Amateur Radio
License
Chapters 7-8
Announcements
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Exam will be first week after Thanksgiving
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Register for a FCC Registration Number (FRN)
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Read chapter 9 (Safety) for next time
Exam
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35 questions, you have to get 26 right
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There will be multiple exams available, you can try
again immediately
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There will also be General (and Extra!) class tests if
you want to try them
Todays Topics
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Licensing Regulations : Chapter 7
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Licensing
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The FCC
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Bands
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International Rules
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Call Signs
Todays Topics
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Operating Regulations : Chapter 8
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Control Operator
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Identification
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Interference
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Third party Communications
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Remote, Automatic Operation
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Prohibited Transmissions
Licensing Regulations
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Chapter 7
Why Does Amateur Radio
Exist (Officially)?
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Providing emergency communication capability.
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Advancement of the art and science of radio.
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Advance communication and technical skills of
radio.
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Provide a trained reservoir of operators,
technicians, and electronics experts.
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Promote and enhance international goodwill.
Definitions
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Amateur Service – no pecuniary interest (private
and personal, non commercial).
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Amateur Operator – the person holding
authorization (license) to operate an Amateur Radio
station.
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Amateur Station – equipment capable of
transmitting on frequencies authorized for Amateur
Service.
Licensing Authority
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Federal Communications Commission (FCC)
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Amateur Radio operations covered by FCC rules
published in Part 97 of Title 47 – Code of Federal
Regulations.
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Use “Part 97” for short
The Amateur License
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No age limit or citizenship restrictions.
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One exception – foreign representatives.
License actually contains two parts.
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Operator License.
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Station License (the Call Sign).
Three levels of operator privileges: Technician, General, Amateur Extra.
Exam
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Multiple choice, multiple exams, multiple levels
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Run by Volunteer Exam Coordinators (VEC)
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At least 3 Volunteer Examiners (VE’s) of higher class
You can operate when your call sign appears in the
FCC data base (www.wireless.fcc.gov/uls) and you
have your call sign. Usually just a few days.
License Term
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The license is free and good for 10 years.
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Renewable within 90 days of the expiration date (2
year grace period).
Some personal identification information is required.
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Tax ID (Social Security number).
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Current Mailing Address.
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Federal Registration Number (FRN).
Responsibilities
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Prevent unauthorized operation of your station.
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Provide personal information as required – keep a
current mailing address on file.
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Make your station available for FCC inspection
upon request.
Which of the following is a purpose of the
Amateur Radio Service as stated in the
FCC rules and regulations? (T1A01)
A. Providing personal radio communications for as
many citizens as possible
B. Providing communications for international nonprofit organizations
C. Advancing skills in the technical and
communications phases of the radio art
D. All of these choices are correct
Which of the following is a purpose of the
Amateur Radio Service as stated in the
FCC rules and regulations? (T1A01)
A. Providing personal radio communications for as
many citizens as possible
B. Providing communications for international nonprofit organizations
C. Advancing skills in the technical and
communications phases of the radio art!
D. All of these choices are correct
What is the FCC Part 97 definition
of an amateur station? (T1A10)
A. A station in an Amateur Radio Service consisting
of apparatus necessary for carrying on radio
communications
B. A building where Amateur Radio receivers,
transmitters, and RF power amplifiers are installed
C. An radio station operated by a non-professional
D. Any radio station for hobby use
What is the FCC Part 97 definition
of an amateur station? (T1A10)
A. A station in an Amateur Radio Service
consisting of apparatus necessary for carrying
on radio communications!
B. A building where Amateur Radio receivers,
transmitters, and RF power amplifiers are installed
C. An radio station operated by a non-professional
D. Any radio station for hobby use
When must the station licensee make the
station and its records available for FCC
inspection? (T1F13)
A. Any time upon request by an official observer
B. Any time upon request by an FCC representative
C. 30 days prior to renewal of the station license
D. 10 days before the first transmission
When must the station licensee make the
station and its records available for FCC
inspection? (T1F13)
A. Any time upon request by an official observer
B. Any time upon request by an FCC
representative!
C. 30 days prior to renewal of the station license
D. 10 days before the first transmission
Technician Power Levels
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Use the minimum power required to get the job done.
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Up to 1500 watts peak envelope power (PEP).
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Will generally require an external amplifier to achieve
these power levels.
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Some special cases where power is restricted.
Some limited bands
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50 W PEP on 219-220 MHz
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Geographical restrictions (Military bases, near
Canada)
Technician VHF/UHF Frequencies
Recall that
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λ = 300 / f
where f is in MHz,
and λ is in m
Technician HF Frequencies
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200 W PEP
Mostly CW
Band!
Freq
Mode
80 m
3.525-3.6 MHz
CW
40 m
7.025-7.125 MHz
CW
15 m
21.025-21.200 MHz
CW
10 m
28.000-28.300
CW, RTTY, Data
28.300-28.500
CW, SSB
Emission Types
Primary and Secondary
Allocations
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Many bands allocated to more than one service
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Primary allocation : priority service
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Secondary allocation : can’t interfere with primary
user (and must accept interference from them)
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Some bands are primary for amateur radio
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Most bands UHF and above are secondary
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Bands are allocated differently in different countries
Line A
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Canada uses 420-430 MHz for radio location
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US users are secondary, and should not interfere.
This band can’t be used within 50 miles of the
Canadian Border
National Radio Quiet Zone
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All RF tightly
regulated in
rectangle
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Most restrictive within
10 miles of Green
Bank (NRAO)
Band Plans, Repeaters
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Band plans recommend frequencies for particular
modes (last time)
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Arranged by Frequency Coordinators who are
volunteers appointed by amateurs
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Assign repeater input and output frequencies for
“coordinated repeaters”
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Also “uncoordinated repeaters,” many mobile
radios have this built in.
Which of the following is a result of the fact
that the amateur service is secondary in
some portions of the 70 cm band? (T1B08)
A. U.S. amateurs may find non-amateur stations in
the bands, and must avoid interfering with them.
B. U.S. amateurs must give foreign amateur stations
priority in those portions
C. International communications are not permitted on
70 cm
D. Digital transmissions are not permitted on 70 cm
Which of the following is a result of the fact
that the amateur service is secondary in
some portions of the 70 cm band? (T1B08)
A. U.S. amateurs may find non-amateur stations
in the bands, and must avoid interfering with
them.!
B. U.S. amateurs must give foreign amateur stations
priority in those portions
C. International communications are not permitted on
70 cm
D. Digital transmissions are not permitted on 70 cm
Which of the bands above 30 MHz that are
available to Technician Class operators
have mode-restricted sub-bands? (T1B10)
A. The 6 meter, 2 meter, and 70 cm bands
B. The 2 meter and 13 cm bands
C. The 6 meter, 2 meter and 1.25 meter bands
D. The 2 meter and 70 cm bands
Which of the bands above 30 MHz that are
available to Technician Class operators
have mode-restricted sub-bands? (T1B10)
A. The 6 meter, 2 meter, and 70 cm bands
B. The 2 meter and 13 cm bands
C. The 6 meter, 2 meter and 1.25 meter bands!
D. The 2 meter and 70 cm bands
Which emission modes are permitted in the
mode-restricted sub-bands at 50.0 to 50.1
MHz and 144.0 to 144.1 MHz? (T1B11)
A. CW only
B. CW and RTTY
C. SSB only
D. CW and SSB
Which emission modes are permitted in the
mode-restricted sub-bands at 50.0 to 50.1
MHz and 144.0 to 144.1 MHz? (T1B11)
A. CW only!
B. CW and RTTY
C. SSB only
D. CW and SSB
Which of the following is an FCC rule regarding
power levels used in the amateur bands, under
normal, non-distress circumstances? (T2A11)
A. There is no limit to power as long as there is no
interference with other services
B. No more than 200 watts PEP may be used
C. Up to 1500 watts PEP may be used on any amateur
frequency without restriction
D. While not exceeding the maximum power
permitted on a given band, use the minimum power
necessary to carry out the desired communication
Which of the following is an FCC rule regarding
power levels used in the amateur bands, under
normal, non-distress circumstances? (T2A11)
A. There is no limit to power as long as there is no
interference with other services
B. No more than 200 watts PEP may be used
C. Up to 1500 watts PEP may be used on any amateur
frequency without restriction
D. While not exceeding the maximum power permitted
on a given band, use the minimum power
necessary to carry out the desired communication
Which of the following is an application of
APRS (Automatic Packet Reporting
System)? (T8D05)
A. Providing real time tactical digital communications in
conjunction with a map showing the locations of
stations.
B. Showing automatically the number of packets
transmitted via PACTOR during a specific time interval.
C. Providing voice over Internet connection between
repeaters
D. Providing information on the number of stations
signed on to a repeater
Which of the following is an application of
APRS (Automatic Packet Reporting
System)? (T8D05)
A. Providing real time tactical digital communications
in conjunction with a map showing the locations of
stations.!
B. Showing automatically the number of packets
transmitted via PACTOR during a specific time interval.
C. Providing voice over Internet connection between
repeaters
D. Providing information on the number of stations
signed on to a repeater
International Rules
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International Telecommunication Union (ITU)
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Founded as a UN agency in 1949
Regions 1, 2 and 3.
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We are region 2
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Reciprocal operating authorizations.
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There restrictions some countries that we can contact.
ITU Regions
Operating in Other
Countries
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You must follow the regulations for the ITU region you are in
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You can operate from a US flagged vessel
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Reciprocal operating authority : many countries have
agreements with the US, just take your license
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International Amateur Radio Permit (IARP) : issued by ARRL
here, allows you to operate in some North and South
American countries. Extra (class 1) and Technician (class 2).
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CEPT : Agreement with European countries. You need your
license, passport, and CEPT Notice. Same classes as IARP.
What types of international
communications are permitted by an
FCC-licensed amateur station? (T1C03)
A. Communications incidental to the purposes of the
amateur service and remarks of a personal character
B. Communications incidental to conducting business
or remarks of a personal nature
C. Only communications incidental to contest
exchanges, all other communications are prohibited
D. Any communications that would be permitted on an
international broadcast station
What types of international
communications are permitted by an
FCC-licensed amateur station? (T1C03)
A. Communications incidental to the purposes of the
amateur service and remarks of a personal character!
B. Communications incidental to conducting business or
remarks of a personal nature
C. Only communications incidental to contest exchanges,
all other communications are prohibited
D. Any communications that would be permitted on an
international broadcast station
When are you allowed to operate your
amateur station in a foreign country?
(T1C04)
A. When the foreign county authorizes it
B. When there is a mutual agreement allowing third
party communications
C. When authorization permits amateur
communications in a foreign language
D. When you are communicating with non-licensed
individuals in another country
When are you allowed to operate your
amateur station in a foreign country?
(T1C04)
A. When the foreign county authorizes it!
B. When there is a mutual agreement allowing third
party communications
C. When authorization permits amateur
communications in a foreign language
D. When you are communicating with non-licensed
individuals in another country
Call Signs
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1-2 letters, a digit, followed by 1-3 letters
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Tells a little about your license class
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For the US, the first letter is K,W, or N, or A.
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Digit tells where in the US your call sign originated
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Last 1-3 letters identify you
Typical Call Signs
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Recent Technician class (2x3, Group D)
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Recent Extra class (2x2, Group A)
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KK6GAF
AG6WH
Vanity call signs
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Many 2x2’s (Group B) and 1x3’s (Group C) available
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1x2’s and 2x1’s are harder to come by
Special events have 1x1’s
Call Signs
Middle digit tells you where the call sign was issued
Which of the following is a valid US
amateur radio station call sign? (T1C02)
A. KMA3505
B. W3ABC
C. KDKA
D. 11Q1176
Which of the following is a valid US
amateur radio station call sign? (T1C02)
A. KMA3505
B. W3ABC!
C. KDKA
D. 11Q1176
Operating Regulations
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Chapter 8
Control Operator
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Must have a valid FCC issued Amateur Radio
license.
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Station must operate within the authorization of the
control operator’s license.
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Control operator must be present at the control
point of the station (the on-off switch) or remotely
connected by a control link.
Guest Operator
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Non-licensed people can use a ham radio but only
when a control operator is present.
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The control operator is solely responsible for station
operation.
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Licensed guests can use the radio.
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In this case, both the control operator and the
guest ham are responsible for station operation.
Control Operator
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The FCC’s primary concern is that transmissions
are made only under the control of a licensed
operator.
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Control operator is the licensed amateur
responsible for making sure transmissions comply
with FCC rules.
When is an amateur station permitted to
transmit without a control operator?
(T1E01)
A. When using automatic control, such as in the case
of a repeater
B. When the station licensee is away and another
licensed amateur is using the station
C. When the transmitting station is an auxiliary
station
D. Never
When is an amateur station permitted to
transmit without a control operator?
(T1E01)
A. When using automatic control, such as in the case
of a repeater
B. When the station licensee is away and another
licensed amateur is using the station
C. When the transmitting station is an auxiliary
station
D. Never
Who may a station licensee designate to
be the control operator of an amateur
station? (T1E02)
A. Any U.S. citizen or registered alien
B. Any family member of the station licensee
C. Any person over the age of 18
D. Only a person for whom an amateur operator/
primary station license grant appears in the FCC
database or who is authorized for alien reciprocal
operation
Who may a station licensee designate to
be the control operator of an amateur
station? (T1E02)
A. Any U.S. citizen or registered alien
B. Any family member of the station licensee
C. Any person over the age of 18
D. Only a person for whom an amateur operator/
primary station license grant appears in the
FCC database or who is authorized for alien
reciprocal operation
What determines the transmitting
privileges of an amateur station? (T1E04)
A. The frequency authorized by the frequency
coordinator
B. The class of operator license held by the station
licensee
C. The highest class of license held by anyone on
the premises
D. The class of operator license held by the control
operator
What determines the transmitting
privileges of an amateur station? (T1E04)
A. The frequency authorized by the frequency
coordinator
B. The class of operator license held by the station
licensee
C. The highest class of license held by anyone on
the premises
D. The class of operator license held by the
control operator
Who must designate the station
control operator? (T1E03)
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A. The station licensee
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B. The FCC
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C. The frequency coordinator
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D. The ITU
Who must designate the station
control operator? (T1E03)
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A. The station licensee!
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B. The FCC
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C. The frequency coordinator
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D. The ITU
Station Identification (ID)
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Normal ID : Say your call sign every ten minutes
during and at the end of the contact.
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Tactical Call Signs : Does not substitute for proper
station ID, still need call sign every ten minutes.
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Guests : may have a higher class license. If you
need the higher privileges, identify as Operator/
Guest (i.e. KD7PFA/KD7FYX)
Special ID Rules
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Repeaters must also ID using the same 10 minute
rule. Can be voice or CW (at 20 WPM or less).
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Satellites and ISS have special rules, do not have
to identify themselves
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Special event calls : Normal club call or control
operator call given once per hour.
Which of the following is true when
making a test transmission? (T2A07)
A. Station identification is not required if the
transmission is less than 15 seconds
B. Station identification is not required if the
transmission is less than 1 watt
C. Station identification is required once an hour
when the transmissions are for test purposes only
D. Station identification is required at least every ten
minutes during the test and at the end
Which of the following is true when
making a test transmission? (T2A07)
A. Station identification is not required if the
transmission is less than 15 seconds
B. Station identification is not required if the
transmission is less than 1 watt
C. Station identification is required once an hour
when the transmissions are for test purposes only
D. Station identification is required at least every
ten minutes during the test and at the end
Third Party Communications
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Third Party : unlicensed individual who wants to send
and/or receive a message
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Legal within US
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Legal for countries with third-party agreements (see
Table 8-1 in the book, mostly ITU region 2).
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Not legal for many countries
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Reason : amateur radio should not turn into a
commercial message or phone service.
To which foreign stations do the FCC rules
authorize the transmission of non-emergency
third party communications? (T1F11)
A. Any station whose government permits such
communications
B. Those in ITU Region 2 only
C. Those in ITU Regions 2 and 3 only
D. Those in ITU Region 3 only
To which foreign stations do the FCC rules
authorize the transmission of non-emergency
third party communications? (T1F11)
A. Any station whose government permits such
communications!
B. Those in ITU Region 2 only
C. Those in ITU Regions 2 and 3 only
D. Those in ITU Region 3 only
Which of the following restrictions apply when a
non-licensed person is allowed to speak to a
foreign station using a station under the control
of a Technician Class control operator? (T1F07)
A. The person must be a U.S. citizen
B. The foreign station must be one with which the
U.S. has a third party agreement
C. The licensed control operator must do the station
identification
D. All of these choices are correct
Which of the following restrictions apply when a
non-licensed person is allowed to speak to a
foreign station using a station under the control
of a Technician Class control operator? (T1F07)
A. The person must be a U.S. citizen
B. The foreign station must be one with which the
U.S. has a third party agreement!
C. The licensed control operator must do the station
identification
D. All of these choices are correct
Prohibited Transmissions
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Unidentified transmissions
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False or deceptive signals
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False distress or emergency signals
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Obscene or indecent speech
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Business communications
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Encrypted communications
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Broadcast communications (or retransmissions)
Next Time
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Safety : Chapter 9
•
Review