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
What is the maximum bandwidth permitted by FCC rules for amateur radio stations transmitting on USB frequencies in the 60-meter band?
A. 2.8 kHz
B. 5.6 kHz
C. 1.8 kHz
D. 3 kHz
A. 2.8 kHz
The 60-meter band is a special case.
Amateur allocation is secondary—the government has first dibs, and amateurs can only use 5 specific frequency channels.
To keep interference to a minimum when using voice modes, amateur radio operators may only use Upper Sideband signals with a maximum bandwidth of 2.8 kHz. (Remember almost 3)
There’s also a power restriction (100W PEP).
Which of the following is required by the FCC rules when operating in the 60-meter band?
A. If you are using an antenna other than a dipole, you must keep a record of the gain of your antenna
B. You must keep a record of the date, time, frequency, power level, and stations worked
C. You must keep a record of all third-party traffic
D. You must keep a record of the manufacturer of your equipment and the antenna used
A. If you are using an antenna other than a dipole, you must keep a record of the gain of your antenna
The 60-meter band is a unique band that amateur stations may use. The amateur radio service is secondary to the government when using this band and we are restricted to using 5 specific channels for only upper sideband voice communications. The power and bandwidth on this frequency range is also tightly specified. Because of the exact nature of operations on this band and to avoid interference with government communications, the FCC requires that if you are using anything other than a dipole antenna, you must keep a record of the gain of your antenna. This is to demonstrate that you are not using too much output power while operating on this frequency.
What is the limit for transmitter power on the 28 MHz band for a General Class control operator?
A. 100 watts PEP output
B. 1000 watts PEP output
C. 1500 watts PEP output
D. 2000 watts PEP output
C. 1500 watts PEP output
The FCC sets maximum transmitting power limits (Peak Envelope Power) for each amateur frequency band. We are allowed to use a maximum of 1500 watts PEP output on the 28 MHz (10-meter) band.
What is the limit for transmitter power on the 1.8 MHz band?
A. 200 watts PEP output
B. 1000 watts PEP output
C. 1200 watts PEP output
D. 1500 watts PEP output
D. 1500 watts PEP output
The FCC sets maximum transmitting power limits (Peak Envelope Power) for each amateur frequency band. We are allowed to use up to a maximum of 1500 watts PEP output on the 1.8 MHz (160-meter) band.
Hint: For 1.8 MHz, the “limit” is the highest or largest wattage of PEP output among the multiple choices.
What must be done before using a new digital protocol on the air?
A. Type-certify equipment to FCC standards
B. Obtain an experimental license from the FCC
C. Publicly document the technical characteristics of the protocol
D. Submit a rule-making proposal to the FCC describing the codes and methods of the technique
C. Publicly document the technical characteristics of the protocol
Rules about digital modes are found in 47 C.F.R 97.309, subpart (a)(4) allows any mode that is publicly documented, so an experimental or rule-making petition would not be required.
FCC Type Certification does not cover digital modes on Amateur Radio.
What is the maximum symbol rate permitted for RTTY or data emission transmitted at frequencies below 28 MHz?
A. 56 kilobaud
B. 19.6 kilobaud
C. 1200 baud
D. 300 baud
D. 300 baud
What is the maximum power limit on the 60-meter band?
A. 1500 watts PEP
B. 10 watts RMS
C. ERP of 100 watts PEP with respect to a dipole
D. ERP of 100 watts PEP with respect to an isotropic antenna
C. ERP of 100 watts PEP with respect to a dipole
ERP = “Effective Radiated Power”
47 CFR 97.313 covers power limits across bands, part i regulates the power on the 60-meter band.
Subsection I provides a presumption of a half-wave dipole antenna with a maximum ERP of 100 watts PEP.
Important to note on the 60-meter band: if you are operating with an antenna with gain above a half-wave dipole, you must retain documentation showing the gain and/or calculations to ensure you do not exceed the 100 watt PEP ERP limit.
What is the maximum symbol rate permitted for RTTY or data emission transmissions on the 10-meter band?
A. 56 kilobaud
B. 19.6 kilobaud
C. 1200 baud
D. 300 baud
C. 1200 baud
What measurement is specified by FCC rules that regulate maximum power?
A. RMS output from the transmitter
B. RMS input to the antenna
C. PEP input to the antenna
D. PEP output from the transmitter
D. PEP output from the transmitter
Peak Envelope Power (PEP)
This is the highest power level emitted at the output of a transmitter regardless of modulation and other variables.
Who may receive partial credit for the elements represented by an expired amateur radio license?
A. Any person who can demonstrate that they once held an FCC-issued General, Advanced, or Amateur Extra class license that was not revoked by the FCC
B. Anyone who held an FCC-issued amateur radio license that expired not less than 5 and not more than 15 years ago
C. Any person who previously held an amateur license issued by another country, but only if that country has a current reciprocal licensing agreement with the FCC
D. Only persons who once held an FCC issued Novice, Technician, or Technician Plus license
A. Any person who can demonstrate that they once held an FCC-issued General, Advanced, or Amateur Extra class license that was not revoked by the FCC
The correct answer has the word, “revoked” in it.
This one is easiest to deal with by eliminating distractors:
The suggested time limit is quite odd: not less than 5 years and not more than 15 years would mean that if your license expired 2 years ago you couldn’t renew, but if it expired 10 years ago, you could.
Another distracter suggests that anyone who previously held a license issued by a foreign country would be eligible. This would imply that anyone who held a license issued by the FCC would not be eligible, which makes no sense.
There is no time limit. You had to be licensed by the FCC (not a foreign country), and it’s not valid for Novice, Technician or Technician Plus class licenses.
What license examinations may you administer as an accredited Volunteer Examiner holding a General class operator license?
A. General and Technician
B. None, only Amateur Extra class licensees may be accredited
C. Technician only
D. Amateur Extra, General, and Technician
C. Technician only
Unless you are an Extra, you may only administer class exams for levels less than the license you hold. So if you hold a General Class license and are an accredited VE, you may administer Technician level exams only. The idea is that you should know more than the folks you are testing!
On which of the following band segments may you operate if you are a Technician class operator and have an unexpired Certificate of Successful Completion of Examination (CSCE) for General class privileges?
A. Only the Technician band segments until your upgrade is posted in the FCC database
B. Only on the Technician band segments until you have a receipt for the FCC application fee payment
C. On any General or Technician class band segment
D. On any General or Technician class band segment except 30 meters and 60 meters
C. On any General or Technician class band segment
Just as soon as you have that CSCE (Certificate of Successful Completion of Examination) for successfully completing that General Class exam, you can start using your privileges on any General or Technician Class band segment. Remember - that until the FCC database is updated, you are required to identify yourself with your call sign plus the temporary identifier “slant AG” so that those listening or monitoring know that you hold those privileges.
Who must observe the administration of a Technician class license examination?
A. At least three Volunteer Examiners of General class or higher
B. At least two Volunteer Examiners of General class or higher
C. At least two Volunteer Examiners of Technician class or higher
D. At least three Volunteer Examiners of Technician class
A. At least three Volunteer Examiners of General class or higher
When operating a US station by remote control from outside the country, what license is required of the control operator?
A. A US operator/primary station license
B. Only an appropriate US operator/primary license and a special remote station permit from the FCC
C. Only a license from the foreign country, as long as the call sign includes identification of portable operation in the US
D. A license from the foreign country and a special remote station permit from the FCC
A. A US operator/primary station license
Since the remote transmission will physically originate from the US, you must have the license required by the land of origin, thus an FCC Amateur Operator’s license that allows you the privileges of the frequencies you will be operating on.
Until an upgrade to General class is shown in the FCC database, when must a Technician licensee identify with “AG” after their call sign?
A. Whenever they operate using General class frequency privileges
B. Whenever they operate on any amateur frequency
C. Whenever they operate using Technician frequency privileges
D. A special identifier is not required if their General class license application has been filed with the FCC
A. Whenever they operate using General class frequency privileges
Volunteer Examiners are accredited by what organization?
A. The Federal Communications Commission
B. The Universal Licensing System
C. A Volunteer Examiner Coordinator
D. The Wireless Telecommunications Bureau
C. A Volunteer Examiner Coordinator
Which of the following criteria must be met for a non-US citizen to be an accredited Volunteer Examiner?
A. The person must be a resident of the US for a minimum of 5 years
B. The person must hold an FCC granted amateur radio license of General class or above
C. The person’s home citizenship must be in ITU region 2
D. None of these choices is correct; a non-US citizen cannot be a Volunteer Examiner
B. The person must hold an FCC granted amateur radio license of General class or above
How long is a Certificate of Successful Completion of Examination (CSCE) valid for exam element credit?
A. 30 days
B. 180 days
C. 365 days
D. For as long as your current license is valid
C. 365 days
What is the minimum age that one must be to qualify as an accredited Volunteer Examiner?
A. 16 years
B. 18 years
C. 21 years
D. There is no age limit
B. 18 years
What action is required to obtain a new General class license after a previously held license has expired and the two-year grace period has passed?
A. They must have a letter from the FCC showing they once held an amateur or commercial license
B. There are no requirements other than being able to show a copy of the expired license
C. Contact the FCC to have the license reinstated
D. The applicant must show proof of the appropriate expired license grant and pass the current Element 2 exam
D. The applicant must show proof of the appropriate expired license grant and pass the current Element 2 exam
Silly hint: the number two is in the question and answer.
The applicant must pass the current element 2 exam.
This is a “best answer” question, because the truth is that it depends on whether or not the application is received within the grace period following expiration.
Amateur licenses expire 10 years following the issue date. Although an operator may not operate with an expired license, a 2 year grace period is allowed for renewal without penalty or having to sit for an exam. A renewal during the grace period will reinstate the original license. The question introduces confusion due to the new 2014 rules regarding credit for expired licenses.
After the grace period elapses, the applicant must test for a new license, the same as any other person. An applicant needs to pass at least element 2 (Technician) to receive a license.
If the applicant with an expired license can now present proof of the former license for additional Element 3 (General) or Element 4 (Extra) credit to obtain a higher license class without having to sit for the respective exams. Former General, Advanced, and Pre-1987 Technician license holders can apply for Element 3 credit, and former Extra license holders can apply for Element 3 and 4 credit.
The rule change to expired license credit took effect in July 2014.
When operating a station in South America by remote control over the internet from the US, what regulations apply?
A. Those of both the remote station’s country and the FCC
B. Those of the remote station’s country and the FCC’s third-party regulations
C. Only those of the remote station’s country
D. Only those of the FCC
C. Only those of the remote station’s country
The FCC only controls transmissions originating from areas it controls - it does not control transmissions originating from South America. So the regulations that apply do not include the FCC’s.
Which of the following would disqualify a third party from participating in sending a message via an amateur station?
A. The third party’s amateur license has been revoked and not reinstated
B. The third party is not a US citizen
C. The third party is speaking in a language other than English
D. All these choices are correct
A. The third party’s amateur license has been revoked and not reinstated
The FCC does not want those who have abused the Amateur Radio system enough to where their amateur license has been revoked to have an opportunity to use the system. Do not allow such individuals to make third party communications from your station.
When may a 10-meter repeater retransmit the 2-meter signal from a station that has a Technician class control operator?
A. Under no circumstances
B. Only if the station on 10-meters is operating under a Special Temporary Authorization allowing such retransmission
C. Only during an FCC-declared general state of communications emergency
D. Only if the 10-meter repeater control operator holds at least a General class license
D. Only if the 10-meter repeater control operator holds at least a General class license
Although Technician class operators may operate SSB within the range 28.3MHz and 28.5MHz, the FCC prohibits repeater operation on this segment. The permissible segments for operating a repeater on the 10 meter radio band are only open to operators with a General Class license or above. However, a 2 meter signal from a Technician class operator may be RE-transmitted by a General Class operator using a 10 meter repeater. In this case both operators hold the frequency band privileges for the band on which they are transmitting.
What is required to conduct communications with a digital station operating under automatic control outside the automatic control band segments?
A. The station initiating the contact must be under local or remote control
B. The interrogating transmission must be made by another automatically controlled station
C. No third-party traffic may be transmitted
D. The control operator of the interrogating station must hold an Amateur Extra class license
A. The station initiating the contact must be under local or remote control
An automatically controlled digital station means a station that is unattended, and which transmits in data modes (RTTY, etc) on frequencies that are allocated for data emissions.
The interrogating station must be under local or remote control. In other words, it cannot be interrogated by another automatically controlled station.
Third-party traffic is perfectly acceptable, provided that it follows the rules for third-party messages.
There is no restriction as to what license class the control operator of the interrogating station can have.
Which of the following conditions require a licensed amateur radio operator to take specific steps to avoid harmful interference to other users or facilities?
A. When operating within one mile of an FCC Monitoring Station
B. When using a band where the Amateur Service is secondary
C. When a station is transmitting spread spectrum emissions
D. All these choices are correct
D. All these choices are correct
Amateur Radio operators should ALWAYS take steps to avoid causing interference. All of the choices listed above are cases where special steps must be taken to make sure that the station is not causing harmful interference.
What are the restrictions on messages sent to a third party in a country with which there is a Third-Party Agreement?
A. They must relate to emergencies or disaster relief
B. They must be for other licensed amateurs
C. They must relate to amateur radio, or remarks of a personal character, or messages relating to emergencies or disaster relief
D. The message must be limited to no longer than 1 minute in duration and the name of the third party must be recorded in the station log
C. They must relate to amateur radio, or remarks of a personal character, or messages relating to emergencies or disaster relief
Third parties in another country should use communication means to which their country allows them. The FCC does let U.S Amateur radio operators convey such third party communications only if they relate to Amateur radio, are remarks of a personal character, or messages relating to emergencies or disaster relief.
The frequency allocations of which ITU region apply to radio amateurs operating in North and South America?
A. Region 4
B. Region 3
C. Region 2
D. Region 1
C. Region 2
There are 3 ITU regions (so Region 4 is out)
Region 1: Europe, Africa, the former USSR, Mongolia, and the Middle East west of the Persian Gulf, including Iraq.
Region 2: The Americas including Greenland and some Pacific Islands
Region 3: the parts of Asia not formerly part of the USSR and most of Oceania
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/ITU_Region
Silly memonic: North and South America are TWO continents
In what part of the 2.4 GHz band may an amateur station communicate with non-licensed Wi-Fi stations?
A. Anywhere in the band
B. Channels 1 through 4
C. Channels 42 through 45
D. No part
D. No part
Amateur stations (with very few exceptions) cannot communicate with non amateur stations. If you intend to operate a Wi-Fi network using Amateur Radio rules, you must follow all of them including rules on whom and what (no encryption).
What is the maximum PEP output allowed for spread spectrum transmissions?
A. 100 milliwatts
B. 10 watts
C. 100 watts
D. 1500 watts
B. 10 watts
Wi-Fi (IEEE 802.11 standards) is spread spectrum, so the 47 CFR 97.313(J) limit of 10 watts on a spread spectrum emission applies.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Spread_spectrum
Silly Hint: Spread the Ten!
Under what circumstances are messages that are sent via digital modes exempt from Part 97 third-party rules that apply to other modes of communication?
A. Under no circumstances
B. When messages are encrypted
C. When messages are not encrypted
D. When under automatic control
A. Under no circumstances
Why should an amateur operator normally avoid transmitting on 14.100, 18.110, 21.150, 24.930 and 28.200 MHz?
A. A system of propagation beacon stations operates on those frequencies
B. A system of automatic digital stations operates on those frequencies
C. These frequencies are set aside for emergency operations
D. These frequencies are set aside for bulletins from the FCC
A. A system of propagation beacon stations operates on those frequencies
Beacon stations are located around the world and are a great resource for testing your own propagation and band conditions. So avoid transmitting so you do not interfere with the beacon system.
While there are many beacons out there, the specific global beacon system referenced in this question belongs to the International Amateur Radio Union (IARU), and is well-accepted by all regions, all operators:
https://www.iaru.org/on-the-air/beacons/
Additional beacons operate just above 28.200 MHz and normally are coordinated by regional IARU Beacon Coordinators. Except for short-term experiments such as observation of the effects of solar eclipses the IARU does not support the operation of amateur beacons below 14 MHz because of congestion in these bands.
On what bands may automatically controlled stations transmitting RTTY or data emissions communicate with other automatically controlled digital stations?
A. On any band segment where digital operation is permitted
B. Anywhere in the non-phone segments of the 10-meter or shorter wavelength bands
C. Only in the non-phone Extra Class segments of the bands
D. Anywhere in the 6-meter or shorter wavelength bands, and in limited segments of some of the HF bands
D. Anywhere in the 6-meter or shorter wavelength bands, and in limited segments of some of the HF bands
This is a question about Part 97, § 97.221 Automatically controlled digital station. You should at least read Part 97 once. But, in case you don’t recall, here’s the entire text: (a) This rule section does not apply to an auxiliary station, a beacon station, a repeater station, an earth station, a space station, or a space telecommand station.
(b) A station may be automatically controlled while transmitting a RTTY or data emission on the 6 m or shorter wavelength bands, and on the 28.120-28.189 MHz, 24.925-24.930 MHz, 21.090-21.100 MHz, 18.105-18.110 MHz, 14.0950-14.0995 MHz, 14.1005-14.112 MHz, 10.140-10.150 MHz, 7.100-7.105 MHz, or 3.585-3.600 MHz segments.
(c) Except for channels specified in § 97.303(h), a station may be automatically controlled while transmitting a RTTY or data emission on any other frequency authorized for such emission types provided that:
(1) The station is responding to interrogation by a station under local or remote control; and
(2) No transmission from the automatically controlled station occupies a bandwidth of more than 500 Hz.
Hint: The longest answer is the right one
When may third-party messages be transmitted via remote control?
A. Under any circumstances in which third party messages are permitted by FCC rules
B. Under no circumstances except for emergencies
C. Only when the message is intended for licensed radio amateurs
D. Only when the message is intended for third parties in areas where licensing is controlled by the FCC
A. Under any circumstances in which third party messages are permitted by FCC rules
There are no additional restrictions place on third party messages simply because they are being transmitted remotely. A way to remember this is knowing that you always must follow FCC rules, so just look for “FCC Rules”
