From 25266e5421f81e2b62a7fb32643b0bb116bf4f81 Mon Sep 17 00:00:00 2001 From: thomasabishop Date: Wed, 4 Feb 2026 20:10:31 +0000 Subject: [PATCH] more ham notes --- zk/Call_signs.md | 83 +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ zk/Foundation_licence_conditions.md | 35 ++++++++++++ 2 files changed, 118 insertions(+) create mode 100644 zk/Call_signs.md create mode 100644 zk/Foundation_licence_conditions.md diff --git a/zk/Call_signs.md b/zk/Call_signs.md new file mode 100644 index 0000000..ae2d6e9 --- /dev/null +++ b/zk/Call_signs.md @@ -0,0 +1,83 @@ +--- +tags: [radio, ham-study] +--- + +UK call signs have two parts: + +- licence level and regional locator +- three letters unique to the operator + +The prefixes for licence level are as follows: + +| Prefix | Level | Example | +| ------ | ------------ | ------- | +| M7 | Foundation | M7ABC | +| 2x0 | Intermediate | 2E0ABC | +| M0 | Full | M0ABC | + +> Note that for intermediate (and intermediate only), you **must** include the +> regional locator. The second character ("x") is a placeholder for the country +> code + +The regional locators are as follows. Their inclusion is mostly optional, +particularly if you are in England and contacting others in England, unless you +hold an intermediate licence in which case inclusion is mandatory. + +| Code | Region | Pneumonic | +| ---- | ---------------- | ------------------------------------ | +| E | England | | +| W | Wales | | +| M | Scotland | Think "Macdonald" | +| I | Northern Ireland | Think "Ireland" | +| D | Isle of Man | Think "Douglas", the capital | +| J | Jersey | | +| G | U | "U" is the second letter of Guernsey | + +Some examples: + +| Call sign | Meaning | +| --------- | ------------------------------ | +| ME7ABC | Foundation, England | +| 2M0ABC | Intermediate, Scotland | +| MD7ABC | Foundation, Isle of Man | +| 2J0ABC | Intermediate, Isle of Man | +| MU0ABC | Full, Guernsey | +| MI0ABC | Intermediate, Northern Ireland | +| MW7ABC | Foundation, Wales | + +## Suffixes indicating operation type + +These are also optional but can be useful - indicated by a slash after the call +sign. + +| Code | Meaning | +| ---- | -------------------------------------------------- | +| /M | mobile: car, pedestrian, inland waters | +| /A | alternate postal address | +| /P | temporary: a field or rally event with no postcode | +| /MM | maritime mobile (vessel at sea) | + +For example: MM7ABC/M would mean "Foundation, Scotland, mobile" and 2E0ABC/A +would mean "Intermediate, England, alternate address". + +## When to give your call sign + +You should state your call sign as "frequently as is practicable". Good +occasions: + +- calling CQ +- making contact with someone you've found from CQ +- changing frequencies +- changing supervision + +## Supervision + +You can let other people transmit using your call sign under your "direct +supervision". Anyone doing this must understand the conditions and limitations +of the licence they are transmitting under and operate in accordance with them. + +## Emergency use + +In cases of disaster or emergency, you may allow a member of a user service +(emergency services, St. John Ambulance, Red Cross, government department) to +transmit using your equipment. diff --git a/zk/Foundation_licence_conditions.md b/zk/Foundation_licence_conditions.md new file mode 100644 index 0000000..839db47 --- /dev/null +++ b/zk/Foundation_licence_conditions.md @@ -0,0 +1,35 @@ +--- +tags: [radio, ham-study] +--- + +- Business and any commercial activity is not permitted +- An amateur radio licence is _only for self-training in radio communications_ +- Ofcom is the UK TV and radio regulator +- Ofcom issues amateur radio licences + +**You must**: + +- inform Ofcom immediately of any changes related to your home address, your + station address, or your name +- confirm the details specified in your licence are valid once every five years + +**They can**: + +- inspect your station +- ask you to modify your equipment +- close down or restrict your operating +- revoke your licence if you breach the licence conditions +- in cases of reported interference, ask you to log the transmissions you have + made over a specified time period + +**Acceptable operating locations**: + +- UK +- Channel Islands +- Isle of Man + +This includes UK territorial seas and operation on UK ships and aircraft when +they are in international water or airspace. (Note that TX from aircraft has +power restrictions as specified in Schedule 1 listings.) + +The Foundation licence does not permit operating in any other countries.