question specific learning

Learn the Rules That Govern Amateur Radio in Canada
Regulations and Policies – 001 covers everything new operators need to know about licensing, station identification, international agreements, and operating responsibilities. By mastering the regulations and policies that shape the amateur service, you’ll build a solid foundation for safe, legal, and effective radio operation — preparing you for both the Basic exam and real-world on-air confidence.

Operating Procedures in Amateur Radio

The Operating Procedures in Amateur Radio module is a cornerstone of the Basic Qualification curriculum, designed to teach the skills needed for effective communication on VHF, UHF, and HF bands. Covering essential topics such as repeater and simplex operation, the phonetic alphabet, Morse code, Q signals, and emergency procedures, this course equips learners to handle real-world communication scenarios with confidence and professionalism. Using the QSL (Question Specific Learning) methodology, the course combines theory with practical, scenario-based learning, helping participants master operating procedures, optimize signal reports, and prepare thoroughly for the Basic Qualification exam. This hands-on approach ensures learners are ready to complete the Basic exam.

The Station Assembly, Practice, and Safety module covers how transmitters, receivers, power supplies, and antennas work together in a safe, effective amateur radio station. Using the QSL approach, it blends core theory with practical examples to prepare learners for both the Basic Qualification exam and real-world operation.

This section introduces the essential circuit components that power amateur radio. From resistors and capacitors to diodes, transistors, FETs, amplifiers, and even vacuum tubes, you’ll learn how each part works and why it matters. With clear explanations and practical examples, you’ll build the knowledge needed to recognize these components, understand schematics, and apply them in real radio circuits.

Basic Electronics and Theory – Learn the core principles that power every circuit. This section introduces Ohm’s Law, power, resonance, impedance, and measurement, giving you the tools to understand, design, and troubleshoot real radio systems.

Section B-006 – Feedlines and Antenna Systems gives learners a practical understanding of antenna fundamentals. Covering dipoles, verticals, Yagis, wires, and loop antennas, the section explains how dimensions, impedance, gain, bandwidth, and construction influence real-world performance. Students come away with the knowledge to match antenna types to their operating goals, from simple multi-band wires to high-gain directional arrays.

Hamshack.ca’s “Radio Wave Propagation” course dives into the science of how radio waves travel, reflect, and refract, covering ionospheric layers, solar activity, and propagation modes like Sporadic-E and ducting. Through the QSL (Question Specific Learning) methodology, learners engage with practical examples and scenarios to simplify complex topics, from understanding ground wave communication to optimizing signals during sunspot peaks. This course equips you with the knowledge and confidence to excel in the Basic Qualification exam and your amateur radio journey.

The Interference and Signal Quality section explains how to recognize and prevent unwanted emissions in amateur radio. From harmonics and spurious signals to splatter and key-clicks, operators learn the causes of interference and how to control them through careful transmitter adjustment and the use of filters. This knowledge ensures clean signals, protects other stations, and promotes good operating practices.