TRANSCEIVER A transceiver is a device that has both a transmitter and a receiver which are combined and share common

circuitry or a single housing. If no circuitry is common between transmit and receive functions, the device is a transmitterreceiver. Almost every modern amateur radio equipment is now a transceiver but there is an active market for pure radio receivers, mainly for Shortwave listening operators. An example of a transceiver would be a walkie-talkie, or a CB radio. Also, on a mobile telephone or other radiotelephone, the entire unit is a transceiver, for both audio and radio. GROUND-PLANE ANTENNA A ground-plane antenna is a variant of the dipole antenna, designed for use with an unbalanced feed line such as coaxial cable. It resembles a coaxial antenna whose lower section consists of straight elements called radials instead of a hollow conductingcylinder. There are two or more radials, each measuring 1/4 wavelength. The main element can be any length, but it must be adjusted to function at and near a specific frequency. This adjustment is done using a tuning

coil. The radials are connected to the outer conductor or shield of the feed line cable; the main element is connected to the center conductor. The main element of a ground-plane antenna is almost always oriented vertically. This results in transmission of, and optimum response to, vertically polarized wireless signals. When the base of the antenna is placed at least 1/4 wavelength above the ground or other conducting surface,the radials behave as a nearperfect ground system for an electromagnetic field, and the antenna is highly efficient. It works equally well in all horizontal directions. Ground-plane antennas are favored at frequencies above approximately 10 MHz (our pager operates at 150.3MHz & can also be programmed to work in any frequency in the range of 138-174 MHZ) where the dimensions are manageable. This type of antenna is especially popular among Citizens Band radio operators for fixed-station use in the class-D band at 27 MHz.