Basic Qualification Course

Introduction

We have not run a basic qualification course since 2016.  Generally we direct persons wanting to do the course to the basic qualification course run periodically by Radio Amateurs of Canada (RAC), but there are other courses run by other amateur radio societies in Canada.  The RAC course is cheaper than what the Society can offer. Many persons come to us already prepared to write the ISED examinations having studied on their own.  We do have Industry, Science and Economic Development (ISED) accredited examiners who can assist with administering the exam and getting your paperwork in to ISED and getting you licensed.  These examiners can only administer the amateur radio examinations. This page is intended to assist the public by making available an online course with some supplementary materials.  Users may find the Introductory Physics materials on the Technical Resources page helpful.  If you are really keen, you might have a look at the other resources on that page - university level books in physics, math and engineering (hardcore STEM).  

Objective

The object of this course is to prepare you to pass the examination that is set by Industry Canada for the Basic Qualification.  By passing the exam you will be able to obtain an amateur radio licence and become a full member of the Society or the amateur radio service. It is in the public interest that you pass the course and get licensed. There is a shortage of amateur radio operators in the North. The Society also needs more members.

Design

The course consists of modules that follow closely the Canadian Amateur Radio Basic Qualification Study Guide (New Market, Ontario: Coax Publications Inc., 2009). The Society has been informed that Coax Publications Inc. has ceased operations (see:  https://coaxpublications.ca/ ).  We are removing the references to that publication from this page.  The references were complementary and our materials are independent of that publication.

The level of materials is at about the high school level and you will need to study the materials and put some effort into the course.  The aim will be to prepare you to write and pass the examination set by Industry Canada to become licensed as an amateur radio operator.

We can accommodate students as much as possible with extra classes and tutorials or specific areas of difficulty. You should bring a scientific calculator (or "slide rule"), notebook and pen or pencil to each class.

It is possible to study for the exam without taking the course.  If you opt to do that you may be able to purchase the course manual from the Society or alternatively from Radio Amateurs of Canada.  Following the manual and the materials on this page and trying out test exams will sufficiently prepare you to pass the exam.  Let us know if you plan to do that as we can provide you with guidance and set up a time and date for the writing of the exam. 

Class 1 – Orientation

An outline and introduction to this online course and to the amateur radio service.

• • Module_1 - Course Outline and Introduction

Class 2 - Regulations

Regulations and policies.  Since the licence is issued under the Radiocommunication Act (Canada) and its regulations, this module covers details about the legal requirements in Canada of an amateur radio operators. 

• • Module_2 - Legislation
    • Radiocommunication Act (Canada), R.S.C., 1985, c. R-2
    • Radiocommunication Regulations, SOR/96-484
    • Safety Code 6 (Health Canada)
    • ISED Amateur Radio Exam Generator
    • ISED Amateur Radio Operator Certificate Services

Classes 3 and 4 - Basic Electrical Theory

Basic electrical theory and simple circuits.  Resistance, capacitance and inductance.  Ohm’s Law and Power. Q factor.  A bit on impedance.  AC and DC currents.  RMS.

• • Modules_3_and_4 - Basic Electrical Theory
    • Electronic Circuits (series of videos) 
    • Engineering Circuit Analysis (videos)
    • Internet Archive - Circuit Analysis Library
    • Robert L. Boylestad, Introductory Circuit Analysis 11th Ed. (New Jersey: Pearson/Prentice Hall, 2007) (PDF Textbook)

Class 5 - Active Devices and Power Supplies

This module covers active devices including diodes, transistors, field effect transistors and vacuum tubes.  A very basic explanation of doping is presented.  The use of these devices in rectifiers and amplifiers is discussed.  This module also discusses power supplies in a very general way.  There is a great deal of information on line, including on YouTub and information that is supplementary to electronics courses.  If interested in building circuits, one should download a circuit simulator such as in Module 2 and try building circuits using that software first.  

• • Module_5 - Active Devices and Power Supplies

Class 6 - Modulation and Demodulation and Receivers

This module is an overview of modulation, demodulation, receivers and transceivers.  Such systems for AM, DSB, SSB and FM are considered.   

• Module_6 - Modulation and Demodulation

Class 7 - Wave Theory and Propagation

Basic wave theory including their characteristics.  Bands, frequencies and properties of waves.  Electromagnetic waves.  How radio waves interact with different parts of the atmosphere and what it is that allows radio amateurs to communicate thousands of miles on very little power.  Solar effects including aurora.  D layer, E layer, F1 and F2 layers.  Survey of all HAM bands.  

• • Module_7 - Wave Theory and Propagation
    • Rohde & Schwarz, Understanding HF Propagation
    • Radio Wave Theory

Class 8 - Transmission Lines and Antennas

Transmission line theory and antennas.  What is a transmission line is discussed along with characteristic impedance, balanced lines, unbalanced lines, coaxial cable and ladder line, connectors and matching baluns.  Standing waves, VSWR etc. are discussed.  Antennas are discussed and how they function in propagating an EM wave into space.  Voltage distribution and elementary dipole design are presented.  Radiation patterns, various designs, tuning, dummy loads, etc. are all discussed. 

• • Module_7 - Wave Theory and Propagation
    • Shive Similarities in Wave Behaviour AT&T (1959 Classic)
    • Royal Institution, Waves and Vibrations - with Sir Lawrence Bragg
    • Standing Waves Introduction
    • National Film Board and RCAF, Funadmentals of Antenna Theory
    • G.T. Markov, Antennas (Moscow: Progress Publishers, 1959) [PDF Textbook]
    • Joseph J. Carr, Practical Antenna Handbook (New Your: McGraw-Hill, 2001) [PDF Textbook]

Class 9 - Amateur Radio Station and Safety

This module deals with establishing an amateur radio station and its routine operation.  Equipment, location, operating modes etc. are discussed.  Q-codes, the phonetic alphabet, voice procedure and the use of repeaters (including VE8YK/R locally) are discussed.  CW operation (i.e. Morse Code) is discussed - a seemingly antiquated operating mode that we have discovered to be extremely reliable and robust in the North.  Other modes are discussed including telephony and digital modes.  QSL cards are discussed along with time zones.  Emergency communications are also discussed.  Radio operating procedures will be discussed with reference to RIC-22.  

• • Module_9 - Amateur Radio Station and Safety
    • Q Codes
    • RIC-22 General Radio Operating Procedures (ISED)
    • Safety Code 6 (Health Canada)*

Class 10 - Exam Study Tactics

The Society used to offer a specific class devoted to exam-writing strategies.  In particular practice exams could be used to identify problem areas to direct one's study efforts.  The Society members can assist with these areas and trouble-shoot how to approach the exam questions.  We have found this often makes the difference between a pass and an honours pass.  If you think you are preparing for the exam consider this strategy.  Ultimately the present goal is to pass the exam and get licensed.  Afterwards you will have the opportunity to explore the field and hobby.