This section contains extra material for background knowledge and for reference. Browse through it to determine its content before trying to find the answers to the examination questions!

Section 1

This is an extract from the International Radio Regulations, from Article 2:

As the unit of frequency is the hertz (Hz), frequencies shall be expressed:

- in kilohertz (kHz), up to and including 3 000 kHz;

- in megahertz (MHz), above 3 MHz, up to and including 3 000 MHz;

- in gigahertz (GHz), above 3 GHz, up to and including 3 000 GHz.

The Table below is extracted from the same ITU Article

Symbols    VLF LF MF HF VHF UHF SHF EHF

Frequency range (lower limit exclusive, upper limit inclusive)    3 to 30 kHz 30 to 300 kHz 300 to 3 000 kHz 3 to 30 MHz 30 to 300 MHz 300 to 3 000 MHz 3 to 30 GHz 30 to 300 GHz 300 to 3 000 GHz

Corresponding Metric Subdivision Myriametric waves Kilometric waves Hectometric waves Decametric waves Metric waves Decimetric waves Centimetric waves Millimetric waves Decimillimetric waves

Note: Prefix: k = kilo (10³), M = mega (10⁶), G = giga (10⁹).

 

The Radio Frequency Spectrum

This diagram shows Frequency on the horizontal axis, shown from DC to Daylight. Note that the horizontal axis is logarithmic (each horizontal interval increases by x10). The range subdivides into audio frequencies, radio frequencies, and light.

Frequency bands are allocated to the Amateur Service at points throughout the spectrum, shown in this diagram as AR. .

The next Sections following below identify the frequency limits and other licensing details for the bands available to New Zealand's radio amateurs.

 

Section 2

Table of Frequency Bands and Metres equivalent

Frequency Band 130-190 kHz 1800-1950 kHz 3.50-3.90 MHz 7.00-7.30 MHz 10.10-10.15 MHz 14.00-14.350 MHz 18.068-18.168 MHz 21.00-21.45 MHz 24.89-24.99 MHz 27.12 MHz 28.00-29.70 MHz 50.00-54.00 MHz 144.0-148.0 MHz 430-440 MHz

Metre Band 1750 metres 160 metres 80 metres 40 metres 30 metres 20 metres 17 metres 15 metres 12 metres 11 metres 10 metres 6 metres 2 metres 70 centimetres

 

Section 3

Amateur Radio Frequency Allocations

For study and for examination purposes, the bands up to 440 MHz should receive priority consideration.

The current Amateur Frequency Allocation Chart with its Notes is in the General User Radio Licence (GURL) for Amateur Radio Operators - on page 2. print it and study it

This chart undergoes revision as regulatory circumstances change, so please occasionally check the MED RSM web site for any later version http://www.rsm.govt.nz/cms

The MED will give sympathetic consideration to requests for reasoned variation to individual amateur licence conditions. An example is the temporary use of higher-power for moon-bounce experiments.

Operating Conditions and Courtesies

Please note that all radio amateurs have equal rights to use amateur radio frequencies. This means that courtesy in operating must prevail. Refer to Operating Procedures - General

 

Section 4

Sharing of Bands

Amateurs share some frequency bands with stations of other services. Full details about sharing are provided in the International Radio Regulations but only the general principles of sharing and the bands involved are needed for this examination.

Several Notes to the Amateur Frequency Allocation Chart in the General User Radio Licence (GURL) for Amateur Radio Operators - on page 2 - explain the use by amateur stations of the shared bands. See Notes 2 and 3.

Favourable access by radio amateurs to some bands used by other radio services has been given by the regulatory authorities. It is very important that these arrangements be respected so they can continue. The golden rule is: Don't cause any interference to any other stations

As an amateur station licensee, you have frequency agility, you can change your operating frequency to avoid other stations. Other services are usually licensed for one assigned frequency only.