Physics of Ham Radio PHYS 401 SYLLABUS Fall 2010

Watch this space - updating frequently; All classes 6:15 - 9:15 pm, HBH 223 unless noted

First meeting Mon Aug 23
6:15-9:15 pm, HBH 223 (and radio room HBH 355)
Class overview; Discussion of Field trip and makeup days; Welcome to Ham Radio (Chapter 1)
Right-clickhere for the pdf of the class lecture.
Mon, Aug 30 Radio and Electronic Fundamentals (Chapter 2). Click here for the pdf of the class lecture.
(to be rescheduled because of labor day), HBH 223 Basic Electronics Lab (in class). Homework 1 due. We will work on Homework 2 as the lab.
Monday Sept 13
FIELD TRIP to Houston Echo Society. Meet at HBH 223 as usual at 6:15 pm but then we'll go to the Red Cross (or just meet us there at 6:40). I'll be speaking on the Sun and Space Weather, then we will tour their facilities. Homework 2 due.
Mon Sept 20 Operating Station Equipment (Ch 3). Click here for the pdf of Chapter 3); Communicating (Ch 4). Click here for the pdf of Chapter 4)
Sat-Sun Sept 25-26 Texas QSO Party... ! See how many contacts we can get for the NARS club! (9 am to 9 pm Saturday, also MAYBE 9 am to 3 pm Sunday, HBH 355)
Mon Sept 27 Licensing and Operating Regulations (Ch 5 & 6); Safety (Ch 7); review for Ham exam. Click here for the pdf of Chapters 5, 6 & 7. Also take practice exams at hametestonline.com.
TBD Technician-level exam. BRING $15 (cash or check), plus one picture ID and one government-issued ID (CAN BE THE SAME). Calculators (no memory) OK. If you pass Technician, you can try for the General at the same time (NO EXTRA CHARGE). Take practice tests at QRZ.com (change the test number to get different sets of questions).
Mon Oct 11 No Class - Spring Break (but work on Homework 3 )
Mon Oct 18 GPS - Basics, Campus Field trip. Homework 3 due.
TBD George Observatory GPS Field Trip
Mon Oct 25 The Sun
Mon Nov 1 Space Weather
Mon Nov 8 Satellite and Digital Modes
Mon Nov 15 General-level topics
Mon Nov 22 Final Review, Quiz 2
Mon Nov 29 Class Presentations
Latest update: June 1, 2010