Self-Paced Course — FM BROADCAST CARRIER REFERENCE
TM-CAL-004 — Open Handout TM-CAL-004 Estimated time: 2–3 hours (reading + practice + lab) Handout: TM-CAL-004 (fm_broadcast_reference/tm.html) — keep it open throughout
What You Will Be Able to Do
TLO-1: Given the required equipment — deploy and use the FM BROADCAST CARRIER REFERENCE to verify or calibrate test instruments per TM-CAL-004, achieving the traceability and accuracy stated in Chapter 7, with a completed calibration log entry.
TLO-2: Given measured and reference values — compute the calibration error in Hz and ppm (or appropriate units) and determine pass/fail against the stated criterion.
Scope
This manual covers use of FM broadcast station carriers as a VHF frequency reference for calibrating spectrum analyzers, antenna analyzers, receivers, and signal generators in the 88–108 MHz range. FM
What You Need
Handout
- TM-CAL-004 (FM BROADCAST CARRIER REFERENCE) — open alongside this course
Equipment (needed for Unit 5 lab)
- Reference standards and instruments specified in Chapter 3
- Calculator
Course Units
| Unit | Topic | TM Chapters | Est. Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Unit 1 | Theory of Operation | Ch. 2 | 20 min |
| Unit 2 | Equipment and Test Setup | Ch. 3 | 20 min |
| Unit 3 | Setup Procedures | Ch. 4 | 15 min |
| Unit 4 | Calibration Procedure and Calculations | Ch. 5, App. A | 30 min |
| Unit 5 | Verification and Logging | Ch. 6, 7 | 45 min (lab) |
| Final Assessment | 15-question written test | All | 20 min |
How to Use This Course
- Work units in order.
- For each unit: read the assigned TM chapter first, then read the unit, then answer the self-check questions.
- Self-check answers are at the bottom of each unit — try before looking.
- The checkpoint at the end of each unit is a go/no-go.
- Complete the Unit 5 lab before taking the final assessment.
- Passing score: 13/15 (87%). All calculation questions must be correct regardless of total score.