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'''Bandwidth''' is the width of the [[#Band|band]] occupied by a particular signal. It varies significantly with the [[mode]] in use; an [[FT8]] signal has a bandwidth of about 50 [[#Hertz|Hz]], while an [[SSB]] signal is typically about 3,000 Hz (3 kHz). A WiFi signal has a bandwidth of at least 20,000,000 Hz (20 MHz), far too wide for use on [[HF]] or [[VHF]] bands, but suitable for some [[microwave]] bands in [[High-Speed Multimedia]] networks. All else being equal, a signal with a narrower bandwidth will be received more strongly than a wider signal, but will not convey as much information in a given period of time. Another benefit of a narrower bandwidth is that it leaves more "room" for other operators. | '''Bandwidth''' is the width of the [[#Band|band]] occupied by a particular signal. It varies significantly with the [[mode]] in use; an [[FT8]] signal has a bandwidth of about 50 [[#Hertz|Hz]], while an [[SSB]] signal is typically about 3,000 Hz (3 kHz). A WiFi signal has a bandwidth of at least 20,000,000 Hz (20 MHz), far too wide for use on [[HF]] or [[VHF]] bands, but suitable for some [[microwave]] bands in [[High-Speed Multimedia]] networks. All else being equal, a signal with a narrower bandwidth will be received more strongly than a wider signal, but will not convey as much information in a given period of time. Another benefit of a narrower bandwidth is that it leaves more "room" for other operators. | ||
== Call Sign == | |||
'''Call signs''' are issued to all amateur radio operators and many clubs by the [[FCC]] (in the US) or the equivalent government agency in other countries. They are used as identifiers on the air, and must be transmitted at least every ten minutes in conversation and at the end of the conversation. Some examples of call signs are "K7AGE" and "W1AW." The FCC assigns a "sequential" call sign such as "KJ7RRV" upon passing an exam to obtain an [[amateur radio license]], but a custom "vanity" call sign can be obtained afterwards as long as it meets the FCC's requirements and is not already assigned. PBARC's call sign is W7BKG, hence the address of this site. | |||
== High-Speed Multimedia == | == High-Speed Multimedia == | ||
Revision as of 13:45, 1 March 2023
This is a glossary of common amateur radio terms.
Band
A band is a contiguous segment of the radio frequency spectrum. For example, the 2 meter band, the most widely used VHF amateur radio band, extends from 144 to 148 MHz (megahertz). (Megahertz are a measurement of frequency.) Bands can overlap; for example, VHF itself is the band of frequencies from 30 to 300 MHz.
Bandwidth
Bandwidth is the width of the band occupied by a particular signal. It varies significantly with the mode in use; an FT8 signal has a bandwidth of about 50 Hz, while an SSB signal is typically about 3,000 Hz (3 kHz). A WiFi signal has a bandwidth of at least 20,000,000 Hz (20 MHz), far too wide for use on HF or VHF bands, but suitable for some microwave bands in High-Speed Multimedia networks. All else being equal, a signal with a narrower bandwidth will be received more strongly than a wider signal, but will not convey as much information in a given period of time. Another benefit of a narrower bandwidth is that it leaves more "room" for other operators.
Call Sign
Call signs are issued to all amateur radio operators and many clubs by the FCC (in the US) or the equivalent government agency in other countries. They are used as identifiers on the air, and must be transmitted at least every ten minutes in conversation and at the end of the conversation. Some examples of call signs are "K7AGE" and "W1AW." The FCC assigns a "sequential" call sign such as "KJ7RRV" upon passing an exam to obtain an amateur radio license, but a custom "vanity" call sign can be obtained afterwards as long as it meets the FCC's requirements and is not already assigned. PBARC's call sign is W7BKG, hence the address of this site.
High-Speed Multimedia
A High-Speed Multimedia (HSMM) network is a digital computer network using WiFi protocols running on amateur radio microwave frequencies. Most networks use off-the-shelf consumer WiFi routers with modified software and external antennas. HSMM networks allow basically any software that works over the Internet to be used over amateur radio, although there are restrictions based on FCC regulations. There is currently no HSMM network in the Brookings area.
HT
An HT (handheld transceiver) is a handheld, battery-operated amateur radio transceiver. Virtually all HTs are low-power (typically 8 watts or less) VHF and/or UHF radios.
Packet Radio
Packet radio is a digital system that creates computer networks using radio links. APRS is a popular use of packet radio.
Sound Card
A sound card is a computer peripheral device that encodes and decodes audio signals. They can be built into the computer or connected externally by USB. The SignaLink is a special sound card designed to connect to ham radio transceivers for digital modes such as FT8 and the Fldigi modes.
Transceiver
A transceiver is a radio device that can both transmit and receive signals. Most ham radios are transceivers.
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