General License and EMS Course
The advanced course builds upon the knowledge gained in the technician course. Therefore, it is strongly suggested that you complete the Technician course first if you have no prior experience with amateur radio. Over twelve weeks of instruction, you will delve deeper into concepts such as impedance and inductors. Additionally, you will explore new topics including sunspots, solar radiation, and ionospheric disturbances. Practical hands-on experience is part of the course, involving activities like operating a ham radio and using a web-based software-defined radio (SDR). Optional activities such as constructing a crystal radio, creating an antenna from everyday items like a can of ham, and learning soldering techniques are also available. Each lesson's specific learning objectives can be accessed by clicking on the lesson title in the provided table. By the course's conclusion, you will be well-prepared to take the General License Exam. Please note, you cannot take the General License Exam unless you are a Technician License holder.
The course is completely free to join. To enroll, simply scroll down to the bottom of the page and click on the registration button. You will need a 10th edition of the ARRL General Class License Manual for the course. You can purchase one at ARRL or on Amazon. Taking the General License Exam is not a requirement of this course. However, if you wish to do so be advised that the current fee (as of 7/23/24) is $15 dollars for anyone 18 and above and $5 for those under 18. You can find more information on exam costs here. Once you get your license you might consider joining ARRL. Students under 21 are eligible for a free membership while those under 26 can join for the reduced rate of $30 (prices are current as of 7/23/24). You can find out more about this membership here.
Course Syllabus
Download the syllabus here.
In this introductory lesson, you'll learn about the benefits of upgrading from a Technician Class license to a General Class license. You'll gain insights into the privileges that come with a General Class license, including operating phone and digital modes on the HF bands. The lesson will outline the structure of the General Class test, provide guidance on where and how to take the test, and emphasize the importance of continuous learning and practical experience in amateur radio.
1. Explain the expanded privileges granted to General Class license holders.
2. Identify key reasons to upgrade from a Technician Class license to a General Class license..
3. Outline the requirements and study materials needed for the General Class exam.
4. Develop a study plan to prepare for the General Class license exam.
5. Locate and schedule an exam session for the General Class license.
6. Access additional resources to enhance your understanding of amateur radio.
Welcome to Lesson two Electrical Principles. This lesson covers electrical principles, including reactance, impedance, impedance matching, and basic calculations for capacitive and inductive reactance. It explores how resistors, capacitors, and inductors behave in series and parallel configurations and introduces transformers and mutual inductance. The content also discusses the use of transformers for impedance transformation and the importance of understanding unit conversions when working with capacitors. Finally, it touches on the concept of transformers acting as both step-up and step-down transformers and the implications of using transformers for unintended purposes. The lesson will also include sample questions from the exam that cover ham-related electrical principles.
Learning Objectives
1. Understand the fundamental principles of reactance, impedance, and impedance matching.
2. Analyze the behavior of resistors, capacitors, and inductors in series and parallel circuits.
3. Explain the function and applications of transformers and mutual inductance.
4. Practice taking “Electronic Principles” portion of the Ham General License Exam with actual questions from the current exam.
This lesson provides a comprehensive overview of essential circuit components crucial for the ARRL General License exam. Students will explore the practical considerations and applications of resistors, capacitors, inductors, diodes, transistors, vacuum tubes, batteries, integrated circuits, display devices, and connectors. Emphasis will be placed on understanding the characteristics, advantages, and limitations of each component, as well as their roles in various amateur radio circuits. By the end of the course, students will have a solid foundation in circuit components, preparing them for both the exam and practical applications in amateur radio operations.
Learning Objectives
1. Understand the practical considerations and applications of resistors, capacitors, and inductors in circuits.
2. Explain the functions and specifications of diodes and transistors in electronic circuits.
3. Describe the operation and characteristics of vacuum tubes used in amateur radio equipment.
4. Identify the types and features of batteries commonly used in amateur radio operations.
5. Differentiate between various types of integrated circuits, including analog, digital, and microwave ICs.
6. Recognize the functions and uses of display devices and connectors in amateur radio systems.
7. Prepare for the exam.
This lesson provides an in-depth exploration of practical circuits essential for amateur radio operation, covering modes and bandwidth, filter types, oscillators, mixers, multipliers, modulators, transmitter and amplifier fundamentals, receiver fundamentals, and installing an HF station. Participants will build upon their knowledge of electronics fundamentals and components to understand the inner workings of real radios, including transmitters, receivers, and amplifiers. Through detailed analysis and hands-on activities, students will gain insights into circuit design, adjustment procedures, and equipment structure, preparing them for practical applications in amateur radio operations.
Learning Objectives
1. Explain the different modes of transmission used in amateur radio communication and their corresponding bandwidth requirements to select appropriate operating modes for specific communication purposes.
2. Identify the characteristics and applications of various filter types, including low-pass, high-pass, band-pass, and band-stop filters, to enhance signal quality and suppress unwanted interference in RF circuits.
3. Describe the principles and operation of oscillators used in radio equipment, including crystal oscillators and voltage-controlled oscillators, to generate stable RF signals for transmission and local oscillation.
4. Analyze the function and performance of mixers, multipliers, and modulators in radio frequency (RF) circuits, including frequency conversion, signal multiplication, and modulation techniques, to understand signal processing and modulation principles.
5. Understand the fundamentals of transmitter and amplifier circuits, including power amplification, modulation, and signal amplification, to design and operate efficient and effective transmitter and amplifier systems in amateur radio applications.
6. Prepare for the General License examination.
This lesson focuses on the fundamentals of signal propagation and the natural phenomena that affect it, crucial for effective amateur radio communication. Building on previous knowledge of electronics, signals, transmitters, receivers, and antennas, participants will explore how radio waves travel from point A to point B. Key topics include the structure of the ionosphere, reflection and absorption of signals, sky-wave and ground-wave propagation, sunspots and their cycles, assessing propagation conditions, solar phenomena, and scatter propagation. Understanding these concepts will enable students to predict and utilize propagation conditions for optimal communication on the HF bands.
Learning Objectives
1. Explain the structure of the ionosphere and its role in the propagation of radio waves, including reflection and absorption processes.
2. Differentiate between sky-wave and ground-wave signals and their respective propagation characteristics.
3. Analyze the impact of sunspots and sunspot cycles on HF propagation and how solar phenomena influence radio communication.
4. Assess propagation conditions using various methods and tools to predict and optimize HF communication.
5. Describe scatter propagation and its significance in extending the range of radio communications under specific conditions.
6. Prepare for the exam.
This lesson provides an in-depth understanding of antennas and feed lines, critical components of any amateur radio setup. Students will learn about various types of feed lines, their characteristic impedance, and the importance of matching impedance to minimize signal loss. The module covers standing wave ratio (SWR) calculations, measurements, and their effects on transmission efficiency. Additionally, students will explore different types of antennas, including dipole, vertical, directional, and specialized antennas, and their respective applications. Practical guidance on antenna installation and feed point matching will ensure students can optimize their stations for efficient communication.
Learning Objectives
1. Understand Feed Lines and Impedance: Describe the characteristics of feed lines, including impedance and attenuation, and explain how to achieve optimal impedance matching to ensure efficient signal transmission.
2. Calculate and Measure SWR: Demonstrate how to calculate and measure the standing wave ratio (SWR) and understand its effects on transmission efficiency and feed line performance.
3. Antenna Types and Applications: Identify and describe various types of antennas, such as dipole, vertical, and directional antennas, and explain their applications and advantages in different scenarios.
4. Practical Antenna Installation: Apply knowledge of feed point impedance and matching techniques to install and optimize antennas, ensuring minimal signal loss and maximum efficiency.
5. Specialized Antennas and Mobile Operation: Explore specialized antenna types, including multiband, portable, and mobile antennas, and understand their design considerations and use cases.
6. Prepare for the exam.
In the "Radio Wave Propagation" lesson, students preparing for the Ham General License Exam will delve into the natural phenomena affecting amateur radio communications, particularly on the HF bands. Understanding sunspots, solar radiation, ionospheric disturbances, and propagation forecasting is crucial for effective communication. The sunspot cycle, lasting about 11 years, significantly influences propagation, with more sunspots generally improving HF conditions. The solar flux index offers a more objective measure of solar activity. Additionally, phenomena such as Sudden Ionospheric Disturbances (SIDs), coronal mass ejections, and geomagnetic storms impact propagation. Understanding indices like the K-index and A-index helps in assessing geomagnetic conditions. Key concepts include Maximum Usable Frequency (MUF) and Lowest Usable Frequency (LUF), which are essential for predicting the best frequencies for communication. Ionospheric layers, critical angles, and phenomena like HF scatter and Near Vertical Incidence Skywave (NVIS) propagation also play crucial roles in determining how radio waves travel.
Learning Objectives
1. Explain the relationship between solar activity and HF propagation.
2. Identify and assess the impact of short-term ionospheric disturbances on radio propagation.
3. Use propagation forecasting tools and indices.
4. Understand key propagation concepts such as Maximum Usable Frequency (MUF) and Lowest Usable Frequency (LUF).
5. Describe ionospheric layers and their role in HF propagation.
6. Prepare for the exam.
This lesson is designed to prepare students for the Ham General license exam by providing a comprehensive understanding of key concepts in station configuration, operation, test equipment, interference management, and mobile/portable operations. The course will cover the functionality and operation of modern HF transceivers, the purpose and use of various filters and attenuators, noise reduction techniques, CW operation, dual-VFO functionality, and digital modes. Additionally, students will learn about test equipment like multimeters and oscilloscopes, techniques for managing interference and grounding, and the importance of proper antenna tuning. Practical aspects of mobile and alternative energy source operations will also be explored.
Learning Objectives
1. Describe the configuration and operation of HF transceivers, including the importance of speech processors and S meters
2. Identify essential test equipment, such as spectrum analyzers, oscilloscopes, and frequency counters.
3. Explain techniques for managing RF interference, proper grounding, and bonding in amateur radio setups.
4. Demonstrate the use of various modulation modes and identify the impact of phase noise and noise blankers on signal quality.
5. Set up mobile and portable HF stations, incorporating alternative power sources and addressing installation challenges.
6. Prepare for the exam.
This comprehensive lesson on "Operating Procedures" prepares students for the ARRL Ham General License Exam. The curriculum is designed to impart in-depth knowledge and practical skills necessary for effective and responsible amateur radio communication. Covering essential aspects such as phone and CW operating procedures, emergency operations, digital modes, and the Volunteer Monitoring Program, the course emphasizes adherence to protocols, efficient use of equipment, and courteous interaction with the amateur radio community. By understanding these fundamental operating procedures, students will be well-prepared to pass the exam and excel in their amateur radio endeavors.
Learning Objectives
1. Understand and Apply Phone Operating Procedures.
2. Operate Effectively on the HF Bands.
3. Implement CW Operating Procedures
4. Participate in the Volunteer Monitoring Program and HF Operations.
5. Operate Digital Modes.
6. Prepare for the exam.
This lesson will provide you with essential knowledge on electrical and RF safety, which are crucial for passing the ARRL General License Test. During the lesson, you will learn how to avoid electrical hazards related to power lines and equipment maintenance. Additionally, we'll cover proper grounding techniques for electrical safety, methods for suppressing stray RF interference, and strategies for lightning protection. Moreover, the course will explain the RF safety regulations established by the FCC and guide you through performing station evaluations to ensure compliance with these regulations.
Learning Objectives
1. Understand and mitigate electrical hazards associated with power lines and equipment.
2. Implement proper grounding techniques for safety and RF suppression.
3. Apply best practices for safe antenna tower installation and lightning protection.
4. Explain FCC's RF exposure regulations and perform basic station evaluations.
5. Recognize safety considerations for emergency power sources.
6. Prepare for the exam.
In this lesson, students will learn about the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) rules and regulations essential for passing the ARRL General License Exam. The lesson will cover a wide range of topics, including General Class operator frequency privileges, antenna restrictions, beacon operations, one-way transmissions, international communication, encryption rules, transmitter power regulations, data emission standards, and 60-meter operation requirements. Additionally, the role of Volunteer Examiners, temporary identification, element credit, and remote operation will be explored. Students will also gain an understanding of control categories, repeater regulations, third-party communication rules, ITU regions, and automatic digital station controls. By mastering these topics, students will be well-prepared to operate within FCC guidelines and enhance their proficiency in amateur radio operations.
Learning Objectives
1. Identify the frequency privileges and restrictions for General Class operators on various bands.
2. Understand and comply with antenna regulations, including the FCC's PRB-1 policy and HOA agreements.
3. Operate beacon stations and conduct permitted one-way transmissions according to FCC rules.
4. Adhere to transmitter power regulations and data emission standards for different bands.
5. Understand the roles and requirements of Volunteer Examiners and the process for regaining operating privileges.
6. Prepare for the exam.
This final lesson is designed to equip you with the necessary tools and strategies to successfully take and pass the Ham General License exam. You will receive comprehensive guidance on preparing for the exam, including effective study techniques and practice with real exam questions. This lesson will also walk you through the registration process, provide tips for the exam day, and outline what to do in case of success or failure. Additionally, you will learn about the opportunities and next steps following the exam, ensuring you are well-prepared and confident in advancing your amateur radio journey.
Learning Objectives
1. Develop an effective study plan tailored to the Ham General License exam.
2. Practice with real questions from the Ham General License exam pool.
3. Navigate the registration process for scheduling your exam.
4. Understand and follow the procedures for taking the exam.
5. Manage both success and failure, with clear steps for retaking the exam if necessary.
6. Identify the next steps and opportunities available after passing the exam to further your amateur radio experience.
This project was made possible by a generous grant from the Amateur Radio Digital Communications (ARDC). Learn more about this organization here.
