Radio Theory Handbook - Beginner to Advanced

1 -Basic Electricity -I

This book begins with the basics of electrical and radio theory and then progressively builds to a solid understanding of Advanced Amateur Radio operator level as it applies to Australia, U.K. USA, Canada and Europe. While starting at beginner level, the target standard of this book is CEPT Radio Experimenter Advanced Licence (T/R61-01) and higher. It is imperative to have a thorough understanding of the fundamentals of electricity before any study of radio and communications. We start our study from the beginning, thus benefiting readers with a limited knowledge of the basics whilst also providing a convenient refresher for those who may have long since covered the material. Once we have the fundamentals down rock solid, we will progress to the Advanced Radio Theory.

ELECTRICITY

The complicated electronic systems involved in modern day communication, satellites, nuclear power plants, radio and television and even up to date automobiles, do not require technicians to understand the functioning of electric and electronic circuits. Modern day electronics is very modular. A remove and replace, or substitution of the suspected 'faulty module' is the approach to modern electronics servicing. This, in itself, is not a bad thing, as in the real world, getting an electronic device up and going is the most important thing. However, to have a true understanding requires a strong foundation in the basics of electricity. The term "electronic" infers circuits ranging from the first electronic device, the electron tube, to the newer solid state devices such as diodes and transistors, as well as integrated circuits (ICs). The term "electric" or "electrical" is usually applied to systems or circuits in which electrons flow through wires but which involve no vacuum tubes or solid state devices. Many modern electrical systems are now using electronic devices to control the electric current that flows in them.

2 -Basic Electricity -II THE THREE BIG NAMES IN ELECTRICTY

Without calling them by name, we have touched on the three elements always present in operating electric circuits:

Current: A progressive movement of free electrons along a wire or other conductor caused by electrical pressure. Voltage: The electron moving force in a circuit that pushes and pulls electrons (current) through the circuit. Also called electromotive force and electrical pressure. Resistance: Any opposing effect that hinders free electron progress through wires when an electromotive force is attempting to produce a current in the circuit.

We will be talking a lot about these three properties of an electric circuit and how they relate to each other.