Amateur Basic Radio 101 presentation 2025

A fundamental orientation on radio communication designed to equip participants with essential knowledge in amateur radio operation, proper radio etiquette, and its vital role in emergency response and disaster management.

1. BASIC RADIO 101 Ham It Up: A Beginner’s Journey into Amateur Radio

2. Training Overview Introduction of Amateur Radio What is it and why matters Legal Framework (Radio Control Law, MC 87-174) Amateur Code and Ethics Operating with integrity, responsibility, and patriotism Licensing and Classification Different license classes (A-D) and their privileges

3. Training Overview Field Operations and Emergency Protocols Proper radio usage during field deployments and disasters Radio Basic Anatomy of Radio

4. Introduction of Radio Basics Purpose To provide participants with the essential knowledge and legal requirements needed to become a licensed amateur radio operator, and to promote responsible, ethical, and effective use of amateur radio for personal development and public service.

5. What is it and Why Matters? Introduction of Amateur Radio

6. Introduction of Amateur Radio Why this Orientation Seminar? This orientation is a mandatory prerequisite set by the NTC before individuals can qualify for the Amateur Radio License Examination. To familiarize participants with the fundamentals, purpose, and diverse activities of amateur radio as a hobby, a learning tool, and a vital public service.

7. Introduction of Amateur Radio Ministry Circular No. 87-174 This seminar is conducted in accordance with the Radio Control Law (Act 3846) , as amended by Commonwealth Acts 571 and 546 , which govern the rules and regulations of the Amateur Radio Service in the Philippines.

8. Introduction of Amateur Radio What is Amateur Radio? The term “amateur” comes from the Latin “ Amatore ” , meaning “for the love of” done for passion, not profit. In simple terms: It’s a hobby and a public service. It’s not for commercial use, but for personal interest and enjoyment. It’s about making friends, learning, helping others and having fun!

9. Operating with integrity, responsibility, and patriotism Amateur Code and Ethics

10. Amateur Code and Ethics The Amateur’s Code The Amateur is Gentlemanly He never knowingly uses the air for his own amusement in such a way to lessen the pleasure of others. The Amateur is Loyal Offering loyalty, encouragement, and support to fellow radio amateurs, local clubs and to the Philippine Amateur Radio Association through which Amateur Radio is represented in the Philippines.

11. Amateur Code and Ethics The Amateur is Progressive He keeps his station abreast of science. It is built well and efficiently. His operating practice is clean and regular. The Amateur is Friendly Slow and patient sending when requested, giving friendly advice and counsel to the beginner, kindly assistance and cooperation for the broadcast listener; these are marks of the amateur spirit.

12. Amateur Code and Ethics The Amateur is Balanced Radio is a hobby. He never allows it to interfere with any of the duties he owes to his home, his job, his school, or his community. The Amateur in practice is Patriotic His knowledge and his station are always ready for the service of his country and his community

13. Amateur Code and Ethics Amateur Radio Activities Amateur radio offers a wide range of hands-on and engaging activities, including: Self-Training Continuous learning in radio theory and communication techniques. Homebrewing Building or modifying your own radio equipment.

14. Amateur Code and Ethics Amateur Radio Activities Radio Operations Voice Communication Data/Digital Modes Satellite Communication Earth-Moon-Earth (EME) Contacts

15. Amateur Code and Ethics Amateur Radio Activities DX- ing & Awards Hunting Communicating with distant stations and earning recognition. Contests & DX-peditions Competing and traveling to remote locations for radio operations. Technical Experimentation Innovating and testing new radio techniques and equipment.

16. Amateur Code and Ethics Amateur Radio Activities Amateur Radio Emergency Services Providing critical communication support during emergencies Camaraderie & Community Building friendships and sharing knowledge with fellow amateurs, locally and globally.

17. Different license classes (A-D) and their privileges Licensing and Classifications

18. Licensing and Classifications Amateur Radio Examination Every amateur is expected to develop the necessary skills to operate a radio station safely and responsibly . The examination ensures that each applicant is qualified for the privileges granted by an amateur radio license or certificate .

19. Licensing and Classifications 1. Submission of Application for Amateur Examination Applicants for amateur examinations must submit the appropriate application forms to the National Telecommunications Commission (NTC). 2. General Qualifications for Examinees An applicant for the examination must meet the following qualifications:

20. Licensing and Classifications 2.1 Citizenship The applicant must be a citizen of the Philippines or a citizen of another country that extends the same examination privileges to Filipino nationals. 2.2 Age Requirement For Class A, B, and C examinations, the applicant must be at least twelve (12) years old.

21. Licensing and Classifications For Class D examinations, the minimum age is nine (9) years old, provided there is an affidavit of parental consent. 2.3 Language Ability The applicant must have the ability to transmit and/or receive messages in Filipino, English, or any Philippine language.

22. Licensing and Classifications Amateur Radio Examination The examination shall encompass the rules, procedures, and technical knowledge necessary for an amateur operator to properly operate a radio station. The examination will cover the following general subjects:

23. Licensing and Classifications Element I - Morse Code Element II - Rules and Regulations Element III - Fundamentals of Electronics and Electricity Element IV - Amateur Radio Practice Element V - Signals, Frequencies and Emission Element VI - Circuit Components Element VII - Operating Procedures

24. Licensing and Classifications Element VIII – Practical Circuits Element IX - Antenna and Transmission Lines Element X - Radio Wave Propagation Legend: Class D - II Class C – II, III, IV Class B – V, VI, VII Class A – I, VIII, IX, X

25. Licensing and Classifications NTC Examination for Amateurs For Filipino Applicants Photocopy of any documents such as birth certificate, voter's I.D, passport, PRC license, driver's license which can show proof of age and citizenship (note: to present original) 2. Copy of any of the following for those taking the exams directly to Amateur Class B, PRC I.D, BSECE College Diploma, 1 RTG, 2 RTG or 1 PHN NTC Certificates.

26. Licensing and Classifications NTC Examination for Amateurs For Filipino Applicants 3. Proof of attendance to an orientation seminar conducted by NTC accredited amateur club (MC No. 06-07-97 dated 30 July 1997) 4. Two (2) copies of recent (taken within six months from the date of application) 1"x1" I.D picture 5. Two (2) pieces self-addressed stamped envelopes (long, white) 6. Payment of examination fee - P 50.00

27. Licensing and Classifications NTC Examination for Amateurs For Foreign Applicants 1. Certification of Good Moral Character from concerned embassy 2. Two (2) copies of recent (taken within six months from date of application) 1"x1" I.D picture 3. Two (2) pieces self-addressed stamped envelopes 4. Payment of examination fee - P 50.00

28. Licensing and Classifications TO PASS THE EXAM Candidates must obtain an average rating of at least 70% , with no less than 50% in any individual prescribed element to pass. Note: There is no Morse Code test required for Class B, C, and D examinations.

29. Licensing and Classifications AMATEUR RADIO CLASS IN THE PHILIPPINES Class Description Morse Code Test Callsign Prefixes A Advance or Extra Class Required DU, 4F B G eneral Class Not Required DV C T echnician Class Not Required DW D N ovice Class Not Required DY

30. Licensing and Classifications Special Candidates Registered ECE Commercial First/Second Class Radio Telegraph Operator Commercial First Class Radio Telephone Operator Submit proof Take Element II Exam Direct Class B

31. Licensing and Classifications Radio Station License (RSL) An RSL , along with a callsign , is issued to an individual who has: Passed the corresponding amateur examination administered by the National Telecommunications Commission (NTC), and Owns and operates approved radio equipment.

32. Licensing and Classifications Radio Station License (RSL) An RSL , along with a callsign , is issued to an individual who has: Passed the corresponding amateur examination administered by the National Telecommunications Commission (NTC), and Owns and operates approved radio equipment.

33. Licensing and Classifications SAMPLE RADIO STATION LICENSE (RSL)

34. Licensing and Classifications CALLSIGN: The need to identify A callsign serves as the official name of an amateur radio station . It uniquely identifies the operator and the station during transmissions. Callsigns are allocated based on the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) listings and follow internationally recognized formats. Callsign Allocation for the Philippines In the Philippines, amateur radio callsigns are assigned from the following ITU-allocated prefix blocks: 4DA-4IZ and DUA-DZZ

35. Licensing and Classifications CALLSIGN: The need to identify Denotes Class: Class A : DU/4F/4E Class B : DV or 4I Class C : DW or 4G Class D : DY or 4H PARA Districts: 1 = NCR & Region IV 2 = Region I, Region II 3 = Region III 4 = Region V 5 = Region VII 6 = Region VI 7 = Region VII 8 = Region IX, Region XII 9 = Region X, Region XI 2 to 3 letter identifier Randomly assigned by NTC PREFIX SUFFIX

36. Licensing and Classifications RF Power Output Privileges Power Output Limits Fixed Station (VHF): Maximum of 50 watts Mobile or Portable Station (VHF): Maximum of 10 watts Authorized Frequency Band May operate within the Two-Meter VHF Band : 144.00 MHz to 146.00 MHz CLASS D

37. Licensing and Classifications RF Power Output Privileges CLASS C High Frequency (HF) Operations – Fixed Station Only Maximum RF Power (CW): 100 watts Maximum Power (SSBSC - Single Side Band Suppressed Carrier): 200 watts PEP (Peak Envelope Power) Very High Frequency (VHF) Operations Fixed, Mobile, or Portable Stations: Maximum of 100 watts

38. Licensing and Classifications RF Power Output Privileges CLASS B High Frequency (HF) Operations – Fixed Station Only Maximum RF Power on CW (Continuous Wave): 500 watts Maximum Power on SSBSC (Single Side Band Suppressed Carrier): 1 kilowatt (1,000 watts) PEP (Peak Envelope Power) VHF/UHF Operations – Fixed, Mobile, or Portable May utilize state-of-the-art equipment Maximum Power Output: Fixed, Mobile, or Portable: Up to 100 watts

39. Licensing and Classifications RF Power Output Privileges CLASS A High Frequency (HF) Operations – Fixed or Mobile Stations Maximum RF Power on CW (Continuous Wave): 1 kilowatt (1,000 watts) Maximum Power on SSBSC (Single Side Band Suppressed Carrier): 2 kilowatts (2,000 watts) PEP (Peak Envelope Power) VHF/UHF Operations – Fixed, Mobile, or Portable May utilize state-of-the-art radio equipment Maximum Power Output: Up to 100 watts , unless otherwise specified by the NTC

40. Proper radio usage during field deployments and disasters Field Operations and Emergency Protocols

41. Field Operations and Emergency Protocols EMERGENCY FREQUENCY 145.000 MHz ± 25kHz Transmission Duration All amateur radio transmissions should be kept to a minimum and must not exceed one (1) minute in length. Monitoring Before Transmitting Except in cases of distress , an amateur station must listen first for a reasonable period to ensure that no distress traffic is currently being transmitted on the frequency.

42. Field Operations and Emergency Protocols EMERGENCY CALL Any amateur station operating on a frequency where distress traffic is in progress—and which cannot directly assist the station in distress—is prohibited from transmitting on that frequency. Such stations must remain silent until a message is received indicating that normal operations may resume . This protocol ensures that emergency communications are not disrupted and that priority is given to stations handling distress situations.

43. Field Operations and Emergency Protocols EMERGENCY CALL When a station is in distress , the following protocol must be followed to ensure effective and immediate response: Distress Signal Transmit the word "MAYDAY" or "Break" , spoken three (3) times to indicate an emergency. Identification State the name or other identification of the mobile station in distress .

44. Field Operations and Emergency Protocols EMERGENCY CALL Location Provide specific details of the station's location . Nature of Distress Clearly describe the type of emergency and the kind of assistance needed . Additional Information Share any other details that could help facilitate rescue operations (e.g., number of people involved, weather conditions, visibility).

45. Field Operations and Emergency Protocols EMERGENCY CALL (SAMPLE) Break Break Break MAYDAY MAYDAY MAYDAY This is DY7ABC QTH is F. Llamas St., Tisa, Cebu City There is an explosion at the main lobby, 3 persons are hurt. Request immediate assistance. Please call the police and dispatch an ambulance.

46. Field Operations and Emergency Protocols USE OF BREAK SIGNAL MEANING Break Used to join an ongoing conversation politely. Break Break Indicates priority traffic or an urgent message. Break Break Break Signifies an extreme emergency or a life-and-death situation . All stations should immediately standby and listen .

47. Field Operations and Emergency Protocols In Joining a Conversation Always listen first before calling a station or making a general call (CQ) to avoid interrupting ongoing communications. To join a conversation in progress , say “Break” followed by your call sign during a natural pause in the transmission. It is permissible to join by saying only “Break” , but including your call sign is recommended as it saves time and allows other users to identify you immediately without having to ask.

48. Field Operations and Emergency Protocols Calling a station Limit to a maximum of three calls when trying to reach a station to confirm if they are on standby or available. Wait for at least 5 minutes before attempting the next call if there is no response. Keep your calls as brief as possible to respect the airwaves and allow others to use the frequency. Note: Each club or group typically has its own designated calling or working frequency . Always use the appropriate frequency when contacting club members.

49. ANATOMY OF RADIO RADIO BASIC

50. Anatomy of Radio/ POWER Power “ON” and “OFF” Different styles Push button Control knob Turn off when changing batteries

51. Anatomy of Radio/ PUSH-TO-TALK [PTT] Wait 2 seconds Speak in normal voice Incoming messages can be received only if PTT is not pressed.

52. Anatomy of Radio/ SPEAKER & MICROPHONE Speaker and microphone are located together. Microphone is activated when PTT is press. Speaker is activated when PTT is not used. External Speaker, build with Microphone and Speaker

53. Anatomy of Radio/ANTENNA The antenna’s purpose is to transmit and receive radio waves. For optimal reception, always keep the antenna upright (vertical), not sideways. Do not use the antenna as a handle this can damage the equipment and reduce performance.

54. Anatomy of Radio/ CHARGERS Types of Charger Trickle Charger Rapid-Rate/ Multi-Charger Turn off the RADIO. Check contacts. Do not Transmit. For Ni-Cad and NiMH, Check if drained battery. For Li- lon , can Charge anytime.

55. Best Practices & Common Errors PRESS PTT BUTTON 2 Seconds before speaking RELEASE PTT BUTTON 2 Seconds after speaking ALWAYS REMEMBER THE 2-second RULE!

56. Best Practices & Common Errors/ PHONETIC ALPHABET

57. Best Practices & Common Errors/ Q-CODES

58. JOIN THE SPARE SPARE INC

59. THANK YOU FOR YOUR TIME AND ATTENTION