Merit Badge Learning Hub

Requirement 2 of 9

Radio Fundamentals

Map the radio spectrum, identify radio services, and explain the basics of radio and radio communication types.

2a(1-3) Draw and label the spectrum and locate at least eight radio servicesNot complete
2b(1-3) Discuss the definition of radio and compare broadcast, two-way, commercial, and hobby radioNot complete

Create a spectrum chart from 300 kHz to 3,000 MHz and label the required sections and services.

Mark the MF, HF, VHF, UHF, and microwave portions.
Place at least eight services on the chart, such as AM, FM, TV, CB, amateur radio bands, public safety, cellular, Wi-Fi, and Bluetooth.
Use a scale that makes it easy to see how services are spread across the spectrum.

Electromagnetic spectrum chart locked

Discuss what radio is and compare broadcast radio with two-way radio and commercial broadcast with hobby radio.

Radio uses electromagnetic waves to send information without wires.
Broadcast radio mainly sends information one-way to many listeners.
Two-way radio lets users both transmit and receive.
Commercial broadcast radio is usually run for public programming and business purposes, while hobby radio is often focused on experimentation, communication practice, or personal interest.

Radio definitions and comparisons locked

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Requirement 1

Radio Safety

Open requirement

Requirement 2

Radio Fundamentals

Current requirement

Requirement 3

How Radio Waves Travel

Open requirement

Requirement 4

Information by Radio

Open requirement

Requirement 5

Radio Hardware and Services

Open requirement

Requirement 6

Radio Regulation

Open requirement

Requirement 7

Cell Phones

Open requirement

Requirement 8

Amateur and Professional Radio

Open requirement

Requirement 9

Careers

Open requirement