Amateur radio station
Amateur station ( English amateur station ) - is as defined in the Radio Regulations of the International Telecommunication Union a radio station of the amateur radio service .
definition
The regulations for the radio service define:
- Amateur radio station: radio station of the amateur radio service.
The German Amateur Radio Act of 1997 defines:
- An amateur radio station is a radio station that consists of one or more transmitting radio systems and receiving radio systems including antenna systems and the additional equipment required for their operation and which can be operated on at least one of the frequencies specified in the frequency usage plan for the amateur radio service.
Historical
The first European amateur radio stations were possible in Great Britain due to the Wireless Telegraphy Act of 1904. The first official transmission permits for amateur radio stations in the USA were issued on November 13, 1912. Recognized radio associations in Germany received test transmitter permits from November 1924. Since the club licenses could only be used by a few radio amateurs and individual licenses were generally not granted, illegal operations increased in the period that followed.
As part of the deregulation, the license is no longer limited to a fixed amateur radio station, but also permits the operation of mobile and portable amateur radio stations (e.g. handheld radios ).
Traditionally one speaks of the "shack" when one means the radio room of amateur radio operators . The word shack (Eng. "Hut, barrack") comes from the English. The radio equipment and everything that is necessary for radio operation are located here.
Well-known amateur radio stations
There was an amateur radio station on both the Mir space station , just like it is on the ISS today. Many of the research stations in Antarctica also have an amateur radio station.
Technical
With regard to the quality of the amateur radio station, the same strict limit requirements apply to the amateur radio service as to all other radio services. This applies not only to the electrical parameters of the radio devices, but also to protecting people from electromagnetic radiation from the antenna. A radio amateur must be able to prove compliance with these limit values to the responsible authorities if necessary. A major difference arises with regard to the interference immunity of the receiver: Since the radio amateur also wants to receive very weak signals, his receiver must be very sensitive. As a result, it can happen that an electrical device in the vicinity (PC, garage door operator, etc.) interferes with reception, especially on shortwave, although the interfering device complies with the permissible limit values. You can build radios yourself or buy them ready-made. A shortwave radio device costs around 500 euros. Then you need an external antenna for shortwave radio traffic . That is at least seven meters of wire in the garden or a rod about five meters long on the roof. If necessary, you can also use a wire antenna in the attic of the house. A 50 cm long rod is sufficient for radio operation on ultra-short wave , possibly also in the room. A directional antenna on the house roof is of course better for greater ranges ; A parabolic antenna is useful for very high frequencies .
Legal
The individual amateur radio station is only subject to a few countries, e.g. B. Spain a permit requirement. In the other countries it is often sufficient to register the fixed locations of the amateur radio stations with the competent authority. In any case, broadcasting is only permitted to people with the appropriate license.
As already described, the same strict limit values apply to the quality of the amateur radio station as to all other radio services. Notwithstanding this, the radio amateur may determine the level of immunity of his amateur radio station himself.
Notwithstanding the requirements for electromagnetic compatibility in the environment for other radio stations, radio amateurs are permitted to report their amateur radio station to the competent authority ( Federal Network Agency for Electricity, Gas, Telecommunications, Post and Railways). Since the radio amateurs have proven their specialist knowledge by passing the exam, they are trusted to have the competence for the necessary computational and metrological considerations, in which it is proven that there are no excessive field strengths where other people may be. On request, however, a location certificate is also issued in which the authority carries out the necessary assessment.
Automatic amateur radio stations
Automatic amateur radio stations are z. As radio beacons , Packet Radio - Digipeater or relay stations .
Antennas of amateur radio stations
Amateur radio stations are first noticed by the large antenna systems. Due to the wide spread of the amateur bands , antennas of different sizes are necessary if you want to transmit on the most common bands. The collection of antennas is often referred to as the antenna forest.
However, amateur radio stations are often only set up for a weekend or a week. Mostly this takes place in a meadow or a field, hence the name Fieldday . Here, all the necessary technology is collected and used by various radio amateurs. Usually this time is also planned for large antenna experiments. In the evening, the tinkering often ends in a cozy round with a grill and radio operation.
Shortwave antenna system of the amateur radio station at the Technical University of Braunschweig.
Antenna forest
Amateur radio station during a field day.
Individual evidence
- ↑ International Telecommunication Union (ITU), Implementation Regulations for Radio Services (VO Radio), 2012 edition, Article 1.96