Communicator badge
Scout proficiency badge

Communicator

Get on the air with amateur radio, citizens' band or marine VHF: log contacts, learn the codes, and send Morse or semaphore.

  • Interest
  • Syllabus page 12

What you need to do

To gain the badge you must complete all the requirements in one of the following alternatives:

Alternative A — amateur radio

    1. Log 25 different amateur radio stations showing details of date, time, call sign, frequency, readability and location. (Some broadcast stations may be included.)
    2. Demonstrate how to tune a simple communications receiver.
    3. Give an example of a typical ‘greetings message’.
  2. Know the more commonly used HF and VHF amateur frequency bands and explain in simple terms how radio waves travel around the world.
    1. Know the international phonetic alphabet and define at least eight international Q code signals.
    2. Demonstrate your ability to recognize call signs from the UK and near continent.
  4. Visit an amateur radio station.
    1. Understand the regulations governing the use of amateur radio equipment.
    2. Pass the Radio Amateur Novice Licence A or B.
    3. Send and receive a short message by Morse code or Semaphore at a rate of five words per minute.
    4. Demonstrate that you know a recognized procedure when sending and receiving a message.
    5. Know the International Phonetic Alphabet and define at least eight international Q code signals.
    6. Construct a simple Morse code oscillator and send a short message to the examiner.

Alternative B — citizens' band radio

  1. Log 25 different citizens' band users contacted showing details of date, time, identification, signal strength, readability and location.
  2. Discuss with the examiner your experiences in keeping the log, for example, use of equipment and effect of various conditions on range of reception.
  3. Demonstrate the use of citizens' band equipment by making a contact with another citizens' band user and maintaining the contact for at least two minutes.
  4. Discuss with the examiner the DTI recommended Code of Practice and the reasons for reserving certain channels for specific functions.
  5. Demonstrate knowledge of the ‘ten codes’ used and discuss their advantages and disadvantages.
  6. Show a working knowledge of the conditions under which a DTI Citizens' Band Licence is issued, how suitable equipment may be recognized and the restrictions on its use. Demonstrate that all equipment used conforms to these regulations.
  7. Discuss with the examiner the causes of radio and television interference and the steps that might be taken to minimize the effects.

Alternative C — marine radio

  1. Pass the restricted Certificate of Competence in (Marine) Radio Telephony (VHF only).