Upgrading from ZR to ZS?  -  construction project clarification

The South African Radio League (SARL) has received several requests to clarify the requirements for an electronic project to qualify for upgrading from a ZR to a ZS licence. Details are also available on www.sarl.org.za.

The candidate must construct and demonstrate one of the following:

1. A working direct conversion or super heterodyne radio receiver that can receive and demodulate transmissions on any frequency allocated to the amateur radio service in any of the modes used by the amateur radio service. The sensitivity and selectivity of the receiver must be sufficient to be able to receive typical amateur radio signals, or

2. A working crystal-controlled transmitter that can transmit modulated signals with a power of at least 1 watt on a frequency allocated to the amateur radio service using any modulation method used by the amateur service. This includes CW. The emission of an unmodulated carrier does not fulfil this requirement. The emitted signal must be of good quality in all respects including frequency stability, bandwidth, key clicks and harmonic radiation.

The project may be constructed from a kit. Although the candidate may receive advice from other radio amateurs, all physical construction work (soldering, etc.) must have been performed by the candidate him or herself.

Included with the built project, the candidate must submit a properly drawn circuit diagram of his/her apparatus. This circuit must accompany the assessment documentation to the SARL.

The transmitter or receiver must be constructed on perfboard (Vero board) or on etched PC-board. The completed project must be built into a proper enclosure, which can be associated with a radio. Sockets must be provided for antenna/key/battery/speaker connections etc. (whichever applies.)

Two clear and detailed printed colour photographs, digital or otherwise, of the project, clearly showing the PC-board with components and the completed project, must accompany the assessment documentation to the SARL.

The candidate will be required to submit an affidavit stating that the project is entirely his or her own work.

Source: The South African Radio League

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