diff --git a/zk/EMC_and_interference.md b/zk/EMC_and_interference.md new file mode 100644 index 0000000..e07d70f --- /dev/null +++ b/zk/EMC_and_interference.md @@ -0,0 +1,55 @@ +--- +tags: [radio, ham-study] +--- + +EMC or _Electromagnetic Compatibility_ is concerned with avoiding interference +between different pieces of electronic equipment. + +> Interference is the degradation or disruption of a desired radio signal caused +> by unwanted electromagnetic energy. It can manifest as static, noise, signal +> loss, or distorted audio. + +Transmitters can _cause_ interference. Receivers can suffer _from_ inteference. + +**The more power a station uses, the more likely it is to cause interference.** + +**Immunity** is the ability of a piece of equipment to function correctly in the +presence of strong RF signals. + +Different transmission modes are more or less likely to cause interference. + +AM and SSB are more likely to cause interference. + +FM and some HF data modes are least likely (remember "Friendly Modulation"). + +## Occurences of interference + +Nearby radio transmissions can cause interference to: + +- domestic mains wiring +- TV aerial leads +- Speaker leads +- Telephone wiring +- Internal circuitry + +## Methods of reducing interference + +- Fitting **filters** (known as **chokes**) in mains or antenna leads as close + to the affected device as possible + +- Using balanced antennas at HF + +- Using horizontal dipoles + +- Avoiding the use of end-fed antenna types + +- Siting antennas as far from houses as possible and as high as pissible + +- Using a dedicated RF earth to prevent RF current from entering the mains earth + system + +## Dummy loads + +A dummy load is a screened resistor attached to a transmitter instead of an +aerial. This enables the transmitter to operate without putting out a signal +which can be useful when detecting and managing interference. diff --git a/zk/Electrical_safety_for_amateur_radio.md b/zk/Electrical_safety_for_amateur_radio.md new file mode 100644 index 0000000..6ae3762 --- /dev/null +++ b/zk/Electrical_safety_for_amateur_radio.md @@ -0,0 +1,58 @@ +--- +tags: [ham-study] +--- + +## Earthing + +Where a safety earth has been fitted, it must not be removed. If changes are +necessary, a competent professional must be consulted. + +## Plugs, fuses and circuit breakers + +Need to know the plug colours: + +| Colour | Cable | +| ------- | ---------------- | +| Live | brown | +| Neutral | blue | +| Earth | green and yellow | + +- The flex of the plug cable should be secured. + +- The fuse must match the plug + +- A fuse comprises a thin wire that melts when excessive current flows through + it, breaking the circuit. When a fuse blows, you should investigate the cause + and not just blindly replace especially if it is recurrent. + +- Better than a fuse is a Residual Current Circuit Breaker with Overcurrent. + This can detect currents to earth of over 30mA whereas a fuse just captures a + few amps and only detects short circuits. + +## General points + +- Only work on the inside of equipment, having first disconnected the power + source + +- Have a master switch for all radio equipment + +- Safety measures must be taken when using radio equipment outside + +- Wear protective goggles when soldering + +- Very high antennas require lightening protection + +- Antennas and feeders must not be sited close to overhead cables + +- A ladder should be used at a 4:1 height to base ratio and be used with an + assistant + +- The main health damage from EM radiation is heating of body tissue, especially + the eyes + +- Antennas and other conductors must not be touched when transmitting + +- Antennas must not be mounted in such a way that people would accidentally come + into contact with them + +- You must not look down a wave guide