Foundation Licence: Information - Amateur Radio Explained

The New Foundation Licence - Your Entry into Amateur Radio

What is the foundation Licence all about?

The hobby of Amateur Radio has a long and proud tradition. The very first radio amateurs were true pioneers of radio technology. Amateurs ‘invented’ and refined much of the early radio technology and were the first to transmit music, radio plays, and information to the handful of people who had the new fangled radio receivers.

The new Foundation Licence provides a great opportunity for people to foster an interest in communications technology and perhaps lead on to a rewarding career in science, electronics, and communications.

But most importantly, amateur radio provides an opportunity to communicate with people. Outback travellers, sailors, retirees, or anyone with a little time to spare.
A curious mind will find amateur radio very rewarding. The Foundation Licence makes an amateur radio Licence very achievable with a just few hours study.

What do I need to know to get a licence?

The emphasis is on candidates having the knowledge and skills to demonstrate a practical ability to put together an amateur radio station from commercial equipment and operate it without causing interference to other users and have the knowledge to be a competent radio operator.

You will also need to be aware of how amateur radio relates to other users of the radio spectrum, your licence conditions, technical basics of electricity and electronics, transmitters, receivers, feedlines and antennas, propagation, electromagnetic compatibility (EMC), and electromagnetic radiation (EMR).

What bands can I operate on and what modes can I use?

The foundation licence operator can operate in the bands listed below using the modes listed. The foundation licence operator can only use commercially manufactured equipment.

Permitted Frequencies and (modes)

3.5 MHz - 3.7 MHz known as 80 metre band (AM, SSB, CW)
7 MHz - 7.3 MHz known as 40 metre band (AM, SSB, CW)
21 MHz - 21.45 MHz known as 15 metre band (AM, SSB, CW)

28 MHz - 29.7 MHz known as 10 metre band (AM, SSB, FM, CW)
144 MHz - 148 MHz known as 2 metre band (AM, SSB, FM, CW)
430 MHz - 450 MHz known as 70 centimetre band (AM, SSB, FM, CW)

These mode definitions are explained in the manual.
AM	Amplitude Modulation
SSB	Single Side Band
FM	Frequency Modulation
CW	Hand Keyed Morse Code

What distance will I be able to work on these bands?

3.5 MHz (80 m band) up to 150 km during the day and up to 3 000 km at night.
7 MHz (40 m band) up to 1 000 km during the day and during good conditions world wide at night.
21 MHz (15 m band) World wide mostly during the day.
28 MHz (10 m band) World wide during periods of high sunspot activity and up to 3 000 km in summer.
144 MHz (2 m band) local coverage and world wide via IRLP and Echo Link.
432 MHz (70 cm band) local coverage and world wide via IRLP and Echo Link.

Is there a book with all the information I need to know to get a licence?

The WIA has produced a book called the Foundation Licence Manual.
The manual contains all the relevant information you will need to know to successfully complete a training course to obtain a foundation licence. It also contains a wealth of information a Foundation Licence operator will need. Items like Band Plans, Electrical Safety information, operating procedures, and much more.

If I have other questions whom can I ask?

A good start would be to contact our training officer.