1. Operating Regulations
Chapter 8
Operating Regulations

2. Control Operators
A control operator is the amateur designated as responsible for making sure that transmissions comply with FCC rules.
A control operator must be named in the FCC amateur database or be an alien with reciprocal operating authorization.
The control point is where the station’s control function is performed.
5/5/2019
7/1/ /30/2018 Technician

3. Privileges & Guest Operating
It doesn’t matter what the stations owner’s privileges are, only the privileges of the control operator.
Unlicensed Guest – May operate with a control operator present.
5/5/2019
7/1/ /30/2018 Technician

4. Identification Rules say ID every 10 minutes!
Every 10 minutes and at the end of a QSO
Repeaters have the same rule
Tactical Calls: Net Control, Gate One
ID with FCC call sign every 10 minutes
ID at the end of a QSO using FCC call sign
i.e. KCØDE Clear
5/5/2019
7/1/ /30/2018 Technician

5. Self-Assigned Indicators
Usually indicate when you are not operating from your home station
KCØDE/7 (operating in the 7th call area)
KCØDE mobile 9 (operating mobile in the 9th call district
KVØDE/VE3 (operating in Ontario, Canada)
KK4VDL Interim Alpha Golf (General Upgrade)
KK4VDL Interim Alpha Echo (Extra upgrade)
KK4VDL/AE (CW or Data Extra upgrade)
5/5/2019
7/1/ /30/2018 Technician

6. Interference Interference caused by natural sources (Storms) is QRN
Interference caused by man (Adjacent QSO) is QRM
Harmful interference seriously degrades, obstructs or repeatedly interrupts the communications of a regulated service.
Not always intentional or malicious
Rotate antenna to help avoid signals
5/5/2019
7/1/ /30/2018 Technician

7. Interference
Willful Interference – Intentionally creating harmful Interference
Never allowed
Never respond to someone who heckles the group to disrupt communications
Don’t argue who is right (On/Off Switch, use it or change frequency)
If necessary change the subject each transmission to make like the jammer isn’t doing any good, they will go away
5/5/2019
7/1/ /30/2018 Technician

8. Third-Part Communications
3rd Party Communications is sending messages on behalf of unlicensed persons.
Check to see if treaties exist that permit it before sending messages to a foreign country.
Sending messages for the benefit of another ham is not 3rd party… they are license to do it themselves.
NO BUSINESS ALLOWED
Order Pizza, Tell Doctor your are running late is OK
5/5/2019
7/1/ /30/2018 Technician

9. Remote & Automatic Operation
Local Control – A control operator is physically present at the control point
Remote Operation – The control point is located away form the transmitter, but a control operator is present at the control point
Automatic Operation – The station operates completely under the control of devices and procedures that ensure compliance with the FCC Rules. Control operator still required!
5/5/2019
7/1/ /30/2018 Technician

10. Prohibited Transmissions
Unidentified Transmissions – any transmission without an identifying call sign
False or Deceptive Signals – signals designed to deceive the listener
False Distress or Emergency Signals – legal requirements for authorities to respond
Obscene or Indecent speech – expletives or controversial topics
5/5/2019
7/1/ /30/2018 Technician

11. Business Communications
No transmissions related to conducting your business or employer’s activities are permitted.
“Amateur” Radio means “not paid”
Personal activities are not considered business
Sell/buy radio gear over the air via swap nets
Shopping instruction from spouse via 2-meters
Talking shop… casual conversation about work
5/5/2019
7/1/ /30/2018 Technician

12. Encrypted Transmissions
It is not legal to transmit secret codes used to obscure the content of the transmission.
Encryption that uses codes or ciphers to hide the meaning of the transmitted message is legal for “radio control” and “control transmissions to space stations.”
5/5/2019
7/1/ /30/2018 Technician

13. Broadcasting & Retransmission
Broadcasting is one-way transmissions intended for reception by the general public
Hams can make one-way transmission intended for Hams (QST - information for all radio amateurs)
Code practice, Ham related news, retransmissions from the ISS, Weather reports
Retransmission without permission of ham to ham conversation is not legal
5/5/2019
7/1/ /30/2018 Technician

14. Homework
Questions?
5/5/2019
7/1/ /30/2018 Technician