Broadcasting The FCC says the term broadcasting means

Broadcasting The FCC says the term “broadcasting” means transmissions intended for reception by the general public, either direct or relayed. (See § 97. 3(a)(10)) This is important for hams, because. . . Release 1. 0 – September 2006 1

. . . Ham Communications are Generally Two-Way The whole idea behind getting a ham license is to talk to other hams, but there a few exceptions. You can telecommand (operate) your model plane, boat or car using amateur radio, as we’ll soon see. You can also make brief transmissions to adjust your station, and you can even transmit Morse code practice. However, you can never make broadcasts intended for reception by the general public. (See §§ 97. 3(a)(10), 97. 113(b)) Release 1. 0 – September 2006 2

Hams are not Broadcasters If you want to be the next Rush Limbaugh, ham radio is not the place to do it. The FCC frowns on most activities that might be considered broadcasting. For example, amateur stations are never authorized to transmit information to the general public. (See § 97. 113(b)) Release 1. 0 – September 2006 3

Music – Only from Mission Control! If talk radio isn’t your thing, but music is, that’s fine, but for the most part, you cannot transmit music via amateur radio with one exception. Back at the beginning of the Space Shuttle program, the FCC said it was OK for hams to rebroadcast audio between the Shuttle and Mission Control. There was only one problem - NASA wakes the crew every morning with some of the astronauts’ favorite tunes, and retransmitted tunes would violate the music rule. The FCC changed the rule so that it now says amateurs may not transmit music, except as incidental to an authorized rebroadcast of space shuttle communications. (See § 97. 113(e)) Release 1. 0 – September 2006 4

Codes and Ciphers – Generally Not Allowed! Want to communicate with the love of your life over the air by saying little code words that only the two of you can understand? Well, you’d better use the phone, because the transmission of codes or ciphers to hide the meaning of a message transmitted by an amateur station is generally not allowed. But there a couple of exceptions. As you will learn later, some amateurs have worked very hard to get amateur satellites into space for communications. These satellites have to be controlled from the ground. You’ll also learn that other hams use amateur radio to control radio-controlled models. As a result the FCC says that codes and ciphers may be used only when transmitting control commands to space stations (amateur satellites) or radio controlled model craft. (See § 97. 113(a)(4), 97. 211(b), 97. 217) Release 1. 0 – September 2006 5

Unidentified Communications You may already be familiar with CB or Internet chat rooms where everyone has a handle and nobody goes by their real name, but that’s not the way it is with amateur radio. As a general rule, every amateur station must regularly identify itself, and this is usually done with the amateur call sign (more about that later), but there is another exception that applies to space stations and radio-controlled craft. The rule is that an amateur station may not generally transmit unidentified communications except when sent from a space station or to control a model craft. (See § 97. 119(b)) Release 1. 0 – September 2006 6

No False or Deceptive Signals Another no-no is transmitting false or deceptive signals. For example, if you want to pretend to be a ham transmitting from a far away location, you can’t do it. An amateur may never transmit false or deceptive signals. (See § 97. 113(a)(4)) Release 1. 0 – September 2006 7

Watch Your Language! As far as subject matter on the air, goes, there is really one thing to remember. You can talk politics, discuss what your saw on TV last night, send Morse code practice, or talk about pretty much whatever you want to. However, the one thing you can never do is use indecent or obscene language. That has no place on the ham bands. (See § 97. 113(a)(4)) Release 1. 0 – September 2006 8

You Can’t Use Your Radio for Business As a general rule, the FCC allows an amateur radio station to be used as a method of communication for hire or material compensation only when it’s done in accordance with Part 97 rules. (See § 97. 113(2)) The exceptions in the rules generally cover teachers using amateur radio as part of their curriculum and employees working at amateur radio organizations with operating stations. One of these is covered later in this study guide. Release 1. 0 – September 2006 9

You Can’t Use an Autopatch For Business Either! Before cell phones, many amateur radio repeaters featured an autopatch. An autopatch is a device that lets you place a telephone call from your radio through an amateur repeater. (More on repeaters later. ) It was nice to be able to make a personal call from your car. Nowadays, most everyone has a cell phone, and although autopatches are still around, they are not used very often. Because they are still used, you need to know the rules. Using an autopatch, you can make all kinds of personal, non-commercial calls. You can call to get a weather report, report an accident, or report a power outage. However, you could not legally call your employer requesting directions to a customer's office. That would be a business use and is prohibited. (See § 97. 113(a)(3), (a)5(e)) Release 1. 0 – September 2006 10

Amateur Radio “Hoss Tradin’” Hams love to buy, sell and swap equipment, and a lot of that goes on over the air. The FCC says that’s OK so long as you are offering amateur radio equipment for sale or trade only on an occasional basis. If you want to turn it into a business, you can open a store or go to Ebay, but you can’t do it on the air. (See § 97. 113(a)3) Release 1. 0 – September 2006 11

Check-Up Time! Now let’s try the questions from this group. You should make a note of any that you miss for later review. Release 1. 0 – September 2006 12

T 2 A 01 When is an amateur station authorized to transmit information to the general public? A. Never B. Only when the operator is being paid C. Only when the transmission lasts more than 10 minutes D. Only when the transmission lasts longer than 15 minutes Release 1. 0 – September 2006 13

T 2 A 01 Answer - A § 97. 113(b) An amateur station shall not engage in any form of broadcasting, nor may an amateur station transmit one-way communications except as specifically provided in these rules; nor shall an amateur station engage in any activity related to program production or news gathering for broadcasting purposes, except that communications directly related to the immediate safety of human life or the protection of property may be provided by amateur stations to broadcasters for dissemination to the public where no other means of communication is reasonably available before or at the time of the event. Release 1. 0 – September 2006 14

T 2 A 02 When is an amateur station authorized to transmit music? A. Amateurs may not transmit music, except as incidental to an authorized rebroadcast of space shuttle communications B. Only when the music produces no spurious emissions C. Only to interfere with an illegal transmission D. Only when the music is above 1280 MHz Release 1. 0 – September 2006 15

T 2 A 02 Answer - A § 97. 113(a)(4), § 97. 113(e) Some repeaters rebroadcast Shuttle-ground transmissions from NASA feeds. Sometimes, the ground will play music as part of a wakeup call. This is why music is allowed only in this very limited circumstance. Otherwise, absolutely no transmission of music is allowed! Release 1. 0 – September 2006 16

T 2 A 03 When is the transmission of codes or ciphers allowed to hide the meaning of a message transmitted by an amateur station? A. Only during contests B. Only when operating mobile C. Only when transmitting control commands to space stations or radio control craft D. Only when frequencies above 1280 MHz are used Release 1. 0 – September 2006 17

T 2 A 03 Answer - C §§ 97. 113(a)(4), § 97. 211(b), § 97. 217 The general rule is that no codes or ciphers are permitted. However, an exception is made for controlling space stations such as amateur satellites, or radio controlled model craft. Release 1. 0 – September 2006 18

T 2 A 04 When may an amateur station transmit false or deceptive signals? A. Never B. When operating a beacon transmitter in a "fox hunt" exercise C. Only when making unidentified transmissions D. When needed to hide the meaning of a message for secrecy Release 1. 0 – September 2006 19

T 2 A 04 Answer - A § 97. 113(a)(4) No amateur station shall transmit: (4) Music using a phone emission except as specifically provided elsewhere in this section; communications intended to facilitate a criminal act; messages encoded for the purpose of obscuring their meaning, except as otherwise provided herein; obscene or indecent words or language; or false or deceptive messages, signals or identification; Release 1. 0 – September 2006 20

T 2 A 05 When may an amateur station transmit unidentified communications? A. Only during brief tests not meant as messages B. Only when they do not interfere with others C. Only when sent from a space station or to control a model craft D. Only during two-way or third party communications Release 1. 0 – September 2006 21

T 2 A 05 Answer - C § 97. 119(b) Actually, subsection (a) is probably the more appropriate rule reference. It states ” Each amateur station, except a space station or telecommand station, must transmit its assigned call sign on its transmitting channel. . . ” (Note that the telecommand station is the earth station controlling the space station. ) Release 1. 0 – September 2006 22

T 2 A 06 What does the term broadcasting mean? A. Transmissions intended for reception by the general public, either direct or relayed B. Retransmission by automatic means of programs or signals from non-amateur stations C. One-way radio communications, regardless of purpose or content D. One-way or two-way radio communications between two or more stations Release 1. 0 – September 2006 23

T 2 A 06 Answer - A § 97. 3(a)(10) Broadcasting. Transmissions intended for reception by the general public, either direct or relayed. Release 1. 0 – September 2006 24

T 2 A 07 Which of the following are specifically prohibited in the Amateur Radio Service? A. Discussion of politics B. Discussion of programs on broadcast stations C. Indecent and obscene language D. Morse code practice Release 1. 0 – September 2006 25

T 2 A 07 Answer - C § 97. 113(a)(4) No amateur station shall transmit: *** (4) Music using a phone emission except as specifically provided elsewhere in this section; communications intended to facilitate a criminal act; messages encoded for the purpose of obscuring their meaning, except as otherwise provided herein; obscene or indecent words or language; or false or deceptive messages, signals or identification; Release 1. 0 – September 2006 26

T 2 A 08 Which of the following one-way communications may not be transmitted in the Amateur Radio Service? A. Telecommand of model craft B. Broadcasts intended for reception by the general public C. Brief transmissions to make adjustments to the station D. Morse code practice Release 1. 0 – September 2006 27

T 2 A 08 Answer - B § 97. 3(a)(10), § 97. 113(b) This is just another way of reinforcing the rule that amateurs may not engage in broadcasting. Release 1. 0 – September 2006 28

T 2 A 09 When does the FCC allow an amateur radio station to be used as a method of communication for hire or material compensation? A. Only B. Only times C. Only rules D. Only radio when making test transmissions when news is being broadcast in of emergency when in accordance with part 97 when your employer is using amateur to broadcast advertising Release 1. 0 – September 2006 29

T 2 A 09 Answer - C § 97. 113(a)(2) (a) No amateur station shall transmit: *** (2) Communications for hire or for material compensation, direct or indirect, paid or promised, except as otherwise provided in these rules; Release 1. 0 – September 2006 30

T 2 A 10 What type of communications are prohibited when using a repeater autopatch? A. Calls to a recorded weather report B. Calls to your employer requesting directions to a customer's office C. Calls to the police reporting a traffic accident D. Calls to a public utility reporting an outage of your telephone Release 1. 0 – September 2006 31

T 2 A 10 Answer - B § 97. 113(2)97. 113(a)(3), (a)5(e) You cannot use amateur radio for any business or profit related purpose (pecuniary gain). Release 1. 0 – September 2006 32

T 2 A 11 When may you use your station to tell people about equipment you have for sale? A. Never B. When you are conducting an on-line auction C. When you are offering amateur radio equipment for sale or trade on an occasional basis D. When you are helping a recognized charity Release 1. 0 – September 2006 33

T 2 A 11 Answer - C § 97. 113(a)3 No amateur station shall transmit: *** (3) Communications in which the station licensee or control operator has a pecuniary interest, including communications on behalf of an employer. Amateur operators may, however, notify other amateur operators of the availability for sale or trade of apparatus normally used in an amateur station, provided that such activity is not conducted on a regular basis; While you can offer items for sale from time to time, you cannot turn this into a business. Release 1. 0 – September 2006 34

Group T 2 B covers basic identification requirements for amateur operators. It also covers repeater identification and station identification for non-voice modes, as well as identification requirements for mobile and portable operation. Release 1. 0 – September 2006 35

Your Call Sign In Study Guide # 1, you learned a little bit about your call sign. In this part, you’ll learn a bit more about how to use it. To begin with, you must always use your FCC assigned call sign to identify your amateur station. (See § 97. 119(a)) When talking to a ham in foreign country, using the other ham’s language is a nice gesture if you know it. However, regardless of the language you use to communicate, you must always give your call sign in English. (See § 97. 119(b)(2)) Any transmission that does not contain your station identification (your call sign) is considered unidentified communications or signals, and that’s another thing the FCC doesn’t like. (See § 97. 119(a)) Release 1. 0 – September 2006 36

How Often Are You Required To Identify? By rule, an amateur station must transmit the assigned call sign every 10 minutes during communications and at the end of each communication. (See § 97. 119(a)) There are several possible questions on this rule alone, so know it well! (Note that the rule does not require you to give your call at the beginning, but you’ll almost certainly do that anyway as you call or answer a call. However, you are tested on the rule, so answer based on the rule!) Release 1. 0 – September 2006 37

Using Special Event Call Signs In Study Guide # 1, you learned about those 1 by 1 special event call signs you can apply for. The FCC says that when you use a special event call, you have to ID using your own call sign at least once every hour. It’s a quirky rule, but it’s tested. (See § 97. 119(d)) Release 1. 0 – September 2006 38

Using Self-Assigned Indicators Some people like to add self-assigned indicators to their call to give other hams additional information. For example, some hams like to communicate using really low power. In the ham world, this is known as QRP. So a ham might want to advertise that he or she is working QRP, and may ID with something like “KA 4 PUV/QRP. ” That’s OK, according to the FCC, so long as the indicator does not conflict with an indicator specified by FCC rules or with a prefix assigned to another country. (See § 97. 119(c)) Release 1. 0 – September 2006 39

Temporary Indicators Let’s look ahead a bit. Suppose you pass your Morse code and General tests at a future VE session and upgrade to General. Since you already have a license, the CSCE you learned about in Study Guide # 1 will allow you to immediately begin operating as a General by using the temporary indicator “/AG” after your call sign. You can continue to use this temporary indicator until you get your general license. The letters AG mean “authorized General. ” (See § 97. 119(f)(2)) Release 1. 0 – September 2006 40

Operating Another Ham’s Station Suppose you have gotten really smart and upgraded to General. You visit a ham friend who is still a Technician, and you want to operate his equipment, but you want to operate on a frequency only open to Generals or Extras? Can you do it? Yes, but you have to do it right. Since your buddy cannot be a control operator on a General frequency, you have to be the control operator. To do it right, the FCC says you have to identify by sending your buddy’s call sign first, followed by your call sign. (See § 97. 119(e)) Release 1. 0 – September 2006 41

Repeaters Amateur repeaters are established by hams to allow longer range communications with low power radios. Repeaters are stations that receive a transmission on one frequency and repeat it on another. Repeater antennas are usually located high above ground on water towers, mountains or communications towers so that they are able to receive signals from long distances. Release 1. 0 – September 2006 42

Repeaters Most amateur VHF and UHF radios are designed to work with repeaters, so understanding how they work is important to the Technician licensee. You’ll be learning a good deal more about repeaters as we go along. Release 1. 0 – September 2006 43

Repeater Identification Because repeaters are amateur radio stations, they must identify, and most are set up to automatically identify every ten minutes when they are being used. They identify using the call sign of the owner, and the FCC says they ID in one of several ways. They can identify by using phone in English. (Note that when “phone” is used in amateur radio, it means a voice transmission – not a telephone!) Repeaters designed to retransmit amateur television signals may identify using a video image that conforms to the applicable video standard. Repeaters may also identify by sending their call sign in Morse code. This is probably the most common method. (See § 97. 119(b)) Release 1. 0 – September 2006 44

Check-Up Time! Now let’s try the questions from this group. You should make a note of any that you miss for later review. Release 1. 0 – September 2006 45

T 2 B 01 What must you transmit to identify your amateur station? A. Your tactical ID B. Your call sign C. Your first name and your location D. Your full name Release 1. 0 – September 2006 46

T 2 B 01 Answer - B § 97. 119(a) Each amateur station, except a space station or telecommand station, must transmit its assigned call sign on its transmitting channel at the end of each communication, and at least every ten minutes during a communication, for the purpose of clearly making the source of the transmissions from the station known to those receiving the transmissions. No station may transmit unidentified communications or signals, or transmit as the station call sign, any call sign not authorized to the station. Release 1. 0 – September 2006 47

T 2 B 02 What is a transmission called that does not contain a station identification? A. Unidentified communications or signals B. Reluctance modulation C. Test emission D. Intentional interference Release 1. 0 – September 2006 48

T 2 B 02 Answer - A § 97. 119(a) Each amateur station, except a space station or telecommand station, must transmit its assigned call sign on its transmitting channel at the end of each communication, and at least every ten minutes during a communication, for the purpose of clearly making the source of the transmissions from the station known to those receiving the transmissions. No station may transmit unidentified communications or signals, or transmit as the station call sign, any call sign not authorized to the station. Release 1. 0 – September 2006 49

T 2 B 03 How often must an amateur station transmit the assigned call sign? A. At the beginning of each transmission and every 10 minutes during communication B. Every 10 minutes during communications and at the end of each communication C. At the end of each transmission D. Only at the end of the communication Release 1. 0 – September 2006 50

T 2 B 03 Answer - B § 97. 119(a) Each amateur station, except a space station or telecommand station, must transmit its assigned call sign on its transmitting channel at the end of each communication, and at least every ten minutes during a communication, for the purpose of clearly making the source of the transmissions from the station known to those receiving the transmissions. No station may transmit unidentified communications or signals, or transmit as the station call sign, any call sign not authorized to the station. Release 1. 0 – September 2006 51

T 2 B 04 What is an acceptable method of transmitting a repeater station identification? A. By phone using the English language B. By video image conforming to applicable standards C. By Morse code at a speed not to exceed 20 words per minute D. All of these answers are correct. Release 1. 0 – September 2006 52

T 2 B 04 Answer - D § 97. 119(b) The call sign must be transmitted with an emission authorized for the transmitting channel in one of the following ways: (1) By a CW emission. When keyed by an automatic device used only for identification, the speed must not exceed 20 words per minute; (2) By a phone emission in the English language. Use of a standard phonetic alphabet as an aid for correct station identification is encouraged; (3) By a RTTY emission using a specified digital code when all or part of the communications are transmitted by a RTTY or data emission; (4) By an image emission conforming to the applicable transmission standards, either color or monochrome, of § 73. 682(a) of the FCC Rules when all or part of the communications are transmitted in the same image emission. Release 1. 0 – September 2006 53

T 2 B 05 What identification is required when two amateur stations end communications? A. No identification is required B. One of the stations must transmit both stations' call signs C. Each station must transmit its own call sign D. Both stations must transmit both call signs Release 1. 0 – September 2006 54

T 2 B 05 Answer - C § 97. 119(a) Each station is required by this rule to transmit its own call sign only. As a matter of custom, you will often hear each station transmit the other station’s call followed by its own. Keep in mind, however, that this is custom and not the rule. Release 1. 0 – September 2006 55

T 2 B 06 What is the longest period of time an amateur station can operate without transmitting its call sign? A. B. C. D. 5 minutes 10 minutes 15 minutes 30 minutes Release 1. 0 – September 2006 56

T 2 B 06 Answer - B § 97. 119(a) When you are involved in amateur transmissions, you must ID at least every ten minutes. Release 1. 0 – September 2006 57

T 2 B 07 What is a permissible way to identify your station when you are speaking to another amateur operator using a language other than English? A. You must identify using the official version of the foreign language B. Identification is not required when using other languages C. You must identify using the English language D. You must identify using phonetics Release 1. 0 – September 2006 58

T 2 B 07 Answer - C § 97. 119(b)(2) (b) The call sign must be transmitted with an emission authorized for the transmitting channel in one of the following ways: *** (2) By a phone emission in the English language. Use of a standard phonetic alphabet as an aid for correct station identification is encouraged; Release 1. 0 – September 2006 59

T 2 B 08 How often must you identify using your assigned call sign when operating while using a special event call sign? A. Every 10 minutes B. Once when the event begins and once when it concludes C. Never D. Once per hour Release 1. 0 – September 2006 60

T 2 B 08 Answer - D § 97. 119(d) When transmitting in conjunction with an event of special significance, a station may substitute for its assigned call sign a special event call sign as shown for that station for that period of time on the common data base coordinated, maintained and disseminated by the special event call sign data base coordinators. Additionally, the station must transmit its assigned call sign at least once per hour during such transmissions. Release 1. 0 – September 2006 61

T 2 B 09 What is required when using one or more self-assigned indicators with your assigned call sign? A. The indicator must not conflict with an indicator specified by FCC rules or with a prefix assigned to another country B. The indicator must consist only of numeric digits C. The indicator must include the 2 -letter abbreviation for your state D. The indicator must be separated from your call sign by a double slash mark Release 1. 0 – September 2006 62

T 2 B 09 Answer - A § 97. 119(c) One or more indicators may be included with the call sign. Each indicator must be separated from the call sign by the slant mark (/) or by any suitable word that denotes the slant mark. If an indicator is self-assigned, it must be included before, after, or both before and after, the call sign. No self-assigned indicator may conflict with any other indicator specified by the FCC Rules or with any prefix assigned to another country. An example of this would be KA 4 PUV/QRP, indicating that the station is operating QRP (or low power). Release 1. 0 – September 2006 63

T 2 B 10 What is the correct way to identify when visiting a station if you hold a higher class license than that of the station licensee and you are using a frequency not authorized to his class of license? A. Send your call sign first, followed by his call sign B. Send his call sign first, followed by your call sign C. Send your call sign only, his is not required D. Send his call sign followed by "/KT" Release 1. 0 – September 2006 64

T 2 B 10 Answer - B § 97. 119(e) When the operator license class held by the control operator exceeds that of the station licensee, an indicator consisting of the call sign assigned to the control operator's station must be included after the call sign. Release 1. 0 – September 2006 65

T 2 B 11 When exercising the operating privileges earned by examination upgrade of a license what is meant by use of the indicator "/AG"? A. B. C. D. Authorized General Adjunct General Address as General Automatically General Release 1. 0 – September 2006 66

T 2 B 11 Answer - A § 97. 119(f)(2) The rule specifies that the person must sign /AG, but it does not define the meaning of the “A” in “AG. ” However, the meaning is implied by the language that says, “When the control operator who is exercising the rights and privileges authorized by § 97. 9(b)of this Part, an indicator must be included after the call sign as follows. . . ” Release 1. 0 – September 2006 67

Group T 2 C covers the definition of “control operator” and where the control operator must be located. It also covers automatic and remote control of amateur stations as well as auxiliary stations Release 1. 0 – September 2006 68

One License Only Every amateur is issued one – and only one – license. This license covers both the operator and the operator’s primary station. (See § 97. 5(b)(1)) Release 1. 0 – September 2006 69

Control Operator OK, we’re going to get into some legal terms here. They may seem confusing at first, so take your time. The first term is “control operator. ” The FCC says a control operator is an operator designated by the licensee to be responsible for the station's transmissions to assure compliance with FCC rules. (See § 97. 3(a)(13)) You are usually the control operator of your station, but you could designate someone else to be a control operator. However, you are responsible for insuring that whoever you allow to be a control operator of your station follows all FCC rules. At a minimum, that person would have to be licensed for the frequency being used and follow all FCC rules. Otherwise, both you and the other person could be liable for any violations. Release 1. 0 – September 2006 70

Someone Always Has To Be In Control Whether it’s you or someone else you choose, every station has to have a control operator. The control operator is the person responsible for the properation of that station. (See § 97. 7) Release 1. 0 – September 2006 71

Repeat After Me. . . The control operator is the person responsible for all transmissions from an amateur station. (See § 97. 3(a)(12)) Release 1. 0 – September 2006 72

Repeat This, Too. . . An amateur station must have a control operator whenever the station is transmitting! (See § 97. 7) (This control operator thing is really important!) Release 1. 0 – September 2006 73

Repeater Control Operator One of the things you can do as a Technician is to be the control operator of a repeater (within your operating privileges, of course). It costs a lot of money and takes a lot of work to get a repeater on the air, but if you can afford to do it, as a Technician, you can be the control operator. So can any other amateur operator, so long as the frequencies used are within the operator’s privileges. (See § 97. 205(a)) Release 1. 0 – September 2006 74

Control Point Now let’s look at another important definition, “control point. ” The control point of an amateur station is the location at which the control operator function is performed. (See § 97. 3) Usually, the control point is right there in front of the radio, but not always. Space stations, like those amateur satellites we mentioned, are controlled remotely from the ground, and repeaters are almost always controlled remotely as well. The control point is where the control operator does the controlling. Release 1. 0 – September 2006 75

A Control Operator Is Not Always Present At The Control Point Repeaters and space stations are often remotely controlled when changes need to be made. But most of the time, they work automatically. That is, they ID automatically, and they are activated whenever any ham uses the right tone or signal to activate them. Such stations are automatically controlled. An amateur station that is automatically controlled does not require a control operator to always be at the control point. (See § 97. 109(d)) Release 1. 0 – September 2006 76

Three Types of Station Control We’ve sort of hinted at this already, but there are three ways an amateur station may be controlled by the control operator. They are: Local control – right there in front of the radio Remote control - control from some distance away using some sort of remote control device Automatic control – the radio is designed to operate and comply with the rules automatically (See § 97. 3(a)) Release 1. 0 – September 2006 77

Repeaters Are Generally Under Automatic Control If every repeater required an operator to always be at the control point, we would have very few repeaters! Most repeaters are designed and set up so that they will operate within the FCC rules automatically, and are automatically controlled. (See § 97. 3(a)) (Note: Don’t get confused here. When you are using a repeater, you are using a form of remote control to access it, but you are not the control operator. It is automatically controlled because the control operator has set it up to ID and do the other things it needs to do automatically. ) Release 1. 0 – September 2006 78

Local Control On the other hand, when you use a handheld radio to talk to your friend down the trail, or to access the repeater, you are the control operator of your handheld, and you are controlling it by local control. (See § 97. 109(a)) Release 1. 0 – September 2006 79

Remote Control When the control operator is not at the station location but can still make changes to a transmitter, the station is under remote control. If the control operator of a space station needs to tweak the transmitter, it is done by remote control from the ground. A repeater control operator will often adjust a repeater transmitter by remote control as well. (See § 97. 3) Release 1. 0 – September 2006 80

Check-Up Time! Now let’s try the questions from this group. You should make a note of any that you miss for later review. Release 1. 0 – September 2006 81

T 2 C 01 What must every amateur station have when transmitting? A. B. C. D. A A frequency-measuring device control operator beacon transmitter third party operator Release 1. 0 – September 2006 82

T 2 C 01 Answer - B § 97. 7 When transmitting, each amateur station must have a control operator. The control operator must be a person: (a) For whom an amateur operator/primary station license grant appears on the ULS consolidated licensee database, or (b) Who is authorized for alien reciprocal operation by § 97. 107 of this part Release 1. 0 – September 2006 83

T 2 C 02 How many amateur operator / primary station licenses may be held by one person? A. As many as desired B. One for each portable transmitter C. Only one D. One for each station location Release 1. 0 – September 2006 84

T 2 C 02 Answer - C § 97. 5(b)(1) (b) The types of station license grants are: (1) An operator/primary station license grant. One, but only one, operator/primary station license grant may be held by any one person. The primary station license is granted together with the amateur operator license. Except for a representative of a foreign government, any person who qualifies by examination is eligible to apply for an operator/primary station license grant. Release 1. 0 – September 2006 85

T 2 C 03 What minimum class of amateur license must you hold to be a control operator of a repeater station? A. B. C. D. Technician Plus Technician General Amateur Extra Release 1. 0 – September 2006 86

T 2 C 03 Answer - B § 97. 205(a) Any amateur station licensed to a holder of a Technician, General, Advanced or Amateur Extra Class operator license may be a repeater. A holder of a Technician, General, Advanced or Amateur Extra Class operator license may be the control operator of a repeater, subject to the privileges of the class of operator license held. Release 1. 0 – September 2006 87

T 2 C 04 Who is responsible for the transmissions from an amateur station? A. B. C. D. Auxiliary operator Operations coordinator Third-party operator Control operator Release 1. 0 – September 2006 88

T 2 C 04 Answer - D § 97. 3(a)(12) Control operator. An amateur operator designated by the licensee of a station to be responsible for the transmissions from that station to assure compliance with the FCC Rules. Release 1. 0 – September 2006 89

T 2 C 05 When must an amateur station have a control operator? A. Only when training another amateur B. Whenever the station receiver is operated C. Whenever the station is transmitting D. A control operator is not needed Release 1. 0 – September 2006 90

T 2 C 05 Answer - C § 97. 7 When transmitting, each amateur station must have a control operator. The control operator must be a person: (a) For whom an amateur operator/primary station license grant appears on the ULS consolidated licensee database, or (b) Who is authorized for alien reciprocal operation by § 97. 107 of this part Release 1. 0 – September 2006 91

T 2 C 06 What is the control point of an amateur station? A. The on/off switch of the transmitter B. The input/output port of a packet controller C. The variable frequency oscillator of a transmitter D. The location at which the control operator function is performed Release 1. 0 – September 2006 92

T 2 C 06 Answer - D § 97. 3 Specifically, § 97. 3(13): Control point. The location at which the control operator function is performed. Release 1. 0 – September 2006 93

T 2 C 07 What type of amateur station does not require a control operator to be at the control point? A. A locally controlled station B. A remotely controlled station C. An automatically controlled station D. An earth station controlling a space station Release 1. 0 – September 2006 94

T 2 C 07 Answer - C § 97. 109(d) When a station is being automatically controlled, the control operator need not be at the control point. Only stations specifically designated elsewhere in this Part may be automatically controlled. Automatic control must cease upon notification by a District Director that the station is transmitting improperly or causing harmful interference to other stations. Automatic control must not be resumed without prior approval of the District Director. Release 1. 0 – September 2006 95

T 2 C 08 What are three types of station control permitted and recognized by FCC rule? A. Local, remote and automatic control B. Local, distant and automatic control C. Remote, distant and unauthorized control D. All of the choices are correct Release 1. 0 – September 2006 96

T 2 C 08 Answer - A § 97. 3(a) Notice that § 97. 3 is the definitions section for Part 97. The three terms, local control, remote control and automatic control are all defined there. Release 1. 0 – September 2006 97

T 2 C 09 What type of control is being used on a repeater when the control operator is not present? A. B. C. D. Local control Remote control Automatic control Uncontrolled Release 1. 0 – September 2006 98

T 2 C 09 Answer - C § 97. 3(a) Note that a repeater may be operated twenty four hours a day. It does not require the presence of the control operator because it is being operated by automatic control. Release 1. 0 – September 2006 99

T 2 C 10 What type of control is being used when transmitting using a handheld radio? A. B. C. D. Radio control Unattended control Automatic control Local control Release 1. 0 – September 2006 100

T 2 C 10 Answer - D § 97. 109(a) Use of a handheld is an example of local control, because the control operator is directly manipulating the radio’s controls. See § 97. 3(30). Release 1. 0 – September 2006 101

T 2 C 11 What type of control is used when the control operator is not at the station location but can still make changes to a transmitter? A. B. C. D. Local control Remote control Automatic control Uncontrolled Release 1. 0 – September 2006 102

T 2 C 11 Answer - B § 97. 3 This is obvious if you think about it, just like your TV remote. See § 97. 3(38). Release 1. 0 – September 2006 103

T 2 C 12 What is the definition of a control operator of an amateur station? A. Anyone who operates the controls of the station B. Anyone who is responsible for the station's equipment C. An operator designated by the licensee to be responsible for the station's transmissions to assure compliance with FCC rules D. The operator with the highest class of license who is in control of the station Release 1. 0 – September 2006 104

T 2 C 12 Answer - C § 97. 3(a)(12)&(13) (12) Control operator. An amateur operator designated by the licensee of a station to be responsible for the transmissions from that station to assure compliance with the FCC Rules. (13) Control point. The location at which the control operator function is performed. NOTE: The question pool gives the reference for the correct answer as § 97. 3(a)(13), so we have included it here. However, this is almost certainly an error and the better reference is § 97. 3(a)(12). Release 1. 0 – September 2006 105

Group T 2 D covers rules for operating another person's station and guest operators at your station. It also covers third party communications. In addition, it covers miscellaneous rules regarding the use of an autopatch, incidental business use, compensation of amateur operators, club stations, station security, station inspection, and protection against unauthorized transmissions. Release 1. 0 – September 2006 106

Guest Operator – Who Is Responsible? We’ve hinted at this before, but if you transmit from another ham’s station, that ham can designate you as the control operator, assuming you are qualified. So who is responsible for properation if you transmit from another amateur's station? Both of you are. Your friend is the station licensee, and you are the control operator. Both of you are responsible for insuring that the rules are followed! (See § 97. 103(a)) Release 1. 0 – September 2006 107

Guest Operator – Higher License Class Now suppose you invite your friend over who is an Extra class ham. Can your Extra friend operate your station as a control operator on Extra class frequencies? If your friend is the control operator, absolutely! Whenever a person with a higher license class is controlling your station, that person may use all the privileges allowed by the higher class license. (See 97. 105(b)) Release 1. 0 – September 2006 108

Guest Operator – Lower Class License Now let’s suppose you visit your Extra class friend, and your friend invites you to operate his or her station. What privileges can you use? According to the FCC, if you are the control operator of your Extra friend’s station, you can only use the privileges of your Technician license. (See § 97. 105(b)) (One thing pointing out. is the control or her to talk You just can’t frequencies. ) Release 1. 0 – September 2006 that won’t be tested is worth As long as your Extra class friend operator, you may be invited by him on the Extra class frequencies. be the control operator on those 109

Amateur Radio For Business – No Can Do! One more time. . . you can do a lot with your ham radio. You can use it to call for emergency assistance, or use the phone patch to call home to say you’re running late. The FCC has said that it won’t get upset if you use the phone or autopatch to call for a taxi or pizza delivery. However, you absolutely cannot use amateur radio for conducting business! (See § 97. 113(a)(3)) Release 1. 0 – September 2006 110

Third Party Messages Hams have been delivering messages for others for years. In fact, the major U. S. amateur organization, the American Radio Relay League (ARRL) got its name from the fact that it was initially dedicated to relaying messages by radio. Even today, amateur radio is used to deliver third party communications, so you need to understand what it is. The FCC says “third party communications” is any message sent between two amateur stations for someone else. (See § 97. 3(a)(46)) Release 1. 0 – September 2006 111

Club Station Calls You learned in Study Guide #1 that an amateur club can apply for a club call. However, for a club to qualify to have a club call, it must have at least four members. (See § 97. 5(b)(2)) Release 1. 0 – September 2006 112

Operating Amateur Radio On An Aircraft If you can do it, operating amateur radio onboard an aircraft is a great opportunity. When you are high above the ground, you can make contacts for miles, even on a simple handheld. But don’t be too quick to whip out your handheld the next time you fly. The FCC says you must meet two very important conditions before you may operate your amateur station aboard an aircraft. First, you may operate only with the approval of the pilot in command, and second you may not use the aircraft's radio equipment. (See § 97. 11(a)) It isn’t likely you’ll get this kind of approval from any major commercial airline, but your pilot friend may OK it if safety is not an issue. Release 1. 0 – September 2006 113

Station Inspections – Any Time! Never forget that amateur radio is a highly regulated activity, and the FCC is allowed to inspect your station equipment and station records at any time upon request. (See § 97. 103(c)) Release 1. 0 – September 2006 114

Unauthorized Station Use It should be obvious to you by now, but unlicensed persons in your family are not allowed to transmit on your amateur station if you are not there because they must be licensed before they are allowed to be control operators. (See § 97. 109(b)) (Of course, if you are present as the control operator, you can invite them to talk under your close supervision. ) Release 1. 0 – September 2006 115

Preventing Unauthorized Station Use Even so, young children and others may be tempted to play with your station equipment while you are away. It is always a good idea to take some action to prevent unauthorized persons from using your amateur station. One of the simplest ways to do this is to disconnect the power and microphone cables when not using your equipment. Release 1. 0 – September 2006 116

Compensation – One Exception There is one final quirky rule we need to see. The FCC does not allow anyone to receive pay or any other compensation for operating an amateur radio station with one exception. The control operator of a club station may accept compensation for sending information bulletins or Morse code practice when the station makes those transmissions for at least 40 hours per week. (See § 97. 113(d)) As of this writing, the only station doing this is W 1 AW, the club station of the ARRL. Its employees have been doing this sort of thing for many years, so when it was pointed out that they were technically operating for pay, the FCC changed the rules. (By the way, teachers who are teaching amateur radio as an incidental part of their curriculum can still get paid under FCC rules when that instruction includes operating, but you won’t be tested on that!) Release 1. 0 – September 2006 117

Check-Up Time! Now let’s try the questions from this group. You should make a note of any that you miss for later review. Release 1. 0 – September 2006 118

T 2 D 01 Who is responsible for properation if you transmit from another amateur's station? A. Both of you B. Only the other station licensee C. Only you as the control operator D. Only the station licensee, unless the station records shows another control operator at the time Release 1. 0 – September 2006 119

T 2 D 01 Answer - A § 97. 103(a) The control operator must ensure the immediate properation of the station, regardless of the type of control. (b) A station may only be operated in the manner and to the extent permitted by the privileges authorized for the class of operator license held by the control operator. The language of the rule cited does not clearly answer the question. However, you need to remember that when you operate another amateur’s station, both you and the other amateur are equally responsible. This is also true if you allow another amateur to operate your station. Release 1. 0 – September 2006 120

T 2 D 02 What operating privileges are allowed when another amateur holding a higher class license is controlling your station? A. All privileges allowed by the higher class license B. Only the privileges allowed by your license C. All the emission privileges of the higher class license, but only the frequency privileges of your license D. All the frequency privileges of the higher class license, but only the emission privileges of your license Release 1. 0 – September 2006 121

T 2 D 02 Answer - A § 97. 105(b) A station may only be operated in the manner and to the extent permitted by the privileges authorized for the class of operator license held by the control operator. The control operator does not have to be the owner of the station. It is the one who is controlling the station. Release 1. 0 – September 2006 122

T 2 D 03 What operating privileges are allowed when you are the control operator at the station of another amateur who has a higher class license than yours? A. Any privileges allowed by the higher class license B. Only the privileges allowed by your license C. All the emission privileges of the higher class license, but only the frequency privileges of your license D. All the frequency privileges of the higher class license, but only the emission privileges of your license Release 1. 0 – September 2006 123

T 2 D 03 Answer – B § 97. 105(b) A station may only be operated in the manner and to the extent permitted by the privileges authorized for the class of operator license held by the control operator. This is the opposite of the last question. An amateur who is the control operator may not operate outside of the privileges of the license he or she holds. Release 1. 0 – September 2006 124

T 2 D 04 Which of the following is a prohibited amateur radio transmission? A. Using amateur radio to seek emergency assistance B. Using amateur radio for conducting business C. Using an amateur phone patch to call for a taxi or food delivery D. Using an amateur phone patch to call home to say you are running late Release 1. 0 – September 2006 125

T 2 D 04 Answer - B § 97. 113(a)(3) No amateur station shall transmit: *** (3) Communications in which the station licensee or control operator has a pecuniary interest, including communications on behalf of an employer. . . Note that “pecuniary interest” means a monetary or commercial interest. You can’t use amateur radio to assist in earning money. Release 1. 0 – September 2006 126

T 2 D 05 What is the definition of thirdparty communications? A. A message sent between two amateur stations for someone else B. Public service communications for a political party C. Any messages sent by amateur stations D. A three-minute transmission to another amateur Release 1. 0 – September 2006 127

T 2 D 05 Answer - A § 97. 3(a)(46) Third-party communications. A message from the control operator (first party) of an amateur station to another amateur station control operator (second party) on behalf of another person (third party). Release 1. 0 – September 2006 128

T 2 D 06 How many persons are required to be members of a club for a club station license to be issued by the FCC? A. B. C. D. At least 5 At least 4 A trustee and 2 officers At least 2 Release 1. 0 – September 2006 129

T 2 D 06 Answer - B § 97. 5(b)(2) A club station license grant may be held only by the person who is the license trustee designated by an officer of the club. The trustee must be a person who holds an Amateur Extra, Advanced, General, Technician Plus, or Technician operator license grant. The club must be composed of at least four persons and must have a name, a document of organization, management, and a primary purpose devoted to amateur service activities consistent with this part. Release 1. 0 – September 2006 130

T 2 D 07 When may you operate your amateur station aboard an aircraft? A. At any time B. Only while the aircraft is on the ground C. Only with the approval of the pilot in command not using the aircraft's radio equipment D. Only when you have written permission from the airline and only using the aircraft's radio equipment Release 1. 0 – September 2006 131

T 2 D 07 Answer - C § 97. 11(a) The installation and operation of an amateur station on a ship or aircraft must be approved by the master of the ship or pilot in command of the aircraft. Subsection (b) makes it clear that the aircraft’s equipment must not be a part of the amateur station equipment. Release 1. 0 – September 2006 132

T 2 D 08 When is the FCC allowed to inspect your station equipment and station records? A. B. C. D. Only on weekends At any time upon request Never Only during daylight hours Release 1. 0 – September 2006 133

T 2 D 08 Answer - B § 97. 103(c) The station licensee must make the station and the station records available for inspection upon request by an FCC representative. When deemed necessary by an EIC to assure compliance with FCC Rules, the station licensee must maintain a record of station operations containing such items of information as the EIC may require in accord with § 0. 314(x) of the FCC Rules. Release 1. 0 – September 2006 134

T 2 D 09 How might you best keep unauthorized persons from using your amateur station? A. Disconnect the power and microphone cables when not using your equipment B. Connect a dummy load to the antenna C. Put a "Danger - High Voltage" sign in the station D. Put fuses in the main power line Release 1. 0 – September 2006 135

T 2 D 09 Answer - A The simplest way to avoid anyone else using your equipment while you are not around is to remove the power cable so it cannot be powered up, and the microphone so that even if it is powered up, it cannot be used. Release 1. 0 – September 2006 136

T 2 D 10 Why are unlicensed persons in your family not allowed to transmit on your amateur station if you are not there? A. They must not use your equipment without your permission B. They must be licensed before they are allowed to be control operators C. They must know how to use proper procedures and Q signals D. They must know the right frequencies and emissions for transmitting Release 1. 0 – September 2006 137

T 2 D 10 Answer - B § 97. 109(b) When a station is being locally controlled, the control operator must be at the control point. . . Only a licensed amateur may serve as a control operator. An unlicensed person may communicate only under the direct supervision of a control operator. Release 1. 0 – September 2006 138

T 2 D 11 When is it permissible for the control operator of a club station to accept compensation for sending information bulletins or Morse code practice? A. When compensation is paid from a non-profit organization B. When the club station license is held by a non-profit organization C. Anytime compensation is needed D. When the station makes those transmissions for at least 40 hours per week 139 Release 1. 0 – September 2006

T 2 D 11 Answer - D § 97. 113(d) The control operator of a club station may accept compensation for the periods of time when the station is transmitting telegraphy practice or information bulletins, provided that the station transmits such telegraphy practice and bulletins for at least 40 hours per week; schedules operations on at least six amateur service MF and HF bands using reasonable measures to maximize coverage; where the schedule of normal operating times and frequencies is published at least 30 days in advance of the actual transmissions; and where the control operator does not accept any direct or indirect compensation for any other service as a control operator. This is the rule exception that allows the ARRL to transmit code practice via W 1 AW using a paid employee. Release 1. 0 – September 2006 140

Two Down, Eight to Go! This concludes Study Guide # 2. Once you are satisfied that you can answer 80% of the questions in this Sub-element, you are ready to move on to Study Guide # 3. Release 1. 0 – September 2006 141