AUXCOM

How an AM radio works:

This chapter summarizes the major components and principles of radio systems.

AUXCOM, the Auxiliary Communications Specialty course, focuses on radio communications for the Auxiliary and Coast Guard, providing broad knowledge of the fundamental principles underlying communications systems in use by both the Coast Guard and the Auxiliary. You can achieve success as an AUXCOM Specialist by passing a closed book, proctored examination with a score of 75% or better.

Auxiliarists owning or operating Fixed Land, Land Mobile, or DF Radio Facilities must complete the Auxiliary Telecommunications Operator Personal Qualification Standard (TCO PQS) training or must have completed the Communications Specialty (AUXCOM) course prior to 1 August 2008.

This web page was developed to aid the trainees enrolled in Division 22's AUXCOM course. Offered below is supplemental information, which is not intended to replace the course manual.

Related Courses:

AUXCOM on Blackboard.com The AUXCOM Course (Auxiliary Communications) can be taken on Blackboard.com. If you would like to participate in this online course just contact Dr. Juan Hernandez at e-mail address: drjhernandez@comcast.net. Dr. Hernandez will get you a password and user name and register you for the course. [Posted: Oct 2, 2010. Source: Gail Venezio, DIR-T]

Auxiliary Telecommunication Operator Specialty (TCO)

AUXCOM Manuals and Power Point Slides:

Communications (AUXCOM) - manuals and power point slides (edirectory password required)

Course Schedule (2010):

28-Sep Chapter 1

5-Oct Chapter 2 & 3

12-Oct Chapter 4

19-Oct Chapter 5

26-Oct Chapter 6

2-Nov No Class- Election Day

9-Nov Chapter 7

16-Nov Chapter 8

23-Nov Chapter 9&10 - at Station Eatons Neck

30-Nov Chapter 11 & Review

TCO

7-Dec TCO - Charts TCO- Sign offs

14&21 Dec TCO - Sign offs

SUPPLEMENTAL INFORMATION BY CHAPTER:

Chapter 1: BASIC MARINE RADIOTELEPHONE SYSTEMS NOMENCLATURE AND THEORY

Summary:

This chapter summarizes the most significant rules which should be familiar to all licensees and operators of voluntarily installed ship radiotelephone stations. It covers the regulations and procedures all boaters (non-USCG) need to know about using the radio.

Radiotelephone required for:

(1) Every power-driven vessel of 20 meters (65') or over in length while navigating;

(2) Every vessel of 100 gross tons and upward carrying one or more passengers for hire while navigating;

(3) Every towing vessel of 26 feet or over in length while navigating; and

(4) Every dredge and floating plant engaged in or near a channel or fairway in operations likely to restrict or affect navigation of other vessels except for an unmanned or intermittently manned floating plant under the control of a dredge.

Single Side Band vs. Conventional AM

US Frequency Allocation Chart

Principal types of radios on boats:

SSB-AM (2-30MHZ)

  • Used extensively on offshore vessels

  • 150 watt transmission power

  • Range 100 miles+, greater with skywave bounce

  • Notable frequencies:

    • 2182KHZ - distress

    • 2638KHZ- ship to ship in all areas

  • Used for data transmission

VHF-FM (156-162 MHZ)

  • used for coastal vessel

  • 25 watt transmission power

  • Range up to 25 miles- limited by radio horizon ( Nautical miles =1.23 X Sqrt (antenna height in feet))

  • Notable channels/frequecies:

    • 16 (156.8MHZ) - distress/calling

    • 09 - non-commercial boat calling - alternate calling channel

    • 70 - digital selective calling

    • 13 - ship to bridge, or ship to ship

REPEATERS

What is a Repeater, Why is it Needed, and How Does It Work?

Chapter 2: VOLUNTARILY INSTALLED MARINE RADIOTELEPHONE STATION REGULATIONS

Summary: