BOY SCOUT RADIO MERIT BADGE REQUIREMENT CHECKLIST Merit Badge Pamphlet Pages HANDOUTS   MINI CLASS GUIDES
The Plan for Today Requirements Checklist Radio Station Call Signs Radio Wave Propagation WWV and WWVH Sending Info with Radio Block & Schmtic Diagms Schematic Symbols Radio Contact Procedrs Q Signals RST UTC Phonetics Loging Contacts Amateur Radio Licenses General Instructions General Introduction General Radio Info Radio Frequencies Propagation Radio Safety Electronic Parts & Symb Amateur Radio Licenses Ham Radio Station Visit Preparing to Talk Radio Contact Radio Contact-Home Sta Am Radio Equip & Proc
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No. Requirement (name and callsign)
                                                                 
1   a Explain what radio is [general description].   11                                     X                    
     b Explain the differences between broadcast radio and hobby radio.   11                                     X                    
     c Explain the differences between broadcasting and two-way communicating.   11                                     X                    
     d Explain what broadcast radio and amateur radio call signs are and how they differ.   42     X                               X                    
     e Explain what phonetics are and how they are used.   42                                                         X
                                                                 
2   a Sketch a diagram showing how radios waves travel locally and around the world.   14 - 16       X                                 X                
     b How do broadcast stations WWV and WWVH help determine what you will hear when you listen to the radio?   14 - 16         X                               X       < X        
                                                                 
3   a Draw a chart of the electromagnetic spectrum covering 100 kHz to 1000 MHz.   16 - 19                                       X                  
     b Label the MF, HF, VHF, UHF and microwave portions of the spectrum on your chart.   16 - 19                                       X                  
     c Locate on your chart at least eight radio services, such as AM and FM commercial broadcasts, citizens band (CB), television, amateur radio (at least four ham bands), and police.   16 - 19                                       X                  
     d Discuss why some radio stations are called DX and other are called local.   16 - 19                                     X                    
     e Explain what the FCC and ITU are.   16 - 19                                     X                    
                                                                 
4   a Explain how radio waves carry information.   12 - 13           X                             X                
      b Include in your explanation:  Transceiver, transmitter, amplifier and antenna.   12 - 13           X                             X                
                                                                 
5 Explain the safety precautions for working with radio gear, particularly direct current and RF grounding.   30 - 31                                           X              
                                                                 
6   a Explain the difference between a block diagram and a schematic diagram.   20 - 29             X                               X            
     b Draw a block diagram that includes a transceiver, amplifier, microphone, antenna and feedline.   20 - 29             X                               X            
     c Explain the differences between an open circuit, a closed circuit, and a short circuit.   20 - 29                                             X            
     d Draw eight schematic symbols for electrical parts.   20 - 29               X                             X            
     e Explain what three of the electrical parts do.   20 - 29                                             X            
     f Find three electrical parts to match three of the schematic symbols.   20 - 29               X                             X            
                                                                 
7   a Amateur Radio                                                              
          1 Describe some of the activities that licensed amateur radio operators can do on the air.   34 - 53                                               X < X        
          2  a Carry on a 10-minute real or simulated ham radio contact using voice; use proper call signs, Q signals and abbrevations   34 - 53                 X X X X X                       X > X > X <X  
               b Properly log the real or simulated ham radio contact and record the signal report.   34 - 53                           X                     X > X > X <X  
          3 Explain at least five Q signals or amateur radio terms you hear while listening.   34 - 53                                                   X > X >   X
          4   a Explain some of the requirements for a Technician Class license.   34 - 53                             X                 X          
               b Explain some of the privileges a Technician Class licensed radio operator has.   34 - 53                             X                 X          
                c Explain who gives amateur radio exams.   34 - 53                             X                 X          
          5   a Explain how you would make an emergency call using voice or Morse code.   34 - 53                                                         X
               b Tell why the Federal Communications Commission has an amateur radio service.   34 - 53                             X                 X          
          6   a Discuss handheld transceivers versus home “base” stations.   34 - 53                                                 X >       X
               b Explain the uses of mobile amateur radios.   34 - 53                                                 X >       X
                c Explain the uses of amateur radio repeaters.   34 - 53       X                                 X                
                                                                 
8   a Visit a ham radio station.                                                     X        
      b Discuss what types of equipment you saw in use and how it was used.                                                     X >       X
      c Discuss what types of licenses are required to operate and maintain the equipment.                                                     X >       X
      d Discuss the purpose of the station.                                                     X >       X
# Also, Safety Demo/ . . . Aide sheet
REVIEWED AND APPROVED BY RADIO MERIT BADGE COUNSELOR (also complete and sign scout's blue card)
Name:  Ralph H. Clark, NM5RC     Signature:  _______________________________     Date:  _________ X > or < X = covered here, but signed off in class indicated with X
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