Understanding the Frequency Spectrum

Finding Your Place

Common Frequency Bands

▪AM radio - 535 kilohertz to 1.7 megahertz

Common Frequency Bands

▪AM radio - 535 kilohertz to 1.7 megahertz

▪Short wave radio - 5.9 mhz to 26.1 mhz

Common Frequency Bands

▪AM radio - 535 kilohertz to 1.7 megahertz

▪Short wave radio - 5.9 mhz to 26.1 mhz

▪C.B. radio - 26.96 - 27.41 mhz

Common Frequency Bands

▪AM radio - 535 kilohertz to 1.7 megahertz

▪Short wave radio - 5.9 mhz to 26.1 mhz

▪C.B. radio - 26.96 - 27.41 mhz

▪Television stations - 54 to 88 mhz - chls 2-6

Common Frequency Bands

▪AM radio - 535 kilohertz to 1.7 megahertz

▪Short wave radio - 5.9 mhz to 26.1 mhz

▪C.B. radio - 26.96 - 27.41 mhz

▪Television stations - 54 to 88 mhz - chls 2-6

▪FM radio - 88 mhz to 108 mhz

Common Frequency Bands

▪AM radio - 535 kilohertz to 1.7 megahertz

▪Short wave radio - 5.9 mhz to 26.1 mhz

▪C.B. radio - 26.96 - 27.41 mhz

▪Television stations - 54 to 88 mhz - chls 2-6

▪FM radio - 88 mhz to 108 mhz

▪Television stations - 174 to 220 mhz (7-13).

▪Every Wireless device has its own Band

▪Garage door openers - 40 mhz

▪Baby monitors: 49 mhz

▪Radio controlled airplanes: Around 72 mhz

▪Cell phones: 824 to 849 megahertz

▪Cordless phones: 900 mhz,

▪Air traffic control: 960 mhz to 1.2 Ghz

▪GPS System: 1.2 – 1.5 Ghz.

▪Cordless Phones: 2.4 Ghz.

Interference

How are frequencies decided?

▪Generally first come first served

How are frequencies decided?

▪Generally first come first served

▪AM Radio was first on the block

How are frequencies decided?

▪Generally first come first served

▪AM Radio was first on the block

▪Arrived in 1906 - limited frequencies (low)

How are frequencies decided?

▪Generally first come first served

▪AM Radio was first on the block

▪Arrived in 1906 - limited frequencies (low)

▪FM Radio came along before TV.....

How are frequencies decided?

▪Generally first come first served

▪AM Radio was first on the block

▪Arrived in 1906 - limited frequencies (low)

▪FM Radio came along before TV.....

▪BUT ...TV became popular faster.

Signal Reach

▪Short Wave radio can circle the globe.

Signal Reach

▪Short Wave radio can circle the globe.

▪Some AM stations can travel great distances

▪Why?

Signal Reach

▪Short Wave radio can circle the globe.

▪Some AM stations can travel great distances

▪Why?

▪Part of Atmosphere is called IONOSPHERE.

Signal Reach

▪Short Wave radio can circle the globe.

▪Some AM stations can travel great distances

▪Part of Atmosphere is called IONOSPHERE

▪Sun causes atoms to lose electrons and become ions

Signal Reach

▪Short Wave radio can circle the globe.

▪Some AM stations can travel great distances

▪Part of Atmosphere is called IONOSPHERE

▪Sun causes atoms to lose electrons and become ions

▪The ionosphere can reflect certain radio waves.

Signal Reach

▪Short Wave radio can circle the globe.

▪Some AM stations can travel great distances

▪Part of Atmosphere is called IONOSPHERE

▪Sun causes atoms to lose electrons and become ions

▪The ionosphere can reflect certain radio waves.

▪When the sun disappears….the layer becomes transparent.

Assignment

• Choose 3 Windsor Radio Stations. Identify:- Frequency (ie: 95.9 FM, 1290AM…)- Ownership (ie: CORUS, CHUM…)- Format (Rock, Country, Alternative…)

• For each Frequency, locate 3 other Radio stations that share the same Frequency.- Research the following:Frequency, Location, Owners, Format

Example- The River -

Frequency – FM 93.9• Ownership – Bell Media• Format – Alternative

____________________________________• Other Stations:

103.9 CISN 103.9 K-RockEdmonton NewFoundlandCORUS Radio ASTRAL MediaCountry Classic Rock