At Field Day, scouts can complete the Radio Merit Badge.  Bring a signed blue card to get started.

The following requirements can be completed and will allow the merit badge to be completed:

    1.  Explain what radio is.  Include in your explanation:  the differences between broadcast radio and hobby radio, and the differences between broadcasting and two-way communicating.  Also discuss broadcast radio and amateur radio call signs and phonetics.

    2.  Sketch a diagram showing how radio waves travel locally and around the world.  Ho do the broadcast stations WWV and WWVH, help determine what you will hear when you listen to a radio?

    3.  Do the following:

        (a) Draw a chart of the electromagnetic spectrum covering 100 kilohertz (kHz) to 1000 megahertz (MHz).

        (b) Label the LF, MF, HF, VHF, UHF and microwave portions of the spectrum on your diagram.

        (c) Locate on your chart at least eight radio services such as AM and FM commercial broadcast, CB, television, amateur radio (at least four ham bands), and police.

        (d) Discuss why some ardio stations are called DX and others are called local.  Explain who the FCC and the ITU are.

    4.  Explain how radio waves carry information.  Include in your explanation:  transceiver, transmitter, amplifier and antenna.

    5.  Learn the safety precautions for working with radio gear, particularly DC and RF grounding.

    6.  Do the following:

        (a)  Explain the differences between a block diagram and a schematic diagram.

        (b)  Draw a block diagram that includes a transceiver, amplifier, microphone, antenna and feedline.

        (c)  Explain the differences between an open circuit, a closed circuit, and a short circuit.

        (d)  Draw ten schematic symbols.  Explain what three of the represented parts do.  Find three electrical components to match to three of these symbols.

    7.  Do one of the following:

        (a) Amateur Radio

            (1) describe some of the activities that amateur radio operators can d on the air, once they have earned an amateur radio license

            (2) Carry on a 10-minute real or simulated ham radio contact using voice or Morse code; use proper call signs, Q signals, and abbreviations.  (Licensed ham radio operators may substitute five QSL cards as evidence of contacts with amateur radio operations from at least three different call districts.)

            (3) With the help of a local amateur radio operator, talk to and properly log at least two Morse code radio contacts.  Record signal reports.  Explain how often amateur radio operators must give their call signs during a radio contact.

            (4) Explain at least five Q signals or amateur radio terms terms you hear while listening.

            (5) Explain some differences between the Novice Class license and the Technician Class license requirements and privileges.  Explain who gives amateur radio exams.

            (6) Explain how your would make an emergency call on voice or Morse code.  Tell why the FCC has an amateur radio service.

            (7) Explain handheld transceivers versus home "base" stations.  Explain about mobile amateur radios and amateur radio repeaters.

        (b) omitted -- we'll do Amateur Radio

        (c) omitted -- we'll do Amateur Radio

    8.  Visit a radio station approved in advance by your counselor (the Field Day event counts!)  Discuss what types of equipment you saw in use, how it was used, what types of licenses required to operate and maintain the equipment, and the purpose of the station.

Adapted from 1996 Radio Merit Badge Requirements.

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