Amateur Radio Operator Scout Interest Badge

Note: A Scout may earn this badge if they present external accreditation from one of the following bodies:

• South African Radio League (SARL)
• Independent Communication Authority of South Africa (ICASA)
• Any Amateur Radio Club affiliated to the SARL can act as a training institution and/or an examination venue.

The Amateur Radio badge is only awarded to Scouts who pass the Class B radio amateur examination and hold the Class B licence issued by ICASA. They need to show proof of holding the Class B (ZU). If the Scout holds a Class A (ZR / ZS) license the holder is also entitled to be awarded the Amateur Radio Operator Licence badge.

Badge Requirements

Amateur Radio Operator

1. Be familiar with basic electrical units, symbols, and simple calculations:
   1. Electric circuits.
   2. Power and resistance.
   3. Ohm's law.
   4. Alternating current and voltage.
2. Be familiar with and explain the relationship between frequency and wavelength to the examiner.
3. Be familiar with transmitters:
   1. Block diagram of a simple transmitter.
   2. Types of modulation (FM, AM, SSB, CW).
4. Be familiar with receivers and understand a block diagram of a simple receiver and detector.
5. Be familiar with feed lines and antennas:
   1. Feed lines, coaxial cable, and suitable plugs.
   2. Types of antennas: dipole, ground antennas, end-fed antennas.
   3. Antenna adjustment.
   4. Antenna matchers/tuners.
   5. Standing waves and the measurement of standing wave ratios, emitted power, and effective radiated power.
   6. Dummy loads.
6. Be familiar with propagation:
   1. Wave propagation.
   2. Propagation range.
   3. The ionosphere.
   4. Daily changes in propagation.
7. Be familiar with electromagnetic compatibility:
   1. Causes of disturbances.
   2. How to minimise problems.
   3. Earthing and antenna types.
   4. Power and types of radiation.
   5. Immunity to interference.
   6. Social aspects of disturbances.
   7. Sources of help.
8. Be familiar with the following safety features:
   1. High voltages and currents.
   2. Household plugs and earthing.
   3. Accidents.
   4. Location of antennas.
   5. Batteries.
   6. General electric shock risks.
9. Have a good knowledge and understanding of the Radio Regulations, as they pertain to amateur radio.
10. Complete a practical test as determined by the requirements for a licence. It involves the correct set up a radio and the accompanying antenna (s) and power supply; use of the controls, making 5 radio contacts using the correct radio procedure and maintain a Logbook where applicable.

Safe From Harm: Whilst completing the requirements for this badge, Scouts must not be placed in hazardous or dangerous situations under any circumstances. All activities must comply with SCOUTS South Africa Safe from Harm framework and be supervised by responsible adults. Participation should offer meaningful learning or service experiences while ensuring the Scout's safety and well-being at all times.

Badge Requirements in printable PDF format

• Amateur Radio Operator Scout Interest Badge (PDF)

Last Update

2020

Explore More Opportunities

• My Scout Journey - An overview of your path in Scouting - from joining to earning top awards like the Springbok Award.
• Scout Advancement Programme - The core steps Scouts follow to build skills and earn theme badges and advancement badges.
• Scoutcraft Badges - Aimed at Scouts 11 to 13. Fun, hands-on badges that build confidence, essential skills, and lay the foundation for Interest Badges.
• Scout Interest Badges - Aimed at Scouts 13 and older. Badges that promote personal growth through exploring interests, hobbies, and skills.
• Scout Challenge Awards - Special awards for leadership, service, and reaching top milestones in Scouting.