Operating Practices and Procedures
Learning outcome this part
Know the meaning and the reason for use of the Q codes: QRL, QRM, QRN, QRP, QRT, QRZ, QSB, QSL, QSO, QSY, QTH.
Know the meaning and the reason for use of the following : CQ, DE, DX, R, RST, SIG, UR, WX.
Know the meaning of the RST code, the number of divisions of each of the three items, and their order of merit.
Know the relative operational advantages of CW, SSB and FM.
Know that types of modulation other than CW, SSB and FM are available to the Intermediate licensee (e.g. packet, PSK31, SSTV and FSTV).
Knowthat several types of transmission can be generated and received with the use of a personal computer and a suitable interface.
Know that call sign prefixes, station locations and addresses can often be found in call books and from the internet.
Know the concept of sending and receiving QSL cards.
Know common international call sign prefixes; EI (Eire), F (France), I (Italy), JA (Japan), PA (the Netherlands), VE (Canada), VK (Australia), W (USA), ZL (New Zealand).
Know that there is a competitive element in amateur radio: achievement awards, DX operation and contests. Be aware of their basic operating practices.Achievement awards, e.g. for contacting country prefixes, 'squares' on a map or islands; normally confirmed by QSL cards. Contests involve exchanging call signs and a serial number or location.