Radio Communications

To reach the required standard to be awarded a Communicators Badge by the respective Region radio Officer, the cadet concerned must complete the following training objectives to the satisfaction of his / her Wing Radio Officer. This involves completion of a minimum 6 modules from the available 11. The modules taught from Wing to Wing vary according to material resources and available expertise. Two modules are compulsory with the other 4 selected by the individual from the remaining 9.

The modules are:

ACP 31 Volume 6 (COMPULSORY)

Datacomms

Full VHF / UHF Operator

Full HF Operator

ACP 35 Volume 3 – Advanced Radio and RADAR

ACP 35 – Volume 4 – Satellite Communications

Internet

HF Listener

Practical Exercises as defined in ACP 44

Officially Approved Amateur Radio Activities

The Army Cadet Force Signallers Badge*

*NOTE – The Army Cadet Force Signallers badge counts for 2 modules

Our squadron has only started participating in the linked communications modules listed above. The squadron takes part in these listed modules so that the cadets may attain their communications badge, quickly and easily.

ACP 31 VOLUME 6 (COMPULSORY)

Training Objective

To be able to use a simple Radio Transceiver and be aware of the radio procedures in use.

Enabling Objects.

· Satisfying the Squadron Radio Instructor that both a theoretical and practical knowledge has been obtained to the required standard. A simple practical radio test & a Basic Radio Exam set by the Squadron radio instructor (This is mandatory as part of the current General Service Training Syllabus).

DATACOMMS

Training Objective

To qualify for the Datacomms Module, Cadets should be able to:

Enabling Objects.

· Identify and explain the functions of the component parts of a Datacomms system i.e. the Power Supply Unit (PSU), Terminal Node Controller (TNC), Personal Computer, Transceiver (TCVR) and the software in use.
· Explain the function of a DataComms Node, and describe its operation as both a Node and Digipeater.
· Describe the functions of a Bulletin Board System (BBS), and the role of the Systems Operator (SYSOP).
· Demonstrate a good knowledge of Security of DataComms transmissions together with operating practices and procedures.
· Indicate which ATC channel is used on the Network, the maximum transmitter power permitted, and the protocol in use at the TNC.
· Relate who may operate a DataComms system, and what qualifications are required.
· List the various call sign suffixes used in DataComms.
· Demonstrate proficiency in DataComms operation, the operating practices and procedures, sending and receiving a message, sending and receiving bulletins at the BBS and the various functions of a DataComms Node.

FULL VHF / UHF OPERATOR (Compulsory)

Training Objective

To be able to operate VHF / UHF radio unsupervised to the satisfaction of the
Squadron Radio Officer.

Enabling Objects.

To have a knowledge of:

· The phonetic alphabet and numbers
· Voice procedures
· Prowords
· Communications Security
· Log Keeping
· Use and care of batteries
· Safety in the radio room and in the field

To be aware of:

· Type and equipment and frequencies in use on the unit
· Operating ranges of equipment in use
· Talk through operation (community Repeaters)
· Phone patch
· Aerials
· Frequencies in use and Power Output restrictions

FULL HF OPERATOR

Enabling Objects.

To have a knowledge of:

· The phonetic alphabet and numbers
· Voice procedures
· Prowords
· Communication Security
· Log keeping and the regulations pertaining to log books
· Safety in the radio room and in the field
· Layout of a HF Station

To be aware of:

· Type of equipment and frequencies in use on the unit
· Operating ranges of equipment in use
· Aerials
· The frequency spectrum
· Propagation
· Electrical Interference
· Block Diagrams
· Power output restrictions

ACP 35 VOLUME 3 – ADVANCED RADIO AND RADAR

Enabling object.

· A pass mark in the examination

ACP35 – VOLUME 4 – SATELLITE COMMUNICATION

Enabling object.

· A pass mark in the examination

PRACTICAL EXERCISES AS DEFINED IN ACP44

Training Objective

To show a reasonable knowledge of practical expertise in the following areas

Enabling objects.

· Antenna design and construction
· Field day participation (i.e.. Setting up masts & mobile installations)
· Correctly wiring & fusing a 13amp plug for a stated appliance
· Correctly fitting BNC, PL259 and “N” plugs onto coaxial cable
· Use of multimeter (measuring current, voltage, resistance, etc)
· Basic Soldering
· Other exercises as defined in the RSGB Novice syllabus

HF LISTENER

Training Objective

Enabling Objects

· A minimum of 10 sessions listening to the Sunday morning network
§ Or
· SWL experience listening to HF broadcasts over a 10 session minimum period, i.e., on a domestic / commercial HF receiver
· To undertake a written examination to show a full understanding of the procedures and exercises in ACP44. Producing logs and copies of messages received.
· A full working knowledge of the HF field day exercises.
· A working knowledge of HF operating & propagation
· Aerials
· The frequency spectrum

INTERNET

Training objective

Showing knowledge, and displaying a practical ability on the internet.

Enabling objects.

· Simple Website construction
· Being proficient to send and receive Email attachments
· Showing how to use Search Engines to find specific resources
· File transfer Protocol (i.e. loading of web sites into space on the Internet to enable the site to be viewed by others)
· Showing how to use web browsers

Newsletter

Model Making

Radio Communications

Squadron Maintenance

Aircraft Recognition

Web Site Design and Maintenance

Citizenship

602 (City of Glasgow) RAuxAF Museum

Leadership

Campcraft

Drill

Sports

Hill Walking

Indoor Rock Climbing