Commission's Rules Flashcards
General class control operator frequency privileges; primary and secondary allocations
On which HF and/or MF amateur bands are there portions where General class licensees cannot transmit?
A. 60 meters, 30 meters, 17 meters, and 12 meters
B. 160 meters, 60 meters, 15 meters, and 12 meters
C. 80 meters, 40 meters, 20 meters, and 15 meters
D. 80 meters, 20 meters, 15 meters, and 10 meters
C. 80 meters, 40 meters, 20 meters, and 15 meters
Only the Extra Class is permitted to transmit on the entirety of the HF and/or MF 80 meter, 40 meter, 20 meter, and 15 meter amateur bands.
Hint: An easy way to remember this, is to start at 80 and divide it by 2 to get 40, and then again to get 20. The answer will always be in this order, so you’ll be able to pick it out easily.
Hint: The correct answer is the only answer that includes 40 meters, it’s missing in all the incorrect answers.
On which of the following bands is phone operation prohibited?
A. 160 meters
B. 30 meters
C. 17 meters
D. 12 meters
B. 30 meters
The 30 meter band is special in a number of ways. It only allows data modes (so no phone), there’s a power limit (200 Watts PEP), and contesting is not allowed.
Propagation is usually good during the day and excellent during the night, so it can be a great band for CW or digital DX contacts.
On which of the following bands is image transmission prohibited?
A. 160 meters
B. 30 meters
C. 20 meters
D. 12 meters
B. 30 meters
The FCC has restricted the 30 meter band to only data transmission modes (such as CW, RTTY and packet), so image transmission is prohibited. Image transmissions are found within phone transmission band segments rather than data. Image transmission is prohibited on the 60 meter band as well, where we are restricted to 5 specific frequency channels for SSB phone communication only.
HINT: “No IMG In the thirty”
Which of the following amateur bands is restricted to communication only on specific channels, rather than frequency ranges?
A. 11 meters
B. 12 meters
C. 30 meters
D. 60 meters
D. 60 meters
Remember: Using the “60m band” is like looking at your watch with 60 seconds. Amateurs are the “second” user with privledges, also you need to take a extra “second” to listen for ongoing traffic and not cause any interference.
The 60 meter band is a shared frequency range where the government has primary rights and amateur radio is restricted to communicating as a secondary service only on specific channels. This is to keep the possibility of signal interference at a minimum.
Silly Hint: Everybody wants more time (measured in 60-second minutes), so everybody wants 60 meters.
On which of the following frequencies are General class licensees prohibited from operating as control operator?
A. 7.125 MHz to 7.175 MHz
B. 28.000 MHz to 28.025 MHz
C. 21.275 MHz to 21.300 MHz
D. All of the above
A. 7.125 MHz to 7.175 MHz
You are only allowed to operate in frequency spaces where your operation class allows you to do so.
The General class license allows transmission for voice between 7.175 MHz and 7.300 MHz but not between 7.125 and 7.175 MHz. However, both are allowed spaces for Advanced and Extra class operators.
28.000 MHz to 28.025 MHz and 21.275 MHz to 21.300 MHz are both allowed spaces to transmit on with a general class license.
Which of the following applies when the FCC rules designate the amateur service as a secondary user on a band?
A. Amateur stations must record the call sign of the primary service station before operating on a frequency assigned to that station
B. Amateur stations may use the band only during emergencies
C. Amateur stations must not cause harmful interference to primary users and must accept interference from primary users
D. Amateur stations may only operate during specific hours of the day, while primary users are permitted 24-hour use of the band
C. Amateur stations must not cause harmful interference to primary users and must accept interference from primary users
As amateurs, we must always follow the rules of COURTESY. In a case where the Amateur Service has been designated as a secondary user (such as on 30 and 60 m bands) this is even more important.
Amateur stations are allowed to use the band ONLY if they do NOT cause harmful interference to primary users.
Listen First! If you hear another transmission, do not use that frequency. If you hear a primary user come on to the same frequency that you are working or nearby frequency, immediately move your transmission farther away so that you will not interfere with their signal.
Hint: “DON’T interfere with the FCC!”
On which amateur frequencies in the 10-meter band may stations with a General class control operator transmit CW emissions?
A. 28.000 MHz to 28.025 MHz only
B. 28.000 MHz to 28.300 MHz only
C. 28.025 MHz to 28.300 MHz only
D. The entire band
D. The entire band
FCC Regulations (§ 97.305(a)) specifically say:
Except as specified elsewhere in this part, an amateur station may transmit a CW emission on any frequency authorized to the control operator.
Currently, there are no specified exceptions to this rule.
Recalling that a General class operator has full access to the 10-meter band, it follows that a General class operator may therefore transmit CW on the entire band.
Just remember that, as an Amateur, CW is always allowed if you are authorized on that frequency.
Hint: They got the “WHOLE” band back together.
Which HF bands have segments exclusively allocated to Amateur Extra licensees?
A. All HF bands
B. 80 meters, 40 meters, 20 meters, and 15 meters
C. All HF bands except 160 meters and 10 meters
D. 60 meters, 30 meters, 17 meters, and 12 meters
B. 80 meters, 40 meters, 20 meters, and 15 meters
This information is located in operating band plans.
Hint: The class AE contains the 1st and 5th letter of the alphabet and only the correct answer contains the number 15.
Which of the following frequencies is within the General class portion of the 15-meter band?
A. 14250 kHz
B. 18155 kHz
C. 21300 kHz
D. 24900 kHz
C. 21300 kHz
General class privileges let us use the ranges of 21.025-21.200 MHz (CW/data) and 21.275-21.450 MHz (phone), so the answer 21300 kHz falls within the phone range of the 15 meter band.
Note: Remember that the 15 meter band actually is located below 15 meters (from λ=300/21.450 MHz =13.98 m to λ=300/21.025 MHz=14.27 m). If you remember this and check the wavelength of the 2 values that are close (18155) and (21300), you will find that (18155) gives a wavelength = 300/18.155 MHz = 16.52m, whereas (21300) gives you a value of wavelength = 300/21.300 = 14.08.
If you estimate 300/15 = 20, you’d have 50% correct. So just remember it’s a bit above this number which is 21.
Silly memory aid: 2 x 15 = 30.
21300 is the only answer with the numbers 2 and 30.
Even more silly: Only answer that adds up to 15 2+13
What portion of the 10-meter band is available for repeater use?
A. The entire band
B. The portion between 28.1 MHz and 28.2 MHz
C. The portion between 28.3 MHz and 28.5 MHz
D. The portion above 29.5 MHz
D. The portion above 29.5 MHz
47 CFR 97.205 regulates repeaters generally, it prohibits repeaters on the 28.0-29.5 MHz portion of the 10-meter band.
Hint: 300/10 = 30 MHz – so the correct answer is the one closest to a 10 meter wavelength.
Hint: Repeaters are on high spots and the answer is the highest frequency.
When General class licensees are not permitted to use the entire voice portion of a band, which portion of the voice segment is available to them?
A. The lower frequency portion
B. The upper frequency portion
C. The lower frequency portion on frequencies below 7.3 MHz, and the upper portion on frequencies above 14.150 MHz
D. The upper frequency portion on frequencies below 7.3 MHz, and the lower portion on frequencies above 14.150 MHz
B. The upper frequency portion
Central portions of any band are preferred over the end portions because most antennas sport a usable BW that tends to be less than the BW of the band they are designed for. Thus the antenna used will have a lower SWR towards the center of the band than towards the ends to allow for a reasonable SWR across the entire band. Amateur Extra class operators have privileges over all other operator classes, thus if a portion of the phone allocation in a band is reserved for the exclusive use of Amateur Extra operators, then it will be the portion of the band towards the center for the benefit of the lower SWR and not towards the upper end where antennas generally sport a higher SWR. Therefore it follows that if General class operators aren’t able to use the portion of a phone allocation towards the center of a band they will be relegated to using the phone portion towards the top end.
The general rule is that if sections of a band are split between voice and data, that the upper frequency end of the band is used for voice and the lower frequency end is used for CW/data.
What is the maximum height above ground for an antenna structure not near a public use airport without requiring notification to the FAA and registration with the FCC?
A. 50 feet
B. 100 feet
C. 200 feet
D. 250 feet
C. 200 feet
With which of the following conditions must beacon stations comply?
A. No more than one beacon station may transmit in the same band from the same station location
B. The frequency must be coordinated with the National Beacon Organization
C. The frequency must be posted on the internet or published in a national periodical
D. All these choices are correct
A. No more than one beacon station may transmit in the same band from the same station location
Beacon stations are used for looking at radio wave propagation or as calibration signals. The FCC requires that there must be no more than one beacon signal in the same band from a single location.
Which of the following is a purpose of a beacon station as identified in the FCC rules?
A. Observation of propagation and reception
B. Automatic identification of repeaters
C. Transmission of bulletins of general interest to amateur radio licensees
D. All these choices are correct
A. Observation of propagation and reception
Beacons stations may be used by Amateur Radio operators for the observation of propagation and reception. The FCC also stipulates that there may only be one beacon signal on a single frequency at a single location.
Which of the following transmissions is permitted for all amateur stations?
A. Unidentified transmissions of less than 10 seconds duration for test purposes only
B. Automatic retransmission of other amateur signals by any amateur station
C. Occasional retransmission of weather and propagation forecast information from US government stations
D. Encrypted messages, if not intended to facilitate a criminal act
C. Occasional retransmission of weather and propagation forecast information from US government stations
47 C.F.R 97.111(b)(6) permits transmission of informational bulletins, this is understood to include occasional rebroadcast of information of use to the Amateur Radio community.
Test transmissions should always include one’s call sign. (Note Brief transmissions to make adjustments and enable 2-way communication (antenna tuning for example) are permitted)
Retransmission of amateur station signals is allowed only by auxiliary, repeater, and space stations.
Coded transmissions are never permitted on the Amateur Radio bands, even for health information generally covered by privacy law.
Which of the following one-way transmissions are permitted?
A. Unidentified test transmissions of less than 10 seconds in duration
B. Transmissions to assist with learning the International Morse code
C. Regular transmissions offering equipment for sale, if intended for amateur radio use
D. All these choices are correct
B. Transmissions to assist with learning the International Morse code
47 C.F.R 97.111(b)(5) permits transmissions necessary to assist persons learning, or improving proficiency in, the international Morse code.
Test transmissions should always include one’s call sign. (Note Brief transmissions to make adjustments and enable 2-way communication (antenna tuning for example) are permitted, however, a 1-minute test transmission would not be considered brief)
Transmissions offering Amateur Radio equipment for sale are permitted, however only if they are not on a regular basis
Under what conditions are state and local governments permitted to regulate amateur radio antenna structures?
A. Under no circumstances, FCC rules take priority
B. At any time and to any extent necessary to accomplish a legitimate purpose of the state or local entity, provided that proper filings are made with the FCC
C. Only when such structures exceed 50 feet in height and are clearly visible 1,000 feet from the structure
D. Amateur Service communications must be reasonably accommodated, and regulations must constitute the minimum practical to accommodate a legitimate purpose of the state or local entity
D. Amateur Service communications must be reasonably accommodated, and regulations must constitute the minimum practical to accommodate a legitimate purpose of the state or local entity
In 1985 the FCC issued an official document known as PRB-1 as guidance for state and local regulations of amateur radio service antennas. The 11 page document has been codified at Section 97.15(b) in the Code of Federal Regulations.
PRB-1 states that local governments must reasonably accommodate amateur operations, but they may still zone for height, safety and aesthetics concerns.
Hint: The longest one is the answer
What are the restrictions on the use of abbreviations or procedural signals in the amateur service?
A. Only “Q” signals are permitted
B. They may be used if they do not obscure the meaning of a message
C. They are not permitted
D. They are limited to those expressly listed in Part 97 of the FCC rules
B. They may be used if they do not obscure the meaning of a message
As amateurs, our transmissions are public. We should not use any codes or means of hiding or obscuring the meaning of our messages. Common abbreviations or procedural signals, such as “Q” codes, etc. are allowed.
When is it permissible to communicate with amateur stations in countries outside the areas administered by the Federal Communications Commission?
A. Only when the foreign country has a formal third-party agreement filed with the FCC
B. When the contact is with amateurs in any country except those whose administrations have notified the ITU that they object to such communications
C. Only when the contact is with amateurs licensed by a country which is a member of the United Nations, or by a territory possessed by such a country
D. Only when the contact is with amateurs licensed by a country which is a member of the International Amateur Radio Union, or by a territory possessed by such a country
B. When the contact is with amateurs in any country except those whose administrations have notified the ITU that they object to such communications
The United States and FCC have third-party agreements for amateur radio communications with many other countries around the world. The International Telecommunication Union (ITU) has established global regions and regulates such third-party agreements. They provide lists of nations that allow inter-communication. The United States is in Region 2. Amateur radio operators in the U.S. are allowed to make contact with amateurs in any country except those whose administrations have notified the ITU that they object to such communications.
As of November 20, 2021, according to the FCC, there were “no banned countries”, however, some countries do not issue radio licenses to individuals (e.g. North Korea).
On what HF frequencies are automatically controlled beacons permitted?
A. On any frequency if power is less than 1 watt
B. On any frequency if transmissions are in Morse code
C. 21.08 MHz to 21.09 MHz
D. 28.20 MHz to 28.30 MHz
D. 28.20 MHz to 28.30 MHz
“A beacon may be automatically controlled while it is transmitting on the 28.20-28.30 MHz, 50.06-50.08 MHz, 144.275-144.300 MHz, 222.05-222.06 MHz or 432.300-432.400 MHz segments, or on the 33 cm and shorter wavelength bands.”
Of the frequency ranges listed in the FCC rule, only 28.20-28.30 MHz is considered to be HF. It is in the 10-meter amateur band.
SILLY HINT: They can go from 2.82 “to (H)eight (F)ree.”(pronounce “hate free” or 8 3)
HF (HIGH Frequency)….the answer is the HIGHEST frequency.
What is the power limit for beacon stations?
A. 10 watts PEP output
B. 20 watts PEP output
C. 100 watts PEP output
D. 200 watts PEP output
C. 100 watts PEP output
The FCC has set a power limit of 100 watts PEP output for amateur beacon stations. This power is great enough for looking at wave propagation, without causing interference on other frequencies.
Mnemonic: A hundred, or 100 bacon’s (beacons) is a lot just like 100 watts.
Who or what determines “good engineering and good amateur practice,” as applied to the operation of an amateur station in all respects not covered by the Part 97 rules?
A. The FCC
B. The control operator
C. The IEEE
D. The ITU
A. The FCC
The FCC sets the standards we should follow and has the last word in areas not specifically covered by the Part 97 rules. We should always use courtesy, common sense and those good engineering, and good amateur practices. Where you have a situation that may raise an issue, keep a good record too so that you can give answers to the FCC.
What is the maximum transmitter power an amateur station may use on 10.140 MHz?
A. 200 watts PEP output
B. 1000 watts PEP output
C. 1500 watts PEP output
D. 2000 watts PEP output
A. 200 watts PEP output
The FCC sets maximum transmitting power limits (Peak Envelope Power) for each amateur frequency band. The given frequency of 10.140 MHz (wavelength = 300/10.140 = 29.58 m) falls within the 30 meter band. The maximum transmitting power allowed on this band is 200 watts PEP output.
What is the maximum transmitter power an amateur station may use on the 12-meter band?
A. 50 watts PEP output
B. 200 watts PEP output
C. 1500 watts PEP output
D. An effective radiated power equivalent to 100 watts from a half-wave dipole
C. 1500 watts PEP output
The FCC sets maximum transmitting power limits (Peak Envelope Power) for each amateur frequency band. The maximum transmitting power allowed on the 12-meter band is 1500 watts PEP output.
Tip: for all commonly used bands (from 160m to 70cm, with exceptions for 60m, 30m, and 1.25m), the maximum transmitting power is 1500 watts PEP