or Controlled) NetWhere the control station directs all communications

Free NetWhere each station is free to communicate as it needs

Directed Net :

• Controlled by the Network Control Station (NCS)

• A group of stations using the same frequency

• Always controlled

• You must ask permission to join and leave the Net

Networks (Nets)

Directed Net The Network Control Station (NCS) should:

• Have efficient equipment

• Have experienced operators

• Be able to handle the volume of radio communications to be passed

Networks (Nets)

Free Net

• No NCS (Network Control Station)

• No permissions required

• All stations are “Free” to contact each other

Networks (Nets)

Free NetMRK 17

MRH 67MRL 47

MRK 92

Networks (Nets)

Directed Net

• To communicate with another station you must have permission of the NCS

• The NCS will do most of the communicating

Networks (Nets)

DirectedMRK 17 MRK 92

MRL 47 MRH 67

MRV 92NCS

Networks (Nets)

Air Cadet Radio Nets

• Enable you to learn and practice procedures

• Techniques are based on allied military procedures

• Assist with our activities and safety

• Do not use non-standard procedures

Networks (Nets)

Radio Station• A Radio Station is the smallest part of a Net

• It will have at least one radio set

• The set will be able to transmit and receive

• The set is known as a transceiver

HF Base Station for long distance

Radio Station

Similar procedures are used for:

• High Frequency (HF) used for long range• Very High and Ultra High Frequencies used for

short range

Directed Nets are more suited for HF

Radio Station

VHF Communications

Operating from a remote location

Radio Spectrum

Air Cadet Frequencies are:

• Assigned by the Ministry of Defence

• Are in the following bands:

a) Medium Frequency (MF)

b) High Frequency (HF)

c) Very High Frequency (VHF)

d) Ultra High Frequency (UHF)

Medium(MF)

High(HF)

Very High(VHF)

Ultra High(UHF)

300Khzto

3Mhz

3MHzto

30Mhz

30MHzto

300MHz

300MHzTo

3GHz

Long Range

Short Range

Radio Spectrum

Any questions?