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Ham College 133
January 23rd, 2026 | 
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Ham College episode 133 is now available for download.
Technician Exam Questions Part 20.
T6C – Circuit diagrams: use of schematics, basic structure, Schematic symbols of basic components.
T6D – Component functions: rectifiers, relays, voltage regulators, meters, indicators, integrated circuits, transformers, Resonant circuit, Shielding.
This episode of Ham College (0:00-39:27) focuses on electrical diagrams and component functions, which are crucial for the Technician Exam. The hosts, Professor Thomas and Dean Martin, go through several multiple-choice questions related to identifying components in circuit diagrams and understanding their roles.
Key topics covered include:
Circuit Diagrams (2:17-2:25): The discussion begins with identifying a schematic as an electrical wiring diagram using standard component symbols.
Component Identification (4:23-17:48): The hosts quiz each other on recognizing various components in schematics, such as:
Resistors (4:23-5:12)
Transistors (5:23-6:16)
Indicator Lamps (6:26-7:12)
Batteries (7:16-8:26)
Capacitors (8:43-9:55)
Light Emitting Diodes (LEDs) (9:58-11:39)
Variable Resistors (11:49-13:02)
Transformers (13:08-15:02)
Variable Inductors (15:06-16:16)
Antennas (16:30-17:10)
Component Functions (23:36-33:24): The latter part of the episode delves into the functions of various electrical components:
Rectifiers (23:36-24:43) are discussed as devices that convert alternating current (AC) to direct current (DC).
Relays (24:43-25:30) are defined as electrically controlled switches.
Meters (25:30-26:10) are explained as tools that display electrical quantities numerically.
Voltage Regulators (26:11-27:00) are identified as circuits that control voltage from a power supply.
Transformers (27:01-27:56) are highlighted for their ability to change AC voltage.
LEDs (28:25-29:07) are noted as common visual indicators.
Resonant Circuits (29:08-30:16) are explained as combinations of inductors and capacitors.
Integrated Circuits (30:22-31:16) are described as devices combining multiple semiconductors and components into one package.
Transistors (31:20-32:04) are described as controlling current flow.
Viewers are encouraged to send emails to [email protected] to participate in future Icom T-shirt giveaways. Join the Ham College social media groups for updates and community interaction (36:25-38:00).
AmateurLogic 213: RF Burns
AmateurLogic.TV Episode 213 is now available for download.
In another Tales From The Transmitter, George presents RF Burns. Emile is getting back on the air in the new shack. Mike asks Hey What’s That, WISP?
Ham College 132
Ham College episode 132 is now available for download.
Technician Exam Questions Part 19
T6A – Fixed and variable resistors, Capacitors, Inductors, Fuses, Switches, Batteries.
T6B – Semiconductors: basic principles and applications of solid state devices, diodes and transistors.
Ham College 132, titled “Technician Exam Questions Part 19,” focuses on topics T6A (Fixed and variable resistors, Capacitors, Inductors, Fuses, Switches, Batteries) and T6B (Semiconductors: basic principles and applications of solid-state devices, diodes, and transistors) as part of their technician exam pool. The hosts announce a double dose of questions in this episode and will be doubling up on episodes and questions in the coming months until the current technician study guide expires on June 30th, 2026 (0:40-0:52, 47:13-49:15).
Key topics and questions covered include:
Resistors
The electrical component that opposes the flow of current in a DC circuit is a resistor (2:32-3:57).
A potentiometer is often used as an adjustable volume control (5:24-6:20).
The electrical parameter controlled by a potentiometer is resistance (8:28-9:12).
Capacitors
A capacitor stores energy in an electric field (9:37-10:20).
A capacitor consists of conductive surfaces separated by an insulator (10:48-11:36).
Inductors
An inductor stores energy in a magnetic field (11:51-12:24).
An inductor is typically constructed as a coil of wire (13:06-13:42).
Switches
The function of a single pole double throw (SPDT) switch is that a single circuit is switched between one of two other circuits (13:59-15:01).
Component three in Figure T2 represents a single pole single throw switch (21:26-22:00).
Fuses
A fuse is used to protect other circuit components from current overloads (16:49-17:42).
Batteries
Nickel metal hydride, lithium-ion, and lead acid battery chemistries are all rechargeable (17:55-18:56).
Carbon zinc battery chemistry is not rechargeable (19:00-20:52).
Diodes
It is true that forward voltage drop in a diode is lower in some diode types than in others (28:09-29:30).
A diode allows current to flow in only one direction (30:06-30:52).
The cathode lead of a semiconductor diode is often marked on the package with a stripe (37:26-38:07).
Forward current causes a light-emitting diode (LED) to emit light (38:32-39:37).
The names for the electrodes of a diode are anode and cathode (41:15-42:18).
Transistors
A transistor can be used as an electronic switch (32:40-33:50).
A transistor can consist of three regions of semiconductor material (34:16-35:02).
An FET (Field Effect Transistor) has a gate, drain, and a source (35:26-36:24, 40:29-41:00).
A transistor can provide power gain (42:27-43:02).
The term that describes a device’s ability to amplify a signal is gain (43:11-43:53).
The names of the electrodes of a bipolar junction transistor are emitter, base, and collector (43:58-44:46).
AmateurLogic 212: Christmas 2025
AmateurLogic.TV Episode 212 is now available for download.
N5ZNO’ First POTA Activation. 2.5 Gbps Fiber to The Shack. New and Classic Christmas Fails.
The video is a “Christmas edition” of AmateurLogic.TV, featuring hosts George, Tommy, Emile, and Mike discussing various amateur radio-related topics and personal updates.
Here’s a summary of the key segments:
Introductions and Personal Updates (0:26-4:25): The hosts greet viewers for the Christmas episode. Tommy shares he’s on vacation until January 2nd and is enjoying more radio time (1:11-1:40). Emile discusses building his radio shack, including installing a fiberglass mast and planning internet connectivity (2:03-2:34). Mike talks about recent heavy snowfall and preparing for Christmas (2:53-3:22). George mentions being on vacation for the rest of the year (3:55-4:14).
AI’s Impact on Tech Prices (4:27-5:23): Mike shares a CNET article about how AI is driving up the prices of computer components, particularly RAM, reminiscent of past memory price spikes due to factory fires.
Tommy Gun Antenna Launcher (5:39-6:10): The hosts showcase the “Tommy Gun,” an antenna launcher designed to quickly deploy wire dipole or windom antennas using combustible ammunition like black powder or WD40.
N5ZNO’s First POTA Activation (6:18-13:50): Tommy (N5ZNO) recounts his first “Parks on the Air” (POTA) activation. He set up his MFJ 1898 antenna and Icom 705 radio in his truck due to cold weather, making 20 contacts in about 25 minutes. He also explains his paper logging process and how he uploaded his logs to QRZ.com and Parks on the Air (POTA) database (14:37-16:42).
FCC Allocates 60 Meter Worldwide Amateur Band (18:47-20:00): News is shared about the FCC allocating a new amateur radio spectrum in the 60-meter band for worldwide use on a secondary basis, approved at WRC15. This band is available to general class license holders and above, with a maximum bandwidth of 2.8 kHz.
Grandpa Rap (20:02-20:52): The hosts briefly play a “grandpa rap” song related to amateur radio, humorously suggesting they should stick to their day jobs.
2.5 Gbps Fiber to the Shack (21:04-35:10): Emile provides an update on his shack build, detailing his network upgrade to 2.5 Gbps internal LAN speeds with 10 Gbps fiber uplinks using Ubiquiti’s Flex 8 series switches (21:47-26:50). He also shows the internal wiring for power outlets and discusses plans for external lighting, security, and various antenna setups, including a 500ft sky loop antenna and a hitch mount for a 36-foot mast (27:00-34:50).
Christmas Fails Compilation (38:49-41:30): A compilation of humorous Christmas-themed fails.
Tim Tam Cookies (43:08-43:51): A brief mention of Tim Tams cookies, bringing back memories for the hosts.
Christmas Gift Ideas for YLs (43:54-50:00): A humorous segment where Emil suggests various Icom amateur radio equipment as “gifts” for spouses, often with comical misunderstandings of what the spouse might actually want. Mike presents some unique gift ideas.
AmateurLogic 211: More Tales From The Transmitter
AmateurLogic.TV Episode 211 is now available for download.
Fixing a transmitter with a rubber mallet (it’s not what you think). Installing Windows 11 on a Raspberry Pi could be worth it. HackRF firmware goodies. Mike’s new toy.
