Amateur Radio Licensure Week 2: Rules and Regulations Seth Price, N3MRA Rev. 1/27/16

Rules, Regulations and Such More Amateur Radio Notes Who is in charge? Call Signs and Identification Interference Broadcasting Misc. Rules Licensing Notes Station Definitions

More About Amateur Radio Amateur Station: – A station that has the equipment to carry out amateur radio communication International Communication: – “…remarks of a personal character” Operating “DX” – As long as the host country allows it

Who Is In Charge? Many radio signals and little spectrum – How do we manage this?? International Telecommunications Union (ITU) Federal Communication Commission (FCC) – Part 97 deals with amateur radio – Amateur Radio rules “enhance international goodwill” Frequency Coordinator – Recommends frequencies (transmit and receive) for repeaters, auxiliary stations, etc. – Selected by amateur radio operators

ITU World is divided into four regions – US territories sometimes have different operating frequencies based on this – Maritime Mobile (ships) must operate according to ITU region Each region sets its own rules, but then all regions convene and discuss If a country does not want to allow communications, it must notify the ITU

ITU Regions

Call Signs Call signs are unique, issued by FCC Must identify with a call sign every 10 minutes and at the end of communications – Exception: Sending control commands to model craft US call signs start with A, K, N, or W – KA1AAA (2x3) – K1AAA (1X3) – K1AA (1X2) – KA1A (2x1) – KA1AA (2x2) – K1A (1x1, special events only)

Section Map

Vanity Call Signs Can choose one of these, if you want – Must already be licensed – Must be available – Must be a valid US call sign – Technician Class are limited to: 1x3 or 2x3

Broadcasting Broadcasting is prohibited: – One way transmission for reception by the general public Notable Exceptions: – Emergencies – Calling “CQ” – Code Practice, Information Bulletins

Interference Harmful Interference is not permitted: – That which seriously degrades, obstructs or repeatedly interrupts radio communication – Interference with radionavigation devices are strictly prohibited Radio Frequency Interference (RFI): – Will discuss in a future lecture

Misc. Rules Cannot communicate with military stations – Exception: during “Armed Forces Day Communications Test” Cannot use codes to “obscure meaning” – Exception: sending control commands to space craft or radio control craft Cannot conduct sales: – Exception: Can notify other amateur radio operators of equipment for sale; occasionally

Misc. Rules Cannot transmit music – Exception: incidental to manned spacecraft communications Cannot use indecent or obscene language – No list of what is indecent or obscene

Licensing Process Multiple Choice – Technician Class: 35 Questions (26 correct) – General Class: 35 Questions (26 correct) – Amateur Extra Class: 50 Questions (37 correct) Checked by 3 Volunteer Examiners (VE) – You will know results the same day – Cannot tell how many were correct

Licensing Notes You may begin operating as soon as your license is in the FCC database License is good for 10 years Send a paper form to renew If 10 years runs out, there is a 2 year “grace” period – Cannot operate, but can renew – Can keep your call sign