Updates

Your attention please!

        The syllabus for ASOC Exam is the same as that given in the book 'Gateway to Ham Radio' first and second editions. But there are updates in WPC rules and regulations. As of now, a licensee is permitted to operate the station from any place in India (except those with special restrictions).

Again, application for ASOC exam, license renewal etc. are now online. Fee structure is the same as given in the book. Under the window ASOC, all relevant instructions and downloads are given. The concerned fee also are paid online through the same  https://saralsanchar.gov.in. 

Kindly follow the instructions, download the forms (if required) and go to online registration/ application forms. 

On the right column of the website, there is a big Question Bank, which you can use to check your expertise. 

Regret for a few printing errors noted in both the editions of the book, Gateway to Ham Radio. Kindly keep the book, corrected.

First Edition:

Page 74:         Morse code - Against 'S' there should have been three dots, like ...

Page 212:       The right answer for Q 55 is 'd' (Silver not Gold)

Page 214:       The right answer for  Q 82 is 'b' (CW not SSB)

Second Edition:

Q   55:     The right answer is option 'd' (not gold but silver)

Q 103:     The right answer is 'a' (countries permitted by ITU)

Q 137:     The right answer is 'd' (15 MHz)

Q 138:     The right answer is option 'd' (a beacon with an identification code) 

        

Thank you all!

Tuning BAOFENG /Repairing power supply

 BAOFENG

VHF/UHF UV-82L and similar models tuning procedure.

Switch on in frequency mode (to change from frequency mode to channel mode or vice versa, press the menu button and switch on the radio [continue the menu button pressed until the announcement is heard]). 

Use the Exit/AB button to bring the frequency arrow at the upper or lower row to select it. Select lower row for VHF channel settings.

Before selecting a memory channel no., be sure that the intending memory channel no. is free. Go to corresponding Menu (28) and clear the channel no. Now, type in the receiving frequency (at frequency mode), using the radio key pad, (on the bottom row, if VHF). Press Menu > go to category 27> Press Menu button> give the channel no. you intend > again press Menu button> press Exit/AB button>. 

Again, type in the transmitting frequency on the bottom row (if VHF), press Menu > go to categories like DCS or CTCSS for distinct adjustments and then go to category 27> find Memory channel option> press Menu button> give the channel no. you selected earlier for receiving frequency > again press Menu button> (hear the announcement 'transmitting memory') > press Exit/AB button > and come back to the home screen. Further switch off the radio and open it at channel mode. Now, check the receiving and transmitting frequencies, along with the channel no. 

To register more frequencies on memory channel repat the procedure at frequency mode. First save receiver frequency and next save transmitting frequency on the same reciever frequency memory. 

If for reserving a channel no. for simplex frequency also, use the same procedure. Here receiving and transmitting frequencies would be the same. 

Repairing Baofeng Power supply

Baofeng battery voltage is 8.4. SMPS power supply to the charging dock is 9.6 V. You can substitute the SMPS part with any power supply of similar volatge and current rating.

If the trouble is with the charging dock, disconnect the inner circuit in it and directly connct the supply to the contact terminals of the dock through two power diodes in series to the positive line. This is used to decrease the supply voltage from 9.6 V to 8.4 V.

Another option is  ussing a mobile charger. The mobile charger voltage is 5.5 V. Connectthis to a DC to DC UP Convertor (available online) and increase the available voltage of 5.5 V to 8.4 V and connect directly to the battery (or 9,5 V if through the dock)

Good luck!